We received tremendous response yesterday to our blog on spirituality and health care. Over 50 comments, and counting. Today, a response to all that response.
First, a beautiful piece written a person posting as “Diana Ekman”, portions of which I quote here…
What ethics should motivate our thinking around health care? Many countries have adopted an ethic that states that health care is a RIGHT of every resident, or citizen (depending where you live.) Many countries have adopted an ethic that states that their health care systems will work actively to prevent disease, and to promote healthier lifestyles. In such systems, it is certainly true that there are often long waits for treatments that are needed after diseases occur, but overall, which system is more ethical: one that tries to bring the most services overall to the most people, or one that can treat serious conditions right away, but where expenses are so unevenly distributed that many people cannot afford primary care?
Is health care a right? What does God will in this question? Can a government be counted on to provide appropriate services in an appropriate length of time, without the countering effects of a free-market system? And, overall, how well do you other classmates here think the US system is working? Does it currently reflect the values you hold about the worth of each soul?
I should like now to respond to some of these wonderful questions. Diana’s questions are in italics, my responses in bold.
What ethics should motivate our thinking around health care?
The New Spirituality ethic of Oneness. This teaching tell us that We Are All One. That is the ethic which should motivate our thinking around health care — and around everything.
Which system is more ethical: one that tries to bring the most services overall to the most people, or one that can treat serious conditions right away, but where expenses are so unevenly distributed that many people cannot afford primary care?
It should not be a case of “either/or”. It should be a case of “both/and.” If we can send a man to the moon, we can create a system that can do both. All it takes is the Will to do so.
Is health care a right?
Yes. It is a basic human right of all people everywhere, like food, clothing, and shelter. It is a basic right of a species that claims it wishes all of its members to live in dignity and peace, safety and comfort.
What does God will in this question?
God’s Will is our will. God wills for us what we will for ourselves. God is not some being separate from us, “willing” something that He cannot make us do, but wishes that He could. God is the Life that is flowing through us. We are God, physicalized. We are the physical manifestation of the Divine. And because we are Divine, we can create life any way that we want it on this earth. We have the collective power to do so. We can solve any problem that we face — including the problem of health care. It is simply a matter of Will.
Can a government be counted on to provide appropriate services in an appropriate length of time, without the countering effects of a free-market system?
Yes. The two are compatible is a society of highly evolved sentient beings. The society on earth may not be that. But, hopefully, we are getting there.
Overall, how well do you think the US system is working?
Not well. Not very well at all. Millions are without health care in what is purported to be the richest nation on earth. This is because the people here do not share the social value of caring for each other. The prime value in this country is “each man for himself.” Or what Republicans like to call “personal responsibility.” Yet ‘personal responsibility’ assumes that every person has an equal ability to demonstrate that. This assumption is false. The test of a nation is what it does for the least of its members. That is the true test of compassion — and of how highly evolved a society is.
Does the U.S. health care system currently reflect the values you hold about the worth of each soul?
No. Barack Obama’s would bring us much closer to that. That is one of many reasons that I am voting for Barack Obama.
Another fascinating comment was posted by “Arthur”…
I wonder if we could really show the world that, with a war of providing the healing arts to the world and what would be the pay off?
How would that fit into New Spirituality?
It would fit into it wonderfully, Arthur. I am not sure I like the word ‘war’, but I understand your meaning. How about a worldwide “campaign” to bring health care to everyone? Yes! We have the ability to do that! And the pay off? The love of all of humanity.
I loved the comment and the insight from “Shasta”…
Penalizing providers for not reaching these “benchmark numbers” with patients is bad medicine and it is the patients who will suffer. I would like to see Obama take a firm stand on regulating the pharmaceutical industry as well as the insurance industry.
You’ve made me think, Shasta. Your example of the overuse of statins, for instance, to lower cholesterol is understood, and the point taken. Yet there must be some way to meld “good medicine” with some kind of patient outcomes, rather than simply procedures performed, don’t you think?
And wow, the comments from a person posting as “speaks from the heart” really hit home. I agree with so much of it. Whew! Yet I think we must make an effort. I think we cannot simply “let it go” because there’s “nothing we can do.” I think improvements can be made in our health care delivery system, and I think that Barack Obama is the only candidate who understands how best to make those improvements.
The person posting as “SheerLuckHolmes” nailed it, I thought, with this…
I liked what Diana Ekman had to say, “Changes to health delivery are possible, and can be made in a relatively short period of time, if the will of the nation is behind it.”
That national will can only come from the majority of individuals growing more fully into operating from a view point that we are all one. As we treat each and every other soul as we would treat ourselves, there will be wondrous improvements. This is happening now and the growth is exhilarating to participate in.
Yes, the idea that “we are all one” is absolutely the answer. And that four-word message is the entire basis of The New Spirituality.
And I agree wholeheartedly with this, posted by “StormyMusic”…
People tend to throw around Socialism as if it is some bad word, but I hardly see it that way. I see it as a way of recognizing oneness and treating humanity with equality. I tend to think that European nations that make sure that all of their people have health care, housing, a proper education, etc are at least using some very basic preinciples of Socialism. Frankly, I applaud them for having that level of concern and compassion for fellow human beings.
IMO, our leaders (Obama included) have a lot to learn from the nations that are already providing Universal Health care. Obama is closest to “getting it.” I would still take a baby step forward under Obama’s plan rather than a fall on the tush backward with McCain’s proposals.
I’m with you. Let’s take that step with Obama, now.
Janel says this…
Canadians have universal health care and if you ask them about it–they think it’s a sad thing that we have to pay for our health care. They can’t imagine that, just like I can’t imagine being able to go to the doctor and not have to worry about how much it will cost.
Boy, do I agree with you, my friend. I so much agree with you. Universal health care is the answer. Obama’s plan is a huge step in the right direction.
And finally today, this from Michael…a condensation of a much larger post…
…something doesn’t FEEL right to me about your political postings regarding Obama (it has nothing to do with being Democrat or Republican) and I feel like I’m having difficulty expressing in few words why; perhaps you can help?
I will try, Michael, next week, when we return for two more days of “political” blogs!
hugs and love to all of you….ndw
posted September 19, 2008 at 7:32 am
My dearest Neale Donald Walsch,
Please understand that you are deeply loved, and I do this because of such.
Years ago when your first book came to be, given all that I have explained to you of my life lived, my adopted mother handed me your book and urged me to read, making note to strongly emphasis your perspective of Adolf Hitler and her swelling feelings of remorse within your writings. It was the only book she bought of yours. Because of the pure love within me, I recognized the books truth in that all will be forgiven. It is truth Neale, and thank you for speaking such to the mass. However, I do admonish you for not including that this will be done through the one true Savior of Jesus Christ.
While reading your books further it spoke many truths of the kingdom, in which my heart recognized its truth. Yet at the same time while searching for the most truth on earth, I recognized the deepest of truths through the LDS faith as it teaches true ascension through Jesus Christ, and opens the mind to complete understanding and becoming with clarity, because of it’s acceptance of one God of many nations, and one Savior that is worthy to deliver the world. In all honesty the writings within your book, while are truths they do encourage the mass to reach for the understanding of the least level of heavenly creation. It is beyond what words or earthly experience can provide a knowledge of.
None the less, there is a higher kingdom in which you speak of as pure intelligence, that I know as the Godliness of Adam and Eve, that all children are welcome to partake of through a life long path of 1. real and true acceptance of our Savior Jesus Christ as He is the only son of God with pure perfection, and 2. all the days of our life we strive to develop our skills of real living love in which Christ himself provided a path and a way. We are not perfect. No one, and I do mean no one, is. But those with the pure love of Christ with in them are more grown in their becoming because of the spirit of Christ that has grown within them. It is how we become Christ through Christ.
Your teachings are confusing because while it speaks of the God of all nations, you teach that anyone can be Christ. It is on this blog only within the last couple of weeks. Your teachings are confusing because while it is true that all can be Christ, you do not proclaim Christ as your savior; and thus are deceiving and lying to the world. Even if it is not on purpose on your part. From the confusion of not declaring Christ, the confusion becomes the consequences of your journey.
You have hurt me deeply because of the confusion. And when genuine pain arises from a confrontational force that is opposing to the deepest knowledge of truth within ones soul, the need arises to defend in which you see as hate instead of truth. Christians which the LDS are in the deepest sense of belief in Christ and Gods gift and process of eternal life, are called to be witness of the truth, to defend when necessary and to heal when given the opportunity of a contrite spirit.
I forgive you in all ways, however I can not suffer to be in the presence of confusion any longer. Because of the love within my soul for you, I ask and encourage that you would speak directly to the true Prophet of the church, so that I may know you are in the best of hands, because my soul weeps for you. You are such a great man that can move the hearts of the mass. Please help to do it in the right way. I am sure President Monson would love to speak to you. He is after all, the one to bring the light of Christ to east Germany before the wall came down when few were permitted to enter or go. The Lord worked His miracle through him, and I am sure he can help your heart make sense of all this thing called life.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, that the Melchazedek Priesthood will welcome and surround you in their loving arms. That they will depart healing, wisdom and understanding. And I pray for their understanding, forgiveness and healing as I have transgressed the law because of my knowledge. I have not partaken of the gift of the covenant eternal marriage in which the Lord has blessed me with an understanding and knowledge of, in which my soul weeps for. None the less, I am still responsible for the knowledge and accept the consequences of my transgression. To experience a portion of what the most pure would experience if the world knew, in which I have experienced. because of the worlds lack of understanding, reverence and accepted responsibility for the knowledge and the kingdom; I would never have the most pure suffer such. It is my promise to never defile the kingdom again.
I am sorry if my writings have caused hardship to anyone. It is increasingly becoming more and more difficult to literally comprehend things of this world. You call it intolerance. I call it Gods love. You call it tolerance. I call it Christ’s offering of eternal life.
Please find compassion upon “unnamed one”. He fought to defend the innocent. And what looked like pure hate, was pure love in action. It grieves my heart to know that I required such. It reflects to me where I was and where I was going, and what the Lord required of another to wake me to my senses. Never again. I am a part of the fold where good is good, and evil is evil, and that of a contentious spirit is to be abstained from as it hurts too much.
As it is, the writing I was going to write, will not be written. Instead a new and good venture will take place – The adventures of the twins: Meek and Mild.
I may depart these waters in peace now.
Thank you.
love always,
Birdie
posted September 19, 2008 at 8:38 am
Health care and God or is it Health is God’s care
posted September 19, 2008 at 8:39 am
I wonder if heaven is considered a type of Socialism? And if so how is it, that it would work?
Arthur
posted September 19, 2008 at 10:05 am
Neale, I absolutely believe in looking at outcomes as a measure of how well physicians are doing their jobs. I think the patient’s evaluation of the outcome of treatment (and how it is delivered) is a very valuable tool. I personally take the time to report on my experiences with physicians on sites like http://www.vitals.com for example.
Doctors are currently accountable to insurance companies because they are only reimbursed for covered procedures (and often only partially for those). They have to cram as many appointments into a day as possible just to make ends meet. This is obviously not working out well for the individual patient and I think adding another layer of accountability to a third party isn’t going to significantly improve this. Let’s make doctors acountable to us!
If healthcare (not health insurance) was available to everyone and there were plenty of doctors to provide service, patients would gravitate away from incompetent providers. I know this is an over simplification but you get my drift.
Lab tests can be useful for evaluating your health (especially for monitoring changes over time that may signal a need for closer inspection). I just think they should be discussed between you and your physician to decide on a resaonable and effective treatment plan, not to decide whether or not your doc gets a paycheck.
Thank you for taking the time to read these comments. I visit your blog every day since I do find it thought provoking. It is always interesting to see how differently people can think of ways to reach the same goals.
Shasta
posted September 19, 2008 at 10:12 am
I reccomend or suggest that everybody see the movie “Sicko”…
Great insight and research!
If there is enough for developing weapons, making wars, and rebuilding destroyed countries by those weapons, -and enough for all the rest that is involved in that- wouldn’t be enough for Universal Free Health Care…?
The point of medical industry, and pharmaceutical corporations, and insurance companies is just one: Profits…
Ahhh! I forgot a related one: POWER…
The point is that health is not the point…
In USA -and in the world- the first industry -after narcotics- is Military Industry; then Energy industry, and then medical-pharmaceutical industry…
When people in USA realizes how much the medical-pharmaceutical-insurance companies dominate and control Politics, Economy and Media, exploting the ‘health’ and the illnesses of their people, there will be a revolution…
Of course, this will be an awareness revolution…
Unless it is not…
Better make it a consciousness revolution…
That’s the reason because of what so much of that is hidden, denied, and disguised. And of course, the reason for stigmatization of Universal Health Care.
I remember a part of the movie Sicko where it is exposed how after WWII, there was a tremendous campaign against ‘socialized health care’…
“Socialized medicine is communism!”… “Socialized medicine is USSR propaganda!”… This lasted decades… Until today…
Then comes the question: “don’t we have in USA socialized things, like socialized school, socialized firemen, and socialized postal service…? Why don’t socialized health-care, if we are the most powerful and rich country in the world…?”
Some say there is no enough for that…
But, in reality:
“There is enough”
And more than enough…
Blessings
posted September 19, 2008 at 10:30 am
Neale, while I very much like this discussion on health care. I’d like to offer another topic that will be of great interest.
What might we as readers here consider the biggest priorities that need to be addressed and healed in the World?
To me we need to start with one very simple thing. It’s not feeding the hungry, or getting everyone health care (very important I agree!, but not the most important)
The most important thing the World can do to help the World is make sure everyone has fresh water and proper toilets to use. It doesn’t get any more basic than that.
Now if we can do this one simple thing it will be a small but highly significant start in healing the ills of the World.
Think how good we will feel to mobilize and come together as a one World people and help in providing that one simple most basic human need. This is doable.
Once done the inspiration will lead to the next basic and the next. We need to provide this one service to the World first.
Thus we can prove we can work and play to the other human needs that need to be addressed.
Second on the list over all, is the environment.
posted September 19, 2008 at 10:34 am
bye bye birdie
The Way to the Kingdom is not by joining a religious club with its special religious works, but by personifying the Spirit. Jesus tells us in His Parable of the Good Samaritan that He would prefer we be heretics who pour out His Father’s Spirit of Selfless Love upon the world rather than religionists who do not. His Message is all about the Spirit. Either we live it or we don’t, regardless of religion.
posted September 19, 2008 at 10:48 am
Arthur, what a beautiful concept……
posted September 19, 2008 at 11:04 am
The spirit of the Lord resides in the church which I have poured the love for you.
I have pointed the way with all of the love in my heart.
As the liahona points the direction: my name is laon.
Thank you Heavenly Father for the opportunity to bare my testimony as you would have me, to the brothers and sisters whom I love. May your peace come for all the world. And thank you for the opportunity to move forward and live my and my husbands life together, after doing so.
I can move forward now, after the years of concern that dwelt within me for my brothers and sisters well being. I feel I have done my part, and I know I find grace, forgiveness, understanding and love in your eyes.
love always,
humbled birdie
bye bye. Please do take care.
posted September 19, 2008 at 11:14 am
I am glad we are going over these points.
I personally think that if we truly want to see change we need to vote for Obama. Mccain is a great person, I live in Arizona so I have been following him and his wife since I was little. My mom was always interested in him and talked about him a bit. He was a POW and went through alot in his lifetime. I just feel that he is taking the road that has already been traveled and has gotten us to where we are today.
I think Obama will take the road less traveled and will be able to show America a new way of thinking. I think this has alot to do with his mixed race heritage. He will be able to see it from several different points of veiw rather then just one.
posted September 19, 2008 at 11:36 am
Neale,
I usually enjoy reading your blog, but as of late it seems like a political site – pro Obama, of course.
It’s your blog and you can write what you wish and I am free to read it or not. So, I’m exercising my freedom and will not be reading until after the election. I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed Conversations With God and some of your other books and look forward to more in the future.
posted September 19, 2008 at 11:43 am
Hello all,
I’m a bit confused by a comment made by Janel, who writes:
Canadians have universal health care and if you ask them about it–they think it’s a sad thing that we have to pay for our health care.
I’m not as familiar with Canada as I am with Europe, and while I agree it is best to have health care, opportunities, and peace for everyone…Europeans are paying a much larger monetary amount in taxes to cover that health care, are they not? Don’t get me wrong – like one comment posted earlier, there are some benefits to the socialism way of thinking–I just think implementing those beliefs into practice can be tricky.
If Obama (or whichever president down the line) does implement a universal health care plan, it won’t be free. It may be be free by the time one goes to the doctor, but doesn’t Europe have a 40% tax rate? Or something like that? They are paying for that health care, whether they need to use it or not.
I don’t necessarily disagree with this approach, nor do I agree that pharmacy companies should become fat cat wealthy while many in our country can’t go to the doctor when needed. I guess my confusion lies in that many think universal health care would be *free* – and it won’t be. Go to Oregon, there’s no sales tax. A dollar menu item is exactly a dollar. But the state makes up for that lost money somehow, so people are still paying, but in a different way.
Just wanted to bring up these points. I agree with the universal oneness we need to move toward, but the implementation brings up many questions in my mind.
Elaine
posted September 19, 2008 at 11:54 am
Well, the money has to come from somewhere – right now whether we belive it or not – we’re paying for it somehow – do you think these establishments are footing the bill?….
I would prefer it to be earmarked and organized…a bit of order…yes, and like Arthur’s idea, a heirarchy of Heaven on Earth.
posted September 19, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Neale, while I agree with some of your politics,and campaign efforts for Obama, I have to laugh.
Your right about the New Spirituality, oneness, compassion for our fellow human beings etc.etc..
Face lt, the system is broken beyond repair. Obama will never have time to fix a health care system that is so badly in need of repair.
We have a complete moral break down. It’s all about the money.
The new spirituality must be in government, and our Corporate leaders first. It’s all about the money.
Look at all the other problems that have to be fixed first, in order to fix the health care system.
Obama may be the closest to your idea of a health care system but
the 4 years he has to do it in, isn’t enough time to scratch the surface.
The only way to fix this system is, to flood the Earth and start all over again.
Your bangin your head against a brick wall Neale Campaigning for Obama.
You should keep, on track, and campaign for more “New Spirituality”
in this world. Be happy. Forget politics, with the likes of Obama ,and Mcain. Neither one will make it to first base with ANY, NOT ONE, of our many issues.
Yes, we have a right to health care, also jobs, houseing, etc.etc.
But!!
The entire system is broken beyond any repair. And Obama can’t fix it for You.It’s all about the money, and Obama, aint any different.
John S
posted September 19, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I would like to give you all a gift of words – its Friday – Celebrate!
I recently saw a “chick flick”, twice (with 2 different groups of women friends) and I am a “hippie” girl at heart. For those of you who remember, sing. Those that don’t, pretend and read a poem.
Its from Abba, 1979…and although the words were published in that year, I feel the idea is from a previous time.
I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream
I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream
Enjoy…!
posted September 19, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Cynthia,
That was a sweet song–thanks for sharing!
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Elaine,
I am sorry I didnt fully elaborate on that comment. Of course Canadians have to pay taxes, but its where those taxes are going that is different then the USA. Our tax dollars are going to fund the war on terrorism, the war on drugs etc, while their tax dollars are going to fund healthcare and things inside of Canada.
I have had the pleasure of speaking with Canadians in my travels around the usa and mexico and I have found that none of them “complain” about where their tax dollars are going, thay actually have a different attitude towards it then USA because they know where their tax dollars are going and are okay with where they are going. I dont speak for everyone of course, just those I have spoken to about it. Its something that always come up in conversation because Americans dont have the best reputation in other countries as being the smartest people around. So I have to proove them wrong. LOL
I am not saying that Canada is doing everything right, just that simply we could learn from their successes. Nothing is “free” so to speak but if we have to pay taxes anyways it would be nice to know they are going into a pot that everyone can benefit from.
Europe, I am not too familiar with, but I am assuming that they have some similarities to Canadians.
One more example–I recently took a trip to Corvallis Oregon, its about 45 minutes outside of Salem. When I would purchase something or dine out I noticed I wasnt paying any taxes. When I asked about this I told that the housing taxes are higher to make up for it, but no one was complaining. It was nice to go into a store and actually pay the price it stated on the tag.
Of course Oregonians are paying just as much taxes as anyone else, it just doesnt seem like it. So, in my opinion even if we have to pay for healthcare out of taxes in our paychecks and such, it would still be nice to be able to go to the doctor and not have to pay anything for it right then and there. Instead of having to pay a lump sum, we would each pay taxes over a length of time so it wouldnt be as bad as being stuck with a huge bill.
Does that make sense?
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:28 pm
To add more to what I was saying:
The good thing about universal healthcare too, is that instead of us using our tax dollars to pay for low income patients and fit the bill only for them, we would be fitting the bill for everyone. We already use our tax dollars to pay for “free” healthcare for the the low income so why not use it for everyone?
I think it would also put more regulations on healthcare, where it would be harder for illegal immigrants to come here and have children using our healthcare system because a SS# would be required for coverage. And I am assuming if our tax dollars fund it, there would be more of a document trail showing exactly who is getting care and how much is being spent.
Of course no system is without errors. Just sharing some of my opinions and thoughts.
one thing is for sure what we have been doing for ages is not working so we should try something else—what have we got to lose anyhow?
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:29 pm
dear neale: i only wrote once in answer to one of your blogs, but after reading all the different opinions i just had to write again. i feel neither obama or mccain is the right person for the presidency, but since we more have more or less only a two party system, there is not much of another choice. i will vote independent, i know this will come to nothing, but i voted, so maybe in the long run it will make a different. neither candidate will be able to do much about healtcare, economics and all the other problems facing this nation, since 4 years are not long enough and our senators and representatives seemingly can never agree on anything, unless it serves their own desires. to birdie i sent my love and hope she is happy about her decisions. are any of my classmates reading the other religious blogs on belief net. those by rabbi brad hirschfield are very interesting one blog received 2087 answers. also the blog about the mormon church. quote: mormonism is not jut another form of christianity, it is incompatible with traditional christian orthodoxy. traditional christianity is incompatible with the gospel of christ.” if you have the time use some of this on other religious blogs and answers, it is very informative. neale, you are not a liar and false prophet. you are a messenger, just we all are and people can listen or not. it is our individual choice. Christ is divine, but according to the new testament, he called us brothers, we are divine also, but just not as evolved as his soul. he also told us that what he could do we can do too and even more. he came to make us remember who we really are, but that message is convincingly overlooked. if we all remembered who we really are, were would religion be?. to me God/Goddess has become a part of me, who always listens and give me little pushes in the right direction, also the choice is always mine. ALL THAT IS is ALL THERE IS, and there is enough of it to be with all ITS individual parts and still be ITSELF. somebody out there will probably tell me am going straight to hell, so what, since nobody really knows what happens when we leave this live. if you had a NDE, your outlook will change, thats for sure and you will live your life one moment at a time and you will know you are never alone. we create our lives and the world around us and if enough of us believe this, everything will change for the better, since we are ALL ONE. go deep inside your being and you will know the truth. have a wonderful day and start creating a better enviroment and a better humanity so all will have enough of everything. eleonore
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Thanks for clarifying, Janel. That makes more sense, and I agree. Many of the places where our tax dollars are going are things many don’t agree with. When you explained it that way, it made sense. I just know of several people who talk about all the “free” healthcare in Europe and how great it would be…and it’s never “free” but I do agree that knowing where/how certain things are spent and choosing that option is a good idea.
Thanks!
Elaine
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Greetings Eleonore,
Just out of curiosity–you had mentioned a Near Death Experience? Have you yourself had one?
Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
posted September 19, 2008 at 1:45 pm
No problem Elaine!
Its hard for me sometimes to get my point across through posts or emails because I know what I am thinking and want to say but it doesnt always come out fully explained in my writing. LOL
Have a good day!
posted September 19, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Elaine,
A couple of facts for you from one country in Europe, Germany.
All in all between 30 and 40 percent of the paycheck gets removed for the same things they take it out for here: Unemployment, Income tax, Medicare/medicaid equivalent, something similar to Social Security. About 13 to 14 % go to Health insurance. Here in the U.s. I happen to work for a company that offers it and about 5% go to health insurance. They go by percent depending on how many people you cover. 5% covers my entire family, but has co-pays as well as an annual deductible for bigger events. Were I to add those to the approx. 5% I’d be much closer to 6 or 7 %.
I was in fact baffled to find out how close my paycheck here resembles the one I used to get in Germany.
I do wonder just how attractive it would be to immigrate illegally if they had to pitch in the second they got paid.
So which candidate would be closer to the teachings of the new Spirituality? Does it matter considering the current voting system? With my mouth open I watched the last few elections and learned about the electoral system.
Wow.
Anyways, for starters I implemented them in my own family. I am arguing with John here on just how broken the system is in order to need to be flooded…I think not. This peace is relative but anytime we do not have an entire world war going is probably not bad as the next one is likely to wipe ourselves out.
Usually when the discussion turns to the topic of universal health care there will be someone who says he/she does not need health insurance and is not willing to pay for those “bums” out there as he/she is healthy as a horse. Then I ask: so how did you earn your wealth, who bought your stuff?, and when that heart attack or that kidney failure arrives do you want to just be left to die? Just so I know in the event… (To my knowledge the majority of us does not simply disappear nor does this body- house of my soul- last very long).
The replies vary from “YES” to “no, but we should all be good samaritans”. Which is a good argument FOR universal coverage as we cannot all be medics and midwives, but the medical personnel too, has to feed their family.
Basically it is rather interesting to watch all these different countries play the game in different ways and whether something “works” or not is not even that cut and dried either. I doubt that anything will totally “work” for everyone, as we are One but not the same, we are all variations and of different opinions.
Dear unnamed, peace be with you.
To all the rest of you: I love living on this planet on this day and at this time by default as no other is availlable, and apparently by choice!
Have a great weekend, bless you all.
posted September 19, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Subject: Health care and God
Neale,
It all boils down to the “sponsoring thought.” The societies of the world are presently using the “sponsoring thought” of “everyone for themselves.” When people change the “sponsoring thought” to “for the highest good of all” most of Diana’s problems will go away.
The concept of separation follows naturally from the sponsoring thought.of everyone for themselves, whereas Oneness follows from for the highest good of all.
I agree that Obama is a step in the right direction, but the USA has miles to go.
People tend to think of the US goverenment as “them,” when in fact it is “us.” Try substituting “the people” for the word “government.”
Icarus
posted September 19, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Janel – I said that I didn’t know how it would start, but your ideas sound like a plan…this country needs to start with babysteps – get a good foothold and deal with the problems and mistakes and go forward. You and I and others have pointed out that we do have other countries as examples to learn from….
Your other question (for Eleanor?) – as a youngster, I had an NDE – as I said in earlier blogs, it has put me on this path of learning.
posted September 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Hi, Janel: In answer to your question, yes I had a NDE. It happened during the night at home. suddenly I was walking toward a light which poured out between an enourmous stone gate. I was not alone walking this way, others were beside me. then a voice stopped me, while the others walked on. I was told it was not my time yet, that I had to return now. I woke up, breathing very hard and shaken. it seems my breathing stopped and then started up again. when I fell asleep again I saw my self as a very old woman telling my family to leave me now, since it was finally time for me to pass into the light. when I told my daughter about this experience, her comment was ” you can’t leave yet, your youngest grandson will need you for years to come. he has Spina bifida and shortly thereafter he spend over 2 month in a hospital and since he was only 12 at that time my daughter worked during the day and I spend my days at his bedside. I am very glad I was there for him and for now he is doing very well. Hopefully he will stay well and if he chooses another way I still will be there for him. that’s my story. love and hugs eleonore.
posted September 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm
eleanore- i like how you stated your last part of how you feel about life! Thank you! I sometimes have a hard time putting how I feel into words and someone says just the thing to hit me and make me feel the light again!!!
I, too, believe that the next person to be elected does not have enough time to achieve what needs to be done to straighten out the health care system or much of anything, for that matter. It would take 4 years to change around the offices around him that he can influence, Congress, etc.
I don’t think it means that we give up though. I think we pick the best candidate who can begin the process of going in the right direction. Once the direction is started, then we can keep electing to keep it moving in that direction.
Just a thought-
sp
posted September 19, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Obama:
Columbia University – B.A. political science with a specialization in international relations.
Harvard Law- Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden :
University of Delaware – B.A. in history and B.A. in political science.
Syracuse University College of Law – Juris Doctor (J.D.)
McCain:
United States Naval Academy – Class rank 894 out of 899
Palin:
(Shoots wolves from copters, pro NRA, lives in the U.S. state closest to Russia, anti-sex-ed., pro-drilling, lied about bridge to nowhere, lipstick wearing hockey-mom who wants polar bears off the endangered list)
Hawaii Pacific University – 1 semester
North Idaho College – 2 semesters – general study
University of Idaho – 2 semesters – journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College – 1 semester
University of Idaho – 3 semesters – B.A. in journalism
posted September 19, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Thank God only 2 more days of “politcal ” blogs..I am weary of all this. I think I will check back after all this polical stuff is over.As a McCain backer and strong Republican,I am sick of hearing about Obama all the time.Check back with you later….
posted September 19, 2008 at 5:15 pm
John S,
I share your believe that the system is broken, but not beyond repair. Will the current politicians fix anything? No! And the folks are overwhelmed by what it might take to come up with a nation wide solution. So, where do we begin? We begin with ourselves! Each one of us, that believes and knows that we are all one, start with yourself.
We treat every person we meet and deal with as an aspect of our self. We share our knowledge, money, love, sweat and time in the manner that we would wish it be done unto us. We search out the people or organizations that can use out help and give it. We treat the other members of our family with respect, love and honesty.
We do not have the outstanding leaders of the past like John Kennedy who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Leaders like Kennedy come along far too infrequently. But we are here everyday. We can and are of the same quality as John Kennedy. We just are not on the same national stage. But we are thousands. Our individual and then combined thoughts, words and DEEDS carry even more weight, excitement, passion and results than any of us could ever imagine.
I did not like my father very much, actually very little. But I took care of him for the last five years of his life. Why? I read a series of books called Conversations With God. When I get to the point that it will be very difficult to take care of myself I would like someone to take care of me. If I want something for myself I need to give that to someone else. So, when my father got to the point of beginning to become infirm I moved home and took care of him as I would want someone to take care of me in that position.
Just think if each and everyone of us did some act of kindness for someone else today? Just imagine….
As this grows throughout the population of the nation and the world, the politicians will take note. They will begin to sense something new in the air. And trust me the politicians are always sniffing the air. As they begin seeing individuals, more and more individuals taking care of each other, treating each other with respect, love and honesty, these politicians will begin mirroring it back to the population. They, at first, will do it to get votes and power, but little by little it will begin to seep in and become the mindset that they operate from as well, “WE ARE ALL ONE.”
Do you want change on this planet? Do you want change in the United States? Do you want change in your state, city, and neighborhood… your home? Start with yourself. Change yourself into someone who lives their life on a minute by minute basis of WE ARE ALL ONE.
posted September 19, 2008 at 6:16 pm
SLH – you are talking about ripple affect/effect….
Starting in our own circle, we can be a Light for so many. You affect all around you in positive energy and the effect will multiply and be seen.
posted September 19, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Well said Cynthia, a ripple effect can be a wonderful thing. Then let us spread the love across the board, and make the ripple bigger from there.
posted September 19, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Hello -
The civilized thing to do is to ASK your fellow man for help -
NOT DEMAND IT.
___________________________________________________________________
Do we want the government employees who run the troubled Walter Reed Army Medical Center to be in charge of our entire health care system? Or, would you like the people who deliver our mail to also deliver health care services? How would you like the people who run the motor vehicles department, the government education system, foreign intelligence and other government agencies to also run our health care system? After all, they are not motivated by the quest for profits, and that might mean they’re truly wonderful, selfless, caring people.
As for me, I’d choose profit-driven people to provide my health care services, people with motives like those who deliver goods to my supermarket, deliver my overnight mail, produce my computer and software programs, assemble my car and produce a host of other goods and services that I use.
There’s absolutely no mystery why our greatest complaints are in the arena of government-delivered services and the fewest in market-delivered services. In the market, there are the ruthless forces of profit, loss and bankruptcy that make producers accountable to us. In the arena of government-delivered services, there’s no such accountability. For example, government schools can go for decades delivering low-quality services, and what’s the result? The people who manage it earn higher pay. It’s nearly impossible to fire the incompetents. And, taxpayers, who support the service, are given higher tax bills.
Our health care system is hampered by government intervention, and the solution is not more government intervention but less. The tax treatment of health insurance, where premiums are deducted from employees’ pre-tax income, explains why so many of us rely on our employers to select and pay for health insurance. Since there is a third-party payer, we have little incentive to shop around and wisely use health services.
There are “guaranteed issue” laws that require insurance companies to sell health insurance to any person seeking it. So why not wait until you’re sick before purchasing insurance? Guaranteed issue laws make about as much sense as if you left your house uninsured until you had a fire, and then purchased insurance to cover the damage. Guaranteed issue laws raise insurance premiums for all. Then there are government price controls, such as the reimbursement schemes for Medicaid. As a result, an increasing number of doctors are unwilling to treat Medicaid patients.
Before we buy into single-payer health care systems like Canada’s and the United Kingdom’s, we might want to do a bit of research. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based Fraser Institute annually publishes “Waiting Your Turn.” Its 2006 edition gives waiting times, by treatments, from a person’s referral by a general practitioner to treatment by a specialist. The shortest waiting time was for oncology (4.9 weeks). The longest waiting time was for orthopedic surgery (40.3 weeks), followed by plastic surgery (35.4 weeks) and neurosurgery (31.7 weeks).
As reported in the June 28 National Center for Policy Analysis’ “Daily Policy Digest,” Britain’s Department of Health recently acknowledged that one in eight patients waits more than a year for surgery. France’s failed health care system resulted in the deaths of 13,000 people, mostly of dehydration, during the heat spell of 2003. Hospitals stopped answering the phones, and ambulance attendants told people to fend for themselves.
I don’t think most Americans would like more socialized medicine in our country. By the way, I have absolutely no problem with people wanting socialism. My problem is when they want to drag me into it.
Walter Williams TownHall.Com
posted September 20, 2008 at 12:03 am
Well Put Walter.
Spare me the agony of any Government employe waiting on me. The Great State of California is a great example, of how your Government emoploye’s work for us on every level. They can’t even make up their mind how to spend the money we don’t have; and you want me to trust
them with life ?
A government run health care system, = ENTITLEMENT. another brilliant by Obama. gime, gime, gime. Spende spend spend.
Gime a break.
Quit relying on the Government, to do for you, what you can you do for youself ?
Wer’e all in the same boat.
Signed: McCAin & Palin
posted September 20, 2008 at 12:26 am
Here you have it in Bryan’s words:
Money rules!
Let profits rule!
As I think you probably are a fundamentalist christian, I will quote Jesus’ words:
Matthew 6:24:
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and richnesses.”
Or, If you’ve read Conversations with God 2, you’ll know, that it points to a very evident thing, but not so evident for many: a social system based in profits, profits, and more profits, only benefits some; CWG points very clearly that the world will have to move from profits motivation, to well-being of All motivations, if we want to live in peace and harmony…
But you’ve done a very good job describing the ‘logic’ of private health care…
I would like some comments about it… Any answers over here, please…?
Profit-driven people, more than humanity-driven people… is that what you mean?
Blessings
P.D.: the movie “Sicko” uncovers so well the real nature and ‘wonder’ of profit-driven health care system… Watch it…!
posted September 20, 2008 at 1:12 am
Neale, I liked your responses to the medical questions because they reflect the truth of God as found in your books..I was not as kind in my last posting..I am not convinced either party is capable of correcting are medical problems or even if they will make a concerted effort..I hope I am wrong..Obama talks real good but we have been hearing good talk for years..I think each party could have made many better choices than they actually made..God bless all
posted September 20, 2008 at 1:21 am
Here’s a link to part 2 of ‘Sicko’ and a list of conditions that if you have it, you WON’T get insurance. It’s pretty disgusting, and makes me happy that I live in Australia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiMMkmGdf_s&feature=related
posted September 20, 2008 at 1:27 am
That is a good movie.
How hard is it to recognize that it benefits each and everyone if ALL are taken care of?
Thus WHATEVER there is will be enough for everyone, especially in a country THIS rich.
I agree, Victor, it would require a change in conciousness.
I would also not so readily assume that health care that is not profit driven is lousy as indicated earlier.
I almost want to find out whether income equals ethics in the medical field. I think not. A profit driven provider does not guarantee good care, nor rules it out either in my opinion.
People are just not that predictable.
Furthermore I cringe everytime word like socialism are used, conjure up negative associations when it would simply make sense.
Healthy kids for example would definetely benefit society, can we not even start there?
Blessings, too.
I wonder about health insurances being required by law to cover whoever wants it, by now I know plenty of people who downright cannot afford those steep fees, that are $-based rather than a percentage of income.
posted September 20, 2008 at 9:33 am
I appreciate the kind words from our Sunday School teacher about my earlier posting. I’ve been a Back Row Betty since the class began, only speaking up now. I wondered why this issue, the politics health care, has given me the courage to speak out, when normally I’d be the kind of classmate the rest of you would never hear from?
I think it’s because politics are our highest thoughts made manifest. By that, I mean that our endorsement of national policies, our consensus around the day to day management of the common conditions of mankind, are simply reflections of how much value we place on each other, on the value of the human life of the person next to me. You can talk all you want about the superiority of one government or political party over another, but the reality, the true evidence of beliefs, is in the type of services we are willing to fund for each other.
Reality is a pretty fluid thing- if you think that universal access to health care treatment is anti-American, then it’s not likely that you will see any sense in voting for a universal health care plan. But changing reality is as simple as asking yourself what your highest values are, and then acting accordingly: do you think your tax money should go to international interventions, or national health care plans, or? And Teacher here will remind us that it’s not a question of either or: our system, our country is great enough, grand enough, to do any number of things, simultaneously, if enough of us speak up and vote according to our beliefs. It’s how we started out as a country, and I’d like to see us continue this way, in a grand human experiment to bring about more Good.
Feel like I am going on far too much, so I’ll go back to the backrow again! Looking forward, as always, to hearing from the rest of the class. Diana Ekman
posted September 20, 2008 at 9:59 am
I can’t fathom why some Americans are afraid of universal health care.Let’s get it done with and treat all people with respect and dignity.Stop all the fear-mongering slogan about socialist medicines,etc.
posted September 20, 2008 at 10:00 am
Bryan W:
As for me, I’d choose profit-driven people to provide my health care services, people with motives like those who deliver goods to my supermarket, deliver my overnight mail, produce my computer and software programs, assemble my car and produce a host of other goods and services that I use.
The current profit-driven systems are, again, based deeply in us vs. them unconscious belief systems. When you get right down to it, government or profit driven systems run with people that do not really care about each other are doomed to eventual failure.
I can’t tell you the number of stores I will not go to anymore or companies I will not buy from anymore because of customer ‘non’service. The few places I do shop with are places where I am greeted with a smiling face and I get the feeling that the people there really want my business and me in their place of business.
Again, it is the basic mind set of the majority of people that make it work or eventually not work. Are we all one, treating each other as we would like to be treated ourselves or is it everyone for themselves and how many of their dollars can I pry outta their wallets?
Coming from we are all one any system will work for the greatest goods and services with the highest qualities and outcomes.
posted September 20, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Michael,
Thank you so much for the link… If you have others, please, put it over there…
Good point; the list of illneses and conditions that are not able for an health insurance is almost so lont to arrive the moon…
Not to mention all the ‘tricks’ that insurance companies do for not providing medicine, reasearchs, for denying all kind of medical studies, etc., etc…
I see all this, and ask myself how do US citizens tolerate this?
As the former representant in the UK says: “even in the times of super-conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, if she had the occurrence of eliminating universal health care, there would have been a revolution!…”
How do US citizens tolerate this?
The answer is as always: FEAR
Blessings
posted September 20, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Diana Ekman:
Great Point!
Good for you!
Keep going…
Blessings
posted September 20, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Don,
The point is that if you believe that everybody must and can have universal health care, you’ll find a way…
The difference betwween considering health care a RIGHT, or a ‘service’… or more over, a PRIVILEGE, for privileged people…
If other countries can, why couldn’t you…? That doesn’t mean that they’re perfect, -nothing is- but, for a long distance, they are far, far away, from US system…
How is it possible that Cuba, a ‘communist’ country provide universal health care for everybody… being a poor country, without oil, without wealth, and with an embargon of almost 50 years…?
You could say: they are only 11 million people… We are 300 million…
But the difference in wealth and power is much greater that that, too…
How China can…? (1300 million people, and a ‘communist’ country too…)
But talking about capitalist countries…
How Canada can…?
How UK can…?
How France can…?
How Italy can…?
As a canadian citizen says: “the point is that the majority of US people believe in ‘every one for himself’, and disguise that as “personal responsability”… We in Canada believe in that everybody must take care for everyone else… we care one on another, and act in consequence…”
Where could you get your resources for that?
Very ‘simple’:
Redirect 10% -or more- of your military resources to health care…
Ahhhh! I just remember: you’re afraid of terrorism, communism, socialism, anarchism, liberalism, muslims, UFO’s, and the envy of all the countries of the world… You must be armed from head to toes…
Everybody in earth wants your destruction…
Even of other galaxies you’re afraid… You must be ready to defend…!
And if you add Satan, Lucifer, and all evil angels of the universe… you must be ready too…
If every other thing -and people- must suffer for your fear, so be it… No universal health care, no free education, no free media, no oneness as values… You must defend against everybody!
Fear, fear, and more fear…
That’s the core cause…
The fear for yourselves…
Be Blessed
posted September 20, 2008 at 1:32 pm
‘SiCKO’ Factual Backup
SiCKO: There are nearly 50 million Americans without health insurance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually reported that 54.5 million people were uninsured for at least part of the year. Health Insurance Coverage: Early Release of Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 2006. Centers for Disease Control.
The amount of uninsured is rising every year, as premiums continue to skyrocket and wages stagnate. From 2004 to 2005 the number of uninsured rose 1.3 million, and rose up nearly 6 million from 2001-2005. Leighton Ku, “Census Revises Estimates Of The Number Of Uninsured People,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 5, 2007
With 44.8 uninsured in 2005, in 2007 the number will be much higher. Professors Todd Gilmer and Richard Kronick, in “It’s The Premiums, Stupid: Projections Of The Uninsured Through 2013,” Health Affairs, 10.1377/hlthaff.w5.143, “project that the number of non-elderly uninsured Americans will grow from forty-five million in 2003 to fifty-six million by 2013.” According to these authors, by now the number of non-elderly uninsured by this date clearly would be nearly 50 million.
SiCKO: 18,000 Americans will die this year simply because they’re uninsured.
According to the Institute of Medicine, “lack of health insurance causes roughly 18,000 unnecessary deaths every year in the United States. Although America leads the world in spending on health care, it is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not ensure that all citizens have coverage.” Insuring America’s Health: Principles and Recommendations, Institute of Medicine, January 2004.
For more like this see:
http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/checkup/
posted September 20, 2008 at 11:50 pm
The movie Sicko deosn’t mention that all Cubans had their property confiscated by their government.
Victor, do you think that even one Cuban citizen is “living their highest thought of their grandest dream”.
-c’mon tell me how grand the Cubans dream and high they live.
You are not thinking right – sitting here telling people about something you know nothing about. You cannot even begin to feel the pain inflicted by Castro regime on Cuban’s you so want us to watch in your SICKO film.
I mean Victor – I like your vigor and find you humorous – I don’t take you personally – as I’m sure you don’t me – we’re just at opposite ends here.
Regarding the 50 million un-insured.
If the 40 million lawbreakers who insist on ignoring the reasonable and civilized immigration laws of the United States would stop breaking the law and go back home until they can legally stay here – we would have about 35 million less un-insured.
So not only are Democrats doing nothing to help prevent millions of lawbreakers from staying in the USA – they are also demanding that I pay for all their medical needs.
So … this will be great to see all of your dumbfounded faces on the morning of Nov. 5th – 2008 when your liberal ideas get shot down again.
You will then go back to making your anti-American movies – like Fahrenheit 911 [which over 50 million European teenagers have seen - and which makes them hate America more than anything Bush says or does] and Sicko.
So – please continue trashing this nation.
Please continue your social “we are all one” and “it takes a village” philosphies in our inner cities.
In the inner city closest to me – Milwaukee, WI – there are over
88 local, state and federal program available for use by virtually every family living in the city.
This is nothing new – these programs provide State Health coverage for any babies mama and baby that applies – and rent, free college, transportation aid, food – baby formula, clothing etc…
And what happens [as with every inner city infested with idiot Democrat ideas] – is the liberal just keep DEMANDING more help ]never asking, just demanding] – while more of it’s residents trash their neigbiorhoods and refuse to attend school [61% drop-out rate].
And they all get and blame Bush – when the city has 55 thousand males between the ages of 21-30 without a HS diploma who cannot get a job.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO THE LIBERAL THING AND BECOME THE DADDY.
We have ruined our inner cities by throwing money at the problems.
You know what – if the money throwing worked – I bet even us Conservatives could agree on a reasonable compromise – BUT YOUR SOCIAL ENGINEERING AND 100′S OF BILLIONS LATER – doesn’t work and never will … just like Cuba cannot and will not ever work.
SOCIALISM LEADS TO EITHER COMMUNISM OR MAFIA LIKE STATES.
That’s why we have a constitution – to prevent your liberal wealth confiscation and subsequent transfer of my money to another.
And on Nov. 5th – you nutty libs will be my comedy. I’ll laugh hysterically at your rage – especially when you see sarah palin up there.
posted September 21, 2008 at 5:41 am
The thing I havent seen mentioned anywhere yet, is the cost of the procedures.
I am blessed to have insurance. What I find interesting is the amount of discounting that the insurance companies get. How is it that doctors, hospitals, labs, etc can discount 50+ percent of the patient bill for insurance companies, and still stay solvent?
The only answer I have been able to come up with is that health care costs are overstated by at least 3X, if not more, so that when the discounts are applied, the providers receive what they desire.
Of course, that also means that those without insurance, pay 3x what they need to for the same care.
No wonder we have a crisis.
posted September 21, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Seems like with all these health problems across the world, it would be great if we would learn how faith works. For Christians, for example, if you believe that Jesus truly healed by faith and that he still can (And that he said greater things than this you will do) then it would be a big deal in the world if it were put into practise… you would definitely win some conversions there. For others who believe we create our reality, then it would make much more sense to create a world where sickness and disease either didn’t exist or didn’t have such an impact rather than to create a better insurance/health care system….. What is it we are looking for here?
posted September 21, 2008 at 4:41 pm
So…Obama’s plan would bring us much closer to your ideal for healthcare. I’m curious, what is Obama’s plan? I’ve heard a lot of promises and platitudes but no real details. Looking at the last healthcare overhaul proposal offered vis a vis the Clintons… I’d like to know what about it is in line with you? Is it the part where the government tells you who your doctor is without any input from you? Is it the part where seeking out your own doctor or drugless practitioner and paying for services with your own money becomes a felony? Is it the part where long lines and waitlists for even the most basic care become a universal experience? Or is it the part where they take the greatest healthcare system in the world (the envy of the every other nation on earth) and replace it with an overburdened, underfunded, inefficient replica of European healthcare models that are bankrupting governments and forcing its to buy still more healthcare insurance because what the state offers isn’t enough? Please do answer because I’m confused.
PS, Another thing confuses me. Other than your posts being one daily campaign ad for Obama after another; exactly what is this blog for?
-Russ
posted September 21, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I’m not sure why people are so terrified of universal healthcare. When I lived in Spain, there were no long lines or waitlists as Russ claims. The doctors that I and my children visited were kind and thorough. It seems to me that a person there gets into medicine because they have a passion for it and not because they want to make good money. When about 40% of a person’s income goes to taxes, how can a government then be “handing out freebees” when it comes to universal health care? It becomes a situation where only the wealthy can afford insurance, and those who can’t are looked down at as being losers? But what about all the hard working folks who must pay their taxes by law but must sacrifice their own interest by giving up insurance and praying they never get sick? What is so superior about a country that takes its citizens’ money to their own detriment? Isn’t that what the founders tried to get away from? How can any politician sleep at night, in their comfortable fancy homes, with their extensive insurance plans and the ability to afford the ‘very best healtchare’ when much of the country has to sacrifice that to keep their family fed? What good does it do to have the “Greatest healthcare system in the world” if much of the country can’t even have access to it? The answer is: it doesn’t… If we have to give up so much of our hard earned money, then we ought to have people who know how to manage it well enough that they consider our citizen’s health just as important as any of the other things they spend it on.
posted September 21, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Don,
Don’t make me laugh…
You’re using the link for the Cuban-American Foundation… the place of the cuban mafia that lives in Miami, and live only for complaining about Castro and see him destroyed…
It is as if you gave me the link of Al-Qaida for talking about USA…
Bryan…
Ok… if Republicans win you will laugh ‘histerically’… ok… that gives me some idea…
For your information, communism doesn’t exist, and the USSR dissappeared in 1990…
Perhaps you didn’t notice it…
But ok, what about Canada, Spain, France, Italy, or UK… are they communist countries too…?
posted September 21, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Susan, I’ve wondered about that, and in my wonderings, found an answer. If it ever became widely recognized that anyone had the ability to lay on hands and heal, there are some things that are guaranteed to happen:
– the healer would never get a minutes rest
– people would line up from new york to los angeles
– those who couldnt get what the wanted would riot
– the government would try to use it for their own purposes
– the wealthy would try to sequester them all for themselvew
– the vatican would probably declare them demon possessed
—— (until they died, then they would be canonized)
– their families would be terrorized, held for ransom, etc.
– someone would try to kill them
– the medical community would lose quadrillions of dollars
—— and would try to have them killed
– a lot of unemployed doctors would try to kill them
– etc, etc, etc
In short, the absolute worst of human society would come to the
surface and manifest itself. Lest any think this is too cynical, the scriptures give us a picture of similar happenings wherever Jesus went.
In short, we dont see it because too many in our society doesnt know how to play nice enough yet to be blessed with this gift … so, the suffering continues.
posted September 22, 2008 at 1:46 pm
DGF,
I see what you’re saying… I guess the fault is in the worshipping of someone or something that is in ALL of us. Jesus said we could do everything he did and greater. So, I’m thinking that its not meant to be a one man show.
Blessings
posted September 22, 2008 at 8:24 pm
You mean you don’t think that healing is a possibility?