Picking the Next Supreme Court Justice

Senate Confirmation hearings begin today for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Her confirmation is expected to happen. But before that confirmation there will be the dog-and-pony show of the hearings. Sadly the hearings are far more about Senators making points at home, grandstanding and partisanship than it is about carefully and fearfully selecting the next justice who will serve for life, who has the ability to shape the future of the country through political/judicial activism or constitutional adherence.

Ms. Kagan has a direct connection with the military. As President of Harvard she denied the military access to Harvard for recruiting purposes. She defends this decision by saying she was enforcing the law that prohibits hiring on the basis of sexual orientation. But this post is not about the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

It is about the Supreme Court and the Constitution, the very constitution each member of the Armed Forces swears allegiance and is sworn to uphold and defend. I must admit I am on a history kick right now. I’m not sure how it started but I am in full swing. Recently I have been studying early American History and that leads me to the Constitution…

I have a question for you…have you ever read the Constitution of the United States? I know the preamble, having had to memorize it in school. But I never read the remainder. I am in the processing of changing that right now. How can we defend and uphold that which we neither know or understand? How can we know if our elected officials are adhering to the limitations of the Constitution or are self-promoting power-grabbers?

Recently the President, at the graduation address, told graduates that ‘too much information is dangerous.’ REALLY?  REALLY? Actually we suffer not from too much information, but from a lack of full information. We do not have the right and full information to guide us as a country, state, or citizen. As I have been reading the writings of our founders and settlers, the Constitution…I am freshly aware of the incredible miracle that is the United States of America.

I have found my feeble delving into the history of our country has birthed in me a hunger and thirst to know more, to gain deeper understanding and with that comes a deeper appreciation for our Constitution, our country. And, a deeper desire to defend it, support, actively engage in this ‘experiment.’

Would you join me on a journey to discover our amazing, albeit short, history; our amazing birth, the men and women – both black and white – who built this country against all odds? Join me on a journey of rediscovering America…now how does that preamble go…?

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitutionfor the United States of America.

Union – from the Latin word “one”; something that is made one; something formed by a combining of parts or members: as a: a confederation of independent individuals (as nations or persons) for some common purpose

Justice: Quality or fact of being just; the principle of fairness that like cases should be treated alike, the priniciple that punishment should be proportionate to the offense.

Tranquility: the state of being free from agitation, distrubance or turmoil.

Common Defense: the act or action of defending; the capability of resisting attack; means or method of defending or protecting

Welfare: from Middle English phrase wel faren, to fare well. The state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity.

…wow, we could dialog and expound on just this much for some time. The preamble lays out the purpose and goal for what follows. The purpose? The Goal? To create a document that guides its government, limiting its power to hamper the freedom of its citizenry.

Specifically the role of the Federal government, as stated in the preamble, is to bring together (union) these states, to establish the fair and equal application of the law to all (justice), to provide for an environment or culture free of government tyranny (tranquility), defend its shores and citizenry from enemies and promote an environment where all can freely  pursue the ability to ’fare well.’

And we’ve only begun…

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My Surgical Experience without Healthcare

I have listened in relative silence to the health care reform debate. Many felt the bill was dealt a final death-blow with the election of Scott Brown (R-MA). Alas, that is not the case. I’ve decided to break my blogging silence on this (and many more to come) issue.

I spent the majority of my adult life without health insurance. I have been self-employed most of my life. Healthcare premiums far out-weighed my annual medical costs. As a healthy 20-30 year old my most pressing issue was chronic sinusitis. many who do not have healthcare have made the same decision.

Let me tell you how much more savvy I was as a healthcare consumer. First I selected my doctor based on their reputation. I wanted the right diagnosis the first time. I wanted to be able to discuss and have a say in my health care plan. When my physician talked medications I asked for cost, effectiveness and, perhaps most important, best medication for ME. I requested generics if the outcome would be the same. And, I asked my medical practice if they offered a discount for cash. My physician smiled and said, we do now and he gave me 15% off.

When I was 40 my world turned upside down. I found a lump in my lower abdomen. I had not one but two tumors in my uterus. I needed major surgery. I had no health insurance. Let me tell you about how I brought a $130,000 hospital bill down to less than $20,000 out of pocket.

I lived near teaching hospital affiliated with a major university. I knew a student there and learned that they hold a clinic where students, under the supervision of specialists, provide care. The clinic was free. The student did all the diagnostics. When it came time for surgery to remove the tumors with the hopes of saving my uterus I was refered to the top specialist at the hospital.

I began researching ways to pay for my surgery, payment plans, grants, loans, etc. I discovered the Hill-Burton foundation which helps people in my condition to pay catastrophic medical bills. I applied and was granted $35,000 toward my costs. I went to the hospital to see if they would match the grant. I submitted a hardship application and the matching grant was made…another $35,000.

I enlisted the help of a few friends to research medical insurance, grants and loans. I asked my church for prayer. Behind my back these friends sent out a letter to my friends telling of my situation and asking for donations and support. My church received the donations and paid the bills. My friends, patrons, family and church donated $30,000. I found two smaller grants and then negotiated a payment plan for the remainder with the hospital.

My surgery was successful. It was not cancer and my uterus was saved.

Let me say that while I was working through this issue I changed my lifestyle. I did not upgrade my cell phone or buy the newest gadget. I stopped eating out on a regular basis. I became very aware of how I used my utilities, how many ‘extra trips’ I made in my car. I reviewed my car insurance and begain clipping coupons.

Bottom line…there is more than one way to pay for healthcare. I was a much more savvy patient and kept my own costs down prior to and even after surgery. Even now that I have health insurance.

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Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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Afghan Surge – Yay or Nay? But is that the question?

I have not fed this blog like I need to. I apologize. To be honest I’m afraid once I get started I’ll be a posting queen…LOL. The truth is there is so much going on politically that I just don’t know where to begin.

So, let’s start with the surge. There are many news reports concerning Gen. McChrystal’s Afghan assessment and speculated request for additional troops (read more here).

To recap recent history, President Obama announced his new strategy in his address to congress in February. With the release of Gen McChrystal’s assessment the President said he would ‘take whatever time is required to make the right decision.’ SECDEF Gates encouraged everyone to ‘take a deep breath’ on this assessment and response.

I know I’m just a little military spouse but I have a question. What are the troops, evidently under staffed, supposed to do [and think] while the country is ‘taking a deep breath’ and the President is ‘taking all the time he needs’ to make a decision? The President said on a Sunday morning talk show that before he sends troops into combat he must take seriously the decision to do so because he must answer to them and their families.

Um, excuse me Mr. President but you are also accountable to those troops already in Afghanistan. They are YOUR troops and you owe them all the manpower, equipment and support they need to effective achieve their mission and to come home safely.

So the question that is pondered on capital hill and among media moguls is should we have an Afghan surge. But the question not addressed is “How do we support the troops already committed?” The death and casualty toll is rising. The President said this is the ‘legitimate war.’ If additional manpower and equipment is needed a delay in acting swiftly and decisively, well, it borders on criminal.

That is my view…

No Comments | Category: Commander-in-Chief |

Living Within our Means?

Presidential Address on Credit Card ReformIn his weekly radio/video address on May 9, 2009 President Obama stated, “Americans know that they have a responsibility to live within their means and pay what they owe.”

We have a responsibility to live within our means? I think that middle America, the average American understands this principle. However, President Obama and Congress do not hold this view or principle.

During the election both Speaker Pelosi, Candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama railed on the reckless spending of the Bush Administration. To be honest, I agreed.

But the reality is, they were not angry at the reckless spending, rather that were perturbed by what the spending was ON.

In my humble opinion, both camps were wrong then and are wrong now. Reckless spending in irresponsible. The DoD is agressively taking action on service members whose financial house is not in order. I am sure many of us know service members who have lost clearances and even been involuntarily separated from the military as a result of their debt load.

It does not take a financial genius to know that you CANNOT SPEND YOUR WAY OUT OF DEBT. You cannot spend your way into prosperity. Enough is enough. Stop this insane spending.

This is not the time to restructure Amercan Society. This is a time to CUT THE FEDERAL BUDGET…not expand it. Since Congress does not have the self-control or will to do what is right we, the people, must take action.

Let’s make something clear…once elected our officials govern from their own self-interest…what will keep them getting elected. So we need to remove that pressure. VOTE THEM OUT! Congress will never impose term-limits upon themselves but we, the voting public can offer them the ‘encouragement’ they need to ‘do what is right’.

We must begin now to unseat ALL incumbents. Yes, I said “ALL.” Even the ‘good ones’? Yup…it is time for accountability. That accountability comes from us, the people. We must no longer be a lazy voting population. We must get informed and involved.

Have you noticed that our elected officials live far beyond the means that their average $135,000 salary would afford? Obviously there are too many perks to government service…let’s stop that!

Let us organize now and replace Congress. I know it will take six election cycles to do that…but the message will be clear if we start now. Do what is responsible, do what is right from the start because your seat is a limited occupancy right.

I propose that we contact our elected officials on the local, state and federal level and letting them know that we are watching and will be working to unseat them in the next election cycle if they act fiscally irresponsibly or only in their political self-interest.

Let’s make this a nationally mandate!

No Comments | Category: Spending Plan/Economy, Uncategorized |

Soldiers to Pay for Service Related Medical Care?

I am just going to say it…I am disappointed in our President. While I never thought President Obama was a supporter or even respector of the military I never thought he’d insult the very people he needs to defend our nation. But he has.

Last week the House of Representatives, with much fanfare and bloviating, unanomously voted to designate 2009 the year of the military family (see article here.) President Obama has set records signing various bills and directives. But to date he has not signed an executive directive designating 2009 the Year of the Military Family.

Mrs. Obama indicated that she was an advocate for military families (see her statement). It appears either her commitment to that statement is lax, or she has no influence on her husband on even this inconsequential gesture toward military families. With all due respect, sir, this is shameful.

Did you give the military their due at your photo-op announcement of troop withdrawal from Iraq? Could you say that they DID accomplish their military mission? Could you say that militarily they did their part, they militarily won the war? Nope, you couldn’t even say thank you or offer any kudos. Again, Sir, Shame on you.

March 13th, 2009 Mrs. Obama did an NBC interview from Fort Bragg, NC she said, “Our soldiers and their families have done their duty – and they do it without complaint, and we as a grateful nation must do ours – do everything in our power to honor them by supporting them.” Obviously she and Barack have a communication breakdown. Perhaps the most shameful thing I’ve ever witnessed in regard to veteran support is the Administration’s recent trial balloon to cut costs…cutting VA medical care for service members requiring that care as a result of their service to our country. You have an obligation to take care of these brave, elite men and women. How dare you even consider passing the cost of this care on to private industry, private insurance?

If you missed this recent effort on the part of the Administration, basically Mr. Obama wanted to cut costs at the VA (Veteran’s Administration) so he proposed requiring veterans requiring medical treatment for injuries sustained by their service to obtain that care through PRIVATE INSURANCE. Read more here and here.

Mr. President, can you explain to me how you want to pass Universal Healthcare for all – except the very ones injured in defense of their country? Sadly, I am no longer surprised.As a commander-in-chief you need to take care of your troops. This is but another example of your lack of respect for service members. Perhaps the most grievous part of this recent action are the reports that you refused to even acknowledge the MORAL RESPONSIBILITY to veterans…but deflected the discussion to the cost savings.

Service members, I believe our Commander-in-Chief just indicated you are expendable; he holds little respect for your sacrifice and feels no obligation to you.

While President Obama has done an about-face on this issue – largely due to the PR nightmare – this is a telling indicator of the commitment (or lack thereof) he has toward America’s miltiary. A sad day for America’s brave men and women.

As a footnote, while Mrs. Obama declared our voice would always be heard, and we would have an advocate in the white house she has not developed and appointed her advisory counsel to date. Michelle, it is time for you to put action behind those words. Please advocate for 2009 Year of the Military Family as well as the Military Spouse Relocation Relief Act.

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Are You a Registered Voter?

One of the challenges of military spousedom and PCSing (that’s milspeak for relocation or base hopping) is the residency issue, especially in regard to voting and taxes.

Are you registered to vote? If so, are you registered in the state where you currently reside? I’ve talked to many of my mispouse friends and we all say the same thing…we were registered at one time…’somewhere’.

Many of us do not get involved in local or state political issues because our plate is full enough with life, deployments, kids, career and, well, we’ll be moving again soon enough. Who can blame us?

On the other hand, by not registering we lose the opportunity to have a voice in the issues that impact our lives. Voter registration for military spouses is not a clear cut issue. If we do not register in our new location we cannot vote in local/state elections.

If we retain our voter registration in our previous locations we can vote by absentee ballot but that presents another problem. Check the local state policies for counting of absentee ballots. It seems that many states do not count absentee ballots unless the race is within a certain percentage points. Yeah, I was shocked as well. I want my vote to count…on election day.

So, what to do? Well, it is clear we need to vote, whether by absentee ballot or in person in your current location. We need to voice our opinion. And with the way things are going now…more than ever our elected officials need to hear from us both at the polls and as they legislate.

I don’t have the answer…I’d love to hear your ideas, your thoughts. Have you registered? How do you handle voter registration?

No Comments | Category: military vote |

Great Americans

As I watched the news over the last three weeks it can be discouraging…tough times for many Americans. Today I am not going to opine about the challenges facing government, politics and our society.

Today I want to introduce you to a site, a portal, a mission that is showcasing what is ‘right’ with America. Great Americans (www.greatamericans.com) is a site with a simple mission: to tell the stories of positive role models, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, the positive role models of our day.

This site, founded by Matt Daniels and John Murphy, utilizes the opportunites of internet to showcase role models of those serving others in uniform. Let me encourage you to visit this site and visit it often for inspiration and encouragment. You will see humble Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who think they did nothing special, DEA agents battling drug lords, the proud heritage of the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department but perhaps my current favorite is the senior citizens and patriots in Maine who greet all returning troops at the airport to thank them for their service. Yup, you need tissues nearby for these videos. Check out my current favorite: The Way We Get By…

Like YouTube, you can join Great Americans for free and upload videos of the role models in your life. There are many role models and heroes unsung, here is a place to be envisioned and inspired…

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Learning the Lessons of History…

What do you know about FDR? What do you know about the Great Depression? Was the spending plan of FDR a success? Did it hasten an end to the Great Depression?

I’m studying…it is a fascinating study…curious? Drop me a note, post your insight!

Beth

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Pass the bill now – before you discover what we’ve buried!

This morning I awakened to the news that the ‘stimulus package’ contains a provision for health care rationing. Yes, I said health care rationing. The bill establishes an office with a budget larger than the Army, Navy and Air Force combined. Its purpose? To oversee ‘health care providers to insure care is given in line with government standards and limitations.”

Noone will take responsibility for adding this provision to the bill. All are running for cover. However, it is being defended as a way to insure that the public is not scammed on health care. Scammed? Refusing to treat diabetes with cutting edge methods is NOT scamming. Refusing to treat the elderly because it is more ‘cost effective’ to offer physician assisted suicide is reprehensible?

Think I am being an alarmist? Check out the state of Oregon. Their current health system will deny cancer treatment but will pay for physician assisted suicide.

President Obama is using ‘fear-mongering’ to ram this bill down out throats without the scrutiny it demands. By calling a full review of this bill “partisanship” he is demeaing dissenters.

The reality is, we are spending an atrocious amount of money, expanding government through the roof and we deserve all the time we want to review every detail of this bill.

Call your congressman…now.

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