Recently, my stepmother forwarded me a video portraying the bonding of a baby deer and a cat. Yes, it was sugary sweet, but the one thought that crossed my mind was, if two animals from different species can get along so well, why can’t American? Bambi and Mr. Peepers the cat putting Americans to shame.
Our issues today are so ridiculously simple, that it truly makes my head spin with the all the “political spin”. The issue is civility and our ability to be civil to fellow American citizens. That’s it! Instead, many are warped by money, greed and selfishness. Our egos are twisted with pride, supremacy and superficiality. And most importantly, our hearts are filled with fear and insecurity. This is our problem, American. Our government is only a small portion of our society’s culture and our corporations are taking advantage of it. We are the problem.
It is the health care debate that has bought this issue to the forefront. No matter what retorhic you wish to spin, the bottom line is hundred thousands of Americans are doing to debt paying for health care and hundred thousands are dying because they can’t afford medical treatment. That’s it, that’s the crux our problem. So tell me, why so many American’s are against helping fellow Americans who are in need?
The irony of this is, when Hurricane Katrina hit, many gave to the victims. We donated money, time and goods to aid in the recovery. Yet, we cannot give of ourselves to a dying person who is struggling to pay their medical bills and cannot get adequate coverage. Many have proclaimed we should support our troops. So then we should neglect our citizens? That doesn’t make sense. Soldiers are overseas protecting Americans, while corporations are taking advantage of citizens at home?
I was watching the Youtube of Congressman Grayson and someone made a smirk about Grayson’s use of the word “Holocaust”. “How dare he compare our current health care system to the actual Holocaust.” Here’s the point – people are dying in our country unnecessarily and it doesn’t matter how. If we have the means to help, we should.
But our issue with civility goes beyond the health care problem. The most obvious show if lack of civility is when driving. We are absorbed in cell phone calls while driving on the freeways, not just being a nuisance, but a danger. We disobey traffic signals and signs just so we get in front of another. We are all self-contained in an aluminum bubble, that we forget there are other people on the road. Why are we, so much more important and why do we disregard other’s rights? Who the heck are we, anyway?
Until this country learns the basic sports lesson, we will continue to suffer the same problems. “There is no “I” in team. The country does not belong to “me’, it does not belong to ‘You”. It belongs to all. Therefore we will be losers until we work together.
Friday, October 2, 2009
American Civility - There is no I in Team
Recently, my stepmother forwarded me a video portraying the bonding of a baby deer and a cat. Yes, it was sugary sweet, but the one thought that crossed my mind was, if two animals from different species can get along so well, why can’t American? Bambi and Mr. Peepers the cat putting Americans to shame.
Our issues today are so ridiculously simple, that it truly makes my head spin with the all the “political spin”. The issue is civility and our ability to be civil to fellow American citizens. That’s it! Instead, many are warped by money, greed and selfishness. Our egos are twisted with pride, supremacy and superficiality. And most importantly, our hearts are filled with fear and insecurity. This is our problem, American. Our government is only a small portion of our society’s culture and our corporations are taking advantage of it. We are the problem.
It is the health care debate that has bought this issue to the forefront. No matter what retorhic you wish to spin, the bottom line is hundred thousands of Americans are doing to debt paying for health care and hundred thousands are dying because they can’t afford medical treatment. That’s it, that’s the crux our problem. So tell me, why so many American’s are against helping fellow Americans who are in need?
The irony of this is, when Hurricane Katrina hit, many gave to the victims. We donated money, time and goods to aid in the recovery. Yet, we cannot give of ourselves to a dying person who is struggling to pay their medical bills and cannot get adequate coverage. Many have proclaimed we should support our troops. So then we should neglect our citizens? That doesn’t make sense. Soldiers are overseas protecting Americans, while corporations are taking advantage of citizens at home?
I was watching the Youtube of Congressman Grayson and someone made a smirk about Grayson’s use of the word “Holocaust”. “How dare he compare our current health care system to the actual Holocaust.” Here’s the point – people are dying in our country unnecessarily and it doesn’t matter how. If we have the means to help, we should.
But our issue with civility goes beyond the health care problem. The most obvious show if lack of civility is when driving. We are absorbed in cell phone calls while driving on the freeways, not just being a nuisance, but a danger. We disobey traffic signals and signs just so we get in front of another. We are all self-contained in an aluminum bubble, that we forget there are other people on the road. Why are we, so much more important and why do we disregard other’s rights? Who the heck are we, anyway?
Until this country learns the basic sports lesson, we will continue to suffer the same problems. “There is no “I” in team. The country does not belong to “me’, it does not belong to ‘You”. It belongs to all. Therefore we will be losers until we work together.
Our issues today are so ridiculously simple, that it truly makes my head spin with the all the “political spin”. The issue is civility and our ability to be civil to fellow American citizens. That’s it! Instead, many are warped by money, greed and selfishness. Our egos are twisted with pride, supremacy and superficiality. And most importantly, our hearts are filled with fear and insecurity. This is our problem, American. Our government is only a small portion of our society’s culture and our corporations are taking advantage of it. We are the problem.
It is the health care debate that has bought this issue to the forefront. No matter what retorhic you wish to spin, the bottom line is hundred thousands of Americans are doing to debt paying for health care and hundred thousands are dying because they can’t afford medical treatment. That’s it, that’s the crux our problem. So tell me, why so many American’s are against helping fellow Americans who are in need?
The irony of this is, when Hurricane Katrina hit, many gave to the victims. We donated money, time and goods to aid in the recovery. Yet, we cannot give of ourselves to a dying person who is struggling to pay their medical bills and cannot get adequate coverage. Many have proclaimed we should support our troops. So then we should neglect our citizens? That doesn’t make sense. Soldiers are overseas protecting Americans, while corporations are taking advantage of citizens at home?
I was watching the Youtube of Congressman Grayson and someone made a smirk about Grayson’s use of the word “Holocaust”. “How dare he compare our current health care system to the actual Holocaust.” Here’s the point – people are dying in our country unnecessarily and it doesn’t matter how. If we have the means to help, we should.
But our issue with civility goes beyond the health care problem. The most obvious show if lack of civility is when driving. We are absorbed in cell phone calls while driving on the freeways, not just being a nuisance, but a danger. We disobey traffic signals and signs just so we get in front of another. We are all self-contained in an aluminum bubble, that we forget there are other people on the road. Why are we, so much more important and why do we disregard other’s rights? Who the heck are we, anyway?
Until this country learns the basic sports lesson, we will continue to suffer the same problems. “There is no “I” in team. The country does not belong to “me’, it does not belong to ‘You”. It belongs to all. Therefore we will be losers until we work together.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Corporate Conspiracy against the American Consumer
For many years, Lewis Black has been one of my favorite comedians. I have watched his HBO special many times, to the point I can repeat verbatim. This Sunday morning I awoke and granted it wasn’t my first thought of the day, but after being awake for an hour and sipping on my second cup of coffee, I thought of our economy.
Our economy is based on credit and the success of economy is based on the success of the credit markets. That to me is very unnerving. How can you build an economy on credit? We virtually have an economy based on money that we borrow and don’t actually have. Scary. No wonder we have economic issues.
In Lewis Black’s HBO special he talked about water-the essence of life. As a child water was clean and we could drink from the spigot. Now our water that comes from the spigot is not very clean and many buy they water bottled. This example has nothing to do with water, but big business. Make the water dirty that comes from our spigots so we will be encouraged to BUY water from the grocery store. Water, like other natural things (love) should be free. But we will spend a hefty price for both.
Consumers spend what you earn. Well, the average salaries have not kept up with inflation so many people cannot get by on just what they earn. They need credit. We need credit. Let me reiterate, by keeping salaries below inflation rates, encourages people to buy on credit. Making water undrinkable that comes from you tap, encourages you to buy bottled water. In my crazy, rebellious mind, this is a corporate conspiracy against the American people. And thank you Lewis Black, I am not the only one to see this.
The question goes out for the American consumer. Are we satisfied being patsies in a corporate conspiracy? I like many would love to spend only what I earn. I do not want to depend on the disingenuous hand of the credit lender. But what are we going to do? If we don’t use this credit, this will reflect poorly on our credit score which would make it difficult for us to get more credit when we truly need it.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Pay in Full
“Whoever has the most stuff at the end, wins.”
And I bet the credit card companies are hoping to be winners come the end of time. Do they expect St. Peter will be handing out blue ribbons at the pearly gates? They drink from gold chalices filled with champagne as we debtors live in eternity in the pits of hell. I doubt the white fluffy clouds of heaven can hold the weight of the fat cats of the credit industry.
As many debtors anxiously await legislation to take effect in 2010, I wonder what will happen December 21, 2012 when some prophesies predict doomsday. Will creditors collect our debt in full with long spiny fingers? The Grim Reaper goes by many names-Chase, Citi and B of A. Heck they still try to collect from folks who pass away. I can’t imagine what they will do to collect their money during Doomsday.
But what happens if 2012 is not the end of days, but a change in the paradigm as some philosophers predict. What the heck does that mean? Well, hopefully we will learn lessons of humanity, which have nothing to do with greed and materialism. What a Utopian ideal-humanity would not have to depend on the soiled hands of credit lenders. What if we learn the value lesson of spending what we earn?
Perhaps in the end, we can hope it means the end of corruption and greed. If we’re lucky, it would be the end of a system that rewards those who prey on the misfortune of others. What if the mass majority of debtors shout, “No way, we won’t pay!” What if we protest our identity being assigned by a three digit number by the credit bureau? What if we say, take your FICO system and shove it? What if big brother isn’t the government, but corporate CEO’s brandishing our human identity in a numbered system in which they can make greater profit?
Some may say this blog promotes a dangerous agenda of defying credit lenders and even our own debts. It is not the debts I deny, it is humanity I question. What does the current credit and FICO system speak for humanity and individuality? When we are all dust in the wind, what will history speak of us; a free people driven by materialism and greed, or an imprisoned society twisted in a web of corporate corruption? It is for our generation to decide our fate. The outcome rests solely on our combined shoulders.
And I bet the credit card companies are hoping to be winners come the end of time. Do they expect St. Peter will be handing out blue ribbons at the pearly gates? They drink from gold chalices filled with champagne as we debtors live in eternity in the pits of hell. I doubt the white fluffy clouds of heaven can hold the weight of the fat cats of the credit industry.
As many debtors anxiously await legislation to take effect in 2010, I wonder what will happen December 21, 2012 when some prophesies predict doomsday. Will creditors collect our debt in full with long spiny fingers? The Grim Reaper goes by many names-Chase, Citi and B of A. Heck they still try to collect from folks who pass away. I can’t imagine what they will do to collect their money during Doomsday.
But what happens if 2012 is not the end of days, but a change in the paradigm as some philosophers predict. What the heck does that mean? Well, hopefully we will learn lessons of humanity, which have nothing to do with greed and materialism. What a Utopian ideal-humanity would not have to depend on the soiled hands of credit lenders. What if we learn the value lesson of spending what we earn?
Perhaps in the end, we can hope it means the end of corruption and greed. If we’re lucky, it would be the end of a system that rewards those who prey on the misfortune of others. What if the mass majority of debtors shout, “No way, we won’t pay!” What if we protest our identity being assigned by a three digit number by the credit bureau? What if we say, take your FICO system and shove it? What if big brother isn’t the government, but corporate CEO’s brandishing our human identity in a numbered system in which they can make greater profit?
Some may say this blog promotes a dangerous agenda of defying credit lenders and even our own debts. It is not the debts I deny, it is humanity I question. What does the current credit and FICO system speak for humanity and individuality? When we are all dust in the wind, what will history speak of us; a free people driven by materialism and greed, or an imprisoned society twisted in a web of corporate corruption? It is for our generation to decide our fate. The outcome rests solely on our combined shoulders.
Friday, July 31, 2009
"Chase" me to the End of Time
I saw it coming. I just didn’t expect it to take so long. Chase bank finally decreased my credit limit. The irony is it was Chase bank (formally known as WAMU) who recklessly increased my credit limit without my authorization. This I say contributed to my debt. Thanks for nothing WAMU-I mean Chase.
In the apologetic letter they stated after “careful consideration” they are decreasing my limit for one or several of the following reasons.
1. One or more accounts have high balances compared to credit limits.
2. Total available credit is too low
3. Your hair is too brown.
4. I’m a quarter inch shy of 5’8”.
Personally I think the reason they are decreasing my credit limit is because I am not spending on the card. I haven’t used it in almost six months. When I used the credit card, they loved to increase, increase and increase. But you see here is the REAL reason Chase decreased my limit. After decreasing my credit limit will lower my credit score and thus Chase can turn around and raise my interest rates. So since I’m not spending on my card, they are losing money. But they can make it back by lowering my credit score and charging me higher interest. I’m onto their games.
Credit card legislation kicks into action in 2010, so the banks can have their way with us until then. But here’s my plan, pay the minimum due until the end of days on December 21st 2012 (or as the prophesies indicate). End of the world will do away with credit card debt-WOO HOO!! I guess in that case I will be forever in their debt. I just hope St. Peter isn’t checking credit scores at the gate.
In the apologetic letter they stated after “careful consideration” they are decreasing my limit for one or several of the following reasons.
1. One or more accounts have high balances compared to credit limits.
2. Total available credit is too low
3. Your hair is too brown.
4. I’m a quarter inch shy of 5’8”.
Personally I think the reason they are decreasing my credit limit is because I am not spending on the card. I haven’t used it in almost six months. When I used the credit card, they loved to increase, increase and increase. But you see here is the REAL reason Chase decreased my limit. After decreasing my credit limit will lower my credit score and thus Chase can turn around and raise my interest rates. So since I’m not spending on my card, they are losing money. But they can make it back by lowering my credit score and charging me higher interest. I’m onto their games.
Credit card legislation kicks into action in 2010, so the banks can have their way with us until then. But here’s my plan, pay the minimum due until the end of days on December 21st 2012 (or as the prophesies indicate). End of the world will do away with credit card debt-WOO HOO!! I guess in that case I will be forever in their debt. I just hope St. Peter isn’t checking credit scores at the gate.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
In Need of an Upgrade?
It has become commericial capitalist theory to create products that often need to be upgraded. Many products are produced to last for a certain period of time to encourage consumers to buy the latest and greatest, whether it is a computer, cell phone or even a car. We build products to break down to get people to buy more. It has been the American economic way for many years.
But what about our nation, are we in need of an upgrade? While other industrialized nations are surging forward in medicine, environmental programs and education, many in our country do not want to surge forward, they want to go backward. How will our country fair in the future if we fail to upgrade?
With our infrastructure dangerously out of date, with bridges, highways, buildings and energy grids in need of upkeep, what would happen if a crisis were to incur in our country that will cause our infrastructure to crumble? But we have to get past big business in order to make improvements. They see upgrades if it brings profit to their company not if it puts the American people at risk. To many in this country, the old mighty dollar is a lot more important than the people and the country.
History has told us, the Romans caught up in a world of self-indulgence and decadence left the Roman infrastructure to decay. This ultimately left them in a weakened state when the barbarians came to attack. You know Capital One isn’t too far off when they elicited barbarians as a mascot, because who better to encourage decadent consumer spending then a bunch of barbarians.
But what about our nation, are we in need of an upgrade? While other industrialized nations are surging forward in medicine, environmental programs and education, many in our country do not want to surge forward, they want to go backward. How will our country fair in the future if we fail to upgrade?
With our infrastructure dangerously out of date, with bridges, highways, buildings and energy grids in need of upkeep, what would happen if a crisis were to incur in our country that will cause our infrastructure to crumble? But we have to get past big business in order to make improvements. They see upgrades if it brings profit to their company not if it puts the American people at risk. To many in this country, the old mighty dollar is a lot more important than the people and the country.
History has told us, the Romans caught up in a world of self-indulgence and decadence left the Roman infrastructure to decay. This ultimately left them in a weakened state when the barbarians came to attack. You know Capital One isn’t too far off when they elicited barbarians as a mascot, because who better to encourage decadent consumer spending then a bunch of barbarians.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Health Reform-Why give money to insurance companies
One of the biggest arguments against health reform is paying higher taxes to the government for health reform-Mo’ Government, bad. Well heck, I ask why do I want to give more money to insurance companies who only want to get rich off people’s illness. Personally, I’d rather give my money to the government then give one more cent to an insurance company. It breaks down like this…
About six months ago I went on a job interview at an insurance company. I wasn’t sure what they were calling me to do, but I went anyway. When I got there I found out they were recruiting insurance salesmen. I passed onto the next round of candidates in which I had to sit through an hour and half propaganda film. The beginning outlined the benefits to be sold, and the rest was demonstrating a pyramid scheme on how to make a lot of money. That is the insurance company’s goal to get rich on the illness and misery of others, which got me to thinking about “insurance”.
Quite a concept, insurance and I must say the person who thought up the idea of charging people for insurance was a genius. Think about getting rich on “what might happen.” You pay money to companies because you may get into an accident, a tornado may wipe out your house, or you may get sick and need a doctor. People are getting very rich in this country on possibilities, yet the irony in all this is when something does happen, you have a very difficult time getting money from insurance company. Just ask the victims of Katrina, whom many have yet to see a dime from their insurance companies. Somewhere, they will devise a clause on how you are a not covered. So then you think; why the heck did I spend all that money and not truly be covered. Huh? This is where reform comes in handy.
The thing with our country’s health system is we rank 35th in the world in health coverage behind the great industrialized nation of Morocco. America, that great nation, our health care ranks behind Morocco. Gee whiz, that’s something to be proud of, huh? But even in our insurance system, we have to apply for health coverage. We are not guaranteed coverage and many who are ill and have pre-existing conditions are turned out into the streets by insurance companies who only see American’s as dollar signs not as patients who need care. So we want to continue giving money to these people, why?
Back to the argument of paying higher taxes, perhaps. But here’s the catch, if we have to pay higher taxes for guaranteed health covered instead of paying a premium to an insurance company who many deny us coverage. It’s a flip, who do you trust with your money, the government whom you have the power to vote out of office, or an corporate CEO who wants to profit from your sickness? Imagine having the likes of Bernie Madoff in charge of your health coverage. Corporate CEO’s have a great reputation these days for caring for the Average Joe. That question cannot be easier to answer; give me a Politician over an Insurance Salesmen any day. The other argument is free market competition and choice, which is still a bunch of baloney because it is still corporate CEO’s getting rich off your health and well-being.
Then we move onto quality of health care. Of course, many claim the government health care would not be as good as what an insurance agent can offer. Really? And that “Socialized medicine” in Europe is low quality. Okay, so then why are so many Americans going to Canada and Europe for surgeries and get prescriptions filled? If the quality of health care is so great here, why do many feel the need to seek better health care overseas?
Lastly, and I’m not sure where I heard this, but someone said the difference between Europe and American health care costs comes down to doctors’ salaries. Doctors get paid fair less in Europe. You see because being a doctor in Europe is career choice that cares for the health of the people. Here in the United States people become doctors to get rich. And once again, the issue comes down to money and greed.
So the lesson in this-health reform for all Americans, or making profit for a few people to get richer; health and the quality of life versus, money and greed. Which do you choose America?
About six months ago I went on a job interview at an insurance company. I wasn’t sure what they were calling me to do, but I went anyway. When I got there I found out they were recruiting insurance salesmen. I passed onto the next round of candidates in which I had to sit through an hour and half propaganda film. The beginning outlined the benefits to be sold, and the rest was demonstrating a pyramid scheme on how to make a lot of money. That is the insurance company’s goal to get rich on the illness and misery of others, which got me to thinking about “insurance”.
Quite a concept, insurance and I must say the person who thought up the idea of charging people for insurance was a genius. Think about getting rich on “what might happen.” You pay money to companies because you may get into an accident, a tornado may wipe out your house, or you may get sick and need a doctor. People are getting very rich in this country on possibilities, yet the irony in all this is when something does happen, you have a very difficult time getting money from insurance company. Just ask the victims of Katrina, whom many have yet to see a dime from their insurance companies. Somewhere, they will devise a clause on how you are a not covered. So then you think; why the heck did I spend all that money and not truly be covered. Huh? This is where reform comes in handy.
The thing with our country’s health system is we rank 35th in the world in health coverage behind the great industrialized nation of Morocco. America, that great nation, our health care ranks behind Morocco. Gee whiz, that’s something to be proud of, huh? But even in our insurance system, we have to apply for health coverage. We are not guaranteed coverage and many who are ill and have pre-existing conditions are turned out into the streets by insurance companies who only see American’s as dollar signs not as patients who need care. So we want to continue giving money to these people, why?
Back to the argument of paying higher taxes, perhaps. But here’s the catch, if we have to pay higher taxes for guaranteed health covered instead of paying a premium to an insurance company who many deny us coverage. It’s a flip, who do you trust with your money, the government whom you have the power to vote out of office, or an corporate CEO who wants to profit from your sickness? Imagine having the likes of Bernie Madoff in charge of your health coverage. Corporate CEO’s have a great reputation these days for caring for the Average Joe. That question cannot be easier to answer; give me a Politician over an Insurance Salesmen any day. The other argument is free market competition and choice, which is still a bunch of baloney because it is still corporate CEO’s getting rich off your health and well-being.
Then we move onto quality of health care. Of course, many claim the government health care would not be as good as what an insurance agent can offer. Really? And that “Socialized medicine” in Europe is low quality. Okay, so then why are so many Americans going to Canada and Europe for surgeries and get prescriptions filled? If the quality of health care is so great here, why do many feel the need to seek better health care overseas?
Lastly, and I’m not sure where I heard this, but someone said the difference between Europe and American health care costs comes down to doctors’ salaries. Doctors get paid fair less in Europe. You see because being a doctor in Europe is career choice that cares for the health of the people. Here in the United States people become doctors to get rich. And once again, the issue comes down to money and greed.
So the lesson in this-health reform for all Americans, or making profit for a few people to get richer; health and the quality of life versus, money and greed. Which do you choose America?
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