It's amazing that 50 years ago, Martin Luther King delivered his famous speech, "I have a dream". Even more amazing that while the rest of his speech was scripted, that the "I have a dream" portion was impromptu, and off script.
Even more amazing that a mere 50 years later by a majority vote, we have someone other than a White Male in the White House. I did not vote for our current President - but I did cast my vote. It is a privilege that most countries don't enjoy, and a privilege that has been won and protected by so many lives lost.
Progress has been made, but that progress has created other problems. We have become an obese nation. We have created systems that make it difficult if not impossible for so many people to escape poverty. Affirmative action has created hiring inequities. As women, diverse cultures and same sex couples have gained rights, families have eroded. While women are better given the respect they deserve, men - especially fathers - have had their respect attacked. Single parent families are becoming commonplace - at the expense of the next generations.
On this famous day, I too have a dream. That husbands and wives become stronger in their marriages and in their resolve to raise the next generations together. That parents take time to participate with their children - not just to discipline, but to encourage. That we listen to the wisdom and truth of God's Word before - and instead of - the cacophony of the world. That we not continue to dilute our standards of excellence and our entrepreneurial attitude.
There is nothing in Dr. King's speech that we should not embrace. That doesn't mean we can't at the same time strive for his higher standard of morality.
Yes, President Obama can credit "the King's speech" with his current employment - and I am certain he will speak about that today. And I will listen. Let's put truth in front of the politics of the moment.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Living in an Abomi-Nation (spelled Obama-nation)
I'm old enough to remember when this country - and its elected officials - really used to stand for something. United against a common enemy. United in a technological race to put a man on our moon. Willing to take an unpopular stand to do the right thing.
Enter the Welfare State. Where it is almost impossible to break through the folding green ceiling, since government takes away several times the amount of your next raise as you work to try to get out of poverty. Where government tries to play Robin Hood, deciding who pays and who receives. More critically, where elected officials create laws and policies that they themselves are unwilling to follow.
We are all getting older. We need to take our "golden years" more seriously - as the government certainly is taking steps to change the landscape.
It all makes perfect financial sense. Fewer workers contributing, and the median age is moving up. Employers not recognizing the value of senior labor, so people who should not need to retire are still forced out of the workforce.
In an earlier post, I cautioned about early impacts of Obamacare. That a needed medication was not covered for Mom-in-Law because she was over age 60.
My Dad-in-Law has been in the hospital four times this year, as he has dealt with both COPD and pneumonia each time. He does not have the physical strength to both cook a meal for himself and to eat it once it's ready. He also has experienced renal failure, and may need to be on kidney dialysis temporarily or for the rest of his life. Of course, hospital stays cost us *all* money.
So yesterday, we moved Dad from the hospital to a Rehab facility. The clock is ticking, and the prospects don't look good.
Before last year, he would be eligible for long-term care after Rehab. To assure that he had prepared meals, takes his meds consistently, and doesn't require additional and unneeded hospitalization.
Enter Obamacare. In mid-2012 the game changed dramatically. Now unless he is on a feeding tube or suffering from advanced dementia, he will likely be discharged within days or a couple of weeks to "go back home". To continue the lifestyle that ends up with him in the hospital several times a year.
Cost to the taxpayer? Priceless.
More as this develops. It's interesting that Congress has determined that its members are not governed by Obamacare. Now we all know why. Do you want the *for profit* healthcare companies deciding whether or not you receive long-term care *if you truly need it* ???
Enter the Welfare State. Where it is almost impossible to break through the folding green ceiling, since government takes away several times the amount of your next raise as you work to try to get out of poverty. Where government tries to play Robin Hood, deciding who pays and who receives. More critically, where elected officials create laws and policies that they themselves are unwilling to follow.
We are all getting older. We need to take our "golden years" more seriously - as the government certainly is taking steps to change the landscape.
It all makes perfect financial sense. Fewer workers contributing, and the median age is moving up. Employers not recognizing the value of senior labor, so people who should not need to retire are still forced out of the workforce.
In an earlier post, I cautioned about early impacts of Obamacare. That a needed medication was not covered for Mom-in-Law because she was over age 60.
My Dad-in-Law has been in the hospital four times this year, as he has dealt with both COPD and pneumonia each time. He does not have the physical strength to both cook a meal for himself and to eat it once it's ready. He also has experienced renal failure, and may need to be on kidney dialysis temporarily or for the rest of his life. Of course, hospital stays cost us *all* money.
So yesterday, we moved Dad from the hospital to a Rehab facility. The clock is ticking, and the prospects don't look good.
Before last year, he would be eligible for long-term care after Rehab. To assure that he had prepared meals, takes his meds consistently, and doesn't require additional and unneeded hospitalization.
Enter Obamacare. In mid-2012 the game changed dramatically. Now unless he is on a feeding tube or suffering from advanced dementia, he will likely be discharged within days or a couple of weeks to "go back home". To continue the lifestyle that ends up with him in the hospital several times a year.
Cost to the taxpayer? Priceless.
More as this develops. It's interesting that Congress has determined that its members are not governed by Obamacare. Now we all know why. Do you want the *for profit* healthcare companies deciding whether or not you receive long-term care *if you truly need it* ???
The "right" to choose...
From my recent posts, you know we've been experiencing firsthand the impact of Obamacare on my father-in-law's health care choices. We all "say" we want choices: (1) how our taxes are spent on our behalf, (2) where our retirement savings are invested, and even (3) what Medicare supplemental program we prefer to participate in.
As you can imagine, we have had tons of recent discussions with hospitals, social workers, rehab clinics, long-term and assisted living facilities, and so forth. We have learned much - and realize there is much more that we don't know. I will post some of our lessons learned, and encourage all of you to share what you have found out as well.
Lesson 1: The Medicare supplement program that you choose matters. Both father- and mother-in-law have chosen HealthSpring. Medicare is a federal program, and Medicaid is a state program. So it's important to understand that they operate independently. HealthSpring can cancel their Medicare supplement with as little as 3 days' notice - but the state has 30 days before they have to commit to Medicaid.
It's like Tarzan navigating through the jungle, leaping from vine to vine. We're learning how not to fall - but understand there may be gaps where we are on the hook financially for days or weeks (or even longer).
As you can imagine, we have had tons of recent discussions with hospitals, social workers, rehab clinics, long-term and assisted living facilities, and so forth. We have learned much - and realize there is much more that we don't know. I will post some of our lessons learned, and encourage all of you to share what you have found out as well.
Lesson 1: The Medicare supplement program that you choose matters. Both father- and mother-in-law have chosen HealthSpring. Medicare is a federal program, and Medicaid is a state program. So it's important to understand that they operate independently. HealthSpring can cancel their Medicare supplement with as little as 3 days' notice - but the state has 30 days before they have to commit to Medicaid.
It's like Tarzan navigating through the jungle, leaping from vine to vine. We're learning how not to fall - but understand there may be gaps where we are on the hook financially for days or weeks (or even longer).
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Obamacare Warning - We Are All Getting Older
We are all getting older. We need to take our "golden years" more seriously - as the government certainly is taking steps to change the landscape.
It all makes perfect financial sense. Fewer workers contributing, and the median age is moving up. Employers not recognizing the value of senior labor, so people who should not need to retire are still forced out of the workforce.
In an earlier post, I cautioned about early impacts of Obamacare. That a needed medication was not covered for Mom-in-Law because she was over age 60.
My Dad-in-Law has been in the hospital four times this year, as he has dealt with both COPD and pneumonia each time. He does not have the physical strength to both cook a meal for himself and to eat it once it's ready. He also has experienced renal failure, and may need to be on kidney dialysis temporarily or for the rest of his life. Of course, hospital stays cost us *all* money.
So yesterday, we moved Dad from the hospital to a Rehab facility. The clock is ticking, and the prospects don't look good.
Before last year, he would be eligible for long-term care after Rehab. To assure that he had prepared meals, takes his meds consistently, and doesn't require additional and unneeded hospitalization.
Enter Obamacare. In mid-2012 the game changed dramatically. Now unless he is on a feeding tube or suffering from advanced dementia, he will likely be discharged within days or a couple of weeks to "go back home". To continue the lifestyle that ends up with him in the hospital several times a year.
Cost to the taxpayer? Priceless.
More as this develops. It's interesting that Congress has determined that its members are not governed by Obamacare. Now we all know why. Do you want the *for profit* healthcare companies deciding whether or not you receive long-term care *if you truly need it* ???
It all makes perfect financial sense. Fewer workers contributing, and the median age is moving up. Employers not recognizing the value of senior labor, so people who should not need to retire are still forced out of the workforce.
In an earlier post, I cautioned about early impacts of Obamacare. That a needed medication was not covered for Mom-in-Law because she was over age 60.
My Dad-in-Law has been in the hospital four times this year, as he has dealt with both COPD and pneumonia each time. He does not have the physical strength to both cook a meal for himself and to eat it once it's ready. He also has experienced renal failure, and may need to be on kidney dialysis temporarily or for the rest of his life. Of course, hospital stays cost us *all* money.
So yesterday, we moved Dad from the hospital to a Rehab facility. The clock is ticking, and the prospects don't look good.
Before last year, he would be eligible for long-term care after Rehab. To assure that he had prepared meals, takes his meds consistently, and doesn't require additional and unneeded hospitalization.
Enter Obamacare. In mid-2012 the game changed dramatically. Now unless he is on a feeding tube or suffering from advanced dementia, he will likely be discharged within days or a couple of weeks to "go back home". To continue the lifestyle that ends up with him in the hospital several times a year.
Cost to the taxpayer? Priceless.
More as this develops. It's interesting that Congress has determined that its members are not governed by Obamacare. Now we all know why. Do you want the *for profit* healthcare companies deciding whether or not you receive long-term care *if you truly need it* ???
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Three of my favorite words...
Three words - Habitat, Costco and Goodwill. Alongside Aldi for groceries, these are truly our *favorite stores*. They truly put feet to their words - actions before rhetoric.
(Thank you to my wife Sue for introducing me to Goodwill.)
Let's talk Habitat. It's a win-win-win. A win for us, because we can get *brand new* and *high quality* building products, and save literally tons of money. A win for the Habitat Home Store, because it provides funds for "Habitat for Humanity" build projects. And of course a *blessing* for the new homeowner, who benefits by the generosity of time, talents and treasure from all who contribute to a "Habitat for Humanity" build. While I didn't vote for President James Earl Carter, "Jimmy" has earned my respect for making the world aware of Habitat and their mission. If you are planning a home improvement project, they will even do the demolition for you! (That is, provided you allow them to take the old cabinets, fixtures, etc. - you even get tax credit for the charitable donation!)
Let's talk Costco. It's called a membership warehouse - and you'll discover that you are truly treated like a member, like FAMILY. On a couple of occasions, a product that I've bought from Costco meets an untimely death - either breaks or is unrepairable. When your so-called "warranty" fails you, Costco's return policy is IRON-CLAD. Think your 7-year-old pressure washer is DOA and needs to go to the junk yard? Costco will give your money back - I know, they did that exact thing for me. Prices are competitive, but products are superior. Their food is better than the grocery stores - and since it flies off the shelves, it is always FRESH. They serve an 18-inch pizza in their food court for less than $10 - we even bought one when we were in Kauai!!! OK, so I know you need to purchase an annual membership to truly appreciate this one. But their Executive Membership gives you 2% back, and a free Amex card returns another 1-3%. Mutual insurance and funds return dividends to their shareholders; Costco is similar.
Let's talk Goodwill. It too is a win-win-win. (It is heart warming to see that our oldest daughter has also discovered the Goodwill.) A win for us, because we can avoid the retail and discount clothing stores and buy lightly used clothing for pennies. A win for the Goodwill Store, because they use both our household donations and our purchase dollars to help *real people* gain skills and (re)enter the workforce - regardless of their mental, physical or health situation. And an obvious blessing for the worker, who (re)gains confidence to help themselves and others. Of course it's also a great place to clean out your closets of unneeded clothing and household items - and again, get a charitable tax credit, if that even matters to you at this point after you see all the positive benefit that these organizations provide!
Folks, we have even gone as far as *renting a car* when we didn't otherwise need one to visit the area Goodwill stores when we've been on vacation! That's how good the deals are, and how much we value these business models. Among the states (in addition to our Nashville home) where we have gone out of our way to visit Goodwill stores? Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina and so forth.
The last word? You are *missing out* if you don't give these storefronts a try. It will (slightly) change your life - and certainly change your perspective on how to positively impact others!
(Thank you to my wife Sue for introducing me to Goodwill.)
Let's talk Habitat. It's a win-win-win. A win for us, because we can get *brand new* and *high quality* building products, and save literally tons of money. A win for the Habitat Home Store, because it provides funds for "Habitat for Humanity" build projects. And of course a *blessing* for the new homeowner, who benefits by the generosity of time, talents and treasure from all who contribute to a "Habitat for Humanity" build. While I didn't vote for President James Earl Carter, "Jimmy" has earned my respect for making the world aware of Habitat and their mission. If you are planning a home improvement project, they will even do the demolition for you! (That is, provided you allow them to take the old cabinets, fixtures, etc. - you even get tax credit for the charitable donation!)
Let's talk Costco. It's called a membership warehouse - and you'll discover that you are truly treated like a member, like FAMILY. On a couple of occasions, a product that I've bought from Costco meets an untimely death - either breaks or is unrepairable. When your so-called "warranty" fails you, Costco's return policy is IRON-CLAD. Think your 7-year-old pressure washer is DOA and needs to go to the junk yard? Costco will give your money back - I know, they did that exact thing for me. Prices are competitive, but products are superior. Their food is better than the grocery stores - and since it flies off the shelves, it is always FRESH. They serve an 18-inch pizza in their food court for less than $10 - we even bought one when we were in Kauai!!! OK, so I know you need to purchase an annual membership to truly appreciate this one. But their Executive Membership gives you 2% back, and a free Amex card returns another 1-3%. Mutual insurance and funds return dividends to their shareholders; Costco is similar.
Let's talk Goodwill. It too is a win-win-win. (It is heart warming to see that our oldest daughter has also discovered the Goodwill.) A win for us, because we can avoid the retail and discount clothing stores and buy lightly used clothing for pennies. A win for the Goodwill Store, because they use both our household donations and our purchase dollars to help *real people* gain skills and (re)enter the workforce - regardless of their mental, physical or health situation. And an obvious blessing for the worker, who (re)gains confidence to help themselves and others. Of course it's also a great place to clean out your closets of unneeded clothing and household items - and again, get a charitable tax credit, if that even matters to you at this point after you see all the positive benefit that these organizations provide!
Folks, we have even gone as far as *renting a car* when we didn't otherwise need one to visit the area Goodwill stores when we've been on vacation! That's how good the deals are, and how much we value these business models. Among the states (in addition to our Nashville home) where we have gone out of our way to visit Goodwill stores? Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina and so forth.
The last word? You are *missing out* if you don't give these storefronts a try. It will (slightly) change your life - and certainly change your perspective on how to positively impact others!
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