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rdb |
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Post subject:
 Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 09:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1339
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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JT, it's been shown that the government is usually not the source of "trouble"- and at the same time it can PREVENT troubles.
Problems like what we (Sue and I) face are caused by (1) the false stereotypes of fat=greedy and lazy (and FMS=lazy and malingering), when that's not the case and (2) conservatives want to cut out the leeches, so they make the rules harder- but the leeches find ways around the rules so people who really NEED help get cut out. The problem is, there are far far less leeches on the system than the (WRONG) public perception- and lots of deserving and hurting people are left in the cold. (Why do you think that suicide is epidemic among the poor and homeless these days? They can't find employment, and people constantly tell them "Get a Job!!!" That sort of abuse also extends to seeking medical care.)
I would say that the real leeches on the system aren't the lazy people sitting at home and drawing welfare, or the person with chronic medical problems who depends on the system. The real leeches are the crooked doctors and businessmen who deliberately scam the system- for loads of money (usually in the many millions of dollars). We just had another big scam system busted up here in Florida that had taken several million dollars from Medicare. That happens quite frequently, sad to say- and while they are eventually caught, everyone looks to the individual who needs help as the source of the problem- rather than the rich scam artists. That, by the way, is the main reason public housing hasn't worked all that well- rich scam artists who bilk the system.
You might be surprised how many of the "government programs" have been turned over to businesses to be run- and a lot of the money being turned over goes right into the pockets of the owners- the rich (and as we learn, many of those are scams).
It's also been proved that a government agency is often more cost efficient than a business, because the focus is on helping people and not making a profit. For one thing- more people are employed (at usually a better income) than working for one of those "farm-out" agencies. More money gets into the hands of the people who need it as well.
I might add that it took government action to give African-Americans their rights, and it took government action to protect those rights (and let me tell you- if the government doesn't keep the bigots under control, minorities WILL loose their rights!) It took Federal Government action before we gained the right to exist. It took Government action to force business owners into treating their employees like human beings. If your health goes to hell, you can't expect anyone EXCEPT the government to provide you any sort of long-term assistance. Forget the NGO's and other organizations.
So, to quote President Obama- government can be part of the solution- and based upon all the research and reports I've read- it HAS to be. |
Last edited by rdb on Jun 29, 2009 - 09:45 PM; edited 2 times in total
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rdb |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 09:40 PM
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Joined: Oct 13, 2005
Posts: 1339
Location: Lakeland Florida
Status: Offline
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I might add- all of the bad treatment I've gotten (with two exceptions) from doctors has always been with the "for-profit" sector.
The two exceptions- (1) a "for profit" doctor who was a friend BEFORE I learned he was a doctor- and who saw first hand what I go through. He finally got tired of seeing me trying to cope and not always succeeding, so he asked me who my doctor was. I told him I didn't have a doctor because none of them listened to me. Within an hour of seeing him a few days later, he had a diagnosis of severe FMS. That, by the way, was confirmed by a neurologist. (2) a government doctor who told me quote "There's nothing wrong with you 'cept you're FAT!" She was incompetent- didn't know a thing about FMS. She was the only bad experience I had with someone in the government system.
I've always been treated very well by the (government) health system at school, except they're a bit of a pain to see (you have to sit and wait and wait to see a nurse- and then sit and wait and wait to see a doctor if the nurse thinks it requires a doctor's attention). They LISTEN. That isn't what I experienced in the "for profit" medical sector of the economy. |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 30, 2009 - 02:21 AM
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Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 7329
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I'm not going to encourage anyone to gain weight here, but I sometimes wonder if the whole weight issue isn't overplayed.
My dad is one of five boys. One of my uncles died of cancer in his 40's. Another two of my uncles are currently undergoing chemo, both are stage four cancer victims. Another uncle has successfully (hopefully) battled his cancer.
My dad is the only one who has not developed cancer, and he is the healthiest of them all (and not the youngest). He is overweight by quite a bit, and will probably live the longest.
So, do I eat to live, or live to eat? Or do I just stuff chocolate into my mouth until such time as it either kills me, or I discover it causes us to live forever? Now there's a scary thought ~ me being around for a long time yet........  |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 30, 2009 - 02:41 AM
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Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2003
Posts: 7447
Location: NSW -Australia
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| Cat wrote: | I'm not going to encourage anyone to gain weight here, but I sometimes wonder if the whole weight issue isn't overplayed.
My dad is one of five boys. One of my uncles died of cancer in his 40's. Another two of my uncles are currently undergoing chemo, both are stage four cancer victims. Another uncle has successfully (hopefully) battled his cancer.
My dad is the only one who has not developed cancer, and he is the healthiest of them all (and not the youngest). He is overweight by quite a bit, and will probably live the longest.
So, do I eat to live, or live to eat? Or do I just stuff chocolate into my mouth until such time as it either kills me, or I discover it causes us to live forever? Now there's a scary thought ~ me being around for a long time yet........ |
Saw a 117 year Old man on the news and he loves Chocolate
Maybe this is the answer . Eat more chocolate 
daisy |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 30, 2009 - 02:59 AM
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Member
Joined: Aug 30, 2005
Posts: 14061
Location: Jaw Jah
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I'm doing OK in this economy 
I help keep a small business running. Times are slow but we pay the bills.
We pay the Government out of every orifice, but that's OK as
long as they don't come in and say, we'll tell you how to run this
business anymore than they do now.
The past tax-cuts have helped a lot. I hope they continue
/not holding my breath
//just hoping |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 30, 2009 - 08:26 PM
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Member
Joined: Nov 08, 2002
Posts: 15068
Location: New York
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I'll drink to that!
Dan
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vampyregirl |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 01, 2009 - 01:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 26, 2002
Posts: 1231
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA
Status: Offline
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Our police dept and the city have a tenative contract agreement as of last night. I'm extremely anxious to see what they had to give up---it will directly impact my job. I may be looking at a 15% cut out of my paycheck!!! NOT GOOD!!!! My monthly budget is based on the wages I make now. I don't indulge in frivilous things nearly as much as I used to. I haven't bought new clothing in quite some time (I have to wear a uniform to work, and they provide the crappy thing). Once in a while I do splurge, but it's on useful things. Not anymore!!!
I just called my tv provider and got rid of a $10 package that I don't even watch. I printed out the package I have and another smaller one to compare channels. I may be going to the smaller one next month, depending on the cuts the police are going to be taking.
15% out of my check is roughly around $300 a month. That would be my motorcycle payment (bought only because I could afford it) and half of my car payment (which is a 2003). I'm scrambling trying to think of ways to cut corners even more. I already have the lowest priced phone and internet service (package deal). I did just find out my car and m.c. insurance is dropping about $50 a year each (every penny counts, so I'm not knocking it!!!). My natural gas price (furnace, hot water tank, etc) is going down starting July 1st, so that will help.
I know I will be alright, but I'm just a huge worry-wart when it comes to my finances. I've finally managed to get some $$$ in my savings account, and now I may have to be dipping into it to pay monthly bills.... That thought doesn't make me a happy camper!!!
Oh, well. We'll see. We have a union meeting on Thursday, so we may be getting some information then. Sigh..... |
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"I've hardly seen you at all this episode" -- Denny Crane
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 01, 2009 - 09:47 PM
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Member
Joined: Dec 08, 2008
Posts: 76
Location: City on the Edge of Forever
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| rdb wrote: |
There is something seriously wrong with a system where most of the citizens are only two or three paychecks away from being homeless at all times. |
How true that is!
Sorry to anyone whose posts I may have missed in this thread - but it's getting out of hand and I'm pretty sure I missed a couple of pages.
The bottom line, I think, is that no one's system is perfect, and people fall through the cracks of each.
That, and that there is indeed something ver wrong when most of a country's citizens are 2 or 3 paychecks from being homeless and without basic medical care and don't have enough food & clothing to survive. |
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vampyregirl |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 02, 2009 - 04:50 AM
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Member
Joined: Oct 26, 2002
Posts: 1231
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA
Status: Offline
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| Stephanie wrote: | | rdb wrote: |
There is something seriously wrong with a system where most of the citizens are only two or three paychecks away from being homeless at all times. |
How true that is!
Sorry to anyone whose posts I may have missed in this thread - but it's getting out of hand and I'm pretty sure I missed a couple of pages.
The bottom line, I think, is that no one's system is perfect, and people fall through the cracks of each.
That, and that there is indeed something ver wrong when most of a country's citizens are 2 or 3 paychecks from being homeless and without basic medical care and don't have enough food & clothing to survive. |
I agree whole-heartedly!!!!! |
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"I've hardly seen you at all this episode" -- Denny Crane
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Andarion |
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Post subject: star trek economy
Posted: Jul 02, 2009 - 10:45 PM
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Hello, I'm a new Member!
Joined: Jul 02, 2009
Posts: 3
Status: Offline
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| They use credits o­n earth,and im not sure what that is.But as long as theirs plenty of resources,theres plenty for something beyond money. Having various worlds resources and not just earth,will make earth more prosperous. Credits are for trade like money but maybe more for peoples use and not as hard to earn or desperate as money was in ages past. Federation gives out the credits to everyone monthly,most likely. Housing is bountiful,with more worlds to live o­n. <br> |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 03, 2009 - 08:37 AM
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Member
Joined: Apr 14, 2004
Posts: 10716
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| Is there an interpreter in the house?? |
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Keep calm and carry on
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Johnny_Turbo |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 03, 2009 - 01:49 PM
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Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2003
Posts: 7552
Location: Chillville, PA
Status: Offline
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| greenchick wrote: | | Is there an interpreter in the house?? |
That would be The Tanner. Don't spend more money than you earn or take in tax revenue. |
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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~T-Jeff
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 - 05:04 AM
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Member
Joined: Nov 08, 2002
Posts: 15068
Location: New York
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Fascinating!
D
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_________________
Rest Easy...The Icon Above is an: ALBINO VULCAN....Yellow...Red Eyed...Bald...Pointed Ears...and....[Dramatic Pause]...Smiling!!!
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