Today I have decided to post a short memorial for all of those innocent victims and hero's who died on September 11, 2001. Off and on, all day today I have to stop to cry, as I remembered what I still can't believe happened to our Country that sad and tragic September morning.
Every year I turn the History Channel and other television sources and re-watch the documentaries, because long I go I made a promise to be one of those who will never forget.
I will never forget that morning as I sat in front of the television brushing my 9 year old daughter's hair and helping to prepare her for school. It was a regular routine. I have four kids and my oldest child and I would get up early, turn on Good Morning America, and spend quiet time getting her ready for school first.
At first we thought maybe someone was making a movie because this couldn't possibly be real. Then the second plane hit the second tower and the both of us were mortified - mother and child. Today that child remembers with me as she gets ready to graduate high-school and even she says it still seems like yesterday as a clear and sad memory for her.
I did take my kids to school that morning, thinking it was the best place for them to be. We lived in Chicago then. It only took me 30 minutes, after seeing more of what was happening on the news to turn around and go get them right back out of school and bring them home - just in case Chicago was a possible target too. We all were afraid that day - afraid, and ever so heart broken for all those people who lost their lives because some lunatic terrorists thought it was okay to murder in the name of God.
Today is a sad day for our Country, and a day I know I will never forget as will all Americans. My heart and my prayers are with all of the victims and their families, not just today but always.
Blessings and my deepest wishes of comfort and solace to you all. I will never forget. We will never forget.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Health Care Head Aches!
Just the words health care are enough to give me a head ache anymore these days. I have come to believe that our politicians are full of it, every last one of them. They have stopped listening to us, the American people, and they are simply playing a game..called Politics.
I will be watching tonight as the President speaks, yet again, on this very hot topic. Does it even matter at this point? Sure it does, depending on what he has to say. I am starting to feel sorry for him, honestly, this entire issue is making him look aged very early in his Presidential career.
The latest possibility of possibilities they (the politicians) have tossed out their into the never ending ring of "we have no clue what the health care reform will be or contain but we are throwing in all we can think of into it potential legislation" is fines for not having health insurance. I am pretty sure that this was a Republican idea to counter the public option. Fines!
Are they crazy? This is a serious question! Did they forget that we live in A FREE COUNTRY??
If you are not outraged at the thought of fines, let me ask you what is next? What if our government decides that technology is so key, so important to our future that every home is required or mandated to have a computer. Every home that does not have a computer connected to the Internet, via private connection or public connection will be fined. You may say this is ridiculous and can never happen, but hey if they can fine you for not self insuring your PRIVATE BODY, they can fine and mandate anything.
Why not fine people for not taking the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, or eating healthier? This has gone beyond ridiculous.
The fines are hidden code for Uncle Sam wants more of your money.
Here is what I don't understand. All of the health care proposals on the table start with paying now but do not go into effect until 2013, why? I thought this was an urgent matter?
I believe it is an urgent matter and here is what I propose:
Declare a National Health Care Emergency.
Pass legislation and up the Medicare tax .5% if you must
Open Medicare to all people until 2013/14.
Allow those who are Medicare eligible (meaning they pay the tax, and do not fall below the poverty line, can opt in now with no wait periods for any reason), will pay the Medicare deductibles and can choose to purchase a supplement just like those currently receiving Medicare. Those below the poverty line automatically qualify for Medicaid. (is the problem soloved yet?)
No pre-existing conditions- restrictions allowed and pay the doctors some incentives to take it (like the private insurers do).
That should help all out across the Nation until the President and the Senate's and the House's "plan's", get worked out and go into effect in 2013 or 2014.
But that is just my two cents.
Fining people in a free Country for opting out of self insuring medically is beyond insane, and does not ring of freedom to me. Does it ring of freedom to you?
Come up with a better plan oh those of you in Washington who care so much, and act like you really care already. Please?
I will be watching tonight as the President speaks, yet again, on this very hot topic. Does it even matter at this point? Sure it does, depending on what he has to say. I am starting to feel sorry for him, honestly, this entire issue is making him look aged very early in his Presidential career.
The latest possibility of possibilities they (the politicians) have tossed out their into the never ending ring of "we have no clue what the health care reform will be or contain but we are throwing in all we can think of into it potential legislation" is fines for not having health insurance. I am pretty sure that this was a Republican idea to counter the public option. Fines!
Are they crazy? This is a serious question! Did they forget that we live in A FREE COUNTRY??
If you are not outraged at the thought of fines, let me ask you what is next? What if our government decides that technology is so key, so important to our future that every home is required or mandated to have a computer. Every home that does not have a computer connected to the Internet, via private connection or public connection will be fined. You may say this is ridiculous and can never happen, but hey if they can fine you for not self insuring your PRIVATE BODY, they can fine and mandate anything.
Why not fine people for not taking the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, or eating healthier? This has gone beyond ridiculous.
The fines are hidden code for Uncle Sam wants more of your money.
Here is what I don't understand. All of the health care proposals on the table start with paying now but do not go into effect until 2013, why? I thought this was an urgent matter?
I believe it is an urgent matter and here is what I propose:
Declare a National Health Care Emergency.
Pass legislation and up the Medicare tax .5% if you must
Open Medicare to all people until 2013/14.
Allow those who are Medicare eligible (meaning they pay the tax, and do not fall below the poverty line, can opt in now with no wait periods for any reason), will pay the Medicare deductibles and can choose to purchase a supplement just like those currently receiving Medicare. Those below the poverty line automatically qualify for Medicaid. (is the problem soloved yet?)
No pre-existing conditions- restrictions allowed and pay the doctors some incentives to take it (like the private insurers do).
That should help all out across the Nation until the President and the Senate's and the House's "plan's", get worked out and go into effect in 2013 or 2014.
But that is just my two cents.
Fining people in a free Country for opting out of self insuring medically is beyond insane, and does not ring of freedom to me. Does it ring of freedom to you?
Come up with a better plan oh those of you in Washington who care so much, and act like you really care already. Please?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Enough with the "Czars" Already! Bye Van Jones
So unless you are an avid Internet reader, or watch cable television news - and even then a majority of the media outlets didn't even report on this story, which is a pretty major story, you may not even know anything at all about the Green Jobs Czar Van Jones.
White House Green Jobs Czar Van Jones resigned stating in a letter (paraphrased) that he didn't want all this misinformation and lies being spread about him to get in the way of the White House being able to move forward on it's pressing projects.
Okay, I would believe that EXCEPT NO ONE LIED ABOUT HIM. The stories that were covered on this man were videos and excerpts using his very own words, coming out of his very own mouth! This man has a lot of nerve, and what really ticks me off is the lack of media coverage from the Networks on these "Czars"! Where are you ABC, NBC, CBS? Why is it I have to consistently turn to Fox and the Internet if I want to find anything out? What the hell is happening to journalism in this country?
Here is part of the statement from Van Jones resignation letter:
" On the eve of historic fights for health care and clean energy, opponents of reform have mounted a vicious smear campaign against me. They are using lies and distortions to distract and divide."
This man signed a 9/11 Truther petition in 2004, the conspiracy theory that the Bush Admin deliberately let the terror attacks happen, ya' know. He claims he never bothered to read the petition in which he affixed his signature to.
This man called former President Bush a crackhead. The statement he made was "The President of the United States sounded like a crackhead...like a crackhead trying to lick the crackpipe for a fix."
This man called Republicans a not so nice word a**holes. (then again can't really hang him out to dry on this one, as a Centrist Independent, I have had choice words for both parties myself - but I don't work in the White House, and I don't do so publicly.) This was 7 months ago when asked why he thought Congressional Republicans were opposing some Obama Administration programs. The statement was, "The answer to that is they're a-holes."
Then he gets racist. Yep, the guy played the race card and it is on video - him speaking. No twisting of words, no vicious smear campaign - unless he is the one doing the vicious smearing.
On school violence he says:
"You've never seen a Columbine done by a black child. Never. A black kid might shoot another black kid. He's not going to shoot up the whole school."
And here is a Van Jones keeper - tell me Van Jones, just how are your words being twisted?
"The white polluters and the white environmentalists are essentially steering poison into the people of the colored communities."
Really? Really? Bye, bye Van Jones. The only thing missing in Van Jones resignation letter was an apology. Poor him - I don't think so. He will go on to write a book, ala Bill Ayers, I have no doubt. I won't miss this particular "Czar".
What is up with these Czars anyway? Since when do we need them? Who do they answer to? Will the next President be able to appoint an Attorney General to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute anything and everything these "Czars" possibly do wrong, or potentially look wrong to someone, and make a major issue out of it well into the next administration?
Goose, Gander and all that. Not to mention Karma.
White House Green Jobs Czar Van Jones resigned stating in a letter (paraphrased) that he didn't want all this misinformation and lies being spread about him to get in the way of the White House being able to move forward on it's pressing projects.
Okay, I would believe that EXCEPT NO ONE LIED ABOUT HIM. The stories that were covered on this man were videos and excerpts using his very own words, coming out of his very own mouth! This man has a lot of nerve, and what really ticks me off is the lack of media coverage from the Networks on these "Czars"! Where are you ABC, NBC, CBS? Why is it I have to consistently turn to Fox and the Internet if I want to find anything out? What the hell is happening to journalism in this country?
Here is part of the statement from Van Jones resignation letter:
" On the eve of historic fights for health care and clean energy, opponents of reform have mounted a vicious smear campaign against me. They are using lies and distortions to distract and divide."
This man signed a 9/11 Truther petition in 2004, the conspiracy theory that the Bush Admin deliberately let the terror attacks happen, ya' know. He claims he never bothered to read the petition in which he affixed his signature to.
This man called former President Bush a crackhead. The statement he made was "The President of the United States sounded like a crackhead...like a crackhead trying to lick the crackpipe for a fix."
This man called Republicans a not so nice word a**holes. (then again can't really hang him out to dry on this one, as a Centrist Independent, I have had choice words for both parties myself - but I don't work in the White House, and I don't do so publicly.) This was 7 months ago when asked why he thought Congressional Republicans were opposing some Obama Administration programs. The statement was, "The answer to that is they're a-holes."
Then he gets racist. Yep, the guy played the race card and it is on video - him speaking. No twisting of words, no vicious smear campaign - unless he is the one doing the vicious smearing.
On school violence he says:
"You've never seen a Columbine done by a black child. Never. A black kid might shoot another black kid. He's not going to shoot up the whole school."
And here is a Van Jones keeper - tell me Van Jones, just how are your words being twisted?
"The white polluters and the white environmentalists are essentially steering poison into the people of the colored communities."
Really? Really? Bye, bye Van Jones. The only thing missing in Van Jones resignation letter was an apology. Poor him - I don't think so. He will go on to write a book, ala Bill Ayers, I have no doubt. I won't miss this particular "Czar".
What is up with these Czars anyway? Since when do we need them? Who do they answer to? Will the next President be able to appoint an Attorney General to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute anything and everything these "Czars" possibly do wrong, or potentially look wrong to someone, and make a major issue out of it well into the next administration?
Goose, Gander and all that. Not to mention Karma.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Senator Kennedy A Reflection
I was sitting with my husband last night counting the number of presidents we have had in our lifetimes. We were softly laughing as we counted and he had two more than I did, being seven years my senior. I have lived through (yet have no real memory of) President's Nixon and Ford, but I remember President Jimmy Carter and I remember growing up hearing quite a bit about Senator Teddy Kennedy. I was a Chicago kid in the 70's, a teen in the 80's, and celebrated my 18th birthday in 1988 and participated in my first election. There was also, Regan, Bush 1, the Clinton Years, and the Bush 2 years, followed up now by the Obama Presidency.
I said to my husband that I had been listening to Mr. Dodd speak about his friendship with Teddy Kennedy, and I found it so touching to hear someone speak so genuinely fondly of someone they have known for 30 or more years. That is when I said wow, I am actually old enough to say I have known someone for 30 years. It occurred to me that life is moving along, every moment.
I sat and watched the entire Mass for Senator Kennedy this morning into this afternoon through my television screen. I have long considered myself a centrist, an Independent, someone who does not like the labels of political parties at all, really. However, as I sat and listened to the intercessory prayer requests, and the homily offered by the priest, and the passages that were chosen for the readings, I must admit, my heart was moved. I found myself in tears. I am not a big fan of organized religion as a whole, and I don't know much about the Catholic faith other than what I have learned & remembered from my personal attendance over the years as a child in a half Catholic family, and then marrying into a Catholic family, although my husband is not a practicing Catholic. I was spiritually moved though, today, and through tears I felt the drive and desire to want to do more than I have been doing in my local community to be of help to the stranger in need.
I was even more moved when I listened to his sons speak of him on such a personal level. It was nice to have the President speak the eulogy, but there was something special when his sons were speaking of their father just as their dad.
A lot was said today about a good man who tried to live his life the very best the he could. What more can anyone of us set out to do, and like Senator Kennedy claim success in the end. I appreciated the service today. Senator Kennedy will be missed.
I said to my husband that I had been listening to Mr. Dodd speak about his friendship with Teddy Kennedy, and I found it so touching to hear someone speak so genuinely fondly of someone they have known for 30 or more years. That is when I said wow, I am actually old enough to say I have known someone for 30 years. It occurred to me that life is moving along, every moment.
I sat and watched the entire Mass for Senator Kennedy this morning into this afternoon through my television screen. I have long considered myself a centrist, an Independent, someone who does not like the labels of political parties at all, really. However, as I sat and listened to the intercessory prayer requests, and the homily offered by the priest, and the passages that were chosen for the readings, I must admit, my heart was moved. I found myself in tears. I am not a big fan of organized religion as a whole, and I don't know much about the Catholic faith other than what I have learned & remembered from my personal attendance over the years as a child in a half Catholic family, and then marrying into a Catholic family, although my husband is not a practicing Catholic. I was spiritually moved though, today, and through tears I felt the drive and desire to want to do more than I have been doing in my local community to be of help to the stranger in need.
I was even more moved when I listened to his sons speak of him on such a personal level. It was nice to have the President speak the eulogy, but there was something special when his sons were speaking of their father just as their dad.
A lot was said today about a good man who tried to live his life the very best the he could. What more can anyone of us set out to do, and like Senator Kennedy claim success in the end. I appreciated the service today. Senator Kennedy will be missed.
Senator Reid's Response
This was orignally posted as a comment which was to appear directly under the original post. Since it did not, I am reposting it above the original post.
Response Received From Senator Harry Reid
August 20, 2009
Mrs. Sandra Bonadonna
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mrs. Bonadonna:
Thank you for contacting me. I always appreciate hearing from Nevadans.
As Nevada's senior senator and the Senate Majority Leader, it is my job to do what is in the best interest of the people of Nevada. Please be assured that I take these responsibilities very seriously, and I will continue to do everything I can to make Nevada an even better place to live and raise a family.
Over the past month I have had the privilege of holding several town hall-style meetings by teleconference with Nevadans concerning health care. I am happy to inform you that more than five thousand Nevadans were able to participate. During these forums, Nevadans, like yourself, voiced their opinions on the pending health legislation. In fact, I am looking forward to scheduling at least one more of these discussions during the August recess. Please continue to visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov, for updates on this and other events.
Additionally, I have invited doctors throughout our state to weigh in on the issue of health care reform at: http://reid.senate.gov/issues/reform_survey.cfm. Too often providers are not part of a robust discussion on how we should fix the problems that exist in the health care system. During this month I have also received and responded to over 7,500 constituent letters regarding various health-related issues. You may be assured that as the 111th Congress proceeds I will continue to listen closely to the concerns of Nevadans.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
My best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada
Response Received From Senator Harry Reid
August 20, 2009
Mrs. Sandra Bonadonna
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mrs. Bonadonna:
Thank you for contacting me. I always appreciate hearing from Nevadans.
As Nevada's senior senator and the Senate Majority Leader, it is my job to do what is in the best interest of the people of Nevada. Please be assured that I take these responsibilities very seriously, and I will continue to do everything I can to make Nevada an even better place to live and raise a family.
Over the past month I have had the privilege of holding several town hall-style meetings by teleconference with Nevadans concerning health care. I am happy to inform you that more than five thousand Nevadans were able to participate. During these forums, Nevadans, like yourself, voiced their opinions on the pending health legislation. In fact, I am looking forward to scheduling at least one more of these discussions during the August recess. Please continue to visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov, for updates on this and other events.
Additionally, I have invited doctors throughout our state to weigh in on the issue of health care reform at: http://reid.senate.gov/issues/reform_survey.cfm. Too often providers are not part of a robust discussion on how we should fix the problems that exist in the health care system. During this month I have also received and responded to over 7,500 constituent letters regarding various health-related issues. You may be assured that as the 111th Congress proceeds I will continue to listen closely to the concerns of Nevadans.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
My best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
