The best way to preserve the confidence of the people durably is to promote their true interests.GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to President Reed, July. 4, 1780
Wise words from a wise man! Do you feel that's the kind of representation we are receiving in Washington today? Where did the "service" part of the elected official's job description go? Now all we have are arrogant politicians telling us what is good for us. Do you feel your "interests" are being looked after by the men and women you've elected to do so?
Here's another great quote:
To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to James Welch, Apr. 7, 1799
Two hundred and ten years ago they "got it", not so much today! The best part is they didn't even have credit cards back then.
I wish someone would create a web site where we could insert a piece of pink paper (pink slip) into our printer and this would come out....
Dear (Insert name of elected official):
Due to a recent reorganization we've decided to adhere to our values and principles. After careful review we've decided your not up to the task of following those guidelines. As of the next voting cycle I'm afraid we're going to have to let you go. Please empty out your office, bring any personal effects, hat, coat, timecard, etc, and vacate the premises. We will be happy to supply you with a letter of recommendation for your next venture, perhaps Europe is hiring, they seem to agree with your agenda.
Best wishes in your new adventure:
(Sign here)
We the people!
Then mail it to the elected official!
God bless
Capt. Bill
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Round and Round We Go!
Have you ever wondered what contributes to the high cost of healthcare? Hospitals recently released these figures. Medicare and medicaid pay 70% and 90% of billed charges respectively. To compensate for the loss of revenue hospitals overcharge insurance carriers 130% for covered procedures. Would it be safe to assume that is reflected in our premiums? Talk about a back door taxation!
See there is no such thing as "free" healthcare, someone, somewhere is paying for it. Now we sit in a catch 22 situation. A government created entitlement is responsible for driving up health insurance premiums that the legislators in Washington are using as a talking point to regulate the insurance agency's premiums, and create yet another entitlement program. Can we assume the loss of income created by this new entitlement will be yet again passed on to the responsible citizen who purchases their own healthcare insurance? I hope I didn't lose you there.
Here is the final blow. Washington will regulate insurance premiums, either through legislation or a government run option, lowering the profitability. This will have one of two results. The government option will be the most attractive, moving people to leave private insurance, or the private companies will flat go out of business. In the end we have government controlled healthcare, another out of control entitlement.
You can't fix a problem you created by installing another problem.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
See there is no such thing as "free" healthcare, someone, somewhere is paying for it. Now we sit in a catch 22 situation. A government created entitlement is responsible for driving up health insurance premiums that the legislators in Washington are using as a talking point to regulate the insurance agency's premiums, and create yet another entitlement program. Can we assume the loss of income created by this new entitlement will be yet again passed on to the responsible citizen who purchases their own healthcare insurance? I hope I didn't lose you there.
Here is the final blow. Washington will regulate insurance premiums, either through legislation or a government run option, lowering the profitability. This will have one of two results. The government option will be the most attractive, moving people to leave private insurance, or the private companies will flat go out of business. In the end we have government controlled healthcare, another out of control entitlement.
You can't fix a problem you created by installing another problem.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Focus!!
Has anyone else noticed that people whose minds are focused on the past seem to a little depressed? They tend to use phrases like; "I used to", or "I miss", those words alone insinuate a melancholy attitude. It doesn't work driving around in a car through the rear view mirror. Why would we take that approach on life?
Some people tend to focus on the here and now. They live in the present only addressing short term issues in their lives. I've found them to be a little critical. They narrowed their focus to a small microcosm, a defined time frame and just pick it to pieces. Everything in their life is an issue! They tend to live their live in a reactive, not a proactive way, bending and adjusting to whatever comes next. I find them to be busy people, unfortunately in that mode, they aren't very productive, nor positive.
Have you noticed the happiest people are those with a vision of the future. They are anticipating the next wonderful event, like a child looks forward to Christmas. Outlooks like that are natural attractors, people love to be in the company of goal driven visionaries. I'll bet you've experience this yourself, looking forward to that upcoming vacation, the birth of a child, your new car, or perhaps your new home. It's also safe to bet the excitement and anticipation your experiencing spills over to others.
So where's your focus?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Some people tend to focus on the here and now. They live in the present only addressing short term issues in their lives. I've found them to be a little critical. They narrowed their focus to a small microcosm, a defined time frame and just pick it to pieces. Everything in their life is an issue! They tend to live their live in a reactive, not a proactive way, bending and adjusting to whatever comes next. I find them to be busy people, unfortunately in that mode, they aren't very productive, nor positive.
Have you noticed the happiest people are those with a vision of the future. They are anticipating the next wonderful event, like a child looks forward to Christmas. Outlooks like that are natural attractors, people love to be in the company of goal driven visionaries. I'll bet you've experience this yourself, looking forward to that upcoming vacation, the birth of a child, your new car, or perhaps your new home. It's also safe to bet the excitement and anticipation your experiencing spills over to others.
So where's your focus?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Commitment
I'm having an issue with our President and his delay of sending more troops to Afghanistan. Here are his options, as I've been told. Move in with 40,000 additional troops to sure up the forces in the North, South, East, and West, and use 15,000 of them to train Afghan army and police. His optional plan is to send just 15,000 troops to train Afghans.
I absolutely have a problem with whom is advising him on this decision, Biden and Kerry. They insist there is a stable non corrupt government in place prior to committing more forces. Let's look at that option.
Afghanistan is like a playground, they have a bully, the Taliban. If the USA moves in and runs off the bully, he just returns after we leave. Anyone who supported the USA will be dealt with harshly by the returning bully. You'll never get committed cooperation from the Afghans without permanent removal of the bully. Only then will they feel comfortable with democracy and freedom. Right now Afghans know their freedom exists only as long as the American forces keep the bully at bay. It's not complicated, we all learned this growing up. The message we send lacks commitment to their cause. Afghans will bow to whoever shows the might, as they are going to have to live under their oppression. It's survival instinct.
Afghans have never experienced true freedom. They feel they live under a giant rock of tyranny that will fall and crush them at any moment. In fact, the exact moment we leave. Our President waffling isn't doing anything but reinforcing their fears, and they are justified. If we abandon them the bully returns and life becomes hell.
Afghans need to feel the comfort of true freedom, no strings attached to overcome eons of oppression. America earned their freedom, it's why we hold it so dear and fight for it everywhere. Afghans can't visualize that.
Wikipedia tells us that although education is improving most Afghans are illiterate. The female population has been denied education forever. They have no organized form of government. They are a bigger challenge than Iraq as they lack basically everything to be a successful nation. A classic example of tyranny in action. You can't miss what you don't know.
So the clear path is to remove the bully first. Don't expect the people to understand the needs of freedom, this will be a learning process. Develop leaders through education, only then will the country survive on it's own. Don't expect them to appreciate democracy until they've learned what it is and had a taste of true freedom. It's going to take a while to get the infrastructure in place. They are eons behind compliments of oppression, and tyranny. We're working with a primitive nation, short on morals, and education. They have a lot of learning and growing to do. Let's begin that process by stabilizing the country first. Send the troops Mr President, and the message we are committed to these people.
A sad note to add, Eleven more US soldiers died in service to their country today in Afghanistan. Their base was over run because they didn't have enough personel. How much longer are you going to wait Mr President? How many more lives are going to be wasted while your undecided?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
I absolutely have a problem with whom is advising him on this decision, Biden and Kerry. They insist there is a stable non corrupt government in place prior to committing more forces. Let's look at that option.
Afghanistan is like a playground, they have a bully, the Taliban. If the USA moves in and runs off the bully, he just returns after we leave. Anyone who supported the USA will be dealt with harshly by the returning bully. You'll never get committed cooperation from the Afghans without permanent removal of the bully. Only then will they feel comfortable with democracy and freedom. Right now Afghans know their freedom exists only as long as the American forces keep the bully at bay. It's not complicated, we all learned this growing up. The message we send lacks commitment to their cause. Afghans will bow to whoever shows the might, as they are going to have to live under their oppression. It's survival instinct.
Afghans have never experienced true freedom. They feel they live under a giant rock of tyranny that will fall and crush them at any moment. In fact, the exact moment we leave. Our President waffling isn't doing anything but reinforcing their fears, and they are justified. If we abandon them the bully returns and life becomes hell.
Afghans need to feel the comfort of true freedom, no strings attached to overcome eons of oppression. America earned their freedom, it's why we hold it so dear and fight for it everywhere. Afghans can't visualize that.
Wikipedia tells us that although education is improving most Afghans are illiterate. The female population has been denied education forever. They have no organized form of government. They are a bigger challenge than Iraq as they lack basically everything to be a successful nation. A classic example of tyranny in action. You can't miss what you don't know.
So the clear path is to remove the bully first. Don't expect the people to understand the needs of freedom, this will be a learning process. Develop leaders through education, only then will the country survive on it's own. Don't expect them to appreciate democracy until they've learned what it is and had a taste of true freedom. It's going to take a while to get the infrastructure in place. They are eons behind compliments of oppression, and tyranny. We're working with a primitive nation, short on morals, and education. They have a lot of learning and growing to do. Let's begin that process by stabilizing the country first. Send the troops Mr President, and the message we are committed to these people.
A sad note to add, Eleven more US soldiers died in service to their country today in Afghanistan. Their base was over run because they didn't have enough personel. How much longer are you going to wait Mr President? How many more lives are going to be wasted while your undecided?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Monday, October 26, 2009
And The Week Begins!
Everybody wants to be thin, few like to diet. Everyone loves a beautiful garden, not many will take the time to pull the weeds to make it happen. Everybody want to be wealthy, few will do the work and be disciplined enough to get there. One of the keys to success is discipline!
Discipline and motivation go hand in hand. It's darn near impossible to be disciplined enough to follow through on the routine you need to stick to if your motivation is lacking. You have to know why, and want it bad enough to stick to that diet, or live within your means.
Take going to work on a Monday morning like this. It's fair to say that most aren't exactly fired up about beginning the new week. Change the motivation to a trip to Hawaii or somewhere that you'd love to visit and you'll find yourself springing out of bed whistling a tune. The difference? Motivation! It's something you want to do.
Set goals daily. Begin with the end in mind. Motivate yourself to be disciplined enough to be successful at what ever the goal. Truth be told, "If hard work were the key to success, most people would pick the lock." (William Gladstone). So you have to have a why. Given that why, your attitude toward the discipline required to succeed is lifted to the task at hand. Have a happy Monday!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Discipline and motivation go hand in hand. It's darn near impossible to be disciplined enough to follow through on the routine you need to stick to if your motivation is lacking. You have to know why, and want it bad enough to stick to that diet, or live within your means.
Take going to work on a Monday morning like this. It's fair to say that most aren't exactly fired up about beginning the new week. Change the motivation to a trip to Hawaii or somewhere that you'd love to visit and you'll find yourself springing out of bed whistling a tune. The difference? Motivation! It's something you want to do.
Set goals daily. Begin with the end in mind. Motivate yourself to be disciplined enough to be successful at what ever the goal. Truth be told, "If hard work were the key to success, most people would pick the lock." (William Gladstone). So you have to have a why. Given that why, your attitude toward the discipline required to succeed is lifted to the task at hand. Have a happy Monday!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Shame on You!
I couldn't help but draw a parallel between our current administration and a small child. They are both always testing the waters to see just exactly how far they can go. Tell that youngster they can't have say, a Marxist in the White House, and dang if when you turn your back they've not tried to sneak one in. It's just like the toy you forbade them to play with, first they touch it, then suddenly it's in their lap, and before you know it they are right back to being fully engaged by it. Unless you correct them.
The administration tried to sneak Van Jones (a vowed Marxist) in under our nose, and they got their hand slapped. Now they have numerous advisors who quietly admire Mao and his philosophies. Is anyone else uncomfortable with fans of the Communist Manifesto directing decisions in our nation's capitol? This crew is led by Valerie Jarret the senior advisor to the Obama family. Maybe I'm old fashion but doesn't it give cause to wonder what these people's agenda is? Seriously, do you leave a mouse to watch the cheese?
Where is the media? Without Fox news none of this would be exposed. When Van Jones was finally uncovered as a full blown Marxist radical the other news organizations had to give detailed explanations as to who he was. They were totally caught with their pants down, while Fox had been enlightening it's viewers for weeks and viewers knew and were part of the outcry. Why?
We have an administration that acts like a spoiled child. They test the waters of what, we the public will tolerate, daily. When they've pushed the limits and are exopsed they retreat. They tried to evict Fox News from press interviews because they are who is exposing this behind close door tactics. It's a daily assault on our freedoms and intelligence coming from Washington. Why?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
The administration tried to sneak Van Jones (a vowed Marxist) in under our nose, and they got their hand slapped. Now they have numerous advisors who quietly admire Mao and his philosophies. Is anyone else uncomfortable with fans of the Communist Manifesto directing decisions in our nation's capitol? This crew is led by Valerie Jarret the senior advisor to the Obama family. Maybe I'm old fashion but doesn't it give cause to wonder what these people's agenda is? Seriously, do you leave a mouse to watch the cheese?
Where is the media? Without Fox news none of this would be exposed. When Van Jones was finally uncovered as a full blown Marxist radical the other news organizations had to give detailed explanations as to who he was. They were totally caught with their pants down, while Fox had been enlightening it's viewers for weeks and viewers knew and were part of the outcry. Why?
We have an administration that acts like a spoiled child. They test the waters of what, we the public will tolerate, daily. When they've pushed the limits and are exopsed they retreat. They tried to evict Fox News from press interviews because they are who is exposing this behind close door tactics. It's a daily assault on our freedoms and intelligence coming from Washington. Why?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Friday, October 23, 2009
Grandma Said.........
Today I'd like to speak to integrity and honesty. I'm going to aim my message at the left wing liberals in this great country, particularly the moveon.org people. They've enlisted actress Heather Graham in their most recent attack on citizens who hold an opinion against government run health care. In the ad they say "over 70% of Americans are in favor of a government run healthcare option." There is no such poll or survey. Facts are the most recent Rasmussen poll tells us 54% of Americans oppose the government run option, with 42% approving of it. Shame on you move-on...Granny always said if you have to lie to people to influence their opinion, you've got the wrong cause.
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/track_meet.html?rc=homepage
That's not the only underhanded move liberals have used of late. Sara Palin is about to release her book titled "Going Rogue". Now in an attempt to discredit the former governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate, the editors of the left leaning weekly publication "The Nation", are releasing a book titled "Going Rouge" on the same date with an eerily similar cover.
http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/10/21/going-rouge-palin-basher-lookalike/
I've have to ask. What are liberals afraid of this woman for? Is there no end to the treachery they will stoop to? Why would anyone align themselves with such deceit?
Yesterday the White House tried to deny freedom of the press granted to us by our founding fathers and blackball Fox News from participating in press interviews with Obama's pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg. Thankfully the other news organizations banded together and refused to interview him unless Fox was allowed to participate. Even the liberal media understood it was time to grow a spine and stand for our rights. Just because the White House doesn't like the way their events are reported by Fox, does not grant them the right to censor them. The White House conceded.
Is anyone else concerned with this behavior? This all speaks volumes to the underhandedness and lack of integrity rampant inside the liberal cause. No wonder they don't want religion anywhere near them. Morality is obviously absent in their ideaology. Apparently they are busy serving their agenda not serving the voting public.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
https://pol.moveon.org/donate/track_meet.html?rc=homepage
That's not the only underhanded move liberals have used of late. Sara Palin is about to release her book titled "Going Rogue". Now in an attempt to discredit the former governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate, the editors of the left leaning weekly publication "The Nation", are releasing a book titled "Going Rouge" on the same date with an eerily similar cover.
http://shelf-life.ew.com/2009/10/21/going-rouge-palin-basher-lookalike/
I've have to ask. What are liberals afraid of this woman for? Is there no end to the treachery they will stoop to? Why would anyone align themselves with such deceit?
Yesterday the White House tried to deny freedom of the press granted to us by our founding fathers and blackball Fox News from participating in press interviews with Obama's pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg. Thankfully the other news organizations banded together and refused to interview him unless Fox was allowed to participate. Even the liberal media understood it was time to grow a spine and stand for our rights. Just because the White House doesn't like the way their events are reported by Fox, does not grant them the right to censor them. The White House conceded.
Is anyone else concerned with this behavior? This all speaks volumes to the underhandedness and lack of integrity rampant inside the liberal cause. No wonder they don't want religion anywhere near them. Morality is obviously absent in their ideaology. Apparently they are busy serving their agenda not serving the voting public.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dollars and Sense?
Did yesterday's post clear up how to handle today's economic disparity? I didn't think so. The problems we are facing economically are from decades of fiscal irresponsibility in Washington. The left will argue they balanced the budget under Bill Clinton, and the republican's will argue it was because of Bush Sr.'s tax increase. Neither is true. Conservative Newt Gingrich and his cronies are responsible for putting the legislation in front of Clinton to sign that is exactly what this country now needs to do, balance the budget. Nobody deserves credit, but they all share in the blame. We, as citizens, would all be evicted if we ran our households like the government is run. I'm not the first to let the cat out of the bag, the dollar is on shaky ground.
Let me ask you this, as fiscally responsible citizens, is the agenda Washington taking wise? Can our economy take the burden of a Cap and Trade tax? Is it prudent to raise the taxes on the job producing small business sector? Would it be smarter to eliminate the fraud and waste in the healthcare system rather than burden the economy with new entitlements? Shouldn't we generate our own energy by drilling the incredible domestic oil reserves , there by balancing the trade deficit and strengthening our currency? Wouldn't it also be intelligent to use clean nuclear power to resolve our own energy issues, eliminating the dependency on foreign energy sources, again reinforcing our dollar? How many other contradictions to common sense are we going to tolerate out of Washington?
These are all questions I'd like answered. If I didn't know any better I'd think Washington is intentionally trying to ruin our economy. What sane person piles debt on top of debt to resolve debt? Please reread that last sentence and let it roll around in your head for a minuet...... Does an answer come to mind? Me either....
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Let me ask you this, as fiscally responsible citizens, is the agenda Washington taking wise? Can our economy take the burden of a Cap and Trade tax? Is it prudent to raise the taxes on the job producing small business sector? Would it be smarter to eliminate the fraud and waste in the healthcare system rather than burden the economy with new entitlements? Shouldn't we generate our own energy by drilling the incredible domestic oil reserves , there by balancing the trade deficit and strengthening our currency? Wouldn't it also be intelligent to use clean nuclear power to resolve our own energy issues, eliminating the dependency on foreign energy sources, again reinforcing our dollar? How many other contradictions to common sense are we going to tolerate out of Washington?
These are all questions I'd like answered. If I didn't know any better I'd think Washington is intentionally trying to ruin our economy. What sane person piles debt on top of debt to resolve debt? Please reread that last sentence and let it roll around in your head for a minuet...... Does an answer come to mind? Me either....
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What To Do?
One thing I've found that people agree on lately, and this crosses party lines, is that we are about to be blasted with inflation. Everyone understands the printing of money is making our supply worth less and shortly it's going to take more of our dollars to buy goods and services. The biggest question on everyone's mind is what do we do?
Some have suggested we invest in property. To quote my grandfather, "You can't burn dirt." While that is true, you can tax it though. As many investors have found it's hard to use real estate as a hedge on inflation when your profits are eaten up with taxes and insurance. You can take this to the bank, if inflation devalues the dollar, taxes will go up, especially property taxes. There are some incredible buys in the real estate market right now, but as a wise wealthy man once told me. Never finance anything that depreciates! Income generating property that isn't financed maybe a hedge as no matter what the economy, people need housing. The key here is no mortgage.
Others have suggested investing in gold. Gold does have it's merit. It has been one of the few investments gaining value. You can buy it in small increments. I'd stay away from gold exchanges where you purchase gold and they store it for you, keep your investment in your control. This creates a storage problem, but the physical control of your investment outweighs the inconvenience. It's less likely to have a gold exchange fold and you left holding the bag.
The best advice I've heard so far is never invest money you can't afford to lose. I'm keeping stock market investments out of my portfolio, that's just my personal feeling. Stocking up on non-perishable food is a great idea as those prices are bound to skyrocket. Plant a garden! You have to eat, and anything you can do now to save for price increases later is money in the bank. You'd be amazed how a little foresight now can save big dollars later. Pay off any debt! Get that off your plate ASAP!
Even the worse situation creates a need. Frame adversity as opportunity and find a niche. Some of the fanciest estates were built during the Great Depression. Me, I'll be building a residual income in a business that flourishes in hard times.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Some have suggested we invest in property. To quote my grandfather, "You can't burn dirt." While that is true, you can tax it though. As many investors have found it's hard to use real estate as a hedge on inflation when your profits are eaten up with taxes and insurance. You can take this to the bank, if inflation devalues the dollar, taxes will go up, especially property taxes. There are some incredible buys in the real estate market right now, but as a wise wealthy man once told me. Never finance anything that depreciates! Income generating property that isn't financed maybe a hedge as no matter what the economy, people need housing. The key here is no mortgage.
Others have suggested investing in gold. Gold does have it's merit. It has been one of the few investments gaining value. You can buy it in small increments. I'd stay away from gold exchanges where you purchase gold and they store it for you, keep your investment in your control. This creates a storage problem, but the physical control of your investment outweighs the inconvenience. It's less likely to have a gold exchange fold and you left holding the bag.
The best advice I've heard so far is never invest money you can't afford to lose. I'm keeping stock market investments out of my portfolio, that's just my personal feeling. Stocking up on non-perishable food is a great idea as those prices are bound to skyrocket. Plant a garden! You have to eat, and anything you can do now to save for price increases later is money in the bank. You'd be amazed how a little foresight now can save big dollars later. Pay off any debt! Get that off your plate ASAP!
Even the worse situation creates a need. Frame adversity as opportunity and find a niche. Some of the fanciest estates were built during the Great Depression. Me, I'll be building a residual income in a business that flourishes in hard times.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Mission Statement!
Well I hope everyone survived Monday with a great attitude. First I'd like to wish my #1 son a Happy Birthday as it's tomorrow in Afghanistan! Keep you and your men safe Sarge, God Bless, and I love you! Second #2 son and his team mates get an atta boy, for breaking the top ten national ranking in D2 football, Go Eagles! I'm so proud of both of you!
I drift back and forth on topics depending on the need. Leadership, humor, personal growth, history and politics are the themes I've chosen. There is too little known on each and everyone of these topics. Together I hope we can learn and grow. I get as much out of these paragraphs as anyone. I guess you could say we learn by teaching. The goal of this blog is to inform, so you can pass the knowledge forward, and teach or defend depending on the case. Sometimes it's just to put a smile on your face so you can spread that around! I hope this blog inspires conversation. When we discuss we learn and grow.
Much to my dismay we lean toward politics. Reason being not to complain but to again inform. There is a litany of problems facing our nation, and the direction the country is taking is sending up red flags like a violent soccer match. I'm afraid we made a grave mistake in our leadership, and it's not just this last election. There are long standing elected officials in Washington who don't represent your or our best interests. It's our duty as citizens and patriots to correct that! Only information will awaken the public out of the complacent coma we've been mesmerized into.
Lastly today I hope you realize it's a bi-partisan issue. It's not one party or the other, it's both! I hope no one feels I'm picking on just one, because there are very few in my eyes who understand their job description as defined by our founding fathers. This administration was correct about one thing, we need change. But we need a change of values, and we need principles and ethics. My prayer is these words always reflect that!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
I drift back and forth on topics depending on the need. Leadership, humor, personal growth, history and politics are the themes I've chosen. There is too little known on each and everyone of these topics. Together I hope we can learn and grow. I get as much out of these paragraphs as anyone. I guess you could say we learn by teaching. The goal of this blog is to inform, so you can pass the knowledge forward, and teach or defend depending on the case. Sometimes it's just to put a smile on your face so you can spread that around! I hope this blog inspires conversation. When we discuss we learn and grow.
Much to my dismay we lean toward politics. Reason being not to complain but to again inform. There is a litany of problems facing our nation, and the direction the country is taking is sending up red flags like a violent soccer match. I'm afraid we made a grave mistake in our leadership, and it's not just this last election. There are long standing elected officials in Washington who don't represent your or our best interests. It's our duty as citizens and patriots to correct that! Only information will awaken the public out of the complacent coma we've been mesmerized into.
Lastly today I hope you realize it's a bi-partisan issue. It's not one party or the other, it's both! I hope no one feels I'm picking on just one, because there are very few in my eyes who understand their job description as defined by our founding fathers. This administration was correct about one thing, we need change. But we need a change of values, and we need principles and ethics. My prayer is these words always reflect that!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Monday, October 19, 2009
Refocus!
Monday mornings are usually a challenge for the world. The thought of beginning a brand new work week loses it's charm as we roll out of bed and begin our daily ritual. Here in lies the key to success,,,,Attitude!
Refocus your attitude today. Understand you "get" to go to work, or whatever challenge lies ahead on your to do list. Change perspective and look at your task from what the disadvantaged see. Somewhere there is someone who is wishing they had the chance to do whatever your thinking about complaining about. Become that person and look at your task as a gift. Your blessed with the opportunity!
Then pay that blessing forward. Find someone to edify today! Bring a smile to a person's face you'll feel your blessings multiply. Nothing helps you turn the corner on a Monday than a smile from someone you just complimented.
Most importantly...Have a great day!!!!
God Bless
Capt.Bill
Refocus your attitude today. Understand you "get" to go to work, or whatever challenge lies ahead on your to do list. Change perspective and look at your task from what the disadvantaged see. Somewhere there is someone who is wishing they had the chance to do whatever your thinking about complaining about. Become that person and look at your task as a gift. Your blessed with the opportunity!
Then pay that blessing forward. Find someone to edify today! Bring a smile to a person's face you'll feel your blessings multiply. Nothing helps you turn the corner on a Monday than a smile from someone you just complimented.
Most importantly...Have a great day!!!!
God Bless
Capt.Bill
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Land of Opportunity!
America, the land of opportunity! How sad is it when you can't make it in the land of opportunity? I mean really, people float here on tires just for the chance that they'd have a chance. Those people understand the value of freedom and opportunity that some of us take for granted. Just think about it for a second...They abandon free health care for opportunity and freedom. Seriously, they leave a progressive liberal's utopia where income is redistributed and everyone is on a level playing field, (except the dictator and his cronies), and health care is free! In some cases they brave shark infested waters hell bent on getting their feet on American soil where they will surely be arrested and incarcerated. They seek asylum from the policies that some in Washington are steering our country toward.
We on the other hand complain because health care isn't free. We complain because our unemployment check is too low or doesn't last long enough. We complain because there aren't enough jobs or we can't afford a house. We complain because we've plunged ourselves into credit card debt. We complain because people who work hard are compensated too much in our eyes. We complain when business makes money, because it had to do it at our expense, after all we are entitled to our share of the fruits of their labor. We complain about our poor, the people on welfare, who enjoy a higher standard of living than the average European.
Here's what we don't complain about. We don't complain there is a Burger King,
Mc Donald's, or a Wendy's on every other corner and even the lowest income citizen can afford to eat there whenever they choose. We don't complain about food shortages here, in fact we are the most well fed population in the world.We don't complain we can worship freely. We don't complain we have the right to assemble and free speech. We don't complain we have electricity and running water and good sanitation.
Our nation was founded on the back of hard work and with the belief we'd be compensated for that hard work. We've trading hard work for entitlements and complaining. We can't make it in the land of opportunity! Yet people who understand the value of opportunity face overwhelming odds to come for everything we complain about. Maybe those who are complaining should look to create their own opportunity in this fertile environment. We don't need to change the country, just our perspective.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
We on the other hand complain because health care isn't free. We complain because our unemployment check is too low or doesn't last long enough. We complain because there aren't enough jobs or we can't afford a house. We complain because we've plunged ourselves into credit card debt. We complain because people who work hard are compensated too much in our eyes. We complain when business makes money, because it had to do it at our expense, after all we are entitled to our share of the fruits of their labor. We complain about our poor, the people on welfare, who enjoy a higher standard of living than the average European.
Here's what we don't complain about. We don't complain there is a Burger King,
Mc Donald's, or a Wendy's on every other corner and even the lowest income citizen can afford to eat there whenever they choose. We don't complain about food shortages here, in fact we are the most well fed population in the world.We don't complain we can worship freely. We don't complain we have the right to assemble and free speech. We don't complain we have electricity and running water and good sanitation.
Our nation was founded on the back of hard work and with the belief we'd be compensated for that hard work. We've trading hard work for entitlements and complaining. We can't make it in the land of opportunity! Yet people who understand the value of opportunity face overwhelming odds to come for everything we complain about. Maybe those who are complaining should look to create their own opportunity in this fertile environment. We don't need to change the country, just our perspective.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Friday, October 16, 2009
Individuality
I came across some philosophy and quotes the other day while reading I thought I'd share. The first one is from Dr. Martin Luther King.King sought to change the context in which all Negroes lived, to change the reality itself. King being a realist, the reality simply was. The individual was primary, not the "community"; either the community would be uplifted in the process of thousands, millions, of individuals achieving their personal best, or it would be left behind.
Isn't that powerful? A rising tide lifts all ships, so to speak. I'm amazed how far we've drifted from King's philosophy. It seems we are now guided by Star Trek's Dr. Spock's line from a movie. "The needs of the many out weigh the needs of a few." If we protect the individual and gather personal greatness the "community" can't help but follow suite? We've adopted a socialist mentality of late that moves us toward the good of the people. This ends with personal victory and success being lost in the herd. If one individual can rise above, isn't it in fact true the rest can also? Communities never raise the bar, individual success does.
This quote comes from a speech Condoleezza Rice gave to the graduates of the University of Alabama in 1994, " As an educated person, you have the tools to change your own circumstances for the better wherever you find them stifling and along the way to change the lives of others too. But you have to believe- like many who had less reason to have faith in tomorrow but nonetheless did- that the locomotive of human progress is individual will. And then you have only to act on it, confident you will succeed."
The power of learning is the key to individual success. A series of individual successes is the key to community well being. The welfare of our nation is based on correct information learned and applied. I'm preaching to the choir here because all of my readers share a commonality to want to learn. Pay that forward and inspire others to follow. We can defeat the herd mentality and become the America of innovation and success we need to be!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Isn't that powerful? A rising tide lifts all ships, so to speak. I'm amazed how far we've drifted from King's philosophy. It seems we are now guided by Star Trek's Dr. Spock's line from a movie. "The needs of the many out weigh the needs of a few." If we protect the individual and gather personal greatness the "community" can't help but follow suite? We've adopted a socialist mentality of late that moves us toward the good of the people. This ends with personal victory and success being lost in the herd. If one individual can rise above, isn't it in fact true the rest can also? Communities never raise the bar, individual success does.
This quote comes from a speech Condoleezza Rice gave to the graduates of the University of Alabama in 1994, " As an educated person, you have the tools to change your own circumstances for the better wherever you find them stifling and along the way to change the lives of others too. But you have to believe- like many who had less reason to have faith in tomorrow but nonetheless did- that the locomotive of human progress is individual will. And then you have only to act on it, confident you will succeed."
The power of learning is the key to individual success. A series of individual successes is the key to community well being. The welfare of our nation is based on correct information learned and applied. I'm preaching to the choir here because all of my readers share a commonality to want to learn. Pay that forward and inspire others to follow. We can defeat the herd mentality and become the America of innovation and success we need to be!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Capitalism and Healthcare
I'm sure you've heard the argument suggesting the best way to correct a market is to encourage capitalism. Good old healthy competition! It works for health care too. Here's an oft overlooked example....
In 2006 Wal-Mart decided to start an aggressive campaign and lower many of their prescription drug prices to $4.00 for a 30 day supply (mostly generics). This saved Americans literally billions of dollars (Pay attention Washington). Hat's off to an often maligned company for putting the consumer first!
To stay competitive, Target, Kroger, First, Giant, Giant Eagle, Food Lion, Publix, and Safeway fell in line as well. They had to if they wanted to compete. Wal-Greens played their ace card, and now offers a 90 day supply of over 400 prescription drugs for a mere $12.00. A perfect example of competition driving the market.
Wal-Mart realizes through marketing studies that every customer in their store spends about a quarter million dollars over their lifetime. The prescription drug discounts was genius marketing that brings customers into the store, and forced the competition to follow suit.
Wal-Greens in kind has a ploy of their own.They are currently developing low cost in store clinics with nurse practioners to handle your daily aches and pains. You have to think their medications and collateral medical needs will be addressed right in store increasing sales!
Competition creates innovative thinking! Pssst, Washington release the hounds and remove the restrictions on interstate health insurance sales! Raise the level of competition, not our taxes or national debt. Cosmetic surgery is a competitive market. As an elected procedure there is price shopping. Did you know since 2005 studies have shown, cosmetic procedures pricing has decreased and quality has risen? Free market principles work in health care given unrestricted opportunity.
Healthcarebluebook.com discloses reasonable pricing for procedures and treatments. Perhaps if we shopped our medical care like we do our auto or big screen purchase we could get a better deal? Wouldn't that'd drive down prices? Teladoc is a service that guarantees to put you in phone contact with a licensed physician within three hours for $35.00. American Well is another company with a new idea, webcam conferences with a licensed physician, $45.00. You know there have been times I'd of traded my house for a chat with a live doctor 24/7. Wal-Mart is now toying with the idea of virtual clinic in their store where your appointment is also via webcam.
Does Washington applaud entrepreneurial efforts to simplify and lower healthcare costs? Nope, they want to assault the founding principles and tax us into bankruptcy and debt. Narrow minded thinking brings costly narrow results. Is the fact most politicians, or their advisors have never had a job in the private sector, nor ever run a business beginning to show? You betcha! (Thanks Sara). Let me ask you this. Have you heard any of this on your news station? Not likely. It's really time for a change, one that evicts those incompetent slackers and brings in new blood with new ideas! Imanoncall suggested in a comment we call Congress and wish them farewell, it's just good manners to say goodbye!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
In 2006 Wal-Mart decided to start an aggressive campaign and lower many of their prescription drug prices to $4.00 for a 30 day supply (mostly generics). This saved Americans literally billions of dollars (Pay attention Washington). Hat's off to an often maligned company for putting the consumer first!
To stay competitive, Target, Kroger, First, Giant, Giant Eagle, Food Lion, Publix, and Safeway fell in line as well. They had to if they wanted to compete. Wal-Greens played their ace card, and now offers a 90 day supply of over 400 prescription drugs for a mere $12.00. A perfect example of competition driving the market.
Wal-Mart realizes through marketing studies that every customer in their store spends about a quarter million dollars over their lifetime. The prescription drug discounts was genius marketing that brings customers into the store, and forced the competition to follow suit.
Wal-Greens in kind has a ploy of their own.They are currently developing low cost in store clinics with nurse practioners to handle your daily aches and pains. You have to think their medications and collateral medical needs will be addressed right in store increasing sales!
Competition creates innovative thinking! Pssst, Washington release the hounds and remove the restrictions on interstate health insurance sales! Raise the level of competition, not our taxes or national debt. Cosmetic surgery is a competitive market. As an elected procedure there is price shopping. Did you know since 2005 studies have shown, cosmetic procedures pricing has decreased and quality has risen? Free market principles work in health care given unrestricted opportunity.
Healthcarebluebook.com discloses reasonable pricing for procedures and treatments. Perhaps if we shopped our medical care like we do our auto or big screen purchase we could get a better deal? Wouldn't that'd drive down prices? Teladoc is a service that guarantees to put you in phone contact with a licensed physician within three hours for $35.00. American Well is another company with a new idea, webcam conferences with a licensed physician, $45.00. You know there have been times I'd of traded my house for a chat with a live doctor 24/7. Wal-Mart is now toying with the idea of virtual clinic in their store where your appointment is also via webcam.
Does Washington applaud entrepreneurial efforts to simplify and lower healthcare costs? Nope, they want to assault the founding principles and tax us into bankruptcy and debt. Narrow minded thinking brings costly narrow results. Is the fact most politicians, or their advisors have never had a job in the private sector, nor ever run a business beginning to show? You betcha! (Thanks Sara). Let me ask you this. Have you heard any of this on your news station? Not likely. It's really time for a change, one that evicts those incompetent slackers and brings in new blood with new ideas! Imanoncall suggested in a comment we call Congress and wish them farewell, it's just good manners to say goodbye!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Government + Usurpng Authority = Financial Chaos
Do you know where the majority of your taxes go? It's to fix everything the government got it's nose into. Let's look at the economy, a pretty big issue now a days. What created this recession? Well, let's see....Washington decided to help out low income voters by making it easier to purchase a home. (I've searched the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, still can't find that in the job description). They then lowered the interest rates to aid the lower credit standards,(Again don't see that as something our founding fathers had in mind for them to do). They took government created entities (Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac, also outside their job description), bundled up these faulty mortgages and sold them to wall street. Just to totally screw our economy up they legislated the Mark to Market policy. (That means things are worth whatever the market will pay for them and nothing more). This took all of Wall Street's investments in these mortgage bundles and made them worthless, collapsing the financial market and banking industry.
Are you following me here? Notice the common denominator. Now to fix the screw up they bailed out the financial industry at your expense. (Again something AWOL from their job description). The collateral damage of these moves ruined the financial arms of the auto industry, (GMAC etc). Creating a problem for auto makers. Well heck, the government screwed it up, they should bail them out, no? No..........Again not their job description.
Now we leap into the present...Healthcare costs are out of control. Guess why? Government created programs, Medicare and Medicaid are going bankrupt, so..... The government is going to "fix" health care. Anybody else have a problem with this? Or is it just me.....? Anybody want to bet me insurance companies have financial trouble in their future? I'll give you odds! I'm also willing to wager that'll require a bail out too!
Bottom line,(thanks for the quote Biden) the common denominator is the government. Let me ask you. Do any of these problems exist if not for government intervention? Would it be reasonable to assume if we remove the government from the equation the result changes? How about WE THE PEOPLE, demand government stops usurping it's authority and do it's job as outlined by our founding fathers! Speak loudly my friends, there is another crisis on the horizon, and it'll come out of your pocket to fix it!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Are you following me here? Notice the common denominator. Now to fix the screw up they bailed out the financial industry at your expense. (Again something AWOL from their job description). The collateral damage of these moves ruined the financial arms of the auto industry, (GMAC etc). Creating a problem for auto makers. Well heck, the government screwed it up, they should bail them out, no? No..........Again not their job description.
Now we leap into the present...Healthcare costs are out of control. Guess why? Government created programs, Medicare and Medicaid are going bankrupt, so..... The government is going to "fix" health care. Anybody else have a problem with this? Or is it just me.....? Anybody want to bet me insurance companies have financial trouble in their future? I'll give you odds! I'm also willing to wager that'll require a bail out too!
Bottom line,(thanks for the quote Biden) the common denominator is the government. Let me ask you. Do any of these problems exist if not for government intervention? Would it be reasonable to assume if we remove the government from the equation the result changes? How about WE THE PEOPLE, demand government stops usurping it's authority and do it's job as outlined by our founding fathers! Speak loudly my friends, there is another crisis on the horizon, and it'll come out of your pocket to fix it!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Visiting the First Amendment...
Have you ever actually read the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States? Let me refresh your memory...
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Pretty simple, no? No where near 1000 pages of legal jargon, just plain and simple. Yet people misinterpret it everyday. Some where in those simple words America has found separation of church and state. I'll show you later where that comes in but for now let's break down this one sentence.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." Congress, (that's the law making body of our government), shall make no law,(Don't we wish), respecting the establishment of religion. So as I read this, Congress cannot prohibit religion, nor can it make one. Nine words all in English, hard to misinterpret.
"Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:" Whoa, there buddy....Doesn't that say we are free to practice our religion, freely? So if I'm reading this right the ACLU can't take God out of schools according to the freedoms granted us as citizens of the United States, by the Bill of Rights? You mean I can put Christ back in Christmas? We can pray anywhere if we so desire?
Now the rest goes on to say "or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press". Abridging defined: 1 a archaic : deprive b : to reduce in scope : diminish (attempts to abridge the right of free speech). So I'm thinking I can profess my religious belief as defined by The Bill of Rights, written or orally.
Finally,"or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." So we can attend churches, rallies, tea parties, just as long as we are peaceful. We are also free to exhibit our unhappiness with the administration so long as we do it peacefully.
So where does it say "Separation of church and state?" Psssst., it doesn't. Those ideas were penned by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to The Danbury Baptist Association in 1802, 15 years after the Constitution was written. The Assn. was concerned about their right to worship as a minority group in the State of Connecticut. They wrote Jefferson for guidance and to ease their fears. Jefferson responded citing the words of the 1st amendment, then mentioned the "establishment clause" created a "wall of separation" between church and state. Meaning religion was protected from the state, not visa versa. There is no legislation to suggest separation of state from religion.
Isn't it funny how twisted this has become? The letter of the law is not actually a written law, but an opinion offered in a reply to a religious group asking if they had the right to worship unconditionally, fifteen years after the fact. Now there is a spin on facts that's changed the face of America, the morality of a nation, and the way our children are raised. You would think the great legal minds of this nation would correct this error. I'll bet they could if they were actually focused on defending the Constitution.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Pretty simple, no? No where near 1000 pages of legal jargon, just plain and simple. Yet people misinterpret it everyday. Some where in those simple words America has found separation of church and state. I'll show you later where that comes in but for now let's break down this one sentence.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." Congress, (that's the law making body of our government), shall make no law,(Don't we wish), respecting the establishment of religion. So as I read this, Congress cannot prohibit religion, nor can it make one. Nine words all in English, hard to misinterpret.
"Or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:" Whoa, there buddy....Doesn't that say we are free to practice our religion, freely? So if I'm reading this right the ACLU can't take God out of schools according to the freedoms granted us as citizens of the United States, by the Bill of Rights? You mean I can put Christ back in Christmas? We can pray anywhere if we so desire?
Now the rest goes on to say "or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press". Abridging defined: 1 a archaic : deprive b : to reduce in scope : diminish (attempts to abridge the right of free speech). So I'm thinking I can profess my religious belief as defined by The Bill of Rights, written or orally.
Finally,"or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." So we can attend churches, rallies, tea parties, just as long as we are peaceful. We are also free to exhibit our unhappiness with the administration so long as we do it peacefully.
So where does it say "Separation of church and state?" Psssst., it doesn't. Those ideas were penned by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to The Danbury Baptist Association in 1802, 15 years after the Constitution was written. The Assn. was concerned about their right to worship as a minority group in the State of Connecticut. They wrote Jefferson for guidance and to ease their fears. Jefferson responded citing the words of the 1st amendment, then mentioned the "establishment clause" created a "wall of separation" between church and state. Meaning religion was protected from the state, not visa versa. There is no legislation to suggest separation of state from religion.
Isn't it funny how twisted this has become? The letter of the law is not actually a written law, but an opinion offered in a reply to a religious group asking if they had the right to worship unconditionally, fifteen years after the fact. Now there is a spin on facts that's changed the face of America, the morality of a nation, and the way our children are raised. You would think the great legal minds of this nation would correct this error. I'll bet they could if they were actually focused on defending the Constitution.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Monday, October 12, 2009
Just the Facts!
The World Health Org. (WHO) is an arm of the United Nations, in yesterday's post I offered up their job description. In a nutshell they are part of the international movement to unite everyone under one rule, one currency, one world order. A combine of socialist nations. Pro universal health care supporters often quote studies by WHO to argue health care in the USA is in disarray. Let's look at the facts, here is the rankings as listed by WHO, for the best in health care by nation....
Rank Country
1 France
2 Italy
3 San Marino
4 Andorra
5 Malta
6 Singapore
7 Spain
8 Oman
9 Austria
10 Japan
11 Norway
12 Portugal
13 Monaco
14 Greece
15 Iceland
16 Luxembourg
17 Netherlands
18 United Kingdom
19 Ireland
20 Switzerland
21 Belgium
22 Colombia
23 Sweden
24 Cyprus
25 Germany
26 Saudi Arabia
27 United Arab Emirates
28 Israel
29 Morocco
30 Canada
31 Finland
32 Australia
33 Chile
34 Denmark
35 Dominica
36 Costa Rica
37 United States of America
I couldn't help but notice we were 37th! Isn't it funny the nation that supplies the world with the greatest amount of innovations in the health care field is 37th? Let's look at why..
...Why do we need to rank countries according to the performance of their health services? Presumably, an important objective is to see what we can learn from "the best", using them as points of reference on the road to better health. A very important element in the WHO ranking, however, is the credibility of the indicators of performance that it uses. It is therefore important to know how the ranking was developed, the assumptions behind the preparation of the indicators used in the ranking, and the consequences for health policy of choosing one indicator versus another.
Let us start with the nature of the indicators. The WHO report develops three types of indicators. The first is related to the effectiveness of the health-care system (mainly medical care plus traditional public-health services) in reducing mortality and morbidity. The second is related to the responsiveness of the system to the user, understanding responsiveness as the ability to protect the user's dignity; to provide confidentiality and autonomy; to provide care promptly with high-quality amenities; to provide access to social support; and to ensure a choice of provider. And the third type of indicator is related to the fairness of the system, measured by the degree of progressiveness in the funding of health care.
One of the leading factors used it mortality, looking at that list how many of those countries ahead of the US citizens own cars? The fifth biggest killer of US citizen's is the automobile, and related accidents. Fewer cars = fewer auto deaths? Let's look at the stats for deaths in the USA...
Number of deaths for leading causes of death
Heart disease: 631,636
Cancer: 559,888
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 137,119
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 124,583
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 121,599
Diabetes: 72,449
Alzheimer's disease: 72,432
Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,326
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 45,344
Septicemia: 34,234
Car Crash Stats: There were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005. 2.9 million people were injured and 42,636 people killed. About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States -- one death every 13 minutes.
How about the #1 killer in the USA? Heart disease! Since most of the nations ranked ahead of us don't have vehicles would it be safe to assume they walk to their destination a lot? This creates a healthier lifestyle, we are an obese nation. How many Burger Kings, etc do you think are available to the population of say, San Marino, Malta, or Andorra? Would it be a stretch to say they've not been subject to desserts like "Death by chocolate?' The majority of the European Union live at or below the USA's poverty level financially. Could we surmise they eat less crap as they can't afford to do so? What about drug abuse? Since they don't have a large discretionary income to spend on prescription or any other type of drug abuse. Alcohol abuse accounts for 85,000 deaths annually in America. Can the people of Luxembourg afford to spend money they use to feed themselves on alcohol?
The facts are lifestyle is the cause of our lower ranking, not our health care system. Well there is one other factor they omit,infant death rate. We consider a live birth any indication of life. Most of those countries have a weight or other limiting issue. We also dedicate ourselves to saving low birth weight children as we have advanced technology. We use fertility drugs more often promoting multiple births of low weight, high risk baby's. Many of those countries abort high risk pregnancies, we do not. So the USA has a skewed number in that area affecting the statistics.
I know this is a long post but I want you armed with the facts when you face this argument. We are going to have to defend health care if we wish to keep it.
Excuses? Absolutely! Fixable? Not with universal health care!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Rank Country
1 France
2 Italy
3 San Marino
4 Andorra
5 Malta
6 Singapore
7 Spain
8 Oman
9 Austria
10 Japan
11 Norway
12 Portugal
13 Monaco
14 Greece
15 Iceland
16 Luxembourg
17 Netherlands
18 United Kingdom
19 Ireland
20 Switzerland
21 Belgium
22 Colombia
23 Sweden
24 Cyprus
25 Germany
26 Saudi Arabia
27 United Arab Emirates
28 Israel
29 Morocco
30 Canada
31 Finland
32 Australia
33 Chile
34 Denmark
35 Dominica
36 Costa Rica
37 United States of America
I couldn't help but notice we were 37th! Isn't it funny the nation that supplies the world with the greatest amount of innovations in the health care field is 37th? Let's look at why..
...Why do we need to rank countries according to the performance of their health services? Presumably, an important objective is to see what we can learn from "the best", using them as points of reference on the road to better health. A very important element in the WHO ranking, however, is the credibility of the indicators of performance that it uses. It is therefore important to know how the ranking was developed, the assumptions behind the preparation of the indicators used in the ranking, and the consequences for health policy of choosing one indicator versus another.
Let us start with the nature of the indicators. The WHO report develops three types of indicators. The first is related to the effectiveness of the health-care system (mainly medical care plus traditional public-health services) in reducing mortality and morbidity. The second is related to the responsiveness of the system to the user, understanding responsiveness as the ability to protect the user's dignity; to provide confidentiality and autonomy; to provide care promptly with high-quality amenities; to provide access to social support; and to ensure a choice of provider. And the third type of indicator is related to the fairness of the system, measured by the degree of progressiveness in the funding of health care.
One of the leading factors used it mortality, looking at that list how many of those countries ahead of the US citizens own cars? The fifth biggest killer of US citizen's is the automobile, and related accidents. Fewer cars = fewer auto deaths? Let's look at the stats for deaths in the USA...
Number of deaths for leading causes of death
Heart disease: 631,636
Cancer: 559,888
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 137,119
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 124,583
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 121,599
Diabetes: 72,449
Alzheimer's disease: 72,432
Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,326
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 45,344
Septicemia: 34,234
Car Crash Stats: There were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005. 2.9 million people were injured and 42,636 people killed. About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States -- one death every 13 minutes.
How about the #1 killer in the USA? Heart disease! Since most of the nations ranked ahead of us don't have vehicles would it be safe to assume they walk to their destination a lot? This creates a healthier lifestyle, we are an obese nation. How many Burger Kings, etc do you think are available to the population of say, San Marino, Malta, or Andorra? Would it be a stretch to say they've not been subject to desserts like "Death by chocolate?' The majority of the European Union live at or below the USA's poverty level financially. Could we surmise they eat less crap as they can't afford to do so? What about drug abuse? Since they don't have a large discretionary income to spend on prescription or any other type of drug abuse. Alcohol abuse accounts for 85,000 deaths annually in America. Can the people of Luxembourg afford to spend money they use to feed themselves on alcohol?
The facts are lifestyle is the cause of our lower ranking, not our health care system. Well there is one other factor they omit,infant death rate. We consider a live birth any indication of life. Most of those countries have a weight or other limiting issue. We also dedicate ourselves to saving low birth weight children as we have advanced technology. We use fertility drugs more often promoting multiple births of low weight, high risk baby's. Many of those countries abort high risk pregnancies, we do not. So the USA has a skewed number in that area affecting the statistics.
I know this is a long post but I want you armed with the facts when you face this argument. We are going to have to defend health care if we wish to keep it.
Excuses? Absolutely! Fixable? Not with universal health care!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Learn from Others?
I recently listened to a talk on health care by a wealthy Canadian who was explaining (Much to his enjoyment) that Canada is moving away from Universal Health Care, while the United States is running head first into it. Canadians are preparing to take responsibility for their own well being because it's become so inadequate and financially unsustainable that it's existence is on very shaky ground.
Pro health care advocates in our country would argue this noting the Canadian economy is in better shape than ours because their dollar is worth more. Great point, but, there is a simple reason. Canada is the leading supplier of crude oil to the United States, creating a trade imbalance. They are tapping into the same oil supply available to us and exporting it here, and you thought the Middle East was the evil oil barons! Their economy is thriving because they do what we refuse to. Yet they realize Nationalized Health Care isn't working. It took them thirty years but now they see the light. Sadly we are a proud nation and refuse to learn from the mistakes of others.(Insert the failed Japanese economic bailout policy's information here).
We seem driven to join other Socialist nations policies of late. The United Nations has apparently become the influencer of the direction the United States is taking. From the global warming myth to health care and entitlements for all our politicians are swallowing information from a very corrupt and agenda driven source. One of the "arms" of the UN is the World Health Organization.
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
Don't miss tomorrow's post when I bring to light some skewed facts presented by WHO, driving our nation toward an unsustainable health care system. Our nation faces a battle for the greatest health care in the world. Please read tomorrow and enter that fight armed with information!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Pro health care advocates in our country would argue this noting the Canadian economy is in better shape than ours because their dollar is worth more. Great point, but, there is a simple reason. Canada is the leading supplier of crude oil to the United States, creating a trade imbalance. They are tapping into the same oil supply available to us and exporting it here, and you thought the Middle East was the evil oil barons! Their economy is thriving because they do what we refuse to. Yet they realize Nationalized Health Care isn't working. It took them thirty years but now they see the light. Sadly we are a proud nation and refuse to learn from the mistakes of others.(Insert the failed Japanese economic bailout policy's information here).
We seem driven to join other Socialist nations policies of late. The United Nations has apparently become the influencer of the direction the United States is taking. From the global warming myth to health care and entitlements for all our politicians are swallowing information from a very corrupt and agenda driven source. One of the "arms" of the UN is the World Health Organization.
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
Don't miss tomorrow's post when I bring to light some skewed facts presented by WHO, driving our nation toward an unsustainable health care system. Our nation faces a battle for the greatest health care in the world. Please read tomorrow and enter that fight armed with information!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Money Tree, Very Pretty, but the Fruit isn't so Sweet!
Can you imaging having a money tree in the back yard? At any time you can waltz outside and pick hundred dollar bills to solve your financial needs. Let's add this to the mix, you're also able to walk around the neighborhood and remove money legally from the residents wallets to solve your financial problems. With this being the case, would you ever need to borrow money? Welcome to our Federal Government! We have the ability to tax the nation, print money at will, and yet we go outside our country to borrow money to monetize the debt.
We are an out of control nation. Let's look at the figures.....
In 1900 the federal government cost was less than 5% of the countries economic output.
1950 saw it increase to 15%
1999 it stood at 19%
and as of 2009 the cost to taxpayers is 28.1% of our total economic output and climbing.
Pssst it's not inflation! It's growth of government programs and an ever expanding control. Our representatives in Washington produce nothing but debt. There is no return on our dollar. We're investing in hot air!
We need to demand politicians who will adhere to the following. There are very few in Washington today who qualify to do this.
Balance the budget.
Audit every federal agency and cut the waste.
Only finance bare bones government, no frills.
We the People, define what essential is, not special interests.
Ensure our politicians place America's future first by imposing term limits.
We are going to face hyper inflation without immediate action. Your investments will be worth squat.If we hurry we can shut the barn door before all the horses get out. We need to speak as one and the time is now!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
We are an out of control nation. Let's look at the figures.....
In 1900 the federal government cost was less than 5% of the countries economic output.
1950 saw it increase to 15%
1999 it stood at 19%
and as of 2009 the cost to taxpayers is 28.1% of our total economic output and climbing.
Pssst it's not inflation! It's growth of government programs and an ever expanding control. Our representatives in Washington produce nothing but debt. There is no return on our dollar. We're investing in hot air!
We need to demand politicians who will adhere to the following. There are very few in Washington today who qualify to do this.
Balance the budget.
Audit every federal agency and cut the waste.
Only finance bare bones government, no frills.
We the People, define what essential is, not special interests.
Ensure our politicians place America's future first by imposing term limits.
We are going to face hyper inflation without immediate action. Your investments will be worth squat.If we hurry we can shut the barn door before all the horses get out. We need to speak as one and the time is now!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Friday, October 9, 2009
Enough!
I was sitting here today absolutely perplexed, I mean totally in a quandary. I see things going on in Washington that completely baffle me. The lying, deceit, and inappropriate behavior would not be acceptable in any other venue. Why do we allow it there? I mean I wouldn't let my children get away with what's accepted as normal behavior there. I swear I'd grab then by the ear and march them to a local law enforcement officer first. What has America and the voter settled for?
There are back room deals, amendments snuck into legislation, hidden tax increases, and representatives that are flat out breaking the law. These are the people we've elected to represent us? I've never worked at a place where any of this was accepted, let alone from people sent to lead us. What kind of message does this send to the world and our nation? Come on people...Are we really putting our best foot forward here?
That's right, we are responsible. People treat us in the manner we permit. Same applies for that clown show in Washington.It's way past time for us to rise up and speak up. Our silence to them is seen as acceptance. Not voicing our concerns grants them permission for bad behavior. They are like small children who toe the line to see what they can get away with. It's time to pack their bags and send them to the orphanage.
Stay informed, demand accountability, question boldly, and speak out. Use the power of the pen and the voice. Write your elected officials and tell them what you think. Give them a performance review, after all you're the employer. When it comes time to select a candidate, don't settle for the lesser of two evils. Expect and insist on quality, they represent you and your best interests!
Does anyone feel like their best interests are being served currently?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
There are back room deals, amendments snuck into legislation, hidden tax increases, and representatives that are flat out breaking the law. These are the people we've elected to represent us? I've never worked at a place where any of this was accepted, let alone from people sent to lead us. What kind of message does this send to the world and our nation? Come on people...Are we really putting our best foot forward here?
That's right, we are responsible. People treat us in the manner we permit. Same applies for that clown show in Washington.It's way past time for us to rise up and speak up. Our silence to them is seen as acceptance. Not voicing our concerns grants them permission for bad behavior. They are like small children who toe the line to see what they can get away with. It's time to pack their bags and send them to the orphanage.
Stay informed, demand accountability, question boldly, and speak out. Use the power of the pen and the voice. Write your elected officials and tell them what you think. Give them a performance review, after all you're the employer. When it comes time to select a candidate, don't settle for the lesser of two evils. Expect and insist on quality, they represent you and your best interests!
Does anyone feel like their best interests are being served currently?
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Power of Association!
Tomorrow morning I'm boarding a plane to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the TEAM leadership convention. Yesterday I touched on the importance of association with like minded positive people who are encouragers and edifiers. This is where I go to get my battery recharged, and associate with a fabulous group of leaders. Three times a year we all get together and learn and grow. It never ceases to amaze me what an adrenalin rush you get surrounded by tens of thousands of personal growth oriented men and women. It's like a spa treatment for your psyche! I'd like to encourage those of you interested in personal growth to consider joining us, it's an affordable weekend well spent that'll change your life! See you there!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.......
Everyone faces challenges in their life! It doesn't matter if your addicted to coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, Internet, sex, chocolate. It's the same for obesity, credit card debt, relationship problems, anorexia, spouse abuse, depression, child abuse, or whatever your problem might be. Stand up and go to the bathroom, turn on the light, look into the mirror and say," Mirror, mirror on the wall, I'm the biggest problem of all." Now that you've introduced yourself to the problem, and identified it, it's not hard to repair! Remember the success, or lack of it you currently enjoy, is a direct result of the decisions you've made to date.
Step one, relationship building! It's time you built an honest relationship with yourself. No more passes or excuses. To solve the issues you face you have to quit rationalizing and justifying your actions. Hold yourself accountable, no more lying to yourself. You wouldn't let others get away with lying to you, why do you accept this from yourself? Phrases like..."Just this once. Nobody will know. I deserve this. I'll make up for it later." are your biggest enemy, and a total red flag. Master yourself and we can move forward....
Define your goal. Where do you want to be in life? Write it down and set it in stone. If you've not mapped out your path, your as far as you're going to get. You wouldn't leave the house without a destination, why ramble through life that way? Break the long term goal down into smaller goals designed with the end in mind. Soon you'll find those challenges listed above become a distraction to your quest. They'll be dismissed from your life as they don't help you win the prize. Properly focused you can ignore the temptation of distraction without a second thought. As they say in the commercial, "Stay on the line!"
Find someone who has what you want. Learn all they know. Mentorship or association with like minded people is the key to moving forward. Keep the company of positive people, they are encouragers, and strong supporters. Birds of a feather flock together! You'll find associations that don't forward you toward the prize will fade away, it's not a bad thing, they just don't fit into your plan, and have become obstacles that hold you back.
Now that you have direction and encouragement, decide what it'll take to get where you want to be, and do the work! Decide what it'll cost and pay the price! Honesty + a goal + action = success!
Finally there are no shortcuts. Success never goes on sale! If your not moving forward with the end in mind, your moving farther away from your goal. Ask yourself when undecided," Does this bring me closer to my prize?" It's like rowing uphill, and it all begins with you!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Step one, relationship building! It's time you built an honest relationship with yourself. No more passes or excuses. To solve the issues you face you have to quit rationalizing and justifying your actions. Hold yourself accountable, no more lying to yourself. You wouldn't let others get away with lying to you, why do you accept this from yourself? Phrases like..."Just this once. Nobody will know. I deserve this. I'll make up for it later." are your biggest enemy, and a total red flag. Master yourself and we can move forward....
Define your goal. Where do you want to be in life? Write it down and set it in stone. If you've not mapped out your path, your as far as you're going to get. You wouldn't leave the house without a destination, why ramble through life that way? Break the long term goal down into smaller goals designed with the end in mind. Soon you'll find those challenges listed above become a distraction to your quest. They'll be dismissed from your life as they don't help you win the prize. Properly focused you can ignore the temptation of distraction without a second thought. As they say in the commercial, "Stay on the line!"
Find someone who has what you want. Learn all they know. Mentorship or association with like minded people is the key to moving forward. Keep the company of positive people, they are encouragers, and strong supporters. Birds of a feather flock together! You'll find associations that don't forward you toward the prize will fade away, it's not a bad thing, they just don't fit into your plan, and have become obstacles that hold you back.
Now that you have direction and encouragement, decide what it'll take to get where you want to be, and do the work! Decide what it'll cost and pay the price! Honesty + a goal + action = success!
Finally there are no shortcuts. Success never goes on sale! If your not moving forward with the end in mind, your moving farther away from your goal. Ask yourself when undecided," Does this bring me closer to my prize?" It's like rowing uphill, and it all begins with you!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Religion and Politics!
I found it disturbing the other day when a young man I know made a comment on face book. I've known him a long time, and I know he's a great guy, but I think his thoughts speak volumes to the attitudes of young America. At twenty one/ twenty two years old he's come up with this evaluation. "Politics and religion, a way to control the masses." I'll let that marinate for a second.....
My first reaction was his head has been filled with left wing gibberish, possibly from a college professor promoting the left's agenda. The attack on religion was in line with that, but not the political rant. The left believes in government control. Man isn't capable of behaving so government has to enforce or regulate him.
Then it hit me, he was looking for freedom from law and morals. What he was describing was anarchy, a premise explored by our founding fathers, but it created problems. You couldn't leave your house under those conditions. There was nothing to prevent someone from moving right in and claiming your stuff! Like it or not we need a tiny bit of regulation, just enough to keep chaos under control. Our founding fathers knew this and began this great country with limited oversight, and strict designs on government. This empowered us with the maximum amount of freedom, with just enough law and order to make it feasible to be able to leave your abode and have it safe upon your return.
It's not hard to imagine this young man's frustration. We've drifted a great distance from the original design, and to what end? I'm guessing frustrated with the rule of government he's also dragged religion into the mix. Because of the abuse of power in Washington, he's drawn the conclusion religion confines him as well. Fortunately our country is designed so you can choose what to believe or not at all. Religion unlike government isn't a constraint, but more a guideline or a suggestion. You can choose your own path.
So while government is drifting toward socialist agenda, ruling the masses. Religion is not. Maybe government should take a hint from religion and be a guideline, not a oversight, as originally intended. Religion points you toward the right decision, government demands it has it's way.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
My first reaction was his head has been filled with left wing gibberish, possibly from a college professor promoting the left's agenda. The attack on religion was in line with that, but not the political rant. The left believes in government control. Man isn't capable of behaving so government has to enforce or regulate him.
Then it hit me, he was looking for freedom from law and morals. What he was describing was anarchy, a premise explored by our founding fathers, but it created problems. You couldn't leave your house under those conditions. There was nothing to prevent someone from moving right in and claiming your stuff! Like it or not we need a tiny bit of regulation, just enough to keep chaos under control. Our founding fathers knew this and began this great country with limited oversight, and strict designs on government. This empowered us with the maximum amount of freedom, with just enough law and order to make it feasible to be able to leave your abode and have it safe upon your return.
It's not hard to imagine this young man's frustration. We've drifted a great distance from the original design, and to what end? I'm guessing frustrated with the rule of government he's also dragged religion into the mix. Because of the abuse of power in Washington, he's drawn the conclusion religion confines him as well. Fortunately our country is designed so you can choose what to believe or not at all. Religion unlike government isn't a constraint, but more a guideline or a suggestion. You can choose your own path.
So while government is drifting toward socialist agenda, ruling the masses. Religion is not. Maybe government should take a hint from religion and be a guideline, not a oversight, as originally intended. Religion points you toward the right decision, government demands it has it's way.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Monday, October 5, 2009
What Comes First!
Every once in awhile it's a great idea to sit back and review your priorities in life. Think about what's most important to you, and review your schedule to see if your devoting time in proportion. Mine run in this order.
Faith
Family
Friends
Work
After further review I've found the things that mean the most to me get the least attention. Out of a twenty four hour day I spend at least eight of it at work, another eight sleeping, and the balance divided between faith, family, and friends. Does that seem out of wack to anyone else? Work is at the bottom of the list yet demands the bulk of my day. Faith is at the top but receives the smallest portion of my time daily. Consequently family and friends battle for time with entertainment, reading, and whatever other issues pop up.
So is it any wonder with today's schedule, that the family is neglected? Kids and spouse are fighting for attention between everything in our busy lives that needs addressing. Mom's are required to contribute to the family income just for survival sake, and who pays the price? Kids are sent to concentration camps for eight hours a day, while mom fights to pay that bill on top of mounting others. Isn't it a wonder that children raised by others even look to mom and dad for guidance? It speaks volumes to disarray and lack of values exhibited to the youth of today. Seems the answer to why kids walk into schools and commit atrocities is right in front of us. Our priorities are out of wack!
Could this also be the answer to the abysmal divorce rate we've grown so accustom to? Spouses are forced by economics to spend the majority of their day way from the ones they love in the company of others. After the stress of the job and eking out some time with the kids, what's left for the person you've chosen to spend eternity with?
The nuclear family is appropriately named. It's a wonder it doesn't all blow up in your face. Step back and review your priorities, and see if your devoting the time required to the things most important in your life. If we can adjust our schedules in the interest of the things that matter in our lives, perhaps we can influence a paradigm shift. Move society toward the family unit instead of drifting away. It doesn't have to be a brave new world!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Faith
Family
Friends
Work
After further review I've found the things that mean the most to me get the least attention. Out of a twenty four hour day I spend at least eight of it at work, another eight sleeping, and the balance divided between faith, family, and friends. Does that seem out of wack to anyone else? Work is at the bottom of the list yet demands the bulk of my day. Faith is at the top but receives the smallest portion of my time daily. Consequently family and friends battle for time with entertainment, reading, and whatever other issues pop up.
So is it any wonder with today's schedule, that the family is neglected? Kids and spouse are fighting for attention between everything in our busy lives that needs addressing. Mom's are required to contribute to the family income just for survival sake, and who pays the price? Kids are sent to concentration camps for eight hours a day, while mom fights to pay that bill on top of mounting others. Isn't it a wonder that children raised by others even look to mom and dad for guidance? It speaks volumes to disarray and lack of values exhibited to the youth of today. Seems the answer to why kids walk into schools and commit atrocities is right in front of us. Our priorities are out of wack!
Could this also be the answer to the abysmal divorce rate we've grown so accustom to? Spouses are forced by economics to spend the majority of their day way from the ones they love in the company of others. After the stress of the job and eking out some time with the kids, what's left for the person you've chosen to spend eternity with?
The nuclear family is appropriately named. It's a wonder it doesn't all blow up in your face. Step back and review your priorities, and see if your devoting the time required to the things most important in your life. If we can adjust our schedules in the interest of the things that matter in our lives, perhaps we can influence a paradigm shift. Move society toward the family unit instead of drifting away. It doesn't have to be a brave new world!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Why Not?
Hey Gang! Just back from a 24 hr plane trip to see my favorite football team, Nationally Ranked, University of Charleston increase it's record to 6-0, WTG EAGLES! So I'm running on about 4 hours sleep and I hope this makes sense!
I get a lot of e-mails from readers with comments, thanks, and suggestions. Keep them coming! I love the input! But...I've got to say, everyone of them are worth sharing! Please feel free to use the comment section of the blog. Everyone here has so much to share and it's all positive!
On that note I recently got an email from a friend and reader who decided to "question boldly" her doctor's diagnosis. She found after living for decades with an ailment she was able to have day surgery and drastically alter her lifestyle! It's a great example of how you can empower yourself and make changes. Never accept the status quo! Don't be afraid to ask, Why not? Or, Why not me? That's how great things happen! Looking back, you'll find greatness has always been just the other side of adversity. Think about that for a second. Can you think of anybody who achieved greatness without a struggle?
With that in mind, let's ponder the daily struggles we face. Are they opportunities for greatness? Do we treat them as such? Re framing our challenges as opportunities changes our focus. The negative become a positive. We could all use some additional positive in our lives! And remember.........
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.' - Ronald Reagan
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
I get a lot of e-mails from readers with comments, thanks, and suggestions. Keep them coming! I love the input! But...I've got to say, everyone of them are worth sharing! Please feel free to use the comment section of the blog. Everyone here has so much to share and it's all positive!
On that note I recently got an email from a friend and reader who decided to "question boldly" her doctor's diagnosis. She found after living for decades with an ailment she was able to have day surgery and drastically alter her lifestyle! It's a great example of how you can empower yourself and make changes. Never accept the status quo! Don't be afraid to ask, Why not? Or, Why not me? That's how great things happen! Looking back, you'll find greatness has always been just the other side of adversity. Think about that for a second. Can you think of anybody who achieved greatness without a struggle?
With that in mind, let's ponder the daily struggles we face. Are they opportunities for greatness? Do we treat them as such? Re framing our challenges as opportunities changes our focus. The negative become a positive. We could all use some additional positive in our lives! And remember.........
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.' - Ronald Reagan
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, October 2, 2009
When Mamma Ain't Happy........
Today's blog is a public service announcement. If your a mom, ever been a mom, know a mom, thought about being a mom, if your a grandmom, or if you feel your not being represented or heard in government. Please visit this web site! Check out their mission statement! It's only a few days old and already has blossomed to over 5000 members. It's a grassroots effort focused on you! I endorse and encourage you to check out the sisterhood of patriot moms! Cause everyone knows, and Washington is about to find out......
When Mamma ain't happy, nobody's happy!
http://asamom.ning.com/
God Bless
Capt. Bill
When Mamma ain't happy, nobody's happy!
http://asamom.ning.com/
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Wasn't Me!
One of the major philosophy differences between the right and the left in Washington is accountability. The left puts a spin on it, and the right believes man is flawed and makes mistakes. The left never blames the person, it blames the situation or the thing. Example: Gun violence, a gun caused the problem , not the person who pulled the trigger. Therefore we legislate the gun and hold it accountable, not the individual who abused it. The right knows man can sin, the gun cannot. The left vilifies the gun and leaves the user as victim of the weapon, not accountable for his or her actions.
You can apply this to many issues. Take contraception for instance. Instead of teaching abstinence in school, they hand out contraception. Theory being, humans cannot control themselves nor be accountable so the cure is "controlling" their actions, instead of modifying behavior, and teaching accountability. Once again man is the victim of his circumstance not his actions.
Welfare, man cannot be accountable for his economic situation, so they subsidize it. Rather than demand people be responsible, and earn a living, government aids his or her idleness. There are exceptions but the majority can contribute. The balance should be aided by community charity, not the government teat.
Health care! Do I need to go there? Same principle. The good news is this is all repairable, but first we need accountability in Washington. Examples begin with leadership. So it's our responsibility to elect competent leadership who understands man is flawed. Man makes mistakes, ever since we got kicked out of Eden, it's been a pattern. We need to adjust our behavior not vilify the circumstance or the "thing". Stand up and be a shining example of accountability, and demand the same from Washington!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
You can apply this to many issues. Take contraception for instance. Instead of teaching abstinence in school, they hand out contraception. Theory being, humans cannot control themselves nor be accountable so the cure is "controlling" their actions, instead of modifying behavior, and teaching accountability. Once again man is the victim of his circumstance not his actions.
Welfare, man cannot be accountable for his economic situation, so they subsidize it. Rather than demand people be responsible, and earn a living, government aids his or her idleness. There are exceptions but the majority can contribute. The balance should be aided by community charity, not the government teat.
Health care! Do I need to go there? Same principle. The good news is this is all repairable, but first we need accountability in Washington. Examples begin with leadership. So it's our responsibility to elect competent leadership who understands man is flawed. Man makes mistakes, ever since we got kicked out of Eden, it's been a pattern. We need to adjust our behavior not vilify the circumstance or the "thing". Stand up and be a shining example of accountability, and demand the same from Washington!
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Cause?
To be truthful I'm not the kind of guy who runs around spouting verses from the bible. I've gone through phases of belief from one end of the spectrum to the other. Recently I've come to the conclusion that it's best to err on the side of faith, because the consequences of being wrong are just too costly. It'd be better to hold to a higher power than spend eternity in damnation. So as a man rediscovering his faith, I've found it helpful to read the bible daily. I've come across this passage that just might explain the world's state of affairs, and I thought I'd share. Perhaps you'll come to the same conclusion...
A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:
And a curse. if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Deuteronomy 11:27
God Bless
Capt. Bill
A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:
And a curse. if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Deuteronomy 11:27
God Bless
Capt. Bill
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