Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Healthcare Policy Shouldn't Personal
Recently, when listening to the Healthcare debate, I hear two different arguments entirely. The LEFT argues the value of healthcare itself. The RIGHT argues the merits of the healthcare bill. So, what happens is, the Right is demonized for being "against" healthcare, whereas the Left are accused of being socialist. I believe this is intentional.
There are very few people in this nation, I believe, that are against people getting access to healthcare. That is an emotionally charged battle cry designed to divert and distract Americans from using their brains. Americans would much rather feel than think. They want to be told how to think rather that form their own opinion. America has become a spoon fed nation and joiners, instead of leaders.
But emotion has no place in this debate and I will tell you why. We all form opinions with different perspectives and experiences. Although each person can be respected in terms of free thought/speech, every opinion does not demand respect. I've never been one to agree that "feelings aren't wrong." Feelings are fleeting, fallible and often wrong when forming policy. Feelings are about individuals. Policy is about the public. When we use emotions, we end up with a self-serving goal, instead of a democratic goal that serves all the people.
So, moving beyond the emotional hate speech and listening to what one educated concerned American feels,let me expound on the failings of the healthcare bill.
I am all for reforming the cost and administration of healthcare. But, here’s the problem - the bill didn't fix the costs; it only changed who pays for it and how its is paid for. There was no Tort reform to protect doctors, which would allow them to lower their costs for delivering healthcare. There was no efficiencies in administration costs. There is no positive "incentive" for small business to provide insurance (only an additional duty to do so). So, I just don’t think this bill fixed costs.
Additionally, I am in favor covering pre-existing conditions or major chronic health conditions. I don’t think “limits” on such care is even humane, if the consumer is willing to pay premiums for it. If you cannot get proper care or have been denied coverage, it is shameful. That needs fixed.
So, the Healthcare reform is not what is being debated, it is the healthcare bill. People need to understand that. For instance, no matter which way they present it, I am now forced to pay for people's sex change operations and abortions - of which, I fundamentally disagree with. Why do 26 yr. olds need to be on their parent’s plans? How is that saving costs? Let’s create some jobs and put those 26 year old adults to work so they can buy their own healthcare and pay into the system to help those who cannot work.
My point is, we don't need to expand healthcare coverage, we need to provide jobs to people so they can afford and pay for healthcare the same way others do. We need to make healthcare affordable, not simply help people pay. And, we need to focus on what needs fixed, instead of throwing in all these extra covered procedures. Accountability has been trumped in the name of compassion.
This is what I mean by a different having two different arguments. I agree that people who disagree are not bad people, but I disagree in that they are not wrong. I do think they are wrong. I feel strongly that people have settled for the satisfaction of their own self-interests and not looked at the larger, long term perspective. There was a better way - but our elected officials didn't have the political backbone to do the right thing.
There are very few people in this nation, I believe, that are against people getting access to healthcare. That is an emotionally charged battle cry designed to divert and distract Americans from using their brains. Americans would much rather feel than think. They want to be told how to think rather that form their own opinion. America has become a spoon fed nation and joiners, instead of leaders.
But emotion has no place in this debate and I will tell you why. We all form opinions with different perspectives and experiences. Although each person can be respected in terms of free thought/speech, every opinion does not demand respect. I've never been one to agree that "feelings aren't wrong." Feelings are fleeting, fallible and often wrong when forming policy. Feelings are about individuals. Policy is about the public. When we use emotions, we end up with a self-serving goal, instead of a democratic goal that serves all the people.
So, moving beyond the emotional hate speech and listening to what one educated concerned American feels,let me expound on the failings of the healthcare bill.
I am all for reforming the cost and administration of healthcare. But, here’s the problem - the bill didn't fix the costs; it only changed who pays for it and how its is paid for. There was no Tort reform to protect doctors, which would allow them to lower their costs for delivering healthcare. There was no efficiencies in administration costs. There is no positive "incentive" for small business to provide insurance (only an additional duty to do so). So, I just don’t think this bill fixed costs.
Additionally, I am in favor covering pre-existing conditions or major chronic health conditions. I don’t think “limits” on such care is even humane, if the consumer is willing to pay premiums for it. If you cannot get proper care or have been denied coverage, it is shameful. That needs fixed.
So, the Healthcare reform is not what is being debated, it is the healthcare bill. People need to understand that. For instance, no matter which way they present it, I am now forced to pay for people's sex change operations and abortions - of which, I fundamentally disagree with. Why do 26 yr. olds need to be on their parent’s plans? How is that saving costs? Let’s create some jobs and put those 26 year old adults to work so they can buy their own healthcare and pay into the system to help those who cannot work.
My point is, we don't need to expand healthcare coverage, we need to provide jobs to people so they can afford and pay for healthcare the same way others do. We need to make healthcare affordable, not simply help people pay. And, we need to focus on what needs fixed, instead of throwing in all these extra covered procedures. Accountability has been trumped in the name of compassion.
This is what I mean by a different having two different arguments. I agree that people who disagree are not bad people, but I disagree in that they are not wrong. I do think they are wrong. I feel strongly that people have settled for the satisfaction of their own self-interests and not looked at the larger, long term perspective. There was a better way - but our elected officials didn't have the political backbone to do the right thing.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Just the Facts
Rather than debate the traditional pro-life bullet points, I will defer to the numbers. If they do not shock you or at least trouble you, perhaps that makes my biggest point of all. . . .
Number of American battle deaths in all U.S. wars since the birth of our nation (1776): 654,000
Number of American infant deaths by abortion in all the U.S. since 1970: 52,333,826
Ratio of U.S. abortions to battle deaths in all U.S. wars: 80 to 1
Maybe we’re fighting the wrong war. . . .
Number of Americans of all ages and races murdered daily by handguns – 20.5
Number of American unborn babies of all races killed every day by scalpels – 3,411
Ratio of babies killed by abortion to people killed by handguns: 166.4 to 1
Maybe we’re controlling the wrong weapons. . . .
Average cost for an abortion in the United States today: $500
Estimated cost of preventing an abortion through compassionate education: $25
Ratio of cost of an abortion to cost of education: 20:1
Maybe we're paying for the wrong health “care.”
Suicide rate for women following a live birth: 5.9 per 100,000.
Suicide rate for women following an abortion: 34.7 per 100,000.
Increased risk to women who have had abortions: 488%
Maybe women have been deceived. . . .
Notes: Basic Data drawn from the U.S. Statistical Abstract, and World Almanac with projections and analysis by the Movement for a Better America. Abortion data based on published data from Guttmacher Institute. Abortion Index is updated every six months. Latest update: 1-2-2010 For permission to distribute copies of The Abortion Index, write to:
Movement for a Better America
PO Box 472
Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970-0472
Number of American battle deaths in all U.S. wars since the birth of our nation (1776): 654,000
Number of American infant deaths by abortion in all the U.S. since 1970: 52,333,826
Ratio of U.S. abortions to battle deaths in all U.S. wars: 80 to 1
Maybe we’re fighting the wrong war. . . .
Number of Americans of all ages and races murdered daily by handguns – 20.5
Number of American unborn babies of all races killed every day by scalpels – 3,411
Ratio of babies killed by abortion to people killed by handguns: 166.4 to 1
Maybe we’re controlling the wrong weapons. . . .
Average cost for an abortion in the United States today: $500
Estimated cost of preventing an abortion through compassionate education: $25
Ratio of cost of an abortion to cost of education: 20:1
Maybe we're paying for the wrong health “care.”
Suicide rate for women following a live birth: 5.9 per 100,000.
Suicide rate for women following an abortion: 34.7 per 100,000.
Increased risk to women who have had abortions: 488%
Maybe women have been deceived. . . .
Notes: Basic Data drawn from the U.S. Statistical Abstract, and World Almanac with projections and analysis by the Movement for a Better America. Abortion data based on published data from Guttmacher Institute. Abortion Index is updated every six months. Latest update: 1-2-2010 For permission to distribute copies of The Abortion Index, write to:
Movement for a Better America
PO Box 472
Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970-0472
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
All Things to All People
The unique and respectable quality of Christianity is its exclusiveness. This is what non-Christians despise about it. But, it is what the God of the Bible commands of His believers; there is one true God and One Truth. That is why the Holy Bible remains undiminished.
When you accept Christ into your life, you start to appreciate some basic principles found in the Bible. If you are in doubt about what to believe, you refer back to the Holy Bible and see what God says about the particular issue. Its not always clear in one verse, but put into conext of the entire Word of God, you can come to a sound conclusion on most matters. However, if you are searching the Bible to accommodate your beliefs, you are preverting God's Word. Further, once you deviate from what the Bible says or seek other sources for counsel which conflicts with the Bible, that viewpoint can no longer be supported or tolerated within the faith. It is sin.
This assessment is not intended to address any particular issue, but to illustrate a parallel to the adoption of ones political views.
As a citizen of this country, one appreciates some basic principles of our Constitution. If one is in doubt of how the country should work or how people should be treated or what laws are based upon, one can refer to our Constitution. Not every law is detailed within the document, but from that, you can typically understand the cohesive succession of law. If a law contradicts that foundation and/or a law is being manipulated into an individual's "interpretation" of that document, it becomes a perversion of original context.
In the case of our American Constitution, much perversion or the original intent has taken place. To accruately understand the authors' intent, one needs to be reminded of the history of oppression our founding fathers experienced prior to drafting it. They were not, as some suggest, unfamiliar with the issues or today. In fact, it was many of the issues of today they they were trying to protect Americans from. Our Constitution, as the Christian faith, are based on this central theme: Freedom with Responsibility.
God allowed an imperfect world so that his children may choose the life they wish to live. Jesus came to lead, to be an example, so that people may choose to follow him. God gave us the ability, a brain and a heart make our own decision. But, He says, once you "call my name", you are "not your own." He gave us freedom, but once we choose to follow him, it comes with certain responsibilities, which we willingly and joyfully submit to, because we are thankful for his grace and forgiveness.
Likewise, our founding fathers wrote the Constitution based on freedom and responsibility. We are not wards to an oppressive King who demands our unfailing loyalty. We are not told how to think, what to say or forbidden to question. We have a President to serve as a leader, at our pleasure. He is supposed to be our representative, our defender and our example to follow. He is not elected to author the laws but to enforce them. He is not to serve the other bodies of government, but the people.
To ensure limited powers, we have the Consitution. It is to be view as a whole; a complete work. Once someone begins to chip into that framework, by adding to it or subtracting from it as trends may change, we diminish the country's integrity. It is no longer, uniquely and exclusively "American."
Therefore, if one wants to discuss the merits of Americanism, that is fine. If one wants to challenge the abuses of individuals with the established framework, great. But we are not a nation of "all things to all people." This nation is a refuge for those who are seeking what we have. If someone doesn't like the manuscript from which principles are built - well, they have the freedom to shop for a better story.
When you accept Christ into your life, you start to appreciate some basic principles found in the Bible. If you are in doubt about what to believe, you refer back to the Holy Bible and see what God says about the particular issue. Its not always clear in one verse, but put into conext of the entire Word of God, you can come to a sound conclusion on most matters. However, if you are searching the Bible to accommodate your beliefs, you are preverting God's Word. Further, once you deviate from what the Bible says or seek other sources for counsel which conflicts with the Bible, that viewpoint can no longer be supported or tolerated within the faith. It is sin.
This assessment is not intended to address any particular issue, but to illustrate a parallel to the adoption of ones political views.
As a citizen of this country, one appreciates some basic principles of our Constitution. If one is in doubt of how the country should work or how people should be treated or what laws are based upon, one can refer to our Constitution. Not every law is detailed within the document, but from that, you can typically understand the cohesive succession of law. If a law contradicts that foundation and/or a law is being manipulated into an individual's "interpretation" of that document, it becomes a perversion of original context.
In the case of our American Constitution, much perversion or the original intent has taken place. To accruately understand the authors' intent, one needs to be reminded of the history of oppression our founding fathers experienced prior to drafting it. They were not, as some suggest, unfamiliar with the issues or today. In fact, it was many of the issues of today they they were trying to protect Americans from. Our Constitution, as the Christian faith, are based on this central theme: Freedom with Responsibility.
God allowed an imperfect world so that his children may choose the life they wish to live. Jesus came to lead, to be an example, so that people may choose to follow him. God gave us the ability, a brain and a heart make our own decision. But, He says, once you "call my name", you are "not your own." He gave us freedom, but once we choose to follow him, it comes with certain responsibilities, which we willingly and joyfully submit to, because we are thankful for his grace and forgiveness.
Likewise, our founding fathers wrote the Constitution based on freedom and responsibility. We are not wards to an oppressive King who demands our unfailing loyalty. We are not told how to think, what to say or forbidden to question. We have a President to serve as a leader, at our pleasure. He is supposed to be our representative, our defender and our example to follow. He is not elected to author the laws but to enforce them. He is not to serve the other bodies of government, but the people.
To ensure limited powers, we have the Consitution. It is to be view as a whole; a complete work. Once someone begins to chip into that framework, by adding to it or subtracting from it as trends may change, we diminish the country's integrity. It is no longer, uniquely and exclusively "American."
Therefore, if one wants to discuss the merits of Americanism, that is fine. If one wants to challenge the abuses of individuals with the established framework, great. But we are not a nation of "all things to all people." This nation is a refuge for those who are seeking what we have. If someone doesn't like the manuscript from which principles are built - well, they have the freedom to shop for a better story.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Investments with Eternal Returns
Every summer is the same conversation for my husband and I. We wrestle over the finances and ask ourselves again, "Can we afford a private Christian education for our kids next fall?"
This year was especially tough . . . we have other financial obligations, cars that are aging, dreams that are postponed and children that are growing - rapidly. Everything is costing more and it seems we never have any extra to get ahead. It is a familiar feeling among families - ours is no exception.
So, why do we make this sacrifice? Our tuition payment is almost as much as a second mortgage; at least as much as a car payment, maybe enough for a cabin on a lake. . . and definitely enough for a vacation fund! How many years to we let these pass us by so we can write that check out each month? Should we be investing it for retirement or college? Are we wasting years of memories and opportunities for our kids? What is the right decision?
I try to explain to friends and family that this decision doesn't come easily. After all, public school is FREE! Surely God doesn't want us to carry debt. Surely he cares about the safety of our cars and our retirement. Are we being irresponsible? We wonder ourselves sometimes whether it's"worth" it. The decision is an annual journey of pros, cons and prayer.
But this is where we return every time: Public Schools have failed our family. My husband and I work very hard to teach our kids truth and integrity, according to our faith. We expect from them: respect, manners and charity toward others. Our kids aren't perfect and we aren't flawless in our upbringing. But after all the trials and tears, WHY would I allow the school "system" to systematically unweave the fabric of my family?
Public schools are no longer a place or order, respect, modesty and wisdom. Through curriculum and design - even through funding - they have politicized our children's education in the name of diversity. It is sad, that I, as an American, a taxpayer and a parent, cannot enjoy one of the foundational rights of my country - free education.
But, the beauty is, I have found, is the freedoms I do enjoy - CHOICE, RELIGION, SPEECH. Albeit at a large cost, I can still exercise my faith, choose to go elsewhere and speak up. That is why, for Christ's sake, I can delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10)
For all the explanations and justifications, I offer this from a parental perspective: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." (Prov 20:7) The investment may be mortal to our checkbook today, but the rewards are eternal. Amen.
This year was especially tough . . . we have other financial obligations, cars that are aging, dreams that are postponed and children that are growing - rapidly. Everything is costing more and it seems we never have any extra to get ahead. It is a familiar feeling among families - ours is no exception.
So, why do we make this sacrifice? Our tuition payment is almost as much as a second mortgage; at least as much as a car payment, maybe enough for a cabin on a lake. . . and definitely enough for a vacation fund! How many years to we let these pass us by so we can write that check out each month? Should we be investing it for retirement or college? Are we wasting years of memories and opportunities for our kids? What is the right decision?
I try to explain to friends and family that this decision doesn't come easily. After all, public school is FREE! Surely God doesn't want us to carry debt. Surely he cares about the safety of our cars and our retirement. Are we being irresponsible? We wonder ourselves sometimes whether it's"worth" it. The decision is an annual journey of pros, cons and prayer.
But this is where we return every time: Public Schools have failed our family. My husband and I work very hard to teach our kids truth and integrity, according to our faith. We expect from them: respect, manners and charity toward others. Our kids aren't perfect and we aren't flawless in our upbringing. But after all the trials and tears, WHY would I allow the school "system" to systematically unweave the fabric of my family?
Public schools are no longer a place or order, respect, modesty and wisdom. Through curriculum and design - even through funding - they have politicized our children's education in the name of diversity. It is sad, that I, as an American, a taxpayer and a parent, cannot enjoy one of the foundational rights of my country - free education.
But, the beauty is, I have found, is the freedoms I do enjoy - CHOICE, RELIGION, SPEECH. Albeit at a large cost, I can still exercise my faith, choose to go elsewhere and speak up. That is why, for Christ's sake, I can delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10)
For all the explanations and justifications, I offer this from a parental perspective: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." (Prov 20:7) The investment may be mortal to our checkbook today, but the rewards are eternal. Amen.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Who is paying the difference?
The recent "Cash for Clunkers" program is reminiscent of a not-so-distant and equally stupid strategy based on the government enabling people to purchase things they otherwise cannot afford. Although all media cries the program is "a success," ask yourselves, "Who is paying the difference?"
Haven't we learned what happens when banks loan money to people to buy homes they can't afford? Sure, it gets you in the house (car) but the devil is in the details of mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and maintenance. Likewise, that brand new car driving off the lot.
The auto industry is the most recent recipient of big government's latest brain child. On the surface, everyone wins! People are shopping! Dealerships are busy! Unfortunately, quick fixes often lead to long term frustrations. This is no different than the deceitful credit card industry making offers to consumers to charge today (No interest! Cash back! Rewards!) and pay tomorrow.
Was it so difficult for the auto industry to weather the storm? It's been less than a year since they begged for mercy at the feet of Congress. It appears the union's overindulgent uncle has yet again swooped in to "rescue" the American free market. However, while the industry appears to get a "hand up" they fail to see the empty pocket Uncle Sam pulled that hand from. Good luck - check is in the mail..
Instead, Uncle Sam should act like the depression-era grandparent, who has money under their mattress, yet holds back and lets his family figure out how to achieve success on their own. Perhaps they could learn from a typical middle-income parent, who tell their teenager to "use their own money" for those expensive shoes, instead of buying it for them. These tough life lessons teach children about choices and the value of a dollar. When those values aren't learned, when children aren't expected to succeed on their own, we all pay.
Who pays the difference for government programs? We all do. Suddenly we all pay more - for purchases, insurance, health care - everything. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs cannot get business loans, grandparents see dwindling returns on their hard earned investments and neighborhood shops that have accounted for every dime to survive, shut their doors because government propped up their big corporate competitors. It's not speculation and it's not scare tactics. It's Obama's America.
So I will be content to drive right by all these dealerships with flags flurrying in desperation, in either of my ten year old vehicles. I will be happy pass on a new car loan and know I can make my mortgage payment on time. I don't need to be told what to buy or when to buy it. I don't need rescued, Uncle Sam. I need my freedom and the opportunity to success or fail based on my choices and abilities. And so does the auto industry.
Haven't we learned what happens when banks loan money to people to buy homes they can't afford? Sure, it gets you in the house (car) but the devil is in the details of mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and maintenance. Likewise, that brand new car driving off the lot.
The auto industry is the most recent recipient of big government's latest brain child. On the surface, everyone wins! People are shopping! Dealerships are busy! Unfortunately, quick fixes often lead to long term frustrations. This is no different than the deceitful credit card industry making offers to consumers to charge today (No interest! Cash back! Rewards!) and pay tomorrow.
Was it so difficult for the auto industry to weather the storm? It's been less than a year since they begged for mercy at the feet of Congress. It appears the union's overindulgent uncle has yet again swooped in to "rescue" the American free market. However, while the industry appears to get a "hand up" they fail to see the empty pocket Uncle Sam pulled that hand from. Good luck - check is in the mail..
Instead, Uncle Sam should act like the depression-era grandparent, who has money under their mattress, yet holds back and lets his family figure out how to achieve success on their own. Perhaps they could learn from a typical middle-income parent, who tell their teenager to "use their own money" for those expensive shoes, instead of buying it for them. These tough life lessons teach children about choices and the value of a dollar. When those values aren't learned, when children aren't expected to succeed on their own, we all pay.
Who pays the difference for government programs? We all do. Suddenly we all pay more - for purchases, insurance, health care - everything. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs cannot get business loans, grandparents see dwindling returns on their hard earned investments and neighborhood shops that have accounted for every dime to survive, shut their doors because government propped up their big corporate competitors. It's not speculation and it's not scare tactics. It's Obama's America.
So I will be content to drive right by all these dealerships with flags flurrying in desperation, in either of my ten year old vehicles. I will be happy pass on a new car loan and know I can make my mortgage payment on time. I don't need to be told what to buy or when to buy it. I don't need rescued, Uncle Sam. I need my freedom and the opportunity to success or fail based on my choices and abilities. And so does the auto industry.
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