Thursday, January 29, 2009
More on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
The Wall street Journal has an excellent article on the "stimulus".
Employee Free Choice Act
Seems that Free Choice has become a euphemism for limiting choice. The Employee Free Choice Act has a provision that does away with secret balloting in the unionization process. Instead, if a majority signs cards requesting a union, it becomes certified. That means that if you oppose unionization everyone knows you do and it is logical to conclude you will be stigmatized as a result. Worse yet are the tactics the union organizer will use to coerce you into signing a card.
It is interesting to note that the same Democrats who propose doing away with a secret ballot encouraged the Mexican Government to use secret ballots in the same process.
One opponent says of this provision of the act:
It is beyond me how one can possibly claim that a system whereby everyone – your employer, your union organizer, and your co-workers – knows exactly how you vote on the issue of unionization gives an employee 'free choice' ... It seems pretty clear to me that the only way to ensure that a worker is 'free to choose' is to ensure that there's a private ballot, so that no one knows how you voted. I cannot fathom how we were about to sit there today and debate a proposal to take away a worker's democratic right to vote in a secret-ballot election and call it 'Employee Free Choice.
In an era where union representation is decreasing it seems bills like this are intended to help unions at the expense of worker's rights. As the economy seems to be slipping deeper into recession, we don't feel a bill that seems anti-business is the right way to go.
It is interesting to note that the same Democrats who propose doing away with a secret ballot encouraged the Mexican Government to use secret ballots in the same process.
One opponent says of this provision of the act:
It is beyond me how one can possibly claim that a system whereby everyone – your employer, your union organizer, and your co-workers – knows exactly how you vote on the issue of unionization gives an employee 'free choice' ... It seems pretty clear to me that the only way to ensure that a worker is 'free to choose' is to ensure that there's a private ballot, so that no one knows how you voted. I cannot fathom how we were about to sit there today and debate a proposal to take away a worker's democratic right to vote in a secret-ballot election and call it 'Employee Free Choice.
In an era where union representation is decreasing it seems bills like this are intended to help unions at the expense of worker's rights. As the economy seems to be slipping deeper into recession, we don't feel a bill that seems anti-business is the right way to go.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Economic Recovery
I have a problem with the Obama American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Actually, I have several problems with it.
Someone explain to me how $87 billion for Medicare is going to stimulate the economy.
How is $1 billion for school lunch programs a stimulus to the economy?
Sounds to me like recovery plan is an euphemism for "lets fund our feel good pet projects".
The plan by the numbers is a long range plan that does little to jump start the economy today. This plan is no better than the TARP which spent over $300 billion that no one can account for and that can't be traced to any improvement to the economy.
The plan prohibits pork. Ha! The plan congress is discussing sounds like pork disguised as a recovery plan. In the end they will feel good about passing something but will we be better off as a result?
Obama is right about one thing. It will take years to turn the economy around. Of course it will when money is spent on things that don't do a thing to effect a recovery!
Someone explain to me how $87 billion for Medicare is going to stimulate the economy.
How is $1 billion for school lunch programs a stimulus to the economy?
Sounds to me like recovery plan is an euphemism for "lets fund our feel good pet projects".
The plan by the numbers is a long range plan that does little to jump start the economy today. This plan is no better than the TARP which spent over $300 billion that no one can account for and that can't be traced to any improvement to the economy.
The plan prohibits pork. Ha! The plan congress is discussing sounds like pork disguised as a recovery plan. In the end they will feel good about passing something but will we be better off as a result?
Obama is right about one thing. It will take years to turn the economy around. Of course it will when money is spent on things that don't do a thing to effect a recovery!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Ramblings
After all the platitudes about a new day in D.C. the reality is it is business as usual. Take the appointment of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. Congress is more fixated on fixing the economy than a high standard for political appointees. Tax evasion is tax evasion even after one allegedly just discovers the problem and pays the taxes and penalty. And I don't hear President Mr. Clean commenting at all!!! Guess it's OK for Tim but the rest of us loose jobs and go to jail.
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I learned today that a friend of mine, a 14 year employee of Microsoft, has been terminated with 4,999 others. I guess you can't cure a bad product by throwing $300 million at advertising. Too bad 5,000 people have to suffer because Microsoft rushed a turkey to market! With no new products in the pipeline except the fix to Vista, Windows 7, there will likely be more pain in Redmond!
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House Concert at Whole Wheat Radio tonight with Tim Easton and Leeroy Stagger. 7 P.M.
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I learned today that a friend of mine, a 14 year employee of Microsoft, has been terminated with 4,999 others. I guess you can't cure a bad product by throwing $300 million at advertising. Too bad 5,000 people have to suffer because Microsoft rushed a turkey to market! With no new products in the pipeline except the fix to Vista, Windows 7, there will likely be more pain in Redmond!
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House Concert at Whole Wheat Radio tonight with Tim Easton and Leeroy Stagger. 7 P.M.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Mandolin or Die Trying.
A major regret is that I have never learned to play a musical instrument. When I was around 7 or so my parents bought me an accordion and lessons. I never practiced and so never went very far. Have tried piano and harmonica and the wife's 38 year old Yamaha guitar. I am better at harmonica but that's a stretch!
I met a friend at the Anchorage Folk Festival doing extensive manipulating of a mandolin. To say he is good is an understatement. I told him my regret was never learning to play anything; his response, "It is never too late". I guess since my fingers still work at 60, I should try and so I now have a new mandolin partly funded by my Christmas gift from my son and his family.
I've managed to get it tuned and have downloaded two-finger chords. So I'm determined to learn how to play if it kills me; and it just might. I am also sticking with harmonica.
Wish me luck!
I met a friend at the Anchorage Folk Festival doing extensive manipulating of a mandolin. To say he is good is an understatement. I told him my regret was never learning to play anything; his response, "It is never too late". I guess since my fingers still work at 60, I should try and so I now have a new mandolin partly funded by my Christmas gift from my son and his family.
I've managed to get it tuned and have downloaded two-finger chords. So I'm determined to learn how to play if it kills me; and it just might. I am also sticking with harmonica.
Wish me luck!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Chemotherapy
I've watched many a movie that contained someone being executed in prison; some by lethal injection. It freaks me out! I'm not against capital punishment necessarily but I've heard some horror stories and they are as bad as any Friday the 13th movie. Take for example the case of Angel Nieves Diaz. It took 34 minutes for him to die. Oh my God!!
When I was finally told by my doctor the time had come for chemotherapy I was resigned and decided to start it quickly to get it over with. And then later I started thinking about lethal injections. What is chemo after all than a controlled dose of lethal drugs. Cytoxan and Vincristine attack both good and cancerous cells in the body. I had an appointment where the drugs and their effects and side-effects were described. I was then shown the infusion room. It's a large room with around 15 lounge type chairs and IV pump by each with a pole from which to hang the drugs. There were several people there receiving treatment. Some looked "normal" while several were very pale and had no hair. Wow! I would be here soon and hooked up and the drip would start and the good and bad cancer cells both would begin to die and part of me would die and hopefully it would destroy all the cancerous B-Cells and I could be just a normal person again and not a chemo patient.
Although I'd like this to be a private battle, I've told my friends who have told others. My wife has told friends and others as well so suddenly this isn't a private fight. Why would I prefer no one knew? I don't want to be known as John, the cancer patient or John, who is having chemotherapy. I'm not dying and so chemo isn't the same for me as it is for those who are fighting for their life. Granted without chemo I will die sooner rather than later but I don't feel people should worry about me. Worry about those who will certainly die and soon without chemo.
The first day of chemo, I had the strong desire to run! I sat in my chair and looked at the bags of stuff they were going to drip into me and felt a panic. But it didn't last long and the nurse I've gone through this with for the last 5 years was there and I knew she'd take good care of me. But I did quip to her that I was going to pass on chemo; she just laughed and kept on preping me. The first drug, Rituxan, was rough. It is supposed to fly in under the radar of the immune system and attach to CD20 receptors and KILL cancerous B-Cells. They start it slowly and then increase the flow. At about the second level I had an allergic reaction. After more benadryl and some other steroid, and an hour, it was started again. I had another reaction some time later and so more drugs. I was pretty whacked from Benadryl and the steroid. Then we started again. Finally, I got the job done but it had taken from 9-4. The next day I had the two other drugs in 2 hours with no problems.
All in all this first round went well. I was never nauseated and had no side-effects. Hopefully, the remaining 3-5 treatments will be the same however, I expect they won't. At some point I'll probably start losing hair. That will be a crisis of it's own I'm sure but I am trying to keep a positive attitude.
My friends have all been great by giving me encouraging words and promising prayers. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but there are positive effects of this and I am stronger because of them.
I will continue to contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Prostate Cancer Foundation and encourage others to do likewise. We must find a cure, if not for me then for my children and grandchildren. I pray they will never suffer from this thing-cancer. Keep all cancer patients in your prayers. Some need them more than others. We all need prayer for some reason. There is an Irish proverb: May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most.
When I was finally told by my doctor the time had come for chemotherapy I was resigned and decided to start it quickly to get it over with. And then later I started thinking about lethal injections. What is chemo after all than a controlled dose of lethal drugs. Cytoxan and Vincristine attack both good and cancerous cells in the body. I had an appointment where the drugs and their effects and side-effects were described. I was then shown the infusion room. It's a large room with around 15 lounge type chairs and IV pump by each with a pole from which to hang the drugs. There were several people there receiving treatment. Some looked "normal" while several were very pale and had no hair. Wow! I would be here soon and hooked up and the drip would start and the good and bad cancer cells both would begin to die and part of me would die and hopefully it would destroy all the cancerous B-Cells and I could be just a normal person again and not a chemo patient.
Although I'd like this to be a private battle, I've told my friends who have told others. My wife has told friends and others as well so suddenly this isn't a private fight. Why would I prefer no one knew? I don't want to be known as John, the cancer patient or John, who is having chemotherapy. I'm not dying and so chemo isn't the same for me as it is for those who are fighting for their life. Granted without chemo I will die sooner rather than later but I don't feel people should worry about me. Worry about those who will certainly die and soon without chemo.
The first day of chemo, I had the strong desire to run! I sat in my chair and looked at the bags of stuff they were going to drip into me and felt a panic. But it didn't last long and the nurse I've gone through this with for the last 5 years was there and I knew she'd take good care of me. But I did quip to her that I was going to pass on chemo; she just laughed and kept on preping me. The first drug, Rituxan, was rough. It is supposed to fly in under the radar of the immune system and attach to CD20 receptors and KILL cancerous B-Cells. They start it slowly and then increase the flow. At about the second level I had an allergic reaction. After more benadryl and some other steroid, and an hour, it was started again. I had another reaction some time later and so more drugs. I was pretty whacked from Benadryl and the steroid. Then we started again. Finally, I got the job done but it had taken from 9-4. The next day I had the two other drugs in 2 hours with no problems.
All in all this first round went well. I was never nauseated and had no side-effects. Hopefully, the remaining 3-5 treatments will be the same however, I expect they won't. At some point I'll probably start losing hair. That will be a crisis of it's own I'm sure but I am trying to keep a positive attitude.
My friends have all been great by giving me encouraging words and promising prayers. I wouldn't wish this on anyone but there are positive effects of this and I am stronger because of them.
I will continue to contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Prostate Cancer Foundation and encourage others to do likewise. We must find a cure, if not for me then for my children and grandchildren. I pray they will never suffer from this thing-cancer. Keep all cancer patients in your prayers. Some need them more than others. We all need prayer for some reason. There is an Irish proverb: May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Freedom of Choice Act
I was shocked today to read a summary of the Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 1964, S. 1173). This is an act that completely eliminates any State or Federal laws that impede abortions. Introduced by liberal democrats, my shock is not that it allows a woman the freedom to decide for herself about abortion, my shock is caused by the intended consequences of doctors, nurses or hospitals exercising their consciences not to offer or perform abortions. These folks would be subject to law suits for NOT performing abortions if the health of a mother is allegedly at risk and hospitals would not be allowed to offer ANY medical services if they don't do abortions.
The law if passed by both houses would provide "Freedom of Choice" for pregnant women but not for doctors, nurses, hospitals or other practitioners.
It would strike down the law on partial birth abortion.
It would allow a female of any age to receive an abortion and parents wouldn't be allowed to interfere with the decision of a minor child.
It would force insurance companies to cover abortions.
It would prohibit any future law from being passed that curbs the freedom of choice!
(I doubt this would hold but who knows.)
I respect anyone's right to decide for themselves how they will think, not think, behave, act, not act, live or die. I may not agree and may vigorously express my opinion which I have an equal right to. That said, I can't see how any level headed person would think that absolutely no restrictions on abortion is a good thing or that punishing people and institutions for following their consciences is right and the American way. Provide rights to one group and take away the rights of another. Unequal protection? Where is that in the Constitution?
My personal beliefs aside, I would encourage all readers to become familiar with the Freedom of Choice Act and then take whatever action they think necessary. For myself, I am writing to the Alaska Delegation and asking them to vigorously work to defeat this legislation.
The law if passed by both houses would provide "Freedom of Choice" for pregnant women but not for doctors, nurses, hospitals or other practitioners.
It would strike down the law on partial birth abortion.
It would allow a female of any age to receive an abortion and parents wouldn't be allowed to interfere with the decision of a minor child.
It would force insurance companies to cover abortions.
It would prohibit any future law from being passed that curbs the freedom of choice!
(I doubt this would hold but who knows.)
I respect anyone's right to decide for themselves how they will think, not think, behave, act, not act, live or die. I may not agree and may vigorously express my opinion which I have an equal right to. That said, I can't see how any level headed person would think that absolutely no restrictions on abortion is a good thing or that punishing people and institutions for following their consciences is right and the American way. Provide rights to one group and take away the rights of another. Unequal protection? Where is that in the Constitution?
My personal beliefs aside, I would encourage all readers to become familiar with the Freedom of Choice Act and then take whatever action they think necessary. For myself, I am writing to the Alaska Delegation and asking them to vigorously work to defeat this legislation.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
What to Write Next
Head hit the pillow and all the ideas for discussion here came flooding to consciousness. Two in particular were most forceful.
One was caused by the recent discovery of the ships manifest of the Barque Geestemunde which sailed from Bremen, Germany on May 3, 1862 arriving in Baltimore, Maryland on June 14, 1862. Aboard that ship were my great grandfather, Martin Skoblik, his wife, Eva Mazna Skoblik and their chidren, Catherine 9 months old and son, Franz, 3 years old. Also aboard were Eva's brother, Jacob, wife Maria, and son Matthias; and Martin's brother, Matthias and his wife, Marie, son Matthias and daughter, Marie.
This record stirred many emotions. Mostly came the satisfaction of knowing the how and when. I've been a genealogy researcher for years and finding something new is always exciting. But I was also taken by the enormity of the adventure! For us today travel is very easy, despite the TSA. We have moved 9 times since we were married. Each time was pretty easy. Movers came, packed and left. Then movers came, unpacked and left. But imagine travel in 1862 in Europe. These families left what is now Luznice, Czech Republic and traveled to Bremen with everything they could carry doubtless leaving many belongings behind not to mention family; all to partake in what we call the "American Dream". They braved the month long passage of the Atlantic packed with 259 other brave souls into the steerage compartment of the Barque where they slept, cooked and ate. God knows what the weather was like!
After arriving in Baltimore, they traveled West to Chicago where they lived for a time. There young Catherine died and was buried. The Martin and Mattias Skoblik families eventually settled in Renville and LeSueur County, Minnesota.
I marvel at the courage of our ancestors to leave everything they knew behind to travel to a country of which they knew little. They had dreams inspired by others who had made the trip and then wrote home about the land of milk and honey. Imagine the hardships they endured to realize their dreams! It was these people and those like them who made our country what it is today. Yet today in this country, many are against immigration. Where would we be if that had been the attitude of the Mayflower passengers? What do we have to loose from letting people come here to realize their dreams and their potential?
Great grandfather Martin was a generous man. He was successful in his new country and helped countless people make their dream of coming here come true. It is said that at his funeral there were so many buggies on the road to the cemetery that you couldn't see the last in the distance.
Thank you grandfather!
(What about the other idea? Maybe tomorrow!)
One was caused by the recent discovery of the ships manifest of the Barque Geestemunde which sailed from Bremen, Germany on May 3, 1862 arriving in Baltimore, Maryland on June 14, 1862. Aboard that ship were my great grandfather, Martin Skoblik, his wife, Eva Mazna Skoblik and their chidren, Catherine 9 months old and son, Franz, 3 years old. Also aboard were Eva's brother, Jacob, wife Maria, and son Matthias; and Martin's brother, Matthias and his wife, Marie, son Matthias and daughter, Marie.
This record stirred many emotions. Mostly came the satisfaction of knowing the how and when. I've been a genealogy researcher for years and finding something new is always exciting. But I was also taken by the enormity of the adventure! For us today travel is very easy, despite the TSA. We have moved 9 times since we were married. Each time was pretty easy. Movers came, packed and left. Then movers came, unpacked and left. But imagine travel in 1862 in Europe. These families left what is now Luznice, Czech Republic and traveled to Bremen with everything they could carry doubtless leaving many belongings behind not to mention family; all to partake in what we call the "American Dream". They braved the month long passage of the Atlantic packed with 259 other brave souls into the steerage compartment of the Barque where they slept, cooked and ate. God knows what the weather was like!
After arriving in Baltimore, they traveled West to Chicago where they lived for a time. There young Catherine died and was buried. The Martin and Mattias Skoblik families eventually settled in Renville and LeSueur County, Minnesota.
I marvel at the courage of our ancestors to leave everything they knew behind to travel to a country of which they knew little. They had dreams inspired by others who had made the trip and then wrote home about the land of milk and honey. Imagine the hardships they endured to realize their dreams! It was these people and those like them who made our country what it is today. Yet today in this country, many are against immigration. Where would we be if that had been the attitude of the Mayflower passengers? What do we have to loose from letting people come here to realize their dreams and their potential?
Great grandfather Martin was a generous man. He was successful in his new country and helped countless people make their dream of coming here come true. It is said that at his funeral there were so many buggies on the road to the cemetery that you couldn't see the last in the distance.
Thank you grandfather!
(What about the other idea? Maybe tomorrow!)
Friday, January 16, 2009
To Blog or not to Blog
I've avoided the temptation for this long but maybe I should try this as a way to fulfill the deep desire to write that I've had for years. Writing bares the soul and a blog can open one too much. Better to say nothing and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and confirm it!
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