We've all read or heard the news about Tiger Woods and his alleged affairs. Perhaps you've heard or read the news about war in the Congo. Perhaps you've read about the piles of bodies in the morgues in Nigeria. How about the skyrocketing deficit in our country? Or the failure of many to pay their debts by filing for bankruptcy? Or the endless kidnappings, rapes, and murders? You've no doubt read or heard about death, divorce, financial issues and drugs over and over again.
In some strange way all of these stories fascinate us to some extent. There's a curiosity factor in them. However, in spite of the fascination, regardless of the headlines there seems to be something conspicuously missing from these stories. The reports seem to be glaring in their omissions. Well they are to me anyway. The children. What about the children?
In all of these stories there are children affected. Tiger's children are going to suffer for his behavior. There are children in the Congo that are missing. The bodies in the morgue are actually children. Today's debt is going to be left for our children. And think of the countless souls that have suffered at the hand of adults.
When do we, the adults who are supposed to know better, start thinking about the children? When do we put aside selfish ambitions, attitudes and ideas to consider those little humans who are looking to us for wisdom, care and love?
It's way too easy to do what we want and then try and deal with the consequences later. Don't you think that if we always said "how will my actions affect the children?" that we would change many of our actions?
So how did we get here? Consider that we feed ourselves a steady diet of rubbish in our music, our television, our movies, the internet, and our video games. And then we try to act as responsible human beings. We pump out porn and rubbish on the airways and then complain when someone molests another human being. We worship people that are good at *playing games,* aka sports figures, while we leave our churches empty. We allow these so called heros a "free pass" for their transgressions if they can keep it together on the field. We spend so much time making money that we don't have time to actually play with the kids.
With all of these things, we neglect to consider the impact on the children. I don't end up seeing the worst of the worst and yet I encounter children who are being neglected, or fed a steady diet of rubbish more often than I'd like. How will we ever turn it around? When is enough, enough? How many have to suffer or die before we stop?
Well I say start tomorrow. With everything you do start asking the question "How will my actions affect the children I encounter?" Don't think it matters? What have you got to lose? The children are already suffering and dying.
In case you think these words are simply man made musings, consider this verse from the book of James in the Bible- "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
If God cares, maybe we should too.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Soccer Pride
One of the joys of being a parent is bragging about your kids. Yes, I admit it is bragging, but it's a little more acceptable because it's not about ourselves. I want to brag about my oldest this time. He and his teammates just finished another trip to the Minnesota State High School League tournament for Adapted Soccer.
On Friday night, Josh lead the team with a double-hat trick (6 goals for you non-sports readers) and an assist in an 11-1 victory. The goals were nice, but I am most proud of his assist. Josh worked his way down low to the right side of the goal and passed to a waiting teammate on the left side of the goal. He had pulled the defense and goalie toward himself so all his teammate had to do was drill a shot into a virtually empty net. She did just that and we were all thrilled that she scored a state tournament goal.
I was proud because he could have continued to score on his own, but he showed that he had listened to his coach and passed at the right time giving another team member a moment of glory.
That win took them to the semi finals against an undefeated Dakota United team. The team played very well and they handed the Hawks their first loss of the season, and won 9-5. A fellow senior led the team with four goals while Josh added 3 goals and 2 assists.
This win took them to the final against their division rival the Robbinsdale Robins. It seems that in sports, you never get away from your rivals. The Mustangs and Robins have battled in numerous regular season and tournament contests. This one was one of the most intense and closely fought contests they've had. At half, the Mustangs were down 3-1. In the second half the coach changed the configuration of forwards to a "1-2-1" set up. That left Josh as the lone deep forward for part of the second half. He used his good footwork to move around the larger defenders and eventually score. He and his teammates battled back to a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation. After an aggressive but unsuccessful overtime, the teams went to a shootout.
At the very end of the overtime, one of our players injured his right foot. He is the player that usually is in goal for penalty shots or shootouts. With that injury, he would not be able to be the goalie. The coach decided to have Josh be in the net for the shootout. She showed great confidence in him by asking him to step up and take the pressure of a shootout in spite of the fact that he rarely plays goalie.
I was proud once again because he stepped up and gave his all for the team. He could have cowered from the challenge, but he didn't. He got in there and made 2 out of 4 stops - pretty good for not having been in a shootout before. Sadly the team did not score in their part of the shootout and lost the match.
While everyone wants to win a championship, I am still extremely proud of my son and the team. They could have given up when it was 3-1, but they didn't. Josh could have said "I don't want to be the goalie for the shootout," but he didn't. It takes some fortitude and confidence to take on a challenge you haven't faced before.
I am proud of his athletic accomplishments during the tournament and the fact that he was honored to be selected to the "All-Tournament Team," but I am more proud of the qualities he displayed. He was selfless in the first game when he made a great assist. He played as a team member working hard with his fellow teammates in the second game. And he showed perseverance, guts and confidence as he worked to tie the third game and take on the goalie role.
Now that I've bragged about my son, I want to commend all of the Mustangs. It amazes me every time I watch them play how hard they work and how well they work as a team. You have to realize that each of these kids is already battling some type of physical limitation - some are more obvious than others. Add this to trying to be coordinated enough to kick a rolling ball and execute a pass or a shot and you have an amazing spectacle. When you think of gifted athletes who have done amazing feats and compare them to these kids, there is no comparison. I'll take an adapted soccer team over a Beckham team ANY day.
On Friday night, Josh lead the team with a double-hat trick (6 goals for you non-sports readers) and an assist in an 11-1 victory. The goals were nice, but I am most proud of his assist. Josh worked his way down low to the right side of the goal and passed to a waiting teammate on the left side of the goal. He had pulled the defense and goalie toward himself so all his teammate had to do was drill a shot into a virtually empty net. She did just that and we were all thrilled that she scored a state tournament goal.
I was proud because he could have continued to score on his own, but he showed that he had listened to his coach and passed at the right time giving another team member a moment of glory.
That win took them to the semi finals against an undefeated Dakota United team. The team played very well and they handed the Hawks their first loss of the season, and won 9-5. A fellow senior led the team with four goals while Josh added 3 goals and 2 assists.
This win took them to the final against their division rival the Robbinsdale Robins. It seems that in sports, you never get away from your rivals. The Mustangs and Robins have battled in numerous regular season and tournament contests. This one was one of the most intense and closely fought contests they've had. At half, the Mustangs were down 3-1. In the second half the coach changed the configuration of forwards to a "1-2-1" set up. That left Josh as the lone deep forward for part of the second half. He used his good footwork to move around the larger defenders and eventually score. He and his teammates battled back to a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation. After an aggressive but unsuccessful overtime, the teams went to a shootout.
At the very end of the overtime, one of our players injured his right foot. He is the player that usually is in goal for penalty shots or shootouts. With that injury, he would not be able to be the goalie. The coach decided to have Josh be in the net for the shootout. She showed great confidence in him by asking him to step up and take the pressure of a shootout in spite of the fact that he rarely plays goalie.
I was proud once again because he stepped up and gave his all for the team. He could have cowered from the challenge, but he didn't. He got in there and made 2 out of 4 stops - pretty good for not having been in a shootout before. Sadly the team did not score in their part of the shootout and lost the match.
While everyone wants to win a championship, I am still extremely proud of my son and the team. They could have given up when it was 3-1, but they didn't. Josh could have said "I don't want to be the goalie for the shootout," but he didn't. It takes some fortitude and confidence to take on a challenge you haven't faced before.
I am proud of his athletic accomplishments during the tournament and the fact that he was honored to be selected to the "All-Tournament Team," but I am more proud of the qualities he displayed. He was selfless in the first game when he made a great assist. He played as a team member working hard with his fellow teammates in the second game. And he showed perseverance, guts and confidence as he worked to tie the third game and take on the goalie role.
Now that I've bragged about my son, I want to commend all of the Mustangs. It amazes me every time I watch them play how hard they work and how well they work as a team. You have to realize that each of these kids is already battling some type of physical limitation - some are more obvious than others. Add this to trying to be coordinated enough to kick a rolling ball and execute a pass or a shot and you have an amazing spectacle. When you think of gifted athletes who have done amazing feats and compare them to these kids, there is no comparison. I'll take an adapted soccer team over a Beckham team ANY day.
Friday, November 6, 2009
1990 pages
I was going to blog about the actual statements in the 1990 Pelosicare-Obamacare-I don't care bill, but the WSJ and others did it for me. Check this out:
Defend your health care
WSJ
Ways and Means
The bill will so dramatically change our country that I won't even go out on a limb to say "If they pass it, we (the United States of America) will die."
You will see this country go from one which experiences great freedoms to one that will literally force you to have health care.
Think I'm making it up? Read the bill.
Defend your health care
WSJ
Ways and Means
The bill will so dramatically change our country that I won't even go out on a limb to say "If they pass it, we (the United States of America) will die."
You will see this country go from one which experiences great freedoms to one that will literally force you to have health care.
Think I'm making it up? Read the bill.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Your pay
Did you ever think that your pay would be determined by someone other than your boss or your company? If you did, did you ever in your wildest imagination think that the government would control your pay?
Fox news reports "The Washington pay czar who's ordered steep pay cuts for executives at bailed-out firms could have practically unlimited power to regulate compensation at any company that gets federal funding, lawyers say -- even if his legal authority is sketchy."
Unlimited power to regulate compensation? Really? Yep, that's what's happening. So you get a job, negotiate a contract and plan your life style based on your salary. Your company gets in trouble and decides to get a loan from Uncle Sam and viola they now control your salary. There goes your lifestyle.
I'm not for anyone receiving excessive wages, but if you earn that money, I don't care if it's a dollar or a trillion dollars - it's yours.
The federal government now seems to have the authority to trump a signed contract. Why?
The argument is that these companies owe money to the federal government and that gives the government the right to exercise an "ownership stake" or other not so nice tactics like embarrassment etc.
The first problem here is that the government shouldn't have an "ownership stake" in any private industry. Amendment 5 of the constitution reads "... nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The private property is the key here. You can call it land, buildings, widgets or even a salary -it's all private property and it's not supposed to be taken by the government. And IF it is then we are supposed to receive JUST compensation. Tell me how slashing anyone's salary by 90% is JUST compensation.
Amendment 8 states "...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." It sure seems cruel and unusual for the government to control the salary of a private company.
And Amendment 27 states "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." The lawmakers themselves can't have pay raises or cuts UNTIL the next election. Not so for these lucky few under the power of the Pay Czar.
Perhaps you don't care for any of my arguments. That's fine you don't need to agree, but you do need to realize that this power grab by the 'savior of the world' and his czar is only the beginning. If they can find a way to alter the pay of these executives or "own" a car company, they can find a way to come after your job and your salary too.
Fox news reports "The Washington pay czar who's ordered steep pay cuts for executives at bailed-out firms could have practically unlimited power to regulate compensation at any company that gets federal funding, lawyers say -- even if his legal authority is sketchy."
Unlimited power to regulate compensation? Really? Yep, that's what's happening. So you get a job, negotiate a contract and plan your life style based on your salary. Your company gets in trouble and decides to get a loan from Uncle Sam and viola they now control your salary. There goes your lifestyle.
I'm not for anyone receiving excessive wages, but if you earn that money, I don't care if it's a dollar or a trillion dollars - it's yours.
The federal government now seems to have the authority to trump a signed contract. Why?
The argument is that these companies owe money to the federal government and that gives the government the right to exercise an "ownership stake" or other not so nice tactics like embarrassment etc.
The first problem here is that the government shouldn't have an "ownership stake" in any private industry. Amendment 5 of the constitution reads "... nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The private property is the key here. You can call it land, buildings, widgets or even a salary -it's all private property and it's not supposed to be taken by the government. And IF it is then we are supposed to receive JUST compensation. Tell me how slashing anyone's salary by 90% is JUST compensation.
Amendment 8 states "...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." It sure seems cruel and unusual for the government to control the salary of a private company.
And Amendment 27 states "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." The lawmakers themselves can't have pay raises or cuts UNTIL the next election. Not so for these lucky few under the power of the Pay Czar.
Perhaps you don't care for any of my arguments. That's fine you don't need to agree, but you do need to realize that this power grab by the 'savior of the world' and his czar is only the beginning. If they can find a way to alter the pay of these executives or "own" a car company, they can find a way to come after your job and your salary too.
Monday, September 14, 2009
How "rich" are you?
Each day I read horrible things going on in our world. Tragedies that I don't even want to recount here. Each time I read something, I think "Wow! I have been given so much!" Recently I was told that I am a rich man. I want to tell you how really rich I am.
I have enough food each day. I've never gone hungry. I have a home that is very comfortable and clean. I sleep on a bed every night. I have money to buy clothing for our family. We have heat to keep us warm and air conditioning to keep us cool. I have all of my material needs met and most of what I want.
I have a wife who is not only my mate and confidant, but my lover and best friend. She works so hard to take care of our family that I could fill many pages with the details and at the end of a busy day, guess who she wants to hang out with? Me! After 23 plus years of marriage, she still wants to be with ME! It really truly doesn't get better than that!
I have kids that teach me things every day. Sometimes I have to repeat the lessons because I just don't learn very well the first time. But I have them there to help me learn. They also show me amazing things that I would not otherwise take the time to watch.
I have my health. I know a LOT of people that are not very healthy. They have medicine for this or go to doctors for that. My own kids struggle with that issue.
I have choices. I can choose what to do with my time or my money. I can come and go as I please. I have freedom and I am reminded often that many others (primarily our military) have paid the price so I could be free.
I have tools to help me get jobs done. I have friends to call when I need help. I have good neighbors who look out for my kids.
I get the privilege of looking in on various lives that I encounter. Sometimes I can give some guidance along the way so they can avoid the pitfalls I've experienced. Other times I can merely be there and listen. It's an incredible honor when someone invites me to be a part of their world.
I have a faith that guides me day by day. There are SO MANY lost souls in this world. They are trying this or that as they desperately look for some kind of fulfillment. Sadly, most of what they try comes up short and leaves them empty. I really can not imagine where my life would be without my faith in Jesus Christ.
So you can see what was told to me recently is true - I am a rich man.
I have enough food each day. I've never gone hungry. I have a home that is very comfortable and clean. I sleep on a bed every night. I have money to buy clothing for our family. We have heat to keep us warm and air conditioning to keep us cool. I have all of my material needs met and most of what I want.
I have a wife who is not only my mate and confidant, but my lover and best friend. She works so hard to take care of our family that I could fill many pages with the details and at the end of a busy day, guess who she wants to hang out with? Me! After 23 plus years of marriage, she still wants to be with ME! It really truly doesn't get better than that!
I have kids that teach me things every day. Sometimes I have to repeat the lessons because I just don't learn very well the first time. But I have them there to help me learn. They also show me amazing things that I would not otherwise take the time to watch.
I have my health. I know a LOT of people that are not very healthy. They have medicine for this or go to doctors for that. My own kids struggle with that issue.
I have choices. I can choose what to do with my time or my money. I can come and go as I please. I have freedom and I am reminded often that many others (primarily our military) have paid the price so I could be free.
I have tools to help me get jobs done. I have friends to call when I need help. I have good neighbors who look out for my kids.
I get the privilege of looking in on various lives that I encounter. Sometimes I can give some guidance along the way so they can avoid the pitfalls I've experienced. Other times I can merely be there and listen. It's an incredible honor when someone invites me to be a part of their world.
I have a faith that guides me day by day. There are SO MANY lost souls in this world. They are trying this or that as they desperately look for some kind of fulfillment. Sadly, most of what they try comes up short and leaves them empty. I really can not imagine where my life would be without my faith in Jesus Christ.
So you can see what was told to me recently is true - I am a rich man.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A little respite
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/
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/
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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