With more heat in Washington over the health care reform than in our summer days, it's time to turn from the political topics back to 'Raising Prices.' We enjoyed a wonderful respite at a Joni and Friends retreat hosted at the Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes MN.
We spent an extended weekend at a facility that is top notch in my book with regard to: accessibility, clean facilities, excellent food and ample room for our family. In addition to that, we had a great time in worship, teaching, networking and recreation.
Some highlights:
-We were greeted by 150 volunteers wearing yellow shirts and clapping and shouting similar to the way you see it on "Extreme Home Makeover." Laura and I were moved as we drove up the long driveway and greeted by an army who took our gear out of the trailer and had it in our room faster than you can say "Are we there yet?"
-We were assigned 4 STM's - Short Term Missionaries for the kids with formal disability labels. They were all wonderful and connected with each of our kids in a unique and special way. It was a treat to see these folks genuinely interested in who our kids are and what they wanted to do. Some of them had never been exposed to people with disabilities before. They were by their own admission "out of their comfort zone" but you never would have guessed.
-I mentioned the facility briefly, but wanted to add that when you try to pack 9 people and a dog into 1 room the results are usually not pretty. We weren't cramped here though. We had 12 bunk beds, a large 3 shower, 2 stall bathroom and ample room for the kennel and a wheelchair. For us, it was a dream camping set up!
-We heard some great teaching. When you deal with disability, you end up confronting some tough questions from "Why Me?" to "Why isn't my child healed?" to "Is this really God's will?"
We spent a lot of time talking about God doing things for HIS glory. That's a hard concept. My child/family member has this disability and that's bringing glory to God? I believe this is true, but I have to confess I'm still working through some of that. It isn't easy to see how hardship, difficulty, disability or even death of a loved one brings glory to God. But if we don't believe that then what are the options for why disability occurs? Some people deserve it? Some people are better than others? I don't thing so.
The teaching was good and gave me a better perspective on this thing called disability.
-Worship. When you have the opportunity to worship more frequently than once a week it gives you a chance to actually leave the distractions of this world behind and focus on God and His glory. This concentrated time gave me the chance to experience God in a new and closer way. A chance to feel His presence and know that He was hearing me and speaking to me.
It's much easier to get drawn into total worship when you watch others who worship with no regard for the 'outward appearances.' For example, one young man simply liked the tambourine. He wanted to be near the worship band so he walked up on stage and used his tambourine to praise. The innocence and purity of his desire moved me.
-Food. Lots of it and very, very good!
-Fun. It was somewhat rainy each day, but we managed to get something done each day. Vicki and I went on REAL inner tubes behind a REAL speed boat. She loved it, but I think I was choking her with my 'death grip' on her life jacket. Andrew went with our PCA Stephanie. He's so adventurous.
Tim and Josh did the zip line. They climbed 4 stories up and got in these harnesses. The harness was attached to a line and then they zipped down into the water. Andrew wanted to do it, but the harnesses were too big.
Most of us went into the hot tub. One day it was raining, but we didn't really mind for some reason.
Then there was the rock climbing wall. Tim and Andrew were harnessed and looking like Batman and Robin instantly. They made it up about 3 stories before their little arms and legs just wore out. Josh gave it a try too, but we saw how his Myotonic could actually hamper something he wanted to do - he didn't get very far. I decided that I had to at least try the wall. I went with some fear and trembling, but reminded myself not to look down. With great support from the belayer on the ground, I did make it to the top of the 4 story wall! Then I had the fun of 'sliding' down the wall. Once on the ground I realized my forearms had turned to Jello. Better at the end than in the middle of the climb!
The little boys and I played Frisbee golf. Someone needs to tell them that smaller numbers are better!
-Vicki and Laura had a nice time meeting and talking with Joni Eareckson Tada. She has lived with her disability for a long time and still conveys God's grace to those she meets. We were able to get a family picture with Joni! It was a great encouragement to us to meet her and watch how God uses her.
-Networking. We met a number of really great people who live with all different kinds of disabilities. We talked about everything from insurance to personal cares, to struggles, to vacations. It was nice to share stories with others who go through similar things.
-At the end of the time, I realized how much refreshment I had received. The best way I can describe it is to say I am ready to 'run this race' a little longer.
Here's a few glimpses of our time.
http://raisingprices.shutterfly.com/
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Just the facts man!
The Administration of our recently elected 'savior of the world' is really worried that you don't have the facts about health care reform. They are so worried that they sent out an email telling you to watch various videos that will give you 'just the facts.'
Well I don't trust our beloved Administration so I sought out 'just the facts' myself. All of these facts come from the current version of H.R. 3200.
Fact number 1. This will cost us money we don't have (i.e we have to borrow it). Read the facts:
Sec 222 Premiums and Financing
"(2) START-UP FUNDING-
(A) IN GENERAL- In order to provide for the establishment of the public health insurance option there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $2,000,000,000. In order to provide for initial claims reserves before the collection of premiums, there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as necessary to cover 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
(B) AMORTIZATION OF START-UP FUNDING- The Secretary shall provide for the repayment of the startup funding provided under subparagraph (A) to the Treasury in an amortized manner over the 10-year period beginning with Y1.
(C) LIMITATION ON FUNDING- Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any additional appropriations to the Account, other than such amounts as are otherwise provided with respect to other Exchange-participating health benefits plans."
This is JUST for the public health insurance option. 2 BILLION plus enough to cover 90 days worth of claims. In other words, we don't know exactly how much. And then we're SUPPOSED to pay back the money. HA! We can't service the debt we have now! Here's one snipet from the Congressional Budget Office website:
"CBO estimates that the federal government incurred a deficit of $1.3 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2009. Outlays were $526 billion greater than those in the October-July period last year, while revenues have fallen by $353 billion."
So we're spending more than we take in, we're already in debt and the Administration wants to add another 2 plus billion JUST for the Public Option. Can ANY economics major tell me how this is viable? Without Voodoo economics?
Fact number 2: You WILL be taxed no matter what.
Section 207 Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund
(side note when the government says "Trust Fund" you shouldn't)
"(1) DEDICATED PAYMENTS- There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the following:
(A) TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS NOT OBTAINING ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE- The amounts received in the Treasury under section 59B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirement of health insurance coverage for individuals)."
Whether you want coverage or not, you WILL pay a tax. That means if you opt for ANY alternative type 'insurance' plan that doesn't meet their standards, you pay.
Fact number 3: INCREASED government
"SEC. 141. HEALTH CHOICES ADMINISTRATION; HEALTH CHOICES COMMISSIONER.
(a) In General- There is hereby established, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a Health Choices Administration (in this division referred to as the ‘Administration’).
(b) Commissioner-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner (in this division referred to as the ‘Commissioner’) who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) COMPENSATION; ETC- The provisions of paragraphs (2), (5), and (7) of subsection (a) (relating to compensation, terms, general powers, rulemaking, and delegation) of section 702 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 902) shall apply to the Commissioner and the Administration in the same manner as such provisions apply to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Social Security Administration."
If we have to pay this newly appointed clown, then it's increased government.
OK folks, there you have it 3 FACTS coming right out of H.R. 3200.
Don't let anyone fool you. There are serious problems with this bill and these are but 3 of them.
Well I don't trust our beloved Administration so I sought out 'just the facts' myself. All of these facts come from the current version of H.R. 3200.
Fact number 1. This will cost us money we don't have (i.e we have to borrow it). Read the facts:
Sec 222 Premiums and Financing
"(2) START-UP FUNDING-
(A) IN GENERAL- In order to provide for the establishment of the public health insurance option there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $2,000,000,000. In order to provide for initial claims reserves before the collection of premiums, there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as necessary to cover 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
(B) AMORTIZATION OF START-UP FUNDING- The Secretary shall provide for the repayment of the startup funding provided under subparagraph (A) to the Treasury in an amortized manner over the 10-year period beginning with Y1.
(C) LIMITATION ON FUNDING- Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any additional appropriations to the Account, other than such amounts as are otherwise provided with respect to other Exchange-participating health benefits plans."
This is JUST for the public health insurance option. 2 BILLION plus enough to cover 90 days worth of claims. In other words, we don't know exactly how much. And then we're SUPPOSED to pay back the money. HA! We can't service the debt we have now! Here's one snipet from the Congressional Budget Office website:
"CBO estimates that the federal government incurred a deficit of $1.3 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2009. Outlays were $526 billion greater than those in the October-July period last year, while revenues have fallen by $353 billion."
So we're spending more than we take in, we're already in debt and the Administration wants to add another 2 plus billion JUST for the Public Option. Can ANY economics major tell me how this is viable? Without Voodoo economics?
Fact number 2: You WILL be taxed no matter what.
Section 207 Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund
(side note when the government says "Trust Fund" you shouldn't)
"(1) DEDICATED PAYMENTS- There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the following:
(A) TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS NOT OBTAINING ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE- The amounts received in the Treasury under section 59B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirement of health insurance coverage for individuals)."
Whether you want coverage or not, you WILL pay a tax. That means if you opt for ANY alternative type 'insurance' plan that doesn't meet their standards, you pay.
Fact number 3: INCREASED government
"SEC. 141. HEALTH CHOICES ADMINISTRATION; HEALTH CHOICES COMMISSIONER.
(a) In General- There is hereby established, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a Health Choices Administration (in this division referred to as the ‘Administration’).
(b) Commissioner-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner (in this division referred to as the ‘Commissioner’) who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) COMPENSATION; ETC- The provisions of paragraphs (2), (5), and (7) of subsection (a) (relating to compensation, terms, general powers, rulemaking, and delegation) of section 702 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 902) shall apply to the Commissioner and the Administration in the same manner as such provisions apply to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Social Security Administration."
If we have to pay this newly appointed clown, then it's increased government.
OK folks, there you have it 3 FACTS coming right out of H.R. 3200.
Don't let anyone fool you. There are serious problems with this bill and these are but 3 of them.
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