Mike S.'s posts with tag: government intrusion
 | Morons! | Jun 26, '08 9:50 AM
for everyone |
Customers are to blame for high cost of healthcare according to some CEO Consumers need a dose of culture change to understand the cost of health care is more than a $20 co-pay, CEOs Kenneth Melani of Highmark Inc. and Joseph Frick of Independence Blue Cross said Tuesday.
Melani and Frick believe the merger of their companies -- which would create the state's largest health care insurer -- would give them the geographic, financial and membership size to compete against even bigger for-profit insurers.
It would also give them the funds to educate consumers that they have a stake in controlling in costs, the CEOs said.
"Health care costs continue increasing dramatically, and the affordability of health care greatly concerns us," said Melani, 54. "We need to change the culture, how we deliver health care and how we as consumers should expect to receive care. Together, we hope to help change that consumer culture." Melani and Frick spoke to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial board. Sorry scumwads, we will expect to receive what is contracted, we will receive what we pay for. Educating us about your profits is bunk. The reason for high cost is government interference and so many "middlemen" with their hands in the pot. We pay, we need coverage we expect it to be there, it is not customers fault lamebrain butt heads. Whaaa poor Ceo's could not afford two Hummers and five new swimming pools this year? Did a fixed income retiree, who is going broke because of health care costs complain that you make too much money for nothing, whhaaa whaaa whaa. Health care is like energy, the market is fixed, put it in a free market where they actually have to compete for business and watch healthcare costs drop. I guess in a way it is the customers fault we the people allow government to be stupid. Government and other silly institutions indoctrinated us, why not health care?!!?
 Remember that classic Star Trek episode where the Enterprise is taken over by an android called #1, and taken to planet Mudd, where they encounter Harry Mudd yet again. They find out that Mudd is not responsible for situation and he is as prisoner as much as Kirk and others are. The con man got swindled.
They discover the androids are going to take over by "serving" others and giving everyone exactly what they want. Kirk and Spock are of course very concerned because the plan will work. Spock sees this as a very logical way to conquer people, they will be subdued before they realize what has happened. People will be absolutely dependant on the androids for survival. People would no longer have food, freedom to travel, or even weapons. No way to assert their will. Many people seem to think that government and leaders are responsible to hand out "stuff" for the good of all. Many seem to want the androids in real life, then they can be fat and happy, and watch more tv. Of course we have no androids, but we have those who will pretend to serve and subdue until you no longer have the will or ability to assert your legal rights. It often seems the trend today is to rename issues or legislation with deceitful opposite of what they really are. Like calling opportunity a new government program that will favor the few, and handicap the rest. When I go into a job interview the employer wants to see measurable, tangible qualifications and accomplishments. We all keep our resumes in the positive light, but fairy tale flights of fantasy will get you thrown out of an interview in disgrace. However we are allowing politicians to apply for jobs with LA LA Land resumes, and poorly hidden agendas. (If not flat out lies) Agendas that are not providing opportunity to "we the people." Back to the Star Trek episode the Enterprise crew confused the androids with nonsense and e non sequiturs " I am a liar, everything I say is a lie!" Which is the truth, but can't be the truth because everything is a lie, but yet it is true that you lie. With politicians it is the opposite. Politicians are throwing non sequiturs at us, and the only way to defeat them is logic. Action is the only real, measurable, and comparative truth we have. If you are measured by reality on your job, why not hold politicians to the same standard? Government really only wants to serve to take away, more we require of government the less we can do for ourselves. Even if we only lose 1% of our freedoms per year based on the starting point, we are slaves within a century.
We know the Star Trek series, and can quote “beam me up Scotty” “Resistance is futile” “make it so” Just for fun and to relax from all the political debate, but yet be who we are and enjoy politics, and the “other camps of thought.” I thought it would be entertaining to look at Star Trek from political perspective of Liberal, Conservative, & Libertarian. My quotes may not be word for word accurate. Star Trek as a “Liberal” Show. “Earth is a paradise, we have eliminated hunger, homelessness, & disease”...Sisko “I love you, I do not care what they think you are”…Rikker (figures huh lol) “Men of peace usually are brave”.. Spock “We don’t use money in the 23rd century”…. Kirk “Torture is outdated and ineffective, no real civilization uses it”…Picard “Keep your prejudices in your quarters mister” Kirk "DO not go beyond warp 5, we are destroying the universe" A Scientist The technology has reached a point that people no longer need money, everyone can pursue their passion your survival is a given. Arts and culture are alive and well. So well that even Klingons run around quoting Shakespeare. Society does not judge Black, White, Asian, Blue, Red, Green, Homosexual, Straight, in between. People are judged by their character not color of skin. Scientist travel and study those strange new worlds, and new life forms. Medical care is free, as is shelter, and food, just walk to a computer and ask for it. Liberal Paradise! Star Trek as a “Conservative” show “You can’t let some machine take our jobs, there are certain things we must do to remain men” Kirk “Excellence is expected, anything beyond that does you credit” Picard “You are a coward, and you have no honor, get out of my sight” Worf “I don’t wage war with computers, I wage the real thing” Kirk “The honor is to serve” “Your service honors us” Picard and Serek greeting each other “As long as you wear that uniform, you word is good” Sisko “We all ask a father, a brother, a god, why am I here?” Spock “You will just exist living on the charity of others” Odo A free lunch did not build an advanced star fleet. Not every race is happy to see star fleet, and some aliens find it something useful to consume and conquer. Smiling happy aliens would make for a very boring show, and is not reality. Star Fleet has a strict code of honor and ethics, those that break them, even with the best intentions are not treated with respect. Earth might have some fat lazies remaining, but on a ship you can escape all that. In spite of all the technology and social tolerance, respect is still gotten the old fashioned way, they earn it. Buzzwords like discipline, service and honor are alive and well in the future as seen by Star Trek. Star Trek as a Libertarian show. “Our culture is based on freedom and self determination” Picard “No disrespect, but my career choices are my own business” Rikker “We are here to ascertain my right to choose” Data “I will work with you, and fight for you, but I don’t like you” Worf Star Treks prime directive of no interference is a pure Libertarian statement. Based on the old west, Star trek is a western with space ships, a wagon train to the stars. Often having to improvise as you go to survive, day by day. Civil rights are often the main topic of the show. Does this race have the right to do this that or the other, does the individual have the right to do or say certain things? Often self-restraint and ethics are the only law for light years. Star Trek asserts that all discipline is internal, not out side force can truly make you do anything. The other sides right to law and due process stop Star Fleet from blowing the other guys to kingdom come. Nobody really cares about your race, preference, or even quirks, as long as you contribute, and be the best of your chosen path. So which do you think Star Trek is? If you like the show you might claim it, if not give it to another political belief. I am certain the show was for all people, since few people fall purely into any one stereotype. A liberal has honor and can fight fiercely for a just cause. Conservatives enjoy arts and culture, and despise racism. Star trek is what our nation (planet) should be about. We all work together to improve the quality of life. We will never agree on how to get there, but if we play/fight fair at least you are honorable at all times. The odd quirks and point of view of someone from a place you dislike might just save you one day. We need the opposing points of view to stop any political or social monopoly. That is what brings back oppression and the dark ages. Losing our right to say no, once you cannot say no, you are a slave. No matter how friendly or benign the monopoly force claims to be, the truth of it is you are a slave. Saying no has cost those brave few alot, but we thank them for it. Harmless beliefs one does not agree with are trivial so long as no force is used. Becoming advanced beings will mean picking battles wisely knowing that in the end the truth will show beyond all doubt. Truth is something we all need, and can learn from, Liberal, Conservative, or Libertarian.
Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3991584nAt first I was thinking 'Thanks a "heck" of a a lot CBS, as if enough people don't already have an excuse to not exercise, you come out with this!"
But it is true, many trainers are totally incompetent. One of my past supervisors was beyond incompetent, and took it to a new level.
Regulation is not the answer. Look at all the law suits filed against doctors. Clients need to follow the buyer beware rule. Know if their traienr has a degree and is certified by a real agency. No gym I know will hire someone from Expert Rating, sheez!
I read a news report that jobs that were off shored to India. Well India is off shoring jobs to China? Geez Maybe the money being saved will make up for the revenues loss by Americans no longer able to purchase things because their jobs are no longer here. Maybe I should have planned on getting an MBA so I can flip burgers at McDonald's. Competition will be fierce for burger flippers here soon.
As most people that know me understand that I am not religious. However I also do not smoke, do dope, and rarely drink. I say if what you do do don't do does not bother anyone else what does it matter? Speaking as a secularist, I was actually upset over the court case and challenging God in the pledge of allegiance. And for an atheists to challenge it?? It would make more sense of a Buddhist or the like to be upset over "God" rather than an atheists. I do not feel it is shoving God down your throat because God is a personal choice and the relationship people have with God is an individual thing. One can simply replace God with a word they feel fits better. One nation under law or something like that. Those that want God can have, one that don't, don't have to either. I often look at religion like this. I do celebrate Christmas. When I hang up a picture of Santa Claus do I literally think a fat man in a red suit will actually fly around delivering presents? Well no, but it represents giving, family, happiness, self reflection. Same qualities people seek in their religion and relationship with God. The taking the Ten Commandments out of the courthouse. To an atheists would it not be the same as a picture of the Tooth Fairy in the court house? Besides only about 40% of the commandments apply to court. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not commit adultery, & thou shalt not bear false witness. If people did not do those things the court would not be very busy anyway, not much need of a court house to begin with. Here in Boise we have a big light up cross over looking the city. Some atheist from Chicago filed a suit over it. That really ticked me off. He did not even live here, and again as an atheist why would it matter. We all share the city, and a vast majority what the cross there. They look up on a bad day and see the light both literally and figuratively. I am happy they found their religion. People need peace, joy, and hope, and the others of the city are entitled to it. It is not a Nazi swastika or a bird flipping finger. It far from offends me, and actually the door to door missionaries have bothered me alot More than a light up cross. Prayer in school and Intelligent Design are separate issues from the PoA. Others saying God in PoA is not a prayer, but an affirmation of beliefs of principles of our nation. Those who want God in it, say it as such, those that don't, don't. Neither side needs to force or make a huge deal about something simple. Freedom of religion is freedom from it, but liek free speech, you do nto have a right to be unoffended. The fools who go looking to be offended to be on the news and make dumb drama, a different story fro a different day. I hope our country goes back to a live and let live philosophy.
I should have seen this coming, well actually I did. My son brought home a flyer asking about school uniforms. They claim the positives are:
Better learning climate
Better discipline
Better student safety
Modesty standards
Clothing label disputes Do you support school uniforms? Check YES or No My Formal reply to the school: (Wow they actually had a comment section) There is little evidence correlating, school uniforms and the asserted “positives” listed above. The climate of learning comes from parents, teachers, and wise policy makers. We would remove our children and relocate them to a non-uniform school. This makes home schooling and tax vouchers necessary for our family. It is unfortunate that uniforms are already decided on and this flyer is an attempted to mask the already made decision, and make it appear parents have a say in their children’s education. What the (expletive!) Uniforms have nothing to do with quality of education, that would be something like, parents/educators doing their jobs. What the hell is this, Nazi Germany? It is not so much the uniforms per say, it is the fact this whole thing is a ruse, they are running the gambit found here. http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html That stupid manual from the US department of ed tells you how to buffalo the parents into this bullshit idea. They site zero scientific research, it is out of thin air correlations, and made up crap. Stupid (expletive) side step the procedures by government or administrators really really tick me off! BAAAH BAAAH I am a sheep let me just do what you say, why should I think for myself, it might inconvenience those in authority. And the divine right of those in authority cannot be questioned, so let me kiss that mighty ass! What next fences and people with guns? Boy I feel so safe now, the sheep are safely in the pasture. Baaa F-ing Baaa! What the (expletive!) does government know about educating kids? Government simply wants parents to take all the expense and responsibility for the children, but give all the power to government! Nope does not work that way! (Expletive!) Politicians try to blame failure on the people, but pat themselves on the back for success. A dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t situation that is the definition of dysfunctional! If I have to get two jobs so they can be schooled the way we find appropriate so be it! Those (expletive!) can go (expletive!)themselves (expletive!) in the(expletive!) bathroom(expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!). I did not have children so they can fulfill some state agenda.
So in short I do not support school uniforms, and my children will not attend a school that requires them.
Ok this might qualify as a political post, but the whole issue should be a concern to everyone no matter what your issues are. A violation of rights should be a big red flag for anyone and everyone. Not many of you might be familiar with Liberty Dollars. They are a private coins and certificates that are backed by precious metals. They also have E note similar to E-Gold they can be used like PayPal to other members and swap notes. Some merchants will accept them as “money” and you can shop using the Liberty Dollars. http://www.libertydollar.org They never claim to be “legal tender,” legal tender is money that represents the U.S. government and the public debt. Before Thanksgiving the FBI and Secret Service raided the headquarters of Liberty Dollars, and confiscated all the records, customer lists, and worse yet, the government agents took all the gold and other precious metals in their vault. The government claims they were “issuing money” and only legal tender approved by the government can be used for exchange and thus violating the law. Taking the assets has basically broken the business, they are begging for donations to fight the government for the return of the assets. Everyone who has note in Liberty Dollars lost the value, and now have a pretty piece of paper. Ok so next question, is Disney going to be raided next because of Disney Dollars are used at Disney parks for ride, food, and gifts? What about hotels and casinos? Then what about gift cards and preloaded ATM cards? For that fact what about hand written store credits we are given at times? Finally what about chocolate coins? Playing a game of monopoly? Are kids playing store with play money going to get busted? I know I am getting carried away with the ridiculousness, but am I? Why would the government be so worried about private exchange? People barter all the time. The term dollar is not patented. The web site does promote it as ‘alternative currency” and explains how Fed Reserve Dollars are fiat money and technically worthless. Is that the issue that Liberty Dollars were at 20 million, and growing? This is going to be an interesting court battle. The Constitution does give money authority to the congress, but the Constitution also says money should be backed in gold or precious metals. The Constitution says nothing of private money, and early America used a lot of private money. Mines used company script, the military used script, so what is the issue? I find this a horrible violation of rights by the government. The government had a right to audit the books to ensure no fraud was being committed, but to simply confiscate, no way! What is you wanted me to hold your TV for you while you were away? The receipt I give you is simply proof I am holding it, and when you want it back, present the receipt, and walk out with your property. Banks are supposed to operate the same way. But money is public property and drawing a mustache and fangs on George Washington is a federal crime. Drawing all over your private bank note is silly, but not illegal because it represents YOUR PROPERTY. Side note, I noticed the US Mint has changed the term First Lady to First Spouse. Is this a hint of things yet to come? Is “you know who” destined to return to the White House? If it happens is it a hint that the whole election process a sham? OK enough conspiracy theory.
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