On Warriors and Health

Hello. Well it could be just me but it seems that some people don't want to spend money on universal health care but do want to spend it on the military. Some people want to spend money on universal health care but not on the military. Uh, sorry to sound strange but I want to spend it on both.

My real bone marrow uncompromising view about wanting universal health care (UHC - my words) comes from the 15 months of my life when I had two major surgeries and broke my arm. The two surgical procedures alone cost $45,000. That amount does not include the medication and post-surgical supplies like a back brace. Oh and don't forget the two MRIs - each costing $500 a piece. In between those two surgeries I also broke my wrist. So add in x-rays, cast, oh and don't forget a few visits to the Emergency Room and of course the doctor's office. OH! And did I mention the lost work time since I didn't have any sick days? That was a month's salary.

Which, when I totaled it all up, I lost about $4500 in less than two years. Thank goodness my partner had medical insurance and I was covered with it. If I hadn't been covered, we would be looking at a $45,000 debt and possibly losing our house.

Ok, there are some who would say but see you had insurance so you didn't have to worry. Yes. I'm happy about that. But let me be perfectly clear: I am furious that there are Americans who would have been financially destroyed due to shoveling snow one day. That is utterly appalling to me. My life would be very bad right now if I was saddled with such a debt. What is worse is that there are people out there who might have had to declare bankruptcy if they were in my shoes.

And please don't tell me I didn't need the surgeries or the cast. My nasal cavities had a chronic sinus infection and unhealthy tissue living in them. I could barely breathe and I was sick every six weeks. As for my second surgery, I delayed it as long as I could because I couldn't cope the the thought of back surgery and having to pay for another surgery all at once. I nearly lost the use of my leg due to nerve bruising. If I hadn't had insurance and had not gone in due to no money, I would not be walking without a cane right now. As for the cast, well I wouldn't be able to type or do my job with a deformed wrist.

So don't ever tell me that we don't need health care for all. If all Americans have an improved quality of life, then we ALL become wealthier.

Now for the warriors.

I am always amazed that some of the people who are screaming about big government spending have no problem with the huge debt the war has cost us. Oh wait! We can't be against the war. That means we don't love our country. Bullsh*t, ok. I LOVE my country. I'm just not happy that we ignore the financial problems brought to our beloved country due to the war.

Now I do believe in warriors. I believe that everyone has a warrior spirit within them. What that spirit looks like or how it is expressed varies with each individual. But I know I have within me a fierceness that would not hesitate to kill if it meant saving my family and loved ones. I may be sorrowful about it later, but I would do it.

So I totally understand and support those in the military who have the warrior spirit and the need to protect those who are their brother and sister Americans. Amen. I get it and I support you. However, let's not have a war that drains the nation of its wealthy and well-being.

And please for goodness sake stop screaming about government spending if you aren't going to talk about ending the war. Supporting the military and wanting to end the war are compatible! I don't want more of my brother and sister Americans dying on foreign soil for a war I cannot support.

Also when it comes to preparing for war we need to remember that we really can't be invaded. Can you imagine anyone surviving crossing the borders without a bunch of very well armed American citizens shooting them down first? Yes, in case you are wondering, I am a member of the well regulated militia. :) It's the armed American citizens that help keep us safe in our country.

Now look, we are a great, diverse, wealthy nation and we can have both a healthy citizenry and a well prepared military. Why not? Let's just do it.

P.S. And... I want the military men and women who have served and serve this great nation to be cared for. If the VA hospitals aren't good THEN MAKE THEM GOOD! Our veterans, irregardless of how you may feel about the war they served in or didn't serve in, deserve our care and support.

P.P.S. I may not be for the war, but I am always for the warrior. You can quote me.

Reading "Going Rogue"

Hmm... I'm 2/3rds of the way through Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue." Ok, I admit, I like her. I wouldn't vote for her (we differ a bit on several issues) but I sure do like her. We are quite similar women and heck, who says politics is rational? I like her, deal with it. As my Hubby said, "She could easily be someone we know."

Hubby and I bought her book and I am enjoying it. But it also saddens me. See, I don't like witch hunts (chalk it up to past life memories). I didnt' like it when people went after Bill Clinton for his morality and wasted lots of time and taxpayer dollars to uncover a big fat lot of nothing. That seems to have happened to Sarah Palin in her last days as a Governor. That saddens me. A lot.

It is also making me realize I need to be more rational and careful about politicians. Sure I can say I despise them as people, however I can still agree/disagree with their statements and policies.

Ok, enough for now.