Health is defined as the absence of illness. Is this what our "health care" system is designed to address? I don't think so.
Illness is defined as the absence of health. Our health care system is designed to fully capitalize on the fact that most of us will at some point not have health, rather we will become ill. Our illness may occur for a number of reasons including poor life style, stress, accidents, or just plain old "old age" where the body deteoriates over time.
Would you feel more comfortable if the system we had in place was designed to promote health or one that promotes illness?
What does the current "health care system" do? Does it promote health or respond in a reactionary manner to illness? What is in your best interest as a consumer of medical care?
by Carole G. Parker, Ph.D. May 26, 2009
by Carole' G. Parker, Ph.D.
May 24, 2009 (posted on Obama Blog)
In the United States we don’t have HEALTH CARE we have MEDICAL CARE. Wonder why the distinction? The terms mean different things. Health implies wellness, the ability to do what we need or want to do or are capable of doing physically and mentally. The opposite of health is illness where one is limited in one’s ability to do what one wants, needs or is capable of doing physically or mentally. For example when one has health, one is able to engage in any type of physical exercise, work or social activities. One is not limited physically or mentally.
In the US we have a medical system. We go to a physician when we do not have health, rather we don’t feel well. We are experiencing some sort of physical or mental problem that we have not been able to solve or fix alone. We need help. That help comes in the form of medical care. Care that often involves invasive procedures to diagnose and treat our physical or mental problems.
A HEALTH CARE system would promote wellness. We would attempt to nourish our bodies with proper nutrition and exercise, we would engage in behaviors that promoted positive interactions with others as well as ourselves. Instead we eat foods that have been processed and approved by our government even though those foods are toxic. For example, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows a percentage of rodent feces and parts to be in all processed foods. Why? It is difficult, but not impossible to have a food process plant that is completely sanitary. How is it that we have "clean" environments in the development of computer parts that never enter our bodies, but not for the food we consume? How is that it is acceptable to have chemical used to fertilize the soil that is used to grow the food we consume? What make it necessary to use antibiotics to enable chicken to grow in six weeks rather than in the normal six months? I believe it is the almighty dollar! Greed! Think about how much food we waste. The argument that we need mass production using artificial means is not a convincing one for me.
A HEALTH CARE system would promote exercise or physical activity. Many of us have negative views of exercise. It is time consuming, requires physical and psychological effort and is usually not a priority. However, exercise or activity is necessary for health. Exercise/activity reduces stress, eliminates toxins from the body via perspiration, and provides the excretion of certain hormones already found in the body to increase well-being.
A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM would promote prevention. It would provide incentives for people to quit smoking, to not drink in excess, to eat properly and to obtain enough sleep needed for the body based on age.
There are many things a HEALTH CARE system would do, however, I am not a health care professional, so I am not able to identify all the ways we could engage in healthy behavior, either individually or at the national level.
Back to HEALTH CARE. We are all consumers of the US medical system. It begins at birth when we are born in a hospital and begin the process of being inoculated against all sorts of illnesses and potential diseases. Initially we are born with the immune system of our mothers. But if her immune system is compromised then the newborn is at risk for illness not health. Some have argued that children that are breast fed are in general healthier than those who are not. I am not sure if this is true, but my sibling was breast fed and I was not; thus I have lots of experience with the medical system in the United States. Whether it is correct or not, I believe that because I was not breast fed I had a host of MEDICAL problems. I have never known HEALTH! Therefore, I am an advocate of HEALTH.
When I first meet a physician I generally suggest a short conversation that involves the development of a psychological contract. A psychological contract is generally a verbal agreement between two or more individuals who interact with each other in some capacity. In this case it is the physician. Here’s an example of what I do: doctor enters the exam room and introduces self; I do the same. At that point the doctor wants to know what brings you to the office. I respond, "Before we talk about that I would like to address how we might work together. I know everything there is to know about this particular body and you know medicine. I propose that we work as partners. I know me and you know medicine and together we may be able to come up with solutions to my medical conditions. I will tell you before I leave the office what I am willing and am not willing to do. This eliminates any concerns on your part about whether or not I will be compliant with the proposed treatment plan. If there is something I am not willing to do I would want us together to brainstorm what other alternative may be possible in order for me to achieve a sense of wellness. Are you willing to work with me in this manner?" Most of the time I have been able to have this conversation with a doctor without any difficulty. There have been occasions when I have had trouble. More about that later.
I am of the belief that physician are trained early to believe they have all the knowledge and ability to treat the problems we patients present to them without our assistance. Most patients have brought into this ideology because we have been socialized to believe the "doctor" knows what is best for us. I do not agree with this thought process. I, and only I, know what is best for me. After all it is my body not the doctors’. All decision must be approved by me. If I don’t agree then I won’t be "compliant." We have all been socialized that when we go to the doctor we are no longer responsible for ourselves. We have given our power over to another person. The only time in my life when someone else had power over me, real power was when I was a child. My parent had power over me. My parent determined when I could play, sleep, eat and anything else that was part of my life. When I became emancipated as an adult I assumed the responsibility my parent previously had. I take that responsibility very seriously. Am I a control freak? YES! But only as it relates to what happens to and around me; what will impact my well being and generally my livelihood.
There are lots of questions that need to be raised about HEALTH CARE in the United States. I don’t have all the questions, nor do I have all the answers. I do have lots of opinions that I am willing to share with whom ever will listen. Hence, I have decided to join President Obama’s campaign on Health Care for All Americans and have organized a event in support of his three principles regarding health care at my home on May 30 from 4pm to 6 pm. I am able to accommodate ten people and hope to have a full event and lively discussion that will be recorded and sent off to the President. I hope you will find the above discussion stimulating and decide to join us on May 30, 2009.
Finally, I propose there is a difference between HEALTH CARE and MEDICAL CARE. What do you believe?
I had been thinking about it for months, since August or September, maybe.
We have fabulous real estate here in Hagerstown. Big beautiful Victorians with decorative molding and cornices and soaring gables. And so many of them sit empty and crumbling. But the policy we have in place to encourage their restoration - it's falling short...
...and it will always fall short, as long as we lack the vision and energy we need to build a new and vibrant economy here in Hagerstown...
I did a ton of soul-searching since that late summer day when the idea popped into my head. Was I ready to take this on? What were my motivations? What did I really think I could accomplish as City Councilmember? Could I get elected and approach the work from a place of humility?
These were just some of the huge questions I wanted to look at deeply and soberly.
I prayed, I meditated, I consulted people with experience. I began to feel that this was the right thing to do.
To educate myself, I began attending City Council meetings regularly. It REALLY began to feel the right thing to do.
And then, on Inauguration Day - this happened. I had the opportunity to hang out down in D.C with my brother and my dad, who each had a ticket for a practically front row seat to the big swearing-in. I SOOOO badly did want to join them - both because I wanted to be there to see this great moment, and also because I wanted to share the experience with my Dad and brother.
But for me, like for so many people out there, times have gotten pretty hard. I have responded to the hard times by working my ass off. Literally. It's gone. I am assless.
Just kidding. Any ass I lose trying to work my way through the hard times will not be missed. I still have plenty.
Okay, back to the real narrative. Suffice it to say, I am always working these days, (WE are always working these days, my love Diane and I) trying to make ends meet by taking on a variety of jobs (I am blessed, because some of these jobs are very cool - like substitute teaching, or directing a sketch comedy show).
So, on the days leading up to Inauguration Day, I was in that mode - hustling and bustling to make ends meet. Then, as I tried to muster up the energy to head down the road to join my brother and dad, there was that HUGE pile up on route 70, that 42 car pile-up which closed down the Interstate...
...so with fatigue and resignation, I decided to stay up here in the hills. And on Inauguration Morning, I went into the office and worked. And then, at about 11, I was done. A strange, quiet moment - silence, the sound of my schedule clearing up for the day...
I headed for the door. On my way out, I chatted with a few of my office mates, most of whom were thrilled about the Obama-era that was about to dawn.
And, I somewhat nervously told them about my idea to make a run for City Council. My first sort-of public airing of my ideas and vision. My first, sort-of, campaign moment.
My co-workers heard me, and then they told me I should GO FOR IT!
Wow.
Well, what I did was I went home and I watched the Inauguration with my family.
I turned on the television, and I watched Barak Obama and I was so moved by just the sight of it.
And, then I heard the new President say:
Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.
And I thought - "Right on!"
And I watched Barak Obama and I was so moved, and I heard him say:
Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered...
and I shuddered.
"...each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet."
And I was AMAZED by the new president's ability to capture that dizzyingly complex reality with such concise eloquence.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
And I was so moved.
I was so moved.
So moved.
And so, I moved.
I had done the soul-searching. I had reached out to mentors and supporters, friends and business associates. And then I had listened to my President -
My President.
NEVER, have I felt sooooo good and connected when I uttering that phrase -
My President!
My President said to me -
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
And I knew what I had to do. It was time to walk through the fear, and call upon the faith. It was time to step up to the Hagerstown City Clerk's counter, and put my name on the ballot.
It is time for me to give my all to a difficult task.
That's right, Hagerstown. You must register by tomorrow to be able to participate in the March 10 primary election for Mayor and City Council.
It is also the deadline to change your address if you are registered somewhere else but have since moved into the City.
You can go register down at the Washington County Board of Elections, 35 West Washington, Room 101.
OR, I would be happy to bring you the form, have you fill it out, and turn it in for you. It would be a good way for me to meet you and see if I can't win your support (I am a candidate for City Council.)
NOT SURE? - you can check your voter registration status here - http://www.mdelections.umd.edu/voter_registration/v2/vote_prod.php.
KNOW ANYONE ELSE WE NEED TO GET REGISTERED AND INVOLVED?? Ask around - ask your friends, your family - post this bulletin on your MySpace and/or FaceBook!
HEY HAGERSTOWN - LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO CHANGE THE WORLD BY WORKING TOGETHER TO CHANGE HAGERSTOWN!!!
Since 1900, the S&P 500 has increased more under Democratic presidents than under Republican ones (12.3% vs. 8%).
Since 1930, GDP has grown more under Democratic presidents than under Republicans (5.4% vs. 1.6%).
Most of the 20th century bear markets have occurred during Republican administrations.
From 1948 to 2008, income inequality has increased during Republican administrations and declined during Democratic administrations. In other words, when a Republican is in the White House, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Republican presidents do top the Democrats in one category—increasing the national debt, which is growing at a rate of three billion dollars each day.
Under Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, the national debt ballooned, setting new records in each administration. Bill Clinton left office with a surplus. The new president will inherit a ten trillion dollar debt.
So why do people think Republicans handle money well?
My husband, a lifelong registered Democrat, got a fundraising letter from Sarah Palin yesterday! Some of the comments in the letter are so twisted (no surprise!), I thought I'd share them:
"We Republicans reject the Democrats' fearful and pessimistic mentality...The vast majority of the American people agree with our confident, optimistic view..."
"The Obama-Biden Democrats and their allies are set to raise over $1 billion to relentlessly flood America's airwaves with their negative and false attacks..."
"Please help provide the resources we need to battle back against the Democrats and their same old tired-and-failed policies of the past..."
And the kicker...
"P.S. As we enter the home stretch of our campaign, we must cut through the false claims and fearful rhetoric of the Obama-Biden Democrats..."
Yes, you read that correctly. Sarah Palin is accusing Democrats of false claims and fearful rhetoric. I would laugh out loud if I weren't afraid that some people are going to believe her. Needless to say, we are returning the fundraising envelope (let them eat the postage) with a personal note:
Dear Sarah,
Thanks, but no thanks.
With less than a month until the election, McCain couldn't perform in his last debate, is lagging in the polls, is out of fresh ideas, and is getting more desperate by the minute. So, what does he do? The tried and true Republican strategy--Go Negative! Smear your opponent! Scare the voters! Divide the populace! He can't win on the issues, so he tries to divert the public's attention by stoking anger and fear. We need a leader, not a demagogue. We need a President who inspires the best in us, not the worst. We need Barack Obama.
So, PLEASE, please, do whatever you can to ensure that Barack Obama wins this election. You don't want to sit there and do nothing and then regret it in January when the new President is inaugurated. Talk to your friends, donate a little money (even $25 can help!), put a sign in your yard and a bumper sticker on your car, go door to door, help register new voters, phone some undecided voters, drive people to the polls--GET INVOLVED!
If Barack Obama wins on November 4, we all win.
Was anyone else disappointed in the VP debate last night? Not at Senator Biden's performance--I thought he was terrific. He was knowledgeable, confident, respectful, assertive, and everything you would hope to see in a VP candidate. He clearly UNDERSTOOD the questions and the facts, and communicated his knowledge to the audience. He demonstrated authority, a commanding presence, and likeability. HOWEVER, I was hoping for more blatant Sarah Palin gaffes. I was looking for some entertainment. I needed more chuckles. I wanted to see her babble, with her Bush-like command of syntax, or stumble, bumble and fumble her way through like she did with Katie Couric. Don't get me wrong--I thought her performance was abysmal, but it wasn't as amusing as I thought it would be. Her smiling, winking, pointing, smug mannerisms were there--annoying as ever. She talked and talked without saying anything of substance. Yet she seemed quite proud of herself. She reminded me of a high school student who crams for a test and is able to regurgitate a large amount of information without an understanding of its significance or connection to other concepts.
I was also disappointed with Gwen Ifill. How many times did Sarah Palin NOT answer the question? (Most of the time). And how many times did Ifill redirect? (Not at all). Why did she let Palin get away with answers that were completely unrelated to the question asked?
How could anyone watch that debate and say, yes, Sarah Palin could be president of the United States? And what does that tell us about John McCain's judgement?
I don't put much stock in these polls you see on television--especially the ones showing McCain/Palin leading Obama. And I really don't believe that many Democratic women have switched sides because of Sarah Palin. I don't know who is being polled or how accurate the polls are, but two encouraging comments recently offered support for this belief. One was a question from a neighbor, a "middle aged white woman" (aka anti-Obama demographic) who is also a registered Republican. Upon seeing the Obama sign in my yard, she asked, "Do you think we'll win the election?" and proceeded to voice her support for Obama. The second incident took place at work. Shortly after entering the office from the parking lot, where she must have seen me in my car, another "middle aged white woman" told me she liked my bumper sticker, which reads "Women for Obama."
These may seem like two insignificant conversations, but I believe that there are millions more like us, some perhaps only supporting Obama privately because they've never been involved in politics and aren't sure how to start. I'd love to see a surge in political activism, not just among young voters, but among all who believe strongly in the cause and are tired of seeing our country taken over by the loud, self-righteous, self-serving, right-wing minority.
Up with the yard signs and on with the bumper stickers! Talk to your friends and neighbors; let people know you support Barack and tell them why. Let's win back the White House and take back our country!
We know that this phrase was the mantra of Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, and it carried him to victory. The Obama campaign needs to focus on the economy, attack McCain's ignorance on these issues, clarify Barack's plans, ignore Sarah Palin, and stay on message. Get off the defensive, and go on the offensive. Are we better off now than we were 8 years ago? What will John McCain do to help the average American that is different from what George Bush has done? Who really understands the problems of the middle class families? How can we say the economy is strong when people are losing their homes? The Republican administration's policies of deregulation have led to our current situation. Supply side economics doesn't work--we learned that in the 1980's! We need something different--we need Barack Obama.
Sarah Palin tells us (over and over and over) that she told Congress "Thanks but no thanks" for that bridge to nowhere. Anyone who reads a newspaper or watches a news show now knows that this is a blatant distortion of reality. The GOP's most effective strategy has been repeating these kinds of distortions, inaccuracies, untruths, propaganda, (whatever you want to call it) over and over and over, proving the old aphorism that if you tell a lie often enough people will think it's true.
Fortunately, we still have a free press in American, and some reporters have been trying to tell the real story. If only we can get people to listen...
As for this writer, I have no intention of supporting a candidate simply because of her XX chromosomes. Palin's views are even farther from my own than McCain's are. So, thanks, Governor Palin, but no thanks. I'm voting Obama/Biden.
I'm the kind of person who hates asking people for money, but today I sent fundraising requests to a number of my friends, asking them to donate to Barack's campaign. Why? This election is too important to sit out. Reasonable, practical, concerned people like us are often too busy working and taking care of our families to get involved in politics. But when we are silent, the Rabid Right spews its propaganda all over the airwaves and the internet, giving the impression that the majority of people share their extreme views. It is time for average citizens to stand up and let our voice be heard.
If people donate as little as $25 and ask every contact in their address book to do the same, and then if every one of those contacts gives $25, and asks every contact in their books to do the same...and so on...then the average person could make a huge impact.
I’ve been at the Democratic National Convention in Denver for only two days and there’s one thing that I can say for certain – it’s electric! The enthusiasm for Barack Obama and Joe Biden are immense. And although there are still many visible Hillary supporters around, I’ve not heard one that isn’t willing to “switch shirts” once the roll call vote has been completed.
Many themes continue to be repeated. This is not just a campaign for the presidency; it’s a movement for change. This election is not about the Presidency, it’s about the future of our nation and our world. This campaign is not about Barack Obama; it’s about the “audacity of hope.”
I agree with those themes. But there’s another that cannot be forgotten. This race is not over – it will be close – everybody must do a little more to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the President of the United States.
So please, do a little more. As Congressman Cummings said this morning at the Maryland Welcome Breakfast, “deep deeper, push farther, volunteer more.” Please, right away, visit www.barackobama.com and make a donation of as much as you can give. Even $20.00 goes a long way.
And make sure you are showing your support in your community. Purchasing materials on the barackobama.com website also counts as donations to the campaign.
Visit https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/vpmagnet?source=20080823_OB_CM today and for only $15.00, get a car magnet featuring Barack Obama and Joe Biden. For $30.00, get a first edition Obama/Biden t-shirt at https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/vpshirt?source=20080823_OB_Tshirt. Then visit https://political.moveon.org/barackstickers/?rc=homepage to get a free bumper sticker. Or, if you really want to help out, make a $20.00 donation and get 50 bumper stickers to distribute to family, friends, and neighbors.
Our time is now. This is an opportunity to make a change and make a difference. Please use the myBarackObama site to get in touch with your local Obama organization and volunteer to help, whether it be through phone banking, sign waving at busy intersections, or literature dropping and door knocking. Please step up and offer your time, as well as a few dollars.
We have the chance to make history and turn our country around. Please do not let this opportunity pass us by. Please stand up, be counted, and take part in this movement for change, right now.
According to the polls Barack is slipping to an even match with McCain and the media is repeating it creating a self-fullfilling prophecy.
Please remember this country came up with enough idiots to re-elect George W Bush in 2004. It truly concerns me that they are still out there. there are people using racial slurs about him and swearing they will never allow a black president.
The people reading this are not the problem. the problem is the idiots I am referring to. Our best hope is to sign up millions of new voters almost all of which would be enlightened enough to vote for Obama.
This is a defining moment in American History. A chance not just to vote for the best candidate but a chance for America to bridge the Red/Blue divide and the racial divide at the same time. With all my heart I want our guy to win so bad I can't describe it but there still those ignorant bigoted idiots out there and unless McCain screws up this is going to be another nail biter.
I hope everyone will encourage Voter Registration in their state. It's our best hope, we can't shoot the idiots and they will not stay home.
This was first published in 1995 so some of the numbers have changed. i am not the original author although I know him and because of his current job I did not publish his name.
Dear Mr. Jesus H. Christ
A letter from the Christian Coalition to the Son of God
Dear Mr. Jesus H. Christ,
Having carefully reviewed your application to the Christian Coalition, we have decided to deny your membership at this time.
This is a very special and exciting time for our organization and the number of membership requests has soared higher than the Tower of Babel. As a result, we have become very selective about whom we allow to join and represent the Coalition.
Our organization is fast becoming a powerful political operation. Our profits are multiplying like loaves and fishes. Consequently, we must remain focused and unwavering in our dangerously zealous goals. And frankly Mr. Christ, you are not our kind of person.
From the information we have gathered in our standard background check, it appears your behavior and professed beliefs are not in agreement with the Christian Coalition’s political agenda at all.
First, let me say that you have not been rejected because you have a middle-to-low income trade-skill job as a carpenter. As long as you continuously support our campaign and contribute to our $25 million annual budget, your salary will not disqualify you.
We also understand you are Jewish. While this would not necessarily disqualify you either, it may interfere with your support of our campaign to bring Christian values into our public schools and in political decision-making.
No, I am afraid we have uncovered more serious problems in your personal behavior and beliefs, Mr. Christ. It seems as though you are a bit of an iconoclast, a troublemaker. Openly questioning authority is something we cannot encourage in our organization. It has been our experience that free thinking only leads to further problems. Our supporters are, as that commie rag The Washington Post described, “uneducated and easy to command.”
You have already demonstrated that you are unwilling to give blind devotion to those laws and practices you believe are unjust. While in our hierarchy, such mindless dedication is considered an asset. And we do not tolerate disobedience, civil or otherwise.
o, when we attack the liberal media, Hollywood or funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, we expect you to attack it, too. When we oppose homosexual marriages and gay couples adopting children, we expect you to condemn it as well. And when we campaign against abortion but also fight to stop high school condom distribution and sex education classes, we expect you to believe that our policy makes complete sense.
On the issue of family values, which we believe is one of the most important and substantial political matters of our time, it is unclear where you stand. You have no family of your own, and it seems that you keep company with a former prostitute.
We also know that most of your closest friends are single men that you live with. This is behavior we would call questionable. Even the appearance of homosexuality and other such perversion is frowned upon by our organization.
As for your position on abortion, we are also in the dark. We assume you believe, as we do, that woman should not be trusted with bodily autonomy in these matters. But where do you stand on the more controversial issue of unintentional pregnancy such as in cases of rape, incest and immaculate conception?
Perhaps the greatest obstacle to your acceptance into the Coalition is your professed position on welfare for the poor and destitute. You have foolishly advocated and practiced assistance and compassion for the poor. This is a complete contrast to our position. We believe the best way to help the poor is by helping them less.
While you would coddle and throw charity at the poor, we know the real problem is their deafness to the word of God and the power of money -- a maxim that speaks to the soul of the Christian Coalition.
On one hand, we want as many supporters as we can get. Already we have more than 1,600 county chapters and influence over the Republican parties in 31 states. But on the other hand, keeping all these folks on the same track is nearly as difficult as as walking on water. Having individuals like yourself in the organization could take us in the wrong direction. The truth is, Mr. Christ, you are too much of a radical -- in the most unfortunate, liberal, peace-loving, bleeding-heart sense of the word. We wish you the best, though, and may God bless you and help you find the way.
You may know that this weekend hosts the Peach Festival in Leitersburg, MD, but did you know what this has to do with Barack Obama?
"Barack" means "peach" in Hungarian.
This means that for anyone who speaks Hungarian, Leitersburg,MD is having a Barack Festival this weekend!
Participate, and make sure that EVERYONE you knows that Peach means Barack, and Barack means President.
This message was brought to you by an avid Hungary for Obama member.
Hi all, found these funny cartoon videos. Check it out.
http://www.markfiore.com/mccainerly_hillbillies_0
For your friends, family, and neighbors who do not yet have Obama gear, please direct them to the following sites so that they can have their own Obama bumper stickers and buttons to display their belief in a positive, hopeful America.
Free Obama buttons: https://political.moveon.org/obamabuttons/index.html?id=13312-7994355-Qz.vypx&t=4
Free Obama bumper sticker: http://www.democraticstuff.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BSfree
Another FREE Obama bumper sticker: https://pol.moveon.org/obamastickers/?rc=homepage
