Have you been watching the Sotomayor hearings? I have. I’ve been trying to catch bits and pieces of it while I am folding laundry. It seems I’m always doing laundry, folding it, and trying to catch up on the news when I do.
Today while I was folding laundry I got to hear two firefighters speak at the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings. I have to tell you that it was quite compelling testimony and especially the Hispanic man that spoke out. I tried to find both of the testimonies that I watched on YouTube and just haven’t been able to find it. I’m sure it’s coming and will be posted at some point. I know somebody out there had to be taping today.
Plain and simple I think discrimination is wrong. I also think reverse discrimination is twice as bad. How horrible is it to know that somebody is getting advanced or a promotion not because of their scores or their hard work… but because of the color of their skin. It’s so wrong on so many levels.
I do not agree with what happened to those firefighters and I’m glad that the supreme court overturned Sotomayor’s decision along with the other judges that were involved. I thought it was disgusting that the firefighters didn’t even get an explanation as to why these judges ruled how they did.
I’ll see if I can find their testimonies later on and post them here on the blog. I think you will agree with me after you hear what these men had to say about Sotomayor’s decision in that particular case. I do think Sotomayor is going to be confirmed. I will have a problem with her if she does not make decisions based on the law. She says that “feelings” have no part in how she decides her cases but we’ll have to wait and see. Am I completely happy with Sotomayor? No, not really but when I think about it… Obama could have picked worse and he did not. So we’ll have to just wait and see how it all plays out.
As for healthcare… oh don’t get me started. I’m very upset at what’s happening. I hear we have a 1,018 page document the size of the Gutenberg Bible and our politicians will be reading it (hopefully) and then voting on it. I also hear that companies will not be able to add new employees to their private healthcare plan as a result. In other words, those that are part of a company’s private healthcare plan get to stay on it and the new hires are stuck with the government plan.
I’m telling you people we are so screwed. I lived on Government Healthcare. I tell you guys this all the time but I don’t think many of you believe me when I say that government healthcare SUCKS. Not only that but taxes are about to sky rocket because our government is looking to pay for this potential fiasco. Not only are taxes on businesses going to sky rocket but so are the taxes of the people that employ the workers of this nation.
I know some people think it’s ok to tax the rich but who do you think it is that feeds the mouths of the poor? The middle class is about to be wiped out and those living in poverty… well you can forget about those people because charitable contributions will decline because nobody will be able to afford to live in the United States of America. And those businesses that won’t be allowed to offer private insurance to their new employees? Well, what’s to say that they don’t get rid of the private plan all together? After all… they are about to be taxed to death. Why should they pay for the private healthcare that their employees would like to have and force them to go on the government plan?
When the government forces people to do regular things that don’t make sense it just ticks me off. Whatever happened to the fair tax idea? Why should people that are doing well be penalized for their hard work? If the government wants to offer healthcare to people that don’t have a private plan and can’t afford it — then fine. But don’t squash the businesses that employ the people of this nation. I can’t stand it when the government tries to step in and force our hands.
I can’t even begin to tell you how upset I will be if we are not able to keep our private health plan. If we are not able to fill our prescriptions and have our regular checkups it’s going to be an appointment with death. I already know where I’m going if I die but come on…. I’d like at least to have my family to continue with preventative care and routine procedures that are life saving. I shudder to think what will happen and how far out we can make appointments, and the restrictions should the government get involved in ALL of it. It’s a pretty scary situation and I would really like it if our politicians would not rush to vote this healthcare crapola through so fast.
Geez, if we can get government healthcare maybe all the institutional killing of the feeble-minded at Beatrice, Nebraska can be stopped!
[...] Sotomayor and Healthcare How’s that hope n’ change you voted for working out? About government healthcare in Canada Tell congress to vote no on government-run healthcare Hands off my healthcare This is what Obamacare will be [...]
Annie,
What do you mean?
I’m referring to the inadequate or lack of health care which has resulted in the deaths of seven developmentally disabled Nebraskans in the custody of the state within the past six months! Are you so busy searching the internet that you don’t read state and local news, or, do you just figure such persons aren’t worthy of your tax expenditure, as does your “pro-life” governor and majority “pro-life” unicameral?
…oops, the count is now EIGHT dead!
I have a very good private health care plan and don’t want to lose it. But if a federal plan is the best way to secure humanity for the folks at Beatrice State Developmental Center, then I say: “Let’s go!”
Annie – do not mix this up. You know full well that the current plan before congress is a 1,018 page piece of bull shit.
Bull shit you say, Angela. Yeah, so? What about government isn’t? I’m pretty sure you’ve been able to “get yours,” just as I’ve gotten mine. We have rationality and cognizance to work with. And in spite of all the corporate welfare exacting a heavy toll on us, ‘er those of us who actually have to pay our taxes, that is, we generally get more than we give from government.
All I’m saying is that NOW is the best time in a long time to speak for those who are dependent on us and truly the “most vulnerable.” They’re dying, Angela…
Isn’t this what Jesus would do?
Oh please Annie. You have no idea what you are talking about. The “most vulnerable” would be the unborn child.
I don’t know if Annie has had a chance to read the House proposed legislation but there is a portion where the elderly are required to receive mandatory “counseling” with respect to end of life decisions. The entire goal of reform is not to increase utilization of health care resources, it is to cut them back. This is very clear when you pay close attention to the President’s words when discussing the problems with health care. He mentions getting too many tests in almost every one of his discussions.
I can tell you for certain that Jesus would not tell senior citizens who have contributed to the system their entire lives your life is no longer worth increased expenditures. Once upon a time people in our culture valued the elderly and treated them as such. Families had multiple generations living together and caring for their own. Today the trend is dump them in a facility and make them a ward of the state. I am just guessing, as a life-long Catholic Jesus wouldn’t approve.
Also for the record, no one is arguing that the most vulnerable shouldn’t be cared for. Currently, the poorest are already entitled to coverage but many don’t take advantage of it nor are they made aware of their eligibility. Many of those who are currently not covered will still be required to get insurance and no one is talking about giving it to them, they will need to pay. There are certainly problems with the health care system that can be fixed with government taking it’s natural role, referee. Intervene to fix the problems and let the free market correct. We will still pay for coverage for the poorest and most vulnerable.
Those border on fightin’ words, Angela. I know plenty. And on the topics of caring for the developmentally disabled, the “most vulnerable” and the unborn, I reckon I can best you in debate! I not only talk the talk but I walk the walk…
Mary Sue: Yep. We’re heading for legalized, voluntary euthanasia. I don’t regret that. Voluntary is the key word, here, and it’s been working out well in Oregon for a decade or so. Contrary to Catholic prediction, there has not been a rush to exterminate undesirables. Indeed, recently Washington state citizens created their own “right-to-die” by initiative. You gotta’ admit, it’s a sure method for containing health care costs! But it has to be voluntary. The institutional killing taking place at Beatrice, Nebraska IS NOT okay with me.
However Mary Sue, you’re wrong about arguments concerning “care” for the truly “most vulnerable” i.e. the developmentally disabled of Nebraska (those in the custody of the state, I mean, not those living with loved ones). While I lived in Nebraska I monitored the Unicameral for ten years. I don’t mean I went to the capital or watched televised debates a few times, I mean I worked it like a full time job, without pay, to such extent that I could quote the state budget.
You need to know: Ben Nelson had a habit of vetoing whatever meager, minimal funds the legislature appropriated, calling care for the DD a “cruel hoax.” Mike Johanns said it comes down to a matter of priorities and the DD just don’t make the cut, sorry. And Dave Heineman has vetoed funding since ascending to the governor’s office, -but he did agree to fully fund the BSDC facility this past Spring.
Now, after decades of neglect, folks with DD are dying at unprecedented rates. You may call this phenomenon “rationed health care.” I call it institutional killing.
It’s simply not possible for me to believe in the self-proclaimed “pro-life” agenda of these three Governors, who I knew. Yet, every time the Nebraska Right to Life says: vote for these guys, y’all obey! How come your’re not expressing SHAME for the Beatrice deaths?
Annie, you came on my blog kicking and screaming as if to say you somehow “know” me. It’s pretty clear you have no idea what you are talking about with your feeble attempts to try and reference me.
To be honest, what Mary Sue shared makes a heck of a lot of sense but somehow I kind of had it pegged that you would find fault with her stance just as you did with my post right out the gate.
Do not lecture me about fighting words. Go look in the mirror or better yet, re-read what you’ve previously written. It’s pretty clear you are on here with a bone to pick.
You have an issue with “institutional killing taking place at Beatrice, Nebraska” and that it “is not okay with” you. That’s fine. Why don’t you bring the subject up without being such a mule’s butt with decent folks that probably wouldn’t mind talking about this?
Just because you are pissed off at what is happening here in Nebraska doesn’t mean you need to take it out on me and others. I honestly had no idea what was going on in Beatrice. It would have been nice if you would have discussed it without being such a bitch about it. You could have brought it front and center to the point where I might have actually paid better attention to what you had to say.
Expressing shame for the Beatrice Deaths… so basically you’ve taken an issue that you feel strongly about and have totally hi-jacked a thread so you could be a butt-head about it. Now we can’t even have a somewhat civil discussion with you Annie because you’ve treated most of us here like crap.
I had no idea what was happening in Beatrice but thanks to you I’ll do some digging. I might even blog about it later on after I educate myself on the matter. But as far as attempting to have any type of a rational discussion with you, forget it! I would prefer to reconnect with friends in Indiana before trying to understand where the heck you’re coming from.
Mary Sue,
Thank you so much for linking my blog. I will be sure to return the favor. I’m also adding your blog to my news reader so that I’ll know when you’ve posted something new.
Whoa, you misinterpret, Angela. But since I got your attention, let me be of assistance. I have no idea how many readers you have; the more the better. I’m visiting all the Nebraska blogs I can find. Something’s got to be done and I mean pronto! Your Governor has shown that he will not act honorably without a very public demand. And it’s gonna’ take a lot of folks making a lot of noise. The good news is that via a limited public outcry thus far, some positive results are to be credited.
To point you in the right direction, realize this: the Justice Dept. has found Nebraska’s care of the DD at Beatrice in violation of civil rights; federal Medicaid $$$’s have been revoked; and thus Nebraska taxpayers must now fully fund the BSDC facility. (So Heineman did agree to funding for this biennium.) Also, there are six or more lawsuits already filed against the state regarding civil rights/deaths. So this issue will be with you for quite some time.
The ‘Lincoln Journal Star’ is reporting dutifully and is dedicating a ‘Call to Action’ forum for internet readers. OWH reportage is quite minimal. There is a legislative panel which worked the issue all last year, and, which renewed itself this year. (I don’t know the legislators; term limits took affect since I lived there.) I r-e-a-l-l-y want to read what you learn and write on this topic. E-mail me or flag me, pleeze…
Mary Sue: No offense intended. I assumed you were a Nebraskan. At any rate I reread what I wrote to you and I can’t find any cause for your offense.
Thanks Angela for linking my new blog, this healthcare reform was my motivation. I intend to fight this in any way I can.
Annie, whether euthanasia is voluntary as you say, counseling is not. This certainly flies in the face of the President’s promise of no one between you and your doctor. It’s odd too, that the same folks would fight tooth and nail to prevent a woman thinking of having an abortion from receiving any counseling but when it comes to keeping our seniors from choosing life extending treatments they are all for it. This is a culture of death promoted by a group who likes to believe they are all about kindness and caring.
As I am not from Nebraska, I am completely unfamiliar with the issues you raised about institutional killing at Beatrice. I will agree there are certainly corrupt institutions and no one who is vulnerable should be left to the care at the hands of those who do not seek to value and preserve life. I follow Angela’s blog on my reader and on comments on Twitter, I will keep an eye out to see if there are updates.
[...] Sotomayor and Healthcare – Have you been watching the Sotomayor hearings? I have. I’ve been trying to catch bits and pieces of it while I am folding laundry. It seems I’m always doing laundry, folding it, and trying to catch up on the news when I do. [...]
[...] Sotomayor and Healthcare – Plain and simple I think discrimination is wrong. I also think reverse discrimination is twice as bad. How horrible is it to know that somebody is getting advanced or a promotion not because of their scores or their hard work… but because of the color of their skin. It’s so wrong on so many levels. [...]