I’ve been going through a spiritual crisis the last few years. I was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to 2001. I had lots of people in my home for parties and dinners. I enjoyed visiting with people. I served in leadership positions and sang in the stake choir. I felt part of something wonderful. I felt like I had friends. The only people I associated with were members of this church so when I saw cracks in this perfect system and questioned, I was left without friends. When I sent letters to Salt Lake, Bishop Haslam of the Philomath Ward told my husband to shut me up and control me. My letters were about ethics and things that shouldn’t be happening in any church. I wanted answers. I learned that women aren’t respected and don’t have a voice. I learned a lot about this church that I didn’t know when I joined. I was sincere. At the last I was even serving a mission at the employment center in Salem helping people find employment and teaching workshops. It was odd that when we moved to Alsea during this, we weren’t asked to speak in church even though we wore missionary badges. I guess they don’t want anyone to hear what would come out of our mouths because we dared to question and speak the truth. All leaders are gods in this church. You can’t question their motives or ethics because whatever they do is the will of God, even if it is wrong. Yes, there are some nice people in this church but all Mormons are Mormons first before anything else.
I can't deal with religions that disrespect women. I believe answers are in empowering everyone so everyone feels uplifted and encouraged.
So after all this, I have kept myself at a distance from everyone. I have felt betrayed. I grew up going to the Lutheran Church every Sunday with my parents. I really don’t know where I belong. I guess I should just read books to try to figure it out.
To speed up the process I would like to go to one of the large conference rooms at OSU and invite religious leaders from the area plus people representing opposing points of view for debate to answer my questions. People might be interested in coming to have their own questions answered at a time when religions and churches fail to meet the needs of people to counter the increasing social isolation in this society. The LaSalle Stewart Center would be perfect.
Maybe the real answer is that I belong staying at home, writing, and reading to find answers.
Friday, August 21, 2009
I went into the 4-H office yesterday to meet with Tammy, the Director at the Extension Office for 4-H. She’s nice. I like her. I made an appointment to come in and meet with her about being a 4-H leader after talking to her on the phone a couple of days ago. After I got off the phone, I wrote up a curriculum of what I wanted to teach since they didn’t have any materials for a writing group.
This is what I thought should be included:
Elements that make up a meeting: 4-H meeting format, teaching writing craft, teaching graphic design and how to use Microsoft Publisher, writing exercises, grammar and vocabulary building, presentation by a student, learning to edit or critique, interview techniques, photography. Longer workshops could teach how to write creative non-fiction, essays, news writing, articles, interviews, and create Power Point presentations. Some of the writing projects that could be produced as a club: create a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher 2 to 4 times a year, submit articles to the Extension Newsletter, submit articles to the Alsea Valley Voice, encourage submission to magazines and ezines, visit the Corvallis Gazette Times to talk with reporters and editors, self-publish a book each year composed of essays, interviews, articles and creative non-fiction on sale at amazon.com, create videos of mock interviews, start magazine for other 4-H clubs in Oregon to submit articles, visit magazines. Ways to mix other 4-H club elements with Writing Club—during long meetings bake something together, visit Neo Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis to interview experts and write articles, prepare questions to ask experts, like an entomologist.
I enjoyed my visit with Tammy. I thought it would be fun to be a 4-H leader again. The problem is that I don’t have any references. I need three. I don’t have any close friends or chums or buddies. I haven’t done anything against the law or caused harm so that’s not a problem but I have kept people at a distance the last few years. I’ve been going through a spiritual crisis. From 1995 through 2001, I was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had students involved with a newsletter and taught workshops for them. I was a Primary President and wrote a nativity play that we performed. All my friends were in this church but when I started to question the ethics and practices, I was shunned. I had no friends left. I was hurt, betrayed, and vulnerable so I have kept myself at a distance from everyone.
So I guess I’m back to square one. It was a nice idea. I wanted to feel needed and contribute to empowering children. I love to teach and I miss opportunities to teach. I guess I have enough to do to keep me busy. I’m having fun with the Alsea Valley Voice. I have a lot to do in my garden and take care of my home and watch out for my husband. I guess I’m backing into my cocoon again to nurse my wounds. When I whine like this, I’m not good for anyone anyway. I have a lot to do. I need to concentrate on losing weight, eating healthy, exercising a lot more, writing more, reading more, decluttering, and make my house spotless. That should be enough to keep me busy but my heart keeps yearning to be involved, contribute, make a difference, teach, and do more than I am doing now. It would help so much to have a good friend to talk things over with who would encourage me and want me to win. I think friends are rare and I’m not sure I have ever had a real friend for very long in my life, if ever. The only friend I have in the world is Leslie, my husband. That’s it. So I’ll concentrate on trying to make him happy. I love being around my kids but they are active and busy. They do what they can. Daniel calls often and listens to me. Benjamin sent me three train tickets this year to come visit. Gretchen calls. Sometimes I get to talk to Joe. I love them all. They are the best people I know.
This is what I thought should be included:
Elements that make up a meeting: 4-H meeting format, teaching writing craft, teaching graphic design and how to use Microsoft Publisher, writing exercises, grammar and vocabulary building, presentation by a student, learning to edit or critique, interview techniques, photography. Longer workshops could teach how to write creative non-fiction, essays, news writing, articles, interviews, and create Power Point presentations. Some of the writing projects that could be produced as a club: create a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher 2 to 4 times a year, submit articles to the Extension Newsletter, submit articles to the Alsea Valley Voice, encourage submission to magazines and ezines, visit the Corvallis Gazette Times to talk with reporters and editors, self-publish a book each year composed of essays, interviews, articles and creative non-fiction on sale at amazon.com, create videos of mock interviews, start magazine for other 4-H clubs in Oregon to submit articles, visit magazines. Ways to mix other 4-H club elements with Writing Club—during long meetings bake something together, visit Neo Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis to interview experts and write articles, prepare questions to ask experts, like an entomologist.
I enjoyed my visit with Tammy. I thought it would be fun to be a 4-H leader again. The problem is that I don’t have any references. I need three. I don’t have any close friends or chums or buddies. I haven’t done anything against the law or caused harm so that’s not a problem but I have kept people at a distance the last few years. I’ve been going through a spiritual crisis. From 1995 through 2001, I was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had students involved with a newsletter and taught workshops for them. I was a Primary President and wrote a nativity play that we performed. All my friends were in this church but when I started to question the ethics and practices, I was shunned. I had no friends left. I was hurt, betrayed, and vulnerable so I have kept myself at a distance from everyone.
So I guess I’m back to square one. It was a nice idea. I wanted to feel needed and contribute to empowering children. I love to teach and I miss opportunities to teach. I guess I have enough to do to keep me busy. I’m having fun with the Alsea Valley Voice. I have a lot to do in my garden and take care of my home and watch out for my husband. I guess I’m backing into my cocoon again to nurse my wounds. When I whine like this, I’m not good for anyone anyway. I have a lot to do. I need to concentrate on losing weight, eating healthy, exercising a lot more, writing more, reading more, decluttering, and make my house spotless. That should be enough to keep me busy but my heart keeps yearning to be involved, contribute, make a difference, teach, and do more than I am doing now. It would help so much to have a good friend to talk things over with who would encourage me and want me to win. I think friends are rare and I’m not sure I have ever had a real friend for very long in my life, if ever. The only friend I have in the world is Leslie, my husband. That’s it. So I’ll concentrate on trying to make him happy. I love being around my kids but they are active and busy. They do what they can. Daniel calls often and listens to me. Benjamin sent me three train tickets this year to come visit. Gretchen calls. Sometimes I get to talk to Joe. I love them all. They are the best people I know.
Cell Phone Tower
Alsea needs a cell phone tower on top of South Mountain Road. There are no cell phone towers in the area. In some places in Alsea, there are dead zones where no communication is possible by any means. Even the Sheriff Department is unable to communicate in some areas. This is dangerous. Emergency responders need to be able to communicate through as many ways as possible. A cell phone tower is needed for everyone.
I once asked a worker from Pioneer Telephone, our telephone company in the area and he said that they don’t want a cell phone tower in the area. I guess they want the monopoly on the business. Is this really kosher when it is a matter of public safety? This is not okay.
I brought up this issue in the Emergency Preparedness meeting in Alsea that met in the library on Tuesday evening. One leader in the community said it was impossible and that it can’t be done. I have a hard time understanding people who respond with this kind of rhetoric. I think if there is a problem, everyone should work towards figuring out answers and a way to make it happen.
I once asked a worker from Pioneer Telephone, our telephone company in the area and he said that they don’t want a cell phone tower in the area. I guess they want the monopoly on the business. Is this really kosher when it is a matter of public safety? This is not okay.
I brought up this issue in the Emergency Preparedness meeting in Alsea that met in the library on Tuesday evening. One leader in the community said it was impossible and that it can’t be done. I have a hard time understanding people who respond with this kind of rhetoric. I think if there is a problem, everyone should work towards figuring out answers and a way to make it happen.
Medicine
I think medicine is in the dark ages. I recently heard that 15% of medicine is evidence based which means that it is something that can be proven. This means to me that most of medicine is guessing. We pay the big bucks for no one finding answers, making guesses, or causing harm! Add to this the fact that many doctors see how many patients they can see in an hour giving only 10 minutes per patient and you've got disaster with no one reading the files, researching solutions or answers. We've got a major problem in this country and we're paying for it through bankruptcy and worse.
We need single payer health care in this country. All human beings deserve care and there shouldn't be concern about the bottom line and profit. Care, no matter how deficient, needs to be at the top of the list.
We need single payer health care in this country. All human beings deserve care and there shouldn't be concern about the bottom line and profit. Care, no matter how deficient, needs to be at the top of the list.
500 pages a day
There is a 9 year old girl named Mia who was featured in the Corvallis Gazette Times on August 18. She goes to Ashbrook Independent School, the best school in the area, in my opinion for gifted and talented children. Mia is clearly a gifted child who is soaring even at 9 years old. She inspires me and makes my heart happy.
As a challenge to students at Ashbrook School, the kids are supposed to read 50 pages a day during the summer. Mia has no problem with that because she's reading an average of 500 pages a day and her Dad thinks that's a conservative estimate. Cool! She's so cute. When I think it is too daunting to read 100 pages a week for a writing critique group plus all I am doing, all I have to do is think about Mia. She inspires me.
During the school year, Mia reads 200 pages a day in addition to keeping up with the intensive academic curriculum at Ashbrook School, playing the piano, and gymnastics.
As a challenge to students at Ashbrook School, the kids are supposed to read 50 pages a day during the summer. Mia has no problem with that because she's reading an average of 500 pages a day and her Dad thinks that's a conservative estimate. Cool! She's so cute. When I think it is too daunting to read 100 pages a week for a writing critique group plus all I am doing, all I have to do is think about Mia. She inspires me.
During the school year, Mia reads 200 pages a day in addition to keeping up with the intensive academic curriculum at Ashbrook School, playing the piano, and gymnastics.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Health Care Reform
I’ve been shocked and amazed at the conflict with passing health care reform. Money from groups who have a vested interest in keeping the current system has poured into advertising and given to people who will rally for and support their cause.
What shocks me is that the people who often show up in town hall meetings vehemently support the current system probably could benefit from real change. Many of these individuals are fearful of socialism. If socialism means a basic level of care for all Americans, then I’m for it. I don’t think that in this great country, there should be homeless or children going hungry or people going bankrupt over needed health care. This shouldn’t be tolerated.
There needs to be a cap on greed in this country. It’s not okay for the wealthiest Americans to not give back and pay taxes on their millions of dollars in profit. Hiding assets is common and unfair when so many Americans are in great need. Medical costs are out of control and must be brought into line. All Americans deserve care. Priority should be placed on patient care.
The richest Americans feel they should get to keep all their pennies. I don’t agree. The wealth in this country is in the hands of 1% of the population. I agree with President Obama that those who make over $250,000 a year should pay their fair share of taxes. Tax loop holes need to be closed. It shouldn’t be okay to be able to take profits out of the country and hide money in Swiss banks or in a bank in the Caribbean. If you do business in the United States, you should pay to bring the standard of living up for all Americans.
I don’t have health care. My only choice is to eat healthy and exercise. I don’t have a doctor. If something happens to me, I’m done for. This shouldn’t be tolerated. Every human being is valuable and has the potential of being productive. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows how when one is hungry or isn’t given basic care, they aren’t able to be the best they can be and reach their highest potential. A basic level of care should be given to all Americans so everyone can reach their dreams.
I have my bachelor’s degree and I’d love to work on my master’s degree or go on to earn a Ph.D. There’s no way I can afford this. A university education should be free, in my opinion. I love to learn and I would love to go back to school but it’s impossible the way things are now.
I support single payer health care because I think that a basic level of care should be given to all Americans. So you might have to wait a little bit. I don't have care now. Waiting would be better than no care.
What's this about the death panels that they bring up in the news? Comfort care has been alive and strong in Oregon the last few years under President Bush and Republicans in power. My mother-in-law, Sadelle Haber was coded comfort care when there was nothing medically wrong. Family was not notified. Food and water was withdrawn and morphine given for the pain of dying. This is called comfort care in Oregon. We rescued her in time to save her but this can happen and has happened to many elderly in the last few years when their money runs out! This has nothing to do with health care reform and President Obama. This has been going on for years!
What shocks me is that the people who often show up in town hall meetings vehemently support the current system probably could benefit from real change. Many of these individuals are fearful of socialism. If socialism means a basic level of care for all Americans, then I’m for it. I don’t think that in this great country, there should be homeless or children going hungry or people going bankrupt over needed health care. This shouldn’t be tolerated.
There needs to be a cap on greed in this country. It’s not okay for the wealthiest Americans to not give back and pay taxes on their millions of dollars in profit. Hiding assets is common and unfair when so many Americans are in great need. Medical costs are out of control and must be brought into line. All Americans deserve care. Priority should be placed on patient care.
The richest Americans feel they should get to keep all their pennies. I don’t agree. The wealth in this country is in the hands of 1% of the population. I agree with President Obama that those who make over $250,000 a year should pay their fair share of taxes. Tax loop holes need to be closed. It shouldn’t be okay to be able to take profits out of the country and hide money in Swiss banks or in a bank in the Caribbean. If you do business in the United States, you should pay to bring the standard of living up for all Americans.
I don’t have health care. My only choice is to eat healthy and exercise. I don’t have a doctor. If something happens to me, I’m done for. This shouldn’t be tolerated. Every human being is valuable and has the potential of being productive. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows how when one is hungry or isn’t given basic care, they aren’t able to be the best they can be and reach their highest potential. A basic level of care should be given to all Americans so everyone can reach their dreams.
I have my bachelor’s degree and I’d love to work on my master’s degree or go on to earn a Ph.D. There’s no way I can afford this. A university education should be free, in my opinion. I love to learn and I would love to go back to school but it’s impossible the way things are now.
I support single payer health care because I think that a basic level of care should be given to all Americans. So you might have to wait a little bit. I don't have care now. Waiting would be better than no care.
What's this about the death panels that they bring up in the news? Comfort care has been alive and strong in Oregon the last few years under President Bush and Republicans in power. My mother-in-law, Sadelle Haber was coded comfort care when there was nothing medically wrong. Family was not notified. Food and water was withdrawn and morphine given for the pain of dying. This is called comfort care in Oregon. We rescued her in time to save her but this can happen and has happened to many elderly in the last few years when their money runs out! This has nothing to do with health care reform and President Obama. This has been going on for years!
Anna
My son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda sent train tickets as a gift to Les and I so we could come and visit Anna. She’s our newest grandchild and she just turned six months old. This is the third time I’ve gone to visit Anna on the train since she was born. I love spending time with her. She’s so good, so cute, and so smart. I wish I lived closer but I am so grateful to Ben that I get to see her so often.
Ben’s an amazing father. He’s always been there for Anna since she was born. He took time off work so he could care for her and spend time with Amanda. Anna waits for Ben to come home from work and I know it’s hard for him to not take her with him to Zymo Genetics. I'm glad that Amanda can stay home with Anna.
I love Green Lake, Ballard, and Seattle. I love the walking trail around Green Lake. I love the energy and intelligence of the people of Seattle. I love the great restaurants. While we were there, Ben and Amanda took us out to eat at Kidd Valley and Spuds in Green Lake, and Portage Bay in Ballard—some of my favorite places to eat.
The train makes it so much easier to travel. You can relax and not worry about the traffic between Alsea and Seattle driving on the freeway. Many business people travel on the train every day to meetings or to work. The dining car has a great menu. It’s fun to watch out the window. I love sitting on the western side of the train so I can see all the water from Olympia up to Seattle. Many students on the train bring their laptops and work. I enjoy reading on the train.
Ben’s an amazing father. He’s always been there for Anna since she was born. He took time off work so he could care for her and spend time with Amanda. Anna waits for Ben to come home from work and I know it’s hard for him to not take her with him to Zymo Genetics. I'm glad that Amanda can stay home with Anna.
I love Green Lake, Ballard, and Seattle. I love the walking trail around Green Lake. I love the energy and intelligence of the people of Seattle. I love the great restaurants. While we were there, Ben and Amanda took us out to eat at Kidd Valley and Spuds in Green Lake, and Portage Bay in Ballard—some of my favorite places to eat.
The train makes it so much easier to travel. You can relax and not worry about the traffic between Alsea and Seattle driving on the freeway. Many business people travel on the train every day to meetings or to work. The dining car has a great menu. It’s fun to watch out the window. I love sitting on the western side of the train so I can see all the water from Olympia up to Seattle. Many students on the train bring their laptops and work. I enjoy reading on the train.
Northwest Nut Growers
Les and I attended the Northwest Nut Growers Summer Tour on August 5th in Corvallis. I learned a lot about Hazelnuts and want to plant a few trees on our acreage.
Hazelnut Hill was my favorite stop on the tour. Sally and Rob Hilles’ farm is located at 27939 Highway 99W, south of Corvallis. Their phone number is 541-754-565. It’s worth a trip to visit Hazelnut Hill with your family and friends to stop for a hazelnut ice cream sundae or chocolate covered hazelnuts at their shop. I was sooooo impressed with Sally and Rob Hilles as they spoke to the large group of members of Northwest Nut Growers. Their intelligence, inventive solutions, and commitment to running a sustainable farm are impressive. Rob Hilles has invented equipment and found ways to increase the yield of his hazelnut tree orchard. They are both dynamic speakers.
I learned that it is possible to grow an observation research plot for Oregon State University and receive free hazelnut trees. Such a deal! If you have room for a few nut trees, call Dave Smith in the Horticulture Department at OSU at 541-737-2702.
Join the Northwest Nut Growers for only $15 a year so you can attend these great tours with expert speakers and receive important information about growing nut trees. Write to the Nut Growers Society of Oregon, 21595 A Dolores Way NE, Aurora, Oregon 97002 or e-mail hazelnut@oregonhazelnuts.org or look at the great website at www.oregonhazelnuts.org. I’m impressed and you will be too.
Hazelnut Hill was my favorite stop on the tour. Sally and Rob Hilles’ farm is located at 27939 Highway 99W, south of Corvallis. Their phone number is 541-754-565. It’s worth a trip to visit Hazelnut Hill with your family and friends to stop for a hazelnut ice cream sundae or chocolate covered hazelnuts at their shop. I was sooooo impressed with Sally and Rob Hilles as they spoke to the large group of members of Northwest Nut Growers. Their intelligence, inventive solutions, and commitment to running a sustainable farm are impressive. Rob Hilles has invented equipment and found ways to increase the yield of his hazelnut tree orchard. They are both dynamic speakers.
I learned that it is possible to grow an observation research plot for Oregon State University and receive free hazelnut trees. Such a deal! If you have room for a few nut trees, call Dave Smith in the Horticulture Department at OSU at 541-737-2702.
Join the Northwest Nut Growers for only $15 a year so you can attend these great tours with expert speakers and receive important information about growing nut trees. Write to the Nut Growers Society of Oregon, 21595 A Dolores Way NE, Aurora, Oregon 97002 or e-mail hazelnut@oregonhazelnuts.org or look at the great website at www.oregonhazelnuts.org. I’m impressed and you will be too.
Poison Ivy
I’ve had a bad rash from the poison ivy I touched in my garden. I read in a book by Readers Digest called THE HEALING POWER OF FOOD about the use of honey for wounds, rashes, and skin problems. It was used in ancient Egypt for wounds and skin problems. I decided to use it and found that it takes away the itch and heals the skin. I think it’s much better than taking Benedryl or using Benedryl cream. It’s messy though so I need to wrap up my arm in a towel and it isn’t going away as fast as I want.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Leadership and Self-Deception
I finished reading the book LEADERSHIP AND SELF-DECEPTION: GETTING OUT OF THE BOX by the Arbinger Institute. I have some concerns about the basic premise that asks everyone to focus on getting results and staying out of the box. I have no problem with working hard to get results and working hard to support/help those around me to achieve these objectives. However, it is important for me to work with people that I can respect, admire, learn from, and who are ethical.
The problem I have with this book is that I can see that a corrupt business could drive forward their objectives using people who focus on results. In the last several months, we have seen a myriad of examples of people who focus on driving results and someone in the organization is a crook, manipulator, and a thief. Our economy has collapsed as a result, thanks to President Bush and Republicans who stand for GREED.
The problem I have with this book is that I can see that a corrupt business could drive forward their objectives using people who focus on results. In the last several months, we have seen a myriad of examples of people who focus on driving results and someone in the organization is a crook, manipulator, and a thief. Our economy has collapsed as a result, thanks to President Bush and Republicans who stand for GREED.
Crown of Thorns Starfish
The crown of thorns starfish is eating away the coral reef next to Australia. Its numbers are out of control despite round the clock diving teams who are trying to kill them. The question is why are their numbers out of control? Several scientific opinions say that the nutrient rich runoff from farmlands play a role. Another theory is the temperature of the ocean. Still another theory is about the natural predators of the crown of thorns starfish being wiped out by overfishing. Pollution is another theory. It’s sad that scientists fight about the cause and not realize that each play a part in the result. Focus on solving the problem should be result of actions and thought since the coral reefs around the world are essential for our planet’s survival.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid from Nevada
Senator Harry Reid from Nevada is the Senate Majority Leader. I’m shocked and outraged that Senator Reid makes the choice to go home and feels he needs a vacation when the President of the United States makes the urgent plea to work hard and put in the time to find a health care solution for the American public. A health care solution is urgently needed in the United States. The cost of health care is exorbitant. Health care in the United States is broken and needs to be fixed.
Senator Harry Reid, a Democrat, isn’t working to support a health care solution or working hard to put in the time when asked by President Obama. As the Senate Majority Leader, he should be showing leadership in the Senate and working harder than everyone else. Instead Senator Reid is trying to delay the vote and put off doing the work to get things done in Washington. This is outrageous!
I made a phone call to Senator Reid and left a phone message asking him to show leadership in the Senate by working hard to push forward the needed health care reform and vote for single payer health care or free health care for all Americans. I guess Democrat Harry Reid doesn’t care about health care for all Americans or the people in Nevada. Maybe Senator Reid is too old to be engaged in the political battle to work for a solution for health care. Doesn’t he care? This is inexcusable!
Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and health care organizations are spending over 1 1/2 million dollars a day to defeat health care reform that would benefit all Americans and lower the deficit. Did they put money in the pockets of key Democratic leaders to slow the process?
Senator Harry Reid, a Democrat, isn’t working to support a health care solution or working hard to put in the time when asked by President Obama. As the Senate Majority Leader, he should be showing leadership in the Senate and working harder than everyone else. Instead Senator Reid is trying to delay the vote and put off doing the work to get things done in Washington. This is outrageous!
I made a phone call to Senator Reid and left a phone message asking him to show leadership in the Senate by working hard to push forward the needed health care reform and vote for single payer health care or free health care for all Americans. I guess Democrat Harry Reid doesn’t care about health care for all Americans or the people in Nevada. Maybe Senator Reid is too old to be engaged in the political battle to work for a solution for health care. Doesn’t he care? This is inexcusable!
Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and health care organizations are spending over 1 1/2 million dollars a day to defeat health care reform that would benefit all Americans and lower the deficit. Did they put money in the pockets of key Democratic leaders to slow the process?
Peter DeFazio
Oregon U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio is a hero at our house. My husband called him to help him with a problem with Social Security and Medicare. His office got results. Peter DeFazio cares and works hard to help people in Oregon.
My husband was on hemodialysis for over two months so he signed up for Medicare Part B. Since he didn’t have it for many years, he was penalized. He had to pay four times the regular cost. My husband discovered that now with Medicare Part B, he could no longer afford the copayments for care so he can’t use it anyway. It’s too expensive. Because my husband was not on dialysis for over three months, Social Security Medicare won’t pay for his medical care for dialysis. Two months of dialysis, no help. Three months of dialysis and medicare would pay for it all.
Peter DeFazio finally got the Social Security office to communicate. DeFazio’s office hasn’t seen anything like this before.
The Albany Social Security office refused to return calls. Social Security is going to allow my husband to cancel Medicare Part B, which he can’t afford and doesn’t do him any good but it won’t take effect until September. Outrageous! Not fair!
We need health care reform in the United States. There should be free health care for all Americans. The emphasis should be on patient care and prevention, not on greed and bringing in the bucks for hospitals and doctors who only see patients for 10 minutes.
My husband was on hemodialysis for over two months so he signed up for Medicare Part B. Since he didn’t have it for many years, he was penalized. He had to pay four times the regular cost. My husband discovered that now with Medicare Part B, he could no longer afford the copayments for care so he can’t use it anyway. It’s too expensive. Because my husband was not on dialysis for over three months, Social Security Medicare won’t pay for his medical care for dialysis. Two months of dialysis, no help. Three months of dialysis and medicare would pay for it all.
Peter DeFazio finally got the Social Security office to communicate. DeFazio’s office hasn’t seen anything like this before.
The Albany Social Security office refused to return calls. Social Security is going to allow my husband to cancel Medicare Part B, which he can’t afford and doesn’t do him any good but it won’t take effect until September. Outrageous! Not fair!
We need health care reform in the United States. There should be free health care for all Americans. The emphasis should be on patient care and prevention, not on greed and bringing in the bucks for hospitals and doctors who only see patients for 10 minutes.
Leadership and Self-Desception
My son, Daniel gave me a book through amazon.com called Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box by the Arbinger Institute. I’m on page 126. I’m also reading it to my husband out loud and we’re on page 80. It’s an important book. Stephen Covey says, “Profound…engaging…packed with insight. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.” I agree.
As I am reading this book through, it reminds me of what is happening in Congress regarding the important fight for all Americans to improve the quality of health care. President Obama is showing unparalleled leadership asking for hard work by the House of Representatives and the Senate to improve health care for all Americans and, at the same time, it would lower the national deficit. It’s important to do NOW. It’s urgent because the need is so great. So what is happening? Many leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate don’t want to put in the work. They say they need a vacation. They want to go home. Forget that they were elected to work hard for the people in the United States. They are too tired and don’t want to do the hard stuff. They want everyone to like them. They chose to play politics, rather than do the right thing.
Maybe everyone in the House of Representatives and the Senate needs to read this book as required reading. Then maybe they would see that they are elected to work hard on issues that will serve the American public and quit playing politics. It’s inexcusable for a member of the House of Representatives and Senate to ignore the urgent pleas of the American public and the President of the United States to work hard and get something done.
As I am reading this book through, it reminds me of what is happening in Congress regarding the important fight for all Americans to improve the quality of health care. President Obama is showing unparalleled leadership asking for hard work by the House of Representatives and the Senate to improve health care for all Americans and, at the same time, it would lower the national deficit. It’s important to do NOW. It’s urgent because the need is so great. So what is happening? Many leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate don’t want to put in the work. They say they need a vacation. They want to go home. Forget that they were elected to work hard for the people in the United States. They are too tired and don’t want to do the hard stuff. They want everyone to like them. They chose to play politics, rather than do the right thing.
Maybe everyone in the House of Representatives and the Senate needs to read this book as required reading. Then maybe they would see that they are elected to work hard on issues that will serve the American public and quit playing politics. It’s inexcusable for a member of the House of Representatives and Senate to ignore the urgent pleas of the American public and the President of the United States to work hard and get something done.
Core Rhythms
I sure could use a part-time job. I saw an infomercial on television about Core Rhythms, exercise CDs to lose weight. It looks like so much fun because it’s dancing and having a good time as you lose the pounds. The beautiful and dynamic Mary Murphy from So You Think You Can Dance—that great show on television is the host for Core Rhythms. I know it would be fun and I want to order it. You can dance to the Latin beat to sculpt your abs and lose inches. No boring floor crunches. Only fun. Dance your heart out and lose weight! Such a deal. All exercise should be this fun.
www.corerhythms.com
1-800-357-8550
www.corerhythms.com
1-800-357-8550
Benton County Democrats
I attended the meeting for the Benton County Democratic Central Committee on July 16th at Grace Lutheran Church. Everyone seemed nice, committed to the Democratic Party and I felt I could find friends among the group.
Dr. Paul Hochfeld spoke about single payer health care and the urgent need for health care reform. He's an emergency room physician. He was dynamic and a great speaker.
I was shocked that there wasn't an urgent feeling among the group that everyone needed to work hard for health care reform NOW! I came to get inspired and to get support regarding this important issue. I was disappointed. There seemed to be more enthusiasm and energy for the bus bingo that was going to be played on the upcoming picnic for the Democrats than in working for health care reform. Yes, it sounded like fun and I'd like to go. But what about health care reform? There is a window of opportunity to get something done. Insurance companies and health care organizations are spending over 1 1/2 million dollars a day to defeat health care and it seems like Democrats are cooperating.
I asked Oregon State University Democrat students who attended the meeting, if they were working on health care reform now, holding meetings, and if they planned on working for health care reform in Washington, D.C. They said no. Why is there such apathy? I don't get it.
Dr. Paul Hochfeld spoke about single payer health care and the urgent need for health care reform. He's an emergency room physician. He was dynamic and a great speaker.
I was shocked that there wasn't an urgent feeling among the group that everyone needed to work hard for health care reform NOW! I came to get inspired and to get support regarding this important issue. I was disappointed. There seemed to be more enthusiasm and energy for the bus bingo that was going to be played on the upcoming picnic for the Democrats than in working for health care reform. Yes, it sounded like fun and I'd like to go. But what about health care reform? There is a window of opportunity to get something done. Insurance companies and health care organizations are spending over 1 1/2 million dollars a day to defeat health care and it seems like Democrats are cooperating.
I asked Oregon State University Democrat students who attended the meeting, if they were working on health care reform now, holding meetings, and if they planned on working for health care reform in Washington, D.C. They said no. Why is there such apathy? I don't get it.
Harvard Professor Gates
It’s inexcusable what happened to Harvard Professor Gates. After proving his identity to police officers in his own home, Professor Gates was arrested and taken to police headquarters. Would this have happened if his skin color was white? No! Black Americans have to endure this kind of racial prejudice every day, even Harvard professors and upstanding members of every city who don’t break the law. It’s not right and it’s inexcusable!
Wind and Solar Power
Wind and solar power needs to be affordable for the individual home owner. Right now it is not. It’s too expensive. I would love to put up solar panels on our roof and put up several windmills on our acreage. We have lots of wind here in Alsea. It would be great to be able to use natural resources for electricity and then sell back the extra to Consumer Power. The only way that wind and solar power can be affordable is if Consumer Power offers this opportunity through subsidy. Electric prices are going up. We need this opportunity here in Oregon. I’m waiting…………
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jewelry Television
I can’t believe the fabulous bargains on Jewelry Television. For very low prices, you can get something beautiful to make yourself feel beautiful or give a great gift that will be loved.
They were just selling a lab created 3.5 ct trillion purple sapphire that was gorgeous for only $6.99. Unbelievable! Item number S36T100.
A lab created gem stone is a natural gem stone. It’s like a tomato from a greenhouse as compared to a tomato grown on a farm. Both tomatoes taste great and have the nutrition of a tomato and are sold as a tomato.
To go with that beautiful purple sapphire, you can order a 10 kt. semimount with .25 ctw diamonds for only $149.00. Item number SMT719Y. So for only $155.99, you can have a gorgeous ring for yourself or as a gift.
Right now they are selling an 18.40 ct Brazilian lemon quartz round for only $39.99. Item number WT148.
Go to www.jtv.com to look for more bargains or watch Jewelry Television. Call 1-800-619-3000 to order.
They were just selling a lab created 3.5 ct trillion purple sapphire that was gorgeous for only $6.99. Unbelievable! Item number S36T100.
A lab created gem stone is a natural gem stone. It’s like a tomato from a greenhouse as compared to a tomato grown on a farm. Both tomatoes taste great and have the nutrition of a tomato and are sold as a tomato.
To go with that beautiful purple sapphire, you can order a 10 kt. semimount with .25 ctw diamonds for only $149.00. Item number SMT719Y. So for only $155.99, you can have a gorgeous ring for yourself or as a gift.
Right now they are selling an 18.40 ct Brazilian lemon quartz round for only $39.99. Item number WT148.
Go to www.jtv.com to look for more bargains or watch Jewelry Television. Call 1-800-619-3000 to order.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon
I tried to call Senator Ron Wyden this morning to talk to his staff or leave a phone message but his message box is FULL. I've tried before. I've sent an e-mail. This is a great way to ignore and not listen to what people want to say.
Democrats have a window of opportunity to push for real health care reform and pass single payer health care into law. There are enough votes to push this forward into law, IF all democrats in the House and Senate vote to pass it. Some Democrats are dragging their feet. Senator Ron Wyden is trying to delay this important vote to create change according to the news. Why? Does he have too much money invested in the health care industry? I know he was great friends with Mormon Republican Senator Gordon Smith. Why is he dragging his feet? Why isn't he working hard to support President Obama and help everyone in Oregon without insurance?
Health care reform is desparately needed. I'm one of the millions without health care. Maybe most Democrat leaders have health care and money in the bank but I don't. Maybe they don't feel the urgency. Democrats have the opportunity to make real change in the United States and put people first by giving health care to everyone free.
Senator Ron Wyden, I urgently implore you to vote for single payer health care and that you show leadership in the Senate and push for this needed change.
Democrats have a window of opportunity to push for real health care reform and pass single payer health care into law. There are enough votes to push this forward into law, IF all democrats in the House and Senate vote to pass it. Some Democrats are dragging their feet. Senator Ron Wyden is trying to delay this important vote to create change according to the news. Why? Does he have too much money invested in the health care industry? I know he was great friends with Mormon Republican Senator Gordon Smith. Why is he dragging his feet? Why isn't he working hard to support President Obama and help everyone in Oregon without insurance?
Health care reform is desparately needed. I'm one of the millions without health care. Maybe most Democrat leaders have health care and money in the bank but I don't. Maybe they don't feel the urgency. Democrats have the opportunity to make real change in the United States and put people first by giving health care to everyone free.
Senator Ron Wyden, I urgently implore you to vote for single payer health care and that you show leadership in the Senate and push for this needed change.
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