As I sifted through our class blogs, I found the blog belonging to Cameron Mirtsching resonated the most with my thoughts on our struggling government. He wrote about the behavior of our elected officials surrounding the government shutdown, and also asked how this shutdown will affect the economy.
First, I echo his sentiment about how our government appears to act "petty and childish". Someone like me, who has always been politically passive, it seems like a resolution to the shutdown should be pretty simple. But it's not. When the shutdown was looming, I initially placed blame on our leadership. I have stated in the past, that when an organization fails, it is a direct reflection of leadership failure within that organization.
However, the shutdown doesn't solely rest on the president's shoulders. I feel there are 3 sides to this mess. First the democrats pushed through new and expensive programs such as Obamacare. Then they played games on who would pay for these programs. Second, the GOP is at fault because they failed to inform the American people that adding an expensive program such as Obamacare wasn't in the budget, They went about this all wrong by publicly criticizing the president, who the public sees as a good man. And lastly, we the people are to blame. Collectively, we all got caught up in Obamacare, which is a good plan on the surface, but we didn't ask how this plan will be paid for.
But as it stands, Obamacare was signed into law, and takes effect January 1, 2014. It is a done deal. And I don't think its fair that a group of approximately 30 people are hold the country hostage because all parties involved won't compromise. Obamacare should not be part of the negotiations for the budget. The time to debate Obamacare has passed. President Obama has all the political leverage and can afford to wait it out.
What about the general public? How will it affect our economy if this shutdown continues on? During the first few days of the shutdown, the impact was more of an inconvenience. Surely Congress won't let this go on for more than a day would they? Unfortunately yes. We are now on week two. Federal employees are out of work. As the shutdown progresses, the cost will compound and we will see a spillover into the private sectors.
As the holiday season approaches, consumers uncertain about our economic future, will hold on tightly to their wallets. They won't be spending money on big ticket items or luxuries such as a movie ticket or dining out. This trickle down effect will harbor the growth of many companies. We will see a decrease in our stocks, our 401ks, but interest rates will go up.
If there isn't enough money to pay our bills, then there goes the world wide credibility of the United States.
It is all very embarrassing. At some point, one has to stop cheering for their "team" and see what is in the best interest of those involved. Not everyone likes every law, but with any law, holding the government hostage because your team lost, is immoral, unethical, and reeks of immaturity.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The Blame Game
The failure of any organization is a direct reflection of the failure in leadership within that organization. Unfortunately, that failure falls to us, the American people for choosing that leadership.
While we know why the government shut down, we the people are partly to blame. Too many people don't take the time to educate themselves before casting their ballots. We have become lazy. We have come to rely too much on what we see and hear on the boob tube. It's very easy for all of us to complain about the horrible job the government is doing, but we are the ones who voted them into their current legislative positions.
Let this government shutdown be a wake up call to America. We need to take control of the government, not be controlled by the government. And until we take the time to educate ourselves before voting, we have failed to do our job.
While we know why the government shut down, we the people are partly to blame. Too many people don't take the time to educate themselves before casting their ballots. We have become lazy. We have come to rely too much on what we see and hear on the boob tube. It's very easy for all of us to complain about the horrible job the government is doing, but we are the ones who voted them into their current legislative positions.
Let this government shutdown be a wake up call to America. We need to take control of the government, not be controlled by the government. And until we take the time to educate ourselves before voting, we have failed to do our job.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Blog 2 - New Delays at the VA
I'm not sure how I missed posting the second blog assignment, but I suppose it's better late than never.
I found an editorial from the
Omaha World Herald, that addresses some issues with the VA. The editorial states Congress has some questions for the VA and how they tend to respond very slowly to requests for information. Pending questions were related to safety issues at VA facilities, to include an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a VA facility in Pittsburgh. Five veterans died as a result of mismanagement by the VA.
This article is worth the read because of the number of troops, past, present, and future, that will need to rely on the VA for their medical care. I found it interesting that the VA allowed veterans to die as from an fatal disease outbreak in their facility. The facility where vets go to for treatment, not to become even more sick.
This article is relevant to me, because I am a veteran who's only medical care is the VA. I was laid off from my civilian job this past February. Along with the lay off, went my private health care. Last summer, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was on a schedule with my private health care providers. But then once I was laid off, I could no longer afford my doctors. I was fortunate enough to receive care under the VA. A benefit I feel I earned for serving our country. But because the VA is so slow in general, my care hasn't been as great as in the private sector. My treatment has been 3 months behind, and my health has paid the price. Granted, I will get better, but it is taking longer than it should. I had a blood draw a few weeks back. And I haven't heard any feedback from my VA doctor.
A former co-worker of mine, lost her mother to cancer last year. Her mother was also a veteran, and had just returned from the middle east. She became ill, and sought treatment from the VA. A spot was found on her lung, but the VA withheld the full findings of that spot, and told her mom to come back in 6 months for another check. By that time, the cancer had metastasized, and no amount of chemo could make her better. Had the VA been up front and more proactive about the spot they found, her mother would probably be alive today.
And her story scares me. I brought up some concerns to my endocrinologist at the VA, and he just brushed them under the rug. I go in for a body scan at the Temple VA in October, and while I'm sure I will be okay, its unnerving that my questions and concerns were taken with a grain of salt.
I have been to the old Austin VA outpatient clinic, and it's not a nice place. It was old, and dirty. My heart would break, seeing the number of old veterans, waiting to be seen. They should be treated so much better. A lot of these old men sporting their ball caps with their service allegiance, could be my grandfather.
I've been to the new outpatient facility, and its nice. But will the level of care be any different? I don't understand why veterans, who give so much so we can have our freedoms, get the short end of the stick.
I found an editorial from the
Omaha World Herald, that addresses some issues with the VA. The editorial states Congress has some questions for the VA and how they tend to respond very slowly to requests for information. Pending questions were related to safety issues at VA facilities, to include an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a VA facility in Pittsburgh. Five veterans died as a result of mismanagement by the VA.
This article is worth the read because of the number of troops, past, present, and future, that will need to rely on the VA for their medical care. I found it interesting that the VA allowed veterans to die as from an fatal disease outbreak in their facility. The facility where vets go to for treatment, not to become even more sick.
This article is relevant to me, because I am a veteran who's only medical care is the VA. I was laid off from my civilian job this past February. Along with the lay off, went my private health care. Last summer, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was on a schedule with my private health care providers. But then once I was laid off, I could no longer afford my doctors. I was fortunate enough to receive care under the VA. A benefit I feel I earned for serving our country. But because the VA is so slow in general, my care hasn't been as great as in the private sector. My treatment has been 3 months behind, and my health has paid the price. Granted, I will get better, but it is taking longer than it should. I had a blood draw a few weeks back. And I haven't heard any feedback from my VA doctor.
A former co-worker of mine, lost her mother to cancer last year. Her mother was also a veteran, and had just returned from the middle east. She became ill, and sought treatment from the VA. A spot was found on her lung, but the VA withheld the full findings of that spot, and told her mom to come back in 6 months for another check. By that time, the cancer had metastasized, and no amount of chemo could make her better. Had the VA been up front and more proactive about the spot they found, her mother would probably be alive today.
And her story scares me. I brought up some concerns to my endocrinologist at the VA, and he just brushed them under the rug. I go in for a body scan at the Temple VA in October, and while I'm sure I will be okay, its unnerving that my questions and concerns were taken with a grain of salt.
I have been to the old Austin VA outpatient clinic, and it's not a nice place. It was old, and dirty. My heart would break, seeing the number of old veterans, waiting to be seen. They should be treated so much better. A lot of these old men sporting their ball caps with their service allegiance, could be my grandfather.
I've been to the new outpatient facility, and its nice. But will the level of care be any different? I don't understand why veterans, who give so much so we can have our freedoms, get the short end of the stick.
Monday, September 9, 2013
How Come The Rich Guys Are Always President?
Recently NPR, posed the question, "Can Only the Rich Be President? I chose this article over others because to someone like me, who is politically challenged, it does seem like only the rich guys get to be president. And why is that? Is it really possible for the average American citizen to become our nation's leader?
One reason I haven't really followed politics, is that I just get bored with what appears to be over inflated egos fueled by wealth. So having money can buy the best educations, but do those people put their education to the good of everyone? Or do they do things for their personal gains. I'm sure there are a lot of average educated citizens that may be just as qualified to lead our nation as those who have previously done so. But money talks.
Is it fair to regulate campaign spending so that the average person can rise to become president? It seems like those in Washington, don't really hear the voice of the nation. They come from a world much different than the majority. Do they really understand the needs of the people? It would seem that your average guy would have a better understanding of what is best for the nation, and would not be jaded by money.
Is it really equality for all, when it seems like the people in power have vast wealth? I mean, if I wanted to run for president, how can I compete against Trump, or Bush? Even if I had the intellect, how could I have a fair shot at office if I don't have the money.
One reason I haven't really followed politics, is that I just get bored with what appears to be over inflated egos fueled by wealth. So having money can buy the best educations, but do those people put their education to the good of everyone? Or do they do things for their personal gains. I'm sure there are a lot of average educated citizens that may be just as qualified to lead our nation as those who have previously done so. But money talks.
Is it fair to regulate campaign spending so that the average person can rise to become president? It seems like those in Washington, don't really hear the voice of the nation. They come from a world much different than the majority. Do they really understand the needs of the people? It would seem that your average guy would have a better understanding of what is best for the nation, and would not be jaded by money.
Is it really equality for all, when it seems like the people in power have vast wealth? I mean, if I wanted to run for president, how can I compete against Trump, or Bush? Even if I had the intellect, how could I have a fair shot at office if I don't have the money.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Blog Assignment 1
Good Evening!
I should first introduce myself. My name is Sonja, and I'm a single, at home mom of three kids. This is THE first time I've ever created, or used a blog. At one point in time, I had a job that was technical, and I was very computer savvy. Then life happened. I apologize in advance for my lack of familiarity with social media other than Facebook.
So this is where I am to share my political autobiography. And sadly, it is short. I've never been one to take interest in our government. I always found it rather boring. Even when I was serving in the Air Force, I didn't pay any attention to politics other than what was briefed to us each morning. My ex-husband is a news and politic junkie, and always had the television on CNN. I would try to sit down and watch the presidential debates, but just didn't understand, and usually fell asleep. I shamefully admit, voting isn't a priority to me either. I know I am lucky to live in a country that allows its citizens to vote, but I guess I'm too lazy to learn and understand the platforms of our elected officials.
Why am I taking this course? Simply because it fulfills my degree requirement. I have to say, that initially, I thought this course would be like I've always thought of politics and government, boring. But in the weeks leading up to the start of this course, I have been paying attention a little bit more to the evening national news. I actually always have the evening news on television, but it's out of habit. Trying to keep some sort of normalcy in my life. I grew up with parents, and grandparents watching the evening news each night. Even though I have it on, I don't really pay much attention. But the last few weeks, the events that have unfolded in Syria have caught my attention. And my children have taken notice too, and will ask me questions. Unfortunately, I'm not able to give them an intelligible answer. As a parent, I should be doing better by my kids, to keep them informed. My son is 13, and during last year's elections, he had his own opinions about the candidates. I was amazed that he was actually paying attention, and he knew so much more that I. (Not good mom).
My family have always been democrats. And that is what I'm registered as. However, the little that I do understand, I'm not for either side. I was always told that the democrats are for the poor, and the republicans are for the rich. And that was that.
What I do hope to gain from this course, is not just fulfilling my degree requirements, but to actually comprehend the workings of our government. I want to be able to give my kids informed answers to their questions. I want to be able to converse with my 13 year old about world events, and why our government takes certain actions.
I should first introduce myself. My name is Sonja, and I'm a single, at home mom of three kids. This is THE first time I've ever created, or used a blog. At one point in time, I had a job that was technical, and I was very computer savvy. Then life happened. I apologize in advance for my lack of familiarity with social media other than Facebook.
So this is where I am to share my political autobiography. And sadly, it is short. I've never been one to take interest in our government. I always found it rather boring. Even when I was serving in the Air Force, I didn't pay any attention to politics other than what was briefed to us each morning. My ex-husband is a news and politic junkie, and always had the television on CNN. I would try to sit down and watch the presidential debates, but just didn't understand, and usually fell asleep. I shamefully admit, voting isn't a priority to me either. I know I am lucky to live in a country that allows its citizens to vote, but I guess I'm too lazy to learn and understand the platforms of our elected officials.
Why am I taking this course? Simply because it fulfills my degree requirement. I have to say, that initially, I thought this course would be like I've always thought of politics and government, boring. But in the weeks leading up to the start of this course, I have been paying attention a little bit more to the evening national news. I actually always have the evening news on television, but it's out of habit. Trying to keep some sort of normalcy in my life. I grew up with parents, and grandparents watching the evening news each night. Even though I have it on, I don't really pay much attention. But the last few weeks, the events that have unfolded in Syria have caught my attention. And my children have taken notice too, and will ask me questions. Unfortunately, I'm not able to give them an intelligible answer. As a parent, I should be doing better by my kids, to keep them informed. My son is 13, and during last year's elections, he had his own opinions about the candidates. I was amazed that he was actually paying attention, and he knew so much more that I. (Not good mom).
My family have always been democrats. And that is what I'm registered as. However, the little that I do understand, I'm not for either side. I was always told that the democrats are for the poor, and the republicans are for the rich. And that was that.
What I do hope to gain from this course, is not just fulfilling my degree requirements, but to actually comprehend the workings of our government. I want to be able to give my kids informed answers to their questions. I want to be able to converse with my 13 year old about world events, and why our government takes certain actions.
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