Tomorrow is the 8th of July, which affords us some neat numerical slooge.
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be ...
04:05:06 07/08/09
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
National Health Insurance, Really?
I know this is going to be a touchy subject for some but I hope that people will read and digest what is being said in this blog.
Medical insurance is available to all of us, at a cost. Unfortunately for many people the cost is more than they can afford, whether it is offered via their employer or purchased from an insurance company directly.
Insurance companies, as do all businesses, exist to provide a service and make a profit. If the cost of doing business exceeds the revenue received for their service an entity will fold. Insurance companies cover a huge amount of our collective medical expenses.
Let's look at why medical service is costing Americans so much today. A lot of the problem can be summed up in one word...lawsuits.
There have been too many juries award what I believe are excessive awards to defendants. This ranges from malpractice to wrongful death and all things in between and from side to side.
In a fairly recent letter to President Obama on this subject I stated that instead of nationalizing health insurance one should first look at how costs could be lowered and, thus, make premiums more available to all Americans. (Once again, I am sure that one of his aides failed to deliver my words of wisdom.)
What if legislation was introduced to limit punitive awards? What would the effect be on the cost of insurance? I believe that we would find that it would be less.
I do feel that if a family loses the breadwinner (or main breadwinner) wrongfully that there should be some recompense. However, if the person lost to loved ones earned $40,000 a year and had ten good years of work left there is no logical reason to award tens or scores of millions.
I know these millions are supposed to repay people for pain, suffering, and the like. The real problem is that money DOES NOT make that pain and suffering go away.
Yes, the family should receive something but the monetary award should not be totally influenced by attorneys who should have been actors earning academy awards for their performances.
I can hear the screams now but I can assure you I have been there.
When I was 20 away at college I lost my father in an accident involving a train where evidence clearly showed the railroad company was in the wrong. My mother, on the advice of a wimpy attorney, settled out of court for a grand total of $50,000. My dad was 51. He had recently gotten back to very good health and could easily have worked to age 65. I strongly believe that my mother should have received a much greater sum than she did but not tens of millions, regardless of how easily it was to prove the railroad company in the wrong.
All that said, when insurance companies have to pay hundreds of millions for claims and lawsuits they end up raising the premiums we pay for coverage.
When doctors have to pay astronomically high premiums for malpractice insurance, just in case, the costs of medical services increase.
Thus, my argument in favor of placing a cap on punitive awards. Let's do something effective to lower insurance costs.
And, by the way, the health care bill being proposed will cost somewhere between One and Two Trillion Dollars to fund.
People, where does that money come from?
Heaven? I don't think so.
Ultimately, it will come primarily from the middle class, Main Street USA.
Whether that trillion-plus dollars is repaid in the form of increased income taxes or raising one or more of the dozens of other taxes we all pay, make no mistake, in the end, the piper must be paid.
Please think this over.
We, Main Street USA, have been mortgaged to the hilt already. The deficit in our national budget that has been incurred in our names is staggering.
Insurance costs can be brought under control and, thus, premiums should lower, making affordable plans available to us all.
We DO NOT need nationalized health insurance.
We DO NEED people willing to find solutions to problems that really are solutions and not something that merely puts it off to another day (or another administration).
Over for now,
Main Street One
Medical insurance is available to all of us, at a cost. Unfortunately for many people the cost is more than they can afford, whether it is offered via their employer or purchased from an insurance company directly.
Insurance companies, as do all businesses, exist to provide a service and make a profit. If the cost of doing business exceeds the revenue received for their service an entity will fold. Insurance companies cover a huge amount of our collective medical expenses.
Let's look at why medical service is costing Americans so much today. A lot of the problem can be summed up in one word...lawsuits.
There have been too many juries award what I believe are excessive awards to defendants. This ranges from malpractice to wrongful death and all things in between and from side to side.
In a fairly recent letter to President Obama on this subject I stated that instead of nationalizing health insurance one should first look at how costs could be lowered and, thus, make premiums more available to all Americans. (Once again, I am sure that one of his aides failed to deliver my words of wisdom.)
What if legislation was introduced to limit punitive awards? What would the effect be on the cost of insurance? I believe that we would find that it would be less.
I do feel that if a family loses the breadwinner (or main breadwinner) wrongfully that there should be some recompense. However, if the person lost to loved ones earned $40,000 a year and had ten good years of work left there is no logical reason to award tens or scores of millions.
I know these millions are supposed to repay people for pain, suffering, and the like. The real problem is that money DOES NOT make that pain and suffering go away.
Yes, the family should receive something but the monetary award should not be totally influenced by attorneys who should have been actors earning academy awards for their performances.
I can hear the screams now but I can assure you I have been there.
When I was 20 away at college I lost my father in an accident involving a train where evidence clearly showed the railroad company was in the wrong. My mother, on the advice of a wimpy attorney, settled out of court for a grand total of $50,000. My dad was 51. He had recently gotten back to very good health and could easily have worked to age 65. I strongly believe that my mother should have received a much greater sum than she did but not tens of millions, regardless of how easily it was to prove the railroad company in the wrong.
All that said, when insurance companies have to pay hundreds of millions for claims and lawsuits they end up raising the premiums we pay for coverage.
When doctors have to pay astronomically high premiums for malpractice insurance, just in case, the costs of medical services increase.
Thus, my argument in favor of placing a cap on punitive awards. Let's do something effective to lower insurance costs.
And, by the way, the health care bill being proposed will cost somewhere between One and Two Trillion Dollars to fund.
People, where does that money come from?
Heaven? I don't think so.
Ultimately, it will come primarily from the middle class, Main Street USA.
Whether that trillion-plus dollars is repaid in the form of increased income taxes or raising one or more of the dozens of other taxes we all pay, make no mistake, in the end, the piper must be paid.
Please think this over.
We, Main Street USA, have been mortgaged to the hilt already. The deficit in our national budget that has been incurred in our names is staggering.
Insurance costs can be brought under control and, thus, premiums should lower, making affordable plans available to us all.
We DO NOT need nationalized health insurance.
We DO NEED people willing to find solutions to problems that really are solutions and not something that merely puts it off to another day (or another administration).
Over for now,
Main Street One
Credit Card Woes and Foes
I wrote President Obama at the time he was pushing his credit card legislation through Congress that it needed to be tougher and start much sooner.
I outlined, in fairly good detail, what would/could occur if this needed legislation was too weak and if it were not put in place immediately.
Unfortunately, one of the President's aides probably did not deliver my insightful comments.
I outlined, in fairly good detail, what would/could occur if this needed legislation was too weak and if it were not put in place immediately.
Unfortunately, one of the President's aides probably did not deliver my insightful comments.
Who knew? I wrote in good faith.
The points I tried to bring to President Obama's attention were simple, really. A person does not need a Harvard MBA to see the writing on the wall (or what middle class America is, and has been, receiving in the mail).
As more and more people were losing their jobs, there were a growing number of credit card payments either late or being missed altogether. In order to prevent those losses from hitting the coveted bottom line, the ingenious executives at the credit card companies (hereinafter referred to as CCcos) decided that they should accelerate what they had started last year and raise interest rates and/or lower their credit limits for millions of their customers, without regard to the fact that many of these people have flawless credit.
Now, my credit is not perfect. I have gone over my credit limit with a couple cards after the interest gets added (yes, playing it too close to the line). Looking at my credit report I do have all green (pays within 30 days) displayed in those little boxes. And, yes, I do owe a lot. This is not, however, about me (though it may be that way depending on what the CCcos do), it is about the people being targeted to carry the burden if the CCcos lose money due to people who may default because of job loss or other financial hardship.
The biggest problem with the legislation that was passed is that it does not go into effect until next year. During that time the CCcos could possibly devastate the economy by lowering credit limits (in some cases below what a person currently owes) and/or jacking up interest rates.
Think about that for a moment, people.
The reason most commonly offered by a CCco for this action is that they are adjusting rates and limits as part of their “periodic reviews” that assess a person’s risk factors.
I would like for any CCco to explain how a person with virtually perfect credit is now a risk to them simply because they are perhaps carrying a higher balance.
Nancy Trejos at the Washington Post, and many others at this point, reported a few days ago what I warned President Obama would happen. Read hers here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/01/AR2009070103868.html.
As a note, from personal experience I did have one CCco hike my interest rate from 12% to over 30%. They did give me an option. Take the new rate or close the account and pay it off at the lower rate. Great choice! Closing the account hurts your credit score versus taking many times longer to pay off the balance due to higher minimum payments . I had to close it as I did not want (and could not afford at the time) higher monthly payments.
To be objective, this is NOT a new practice. CCcos have been doing this for years. What IS new are the types of their customers being targeted and the total number of people now being affected.
Mark my words, folks.
This is NOT good for the economic recovery we are all working toward.
It seems that middle class Main Street USA is being asked, well, forced really, to carry the ball one more time.
I hope that we all weather the storm.
Over for now,
Launch Main Street One
I have had many people suggest that I should start a blog…so here goes.
The name Main Street One comes from the unprecedented media exposure concerning the effects of Wall Street upon Main Street over the past year. I very much consider my self a part of Main Street. I have a job. I have a house. I have debts, aside from my mortgage. And my circle of friends are pretty much the same.
The Main Street One blog will focus on a few areas, the largest of which will be the US economy and related issues along with education.
Credentials? Well I do not have a bunch of alphabet soup letters behind my name, but I have written and had printed/published close to a million words. I am 57 years old and have seen and done a lot in my time. I have traveled and mixed it up with celebrities, best-selling authors, top flight musicians and, should I admit it, some politicos. I have also known people less fortunate. Not just seen them but befriended them. I have had my moments wondering how I was going to pay certain bills. And there have been times I could not get my car repaired due to lack of funds. I guess what I am saying is the life experience can – and does – mold our thoughts, views, convictions.
I know I can write. And, I do have opinions that can be shared. As much as possible my opinions will be backed up by documented fact. There may be some supposition thrown in to the mix, but I plan to present those positions grounded in fact, both past and present.
For now, I want to leave you with this thought, following a preface.
Patrick Henry was one of the greatest statesmen and orators our country has ever known. Most people remember him, of course, only for his words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” However, Mr. Henry was quite instrumental in the formation and adoption of the Bill of Rights. He actually fought against the Constitution, as written, as it was his strong belief that there was too much power granted the government and not enough to “the people.” Fortunately, he was joined by other like-minded individuals and we are able to enjoy those Rights.
The thought I want to leave you with is one of my favorite government/political quotes voiced by Mr. Henry and probably more than ever very applicable today:
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."
I, for one, believe that some restraint needs to be placed on our Government and will be addressing this in the very near future.
The name Main Street One comes from the unprecedented media exposure concerning the effects of Wall Street upon Main Street over the past year. I very much consider my self a part of Main Street. I have a job. I have a house. I have debts, aside from my mortgage. And my circle of friends are pretty much the same.
The Main Street One blog will focus on a few areas, the largest of which will be the US economy and related issues along with education.
Credentials? Well I do not have a bunch of alphabet soup letters behind my name, but I have written and had printed/published close to a million words. I am 57 years old and have seen and done a lot in my time. I have traveled and mixed it up with celebrities, best-selling authors, top flight musicians and, should I admit it, some politicos. I have also known people less fortunate. Not just seen them but befriended them. I have had my moments wondering how I was going to pay certain bills. And there have been times I could not get my car repaired due to lack of funds. I guess what I am saying is the life experience can – and does – mold our thoughts, views, convictions.
I know I can write. And, I do have opinions that can be shared. As much as possible my opinions will be backed up by documented fact. There may be some supposition thrown in to the mix, but I plan to present those positions grounded in fact, both past and present.
For now, I want to leave you with this thought, following a preface.
Patrick Henry was one of the greatest statesmen and orators our country has ever known. Most people remember him, of course, only for his words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” However, Mr. Henry was quite instrumental in the formation and adoption of the Bill of Rights. He actually fought against the Constitution, as written, as it was his strong belief that there was too much power granted the government and not enough to “the people.” Fortunately, he was joined by other like-minded individuals and we are able to enjoy those Rights.
The thought I want to leave you with is one of my favorite government/political quotes voiced by Mr. Henry and probably more than ever very applicable today:
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."
I, for one, believe that some restraint needs to be placed on our Government and will be addressing this in the very near future.
Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays.
I don't eat boiled eggs, but if I did, this is how I would quickly peel them.
Read Bob Kauflin's thoughts on the question, "Should July 4th affect our Sunday planning?"
Check out this neat visual illusion that helps understand the effectiveness of the curve ball. (HT Phil Johnson)
Read about the Houston suburb pastor who was hospitalized after being tazered by a police officer. Really, this will be an interesting case to follow.
Read 5 myths about America's origins.
Read about the strange ingredients in fireworks.
Read Tom Ascol's thoughts on the 2009 SBC annual meeting.
Read about the warrant out for the arrest of a Killeen mother ... because she hasn't returned a library book.
Read about the man who allegedly sprayed his wife with the water hose for smoking.
Check out this inspiring story of 3 brothers serving in Afghanistan. (HT Jade)
Check out these great National Geographic photos of the Statue of Liberty, rare views inside and out.
Read about the woman who was dead in her home for 5 years before discovered.
Read about the young woman who was hit by a train, while she was laying on the tracks to clear her mind.
Check out Keith Mathison's list of the top 5 commentaries on every book of the Bible.
Learn about the stunning new technology that will allow parents to hold a life size model of their unborn child in their hand.
Check out these 4 simple tips for decluttering your home.
Read (Part 1 - Part 2) Chuck Swindoll's "Stuff I've Learned" after nearly 50 years in ministry.
You've got to watch this FoxNews video clip. Among other things @2:19 Bill Clinton identifies himself as a Calvinist! (HT Tom Ascol)
Read about an Oregon man's wallet being returned ... after 63 years.
Read about Helen Thomas hitting the White House for a lack of transparency.
Read about the woman stealing from ladies' purses while they are kneeling in worship.
Check out some intriguing pairs and trios who died on the same day, in addition, of course, to Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.
Learn about the pet python who strangled the family's 2 year old daughter. Am I the only one who thinks it's whacked to have a snake for a pet?
Read John F. MacArthur's sermon entitled, "Can God Bless America?"
Read about the McDonald's drive-thru employee accused of spitting on a police officer's Egg McMuffin.
Check out 11 literary references people make without realizing it.
Read about Alaska's Rat Island finally being free of rats after 229 years.
Learn about 7 medical myths which are widely believed.
Read about the Bronx teen who awoke about 10AM Sunday morning to find a boa constrictor. I think that would motivate me to get to church.
Read about 2 California elementary schools having to extend their school year until July 31st, due to a clerical error. Unbelievable! "A mistake in the length of state-permitted short days means students at two elementary schools must stay in school till July 31, or the district will lose $7 million in state funds."
Read Chris Braun's post about the "problem" of Esther.
Read about the government of Venezuela banning Coke Zero, citing unspecified health dangers.
Read Al Mohler's thoughts on the Gov. Sanford adultery.
Check out this picture of what 1960s folks would have thought of Twittering.
Read about the phenomenon of being self-conscious during worship.
Read about a parking space in Boston selling for $300,000.
Read an egalitarian's perception of the link between Calvinism & complementarianism.
Read about hard financial times in Britain leading to fewer divorces.
Find out how many sermons one must preach before he can preach well.
Read about a "Good Samaritan" mugged while helping a motorist.
Read about 10 stories behind Dr. Seuss books.
Read about the prosecutor wanting to ban fast food toys.
Check out the name tag I'd like to wear to my upcoming high school reunion.
Check out some video clips on DesiringGod.org of what we can gain from Calvin today.
Read about a daughter who broke her mom's legs while learning to drive.
Read (Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3) Tom Ascol's Long Journey in Church Discipline.
Read about the Washington judge deciding a 6AM blaring car horn is not protected free speech.
Check out Matt Waymeyer's 9 Hindrances to Fruitful Intercessory Prayer.
Read about QB Steve McNair's death being ruled a homicide.
Read 7 keys to creating a great list by Joshua Harris.
Read about a Missouri family's Christmas card photo surprisingly being used in advertising campaigns in the Czech Republic.
Read Randy Alcorn's alarming post about birth control pills potentially causing abortions.
Read about the problem of "groping" on Tokyo trains leading to requests for men only & women only train cars.
Check out these free training materials for Sunday school teachers.
Check out the 11 people every youth group "needs."
Read William Mounce's thoughts on whether or not Jesus was rude to his mother, Mary, in John 2:4.
Read some insightful words from D.A. Carson on worshiping worship."We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Read Bob Kauflin's thoughts on the question, "Should July 4th affect our Sunday planning?"
Check out this neat visual illusion that helps understand the effectiveness of the curve ball. (HT Phil Johnson)
Read about the Houston suburb pastor who was hospitalized after being tazered by a police officer. Really, this will be an interesting case to follow.
Read 5 myths about America's origins.
Read about the strange ingredients in fireworks.
Read Tom Ascol's thoughts on the 2009 SBC annual meeting.
Read about the warrant out for the arrest of a Killeen mother ... because she hasn't returned a library book.
Read about the man who allegedly sprayed his wife with the water hose for smoking.
Check out this inspiring story of 3 brothers serving in Afghanistan. (HT Jade)
Check out these great National Geographic photos of the Statue of Liberty, rare views inside and out.
Read about the woman who was dead in her home for 5 years before discovered.
Read about the young woman who was hit by a train, while she was laying on the tracks to clear her mind.
Check out Keith Mathison's list of the top 5 commentaries on every book of the Bible.
Learn about the stunning new technology that will allow parents to hold a life size model of their unborn child in their hand.
Check out these 4 simple tips for decluttering your home.
Read (Part 1 - Part 2) Chuck Swindoll's "Stuff I've Learned" after nearly 50 years in ministry.
You've got to watch this FoxNews video clip. Among other things @2:19 Bill Clinton identifies himself as a Calvinist! (HT Tom Ascol)
Read about an Oregon man's wallet being returned ... after 63 years.
Read about Helen Thomas hitting the White House for a lack of transparency.
Read about the woman stealing from ladies' purses while they are kneeling in worship.
Check out some intriguing pairs and trios who died on the same day, in addition, of course, to Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.
Learn about the pet python who strangled the family's 2 year old daughter. Am I the only one who thinks it's whacked to have a snake for a pet?
Read John F. MacArthur's sermon entitled, "Can God Bless America?"
Read about the McDonald's drive-thru employee accused of spitting on a police officer's Egg McMuffin.
Check out 11 literary references people make without realizing it.
Read about Alaska's Rat Island finally being free of rats after 229 years.
Learn about 7 medical myths which are widely believed.
Read about the Bronx teen who awoke about 10AM Sunday morning to find a boa constrictor. I think that would motivate me to get to church.
Read about 2 California elementary schools having to extend their school year until July 31st, due to a clerical error. Unbelievable! "A mistake in the length of state-permitted short days means students at two elementary schools must stay in school till July 31, or the district will lose $7 million in state funds."
Read Chris Braun's post about the "problem" of Esther.
Read about the government of Venezuela banning Coke Zero, citing unspecified health dangers.
Read Al Mohler's thoughts on the Gov. Sanford adultery.
Check out this picture of what 1960s folks would have thought of Twittering.
Read about the phenomenon of being self-conscious during worship.
Read about a parking space in Boston selling for $300,000.
Read an egalitarian's perception of the link between Calvinism & complementarianism.
Read about hard financial times in Britain leading to fewer divorces.
Find out how many sermons one must preach before he can preach well.
Read about a "Good Samaritan" mugged while helping a motorist.
Read about 10 stories behind Dr. Seuss books.
Read about the prosecutor wanting to ban fast food toys.
Check out the name tag I'd like to wear to my upcoming high school reunion.
Check out some video clips on DesiringGod.org of what we can gain from Calvin today.
Read about a daughter who broke her mom's legs while learning to drive.
Read (Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3) Tom Ascol's Long Journey in Church Discipline.
Read about the Washington judge deciding a 6AM blaring car horn is not protected free speech.
Check out Matt Waymeyer's 9 Hindrances to Fruitful Intercessory Prayer.
Read about QB Steve McNair's death being ruled a homicide.
Read 7 keys to creating a great list by Joshua Harris.
Read about a Missouri family's Christmas card photo surprisingly being used in advertising campaigns in the Czech Republic.
Read Randy Alcorn's alarming post about birth control pills potentially causing abortions.
Read about the problem of "groping" on Tokyo trains leading to requests for men only & women only train cars.
Check out these free training materials for Sunday school teachers.
Check out the 11 people every youth group "needs."
Read William Mounce's thoughts on whether or not Jesus was rude to his mother, Mary, in John 2:4.
Read some insightful words from D.A. Carson on worshiping worship."We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
We continue with our series based on The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do, by Mark Atteberry. The following are some notes from my Sunday school lesson at Providence Church.DUMB MOVE #7: Missing Golden Opportunities
Outreach "programs" are good and all … “But sometimes I wonder if we haven’t overlooked and undervalued those moments that can’t be structured to fit into a program.”
5 Practical Lessons from Acts 8:26-38, Philip’s Encounter with the Eunuch
Lesson #1 … Some opportunities, if they are missed, will be lost forever.
“ask God to open your eyes and help you recognize whatever divine appointments He has set up for you.”
“The kingdom can be advanced or hindered depending on your readiness.”
Lesson #2 … God will give special opportunities to those who are committed and prepared.
Remember the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.”
“The single most important thing you can do to prepare yourself to be used by God is study the Scriptures.”
Lesson #3 … Some opportunities are much larger than they first appear.
“Clearly, you cannot know when you look at an opportunity what its potential is.”
Lesson #4 … Some opportunities bear immediate fruit for the kingdom.
Lesson #5 … The goal of every opportunity should be to point people to Jesus.
3 Reasons Opportunities Are Easy to Miss:
- We have our own hurts and needs to contend with.
- People are great actors.
- The pace of our lives.
Discussion Questions:
- “Some opportunities are larger than they first appear. Can you think of a time when you seized what you thought was a small opportunity, only to have it produce a huge result?”
- “One of the reasons we miss opportunities to serve is because people are such good actors. What about you? Do you pretend to be happy and healthy even when you’re hurting?” … “How could you be more genuine about your needs without becoming a chronic complainer?”
- How can we slow down the pace of our lives to better see and take advantage of opportunities?
- What can be done to cultivate a passion for the lost?
“So one of the biggest challenges we face is to become more aware of the opportunities around us. We need to take our eyes off ourselves. We need to look for subtle signs of distress in people who may be too proud or too afraid to admit they’re struggling. And we need to slow down.”
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
All right, remember - alcohol equals puke, equals smelly mess, equals nobody likes you!
I had a discussion once with a Baptist brother who was convinced the consumption of an alcoholic beverage in any amount was sinful, the context of which was the use of wine and grape juice in the Lord's Supper.I was trying to show from the Scriptures that drunkeness was prohibited and that historically God's people, including the Lord Jesus, have had liberty with regard to moderate alcoholic consumption.
Yet, he was adamant that alcohol was sinful in and of itself.
At one point I made mention of the fact that there is alcohol in some cough medicines and even vinegar (i.e., soured wine). I was curious if it was sinful to consume those, but he said it was not.
When pressed on what I felt was an inconsistency, he explained that there was no way anyone was ever going to get drunk on cough medicine or vinegar.
As you might imagine, the conversation ended abruptly as I pointed out that even he really didn't regard the sin as being consumption of alcohol, but drunkeness. He did not, however, agree with me.
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