"Men, to act with vigour and effect, must have time to mature measures, and judgment and experience, as to the best method of applying them. They must not be hurried on to their conclusions by the passions, or the fears of the multitude. They must deliberate, as well as resolve. "
-- Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Courage and Honesty
Dear Senator Hatch,
As parents of young children, my husband and I are continually reminding our children of the importance of standing up for what one believes in. We try to teach our children that being honest to yourself and to God is more important than going through motions. In our house, we say "Stand up for what is right and run away." The running away part is not cowardly; it is to remove yourself from the bad situation and not become "tainted" by it.
I have appreciated your stance on the health care reform debate. Yesterday, I also was grateful for your standing up for what you believed in. I find that quality rare in political circles today.
Thank you for your example of courage and honesty.
Sincerely,
An appreciative citizen
As parents of young children, my husband and I are continually reminding our children of the importance of standing up for what one believes in. We try to teach our children that being honest to yourself and to God is more important than going through motions. In our house, we say "Stand up for what is right and run away." The running away part is not cowardly; it is to remove yourself from the bad situation and not become "tainted" by it.
I have appreciated your stance on the health care reform debate. Yesterday, I also was grateful for your standing up for what you believed in. I find that quality rare in political circles today.
Thank you for your example of courage and honesty.
Sincerely,
An appreciative citizen
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Give an example, get an analogy!
Thank you, Mr. President, for giving a fabricated example tonight that will really help to build the trust and the all important relationship (the one you are "upholding" in your bill) between doctors and their patients.
President Obama: “And part of what we want to do is to make sure that those decisions are being made by doctors and medical experts based on evidence, based on what works. Because that's not how it's working right now. That's not -- that's not how it's working right now.Right now, doctors, a lot of times, are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and -- and you come in and you've got a bad sore throat, or your child has a bad sore throat, or has repeated sore throats, the doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, "You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid's tonsils out." Now, that may be the right thing to do. But I'd rather have that doctor making those decisions just based on whether you really need your kid's tonsils out or whether it might make more sense just to change -- maybe they have allergies. Maybe they have something else that would make a difference.”
In return for your kindness, I have this analogy to help other Americans understand the all important relationship between citizens and their representatives.
Mrs. Jones: “And part of what we want to do is to make sure that those decisions are being made by politicians and experts based on evidence, based on what works. Because that's not how it's working right now. That's not -- that's not how it's working right now.Right now, politicians, a lot of times, are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and -- and you come in and you've got a successful small business, or you have a good job, or you have repeatedly worked hard, lived within your means, and kept a good job, the politician may look at the tax system and say to himself, "You know what? I can do a lot more with their money if I take these earnings in taxes." Now, that may be the right thing to do. But I'd rather have that politician making those decisions just based on whether you really need your taxes raised or whether it might make more sense just to change -- maybe you are working so hard because they are redistributing your money. Maybe they have something else that would make a difference.”
On a medical note:
If I am taking my child to the doctor for a sore throat, I am probably seeing a pediatrician or family medicine doctor. Neither type of physician make a lot of money (they don't even meet your standard for rich). More important to your analogy, neither would be performing the surgery or reaping the monetary benefit. Finally, doesn't the bill include funding to encourage more medical school graduates to go into family practice or pediatrics? Good job leaving a bad taste in the mouths of those you are supposedly supporting.
On a personal note:
In my years interacting with doctors, personally and professionally, I have never known one to make a decision allowing their personal profit to override what they put forth, based on evidence, as the right step to take. I am sorry you have had such an experience and that this is your view of medical professionals.
Ultimately, I believe people are good. Ultimately, I believe doctors choose their profession to help others -- to serve. From your example, Sir, your true colors have shown and your mirrored reflection as a politician shines through loud and clear. Thank you. Thank you very much for this insight.
President Obama: “And part of what we want to do is to make sure that those decisions are being made by doctors and medical experts based on evidence, based on what works. Because that's not how it's working right now. That's not -- that's not how it's working right now.Right now, doctors, a lot of times, are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and -- and you come in and you've got a bad sore throat, or your child has a bad sore throat, or has repeated sore throats, the doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, "You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid's tonsils out." Now, that may be the right thing to do. But I'd rather have that doctor making those decisions just based on whether you really need your kid's tonsils out or whether it might make more sense just to change -- maybe they have allergies. Maybe they have something else that would make a difference.”
In return for your kindness, I have this analogy to help other Americans understand the all important relationship between citizens and their representatives.
Mrs. Jones: “And part of what we want to do is to make sure that those decisions are being made by politicians and experts based on evidence, based on what works. Because that's not how it's working right now. That's not -- that's not how it's working right now.Right now, politicians, a lot of times, are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and -- and you come in and you've got a successful small business, or you have a good job, or you have repeatedly worked hard, lived within your means, and kept a good job, the politician may look at the tax system and say to himself, "You know what? I can do a lot more with their money if I take these earnings in taxes." Now, that may be the right thing to do. But I'd rather have that politician making those decisions just based on whether you really need your taxes raised or whether it might make more sense just to change -- maybe you are working so hard because they are redistributing your money. Maybe they have something else that would make a difference.”
On a medical note:
If I am taking my child to the doctor for a sore throat, I am probably seeing a pediatrician or family medicine doctor. Neither type of physician make a lot of money (they don't even meet your standard for rich). More important to your analogy, neither would be performing the surgery or reaping the monetary benefit. Finally, doesn't the bill include funding to encourage more medical school graduates to go into family practice or pediatrics? Good job leaving a bad taste in the mouths of those you are supposedly supporting.
On a personal note:
In my years interacting with doctors, personally and professionally, I have never known one to make a decision allowing their personal profit to override what they put forth, based on evidence, as the right step to take. I am sorry you have had such an experience and that this is your view of medical professionals.
Ultimately, I believe people are good. Ultimately, I believe doctors choose their profession to help others -- to serve. From your example, Sir, your true colors have shown and your mirrored reflection as a politician shines through loud and clear. Thank you. Thank you very much for this insight.
Press Conference: July 22, 2009
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for your press conference this evening. It was, as always, very insightful to hear you speak; because when you do speak, I hear the real you. After both watching the full press conference and rereading the transcript of the event, I do have a few thoughts to share:
1. While you might be shocked, I am still against the current state of HR 3200. This does NOT mean I am against Health Care Reform. I am against THIS reform, as a package. Some elements are a great starting point. I am sure the dialogue which you have organized has been enlightening. I am sure that great advances in the debate have been made. I still believe, however, that advances being made does not translate into, how did you put it, “stars aligning?”
2. Like many Americans, apparently, I, too, have written prior letters to you about Health Care. In case my previous letters have been lost in the shuffle of your Oval Office Desk, I wanted to clarify that “this debate is not a game” for me, either. And for this purpose, I “can't afford” for you not “to wait any -- any longer for reform.” I, too, am “counting on [you] to get this done.” I, too, am “looking to [you] for leadership.” So, why not stop the Washington game that you play so well and look at all the players in Health Care Reform. (You don’t even have to look at the stars, just see #3 for a hint!)
3. I am so glad you have organized so many meetings in Washington and have published the logs identifying White House meeting guests. I have found one group missing from those logs: the trial lawyers and their associations. I am sure it is not a coincidence that there is nothing related to Tort Reform or Medical Malpractice expenses in HR 3200. I am sure it was just those “stars aligning” again!
Until the next presser,
One who doesn’t wait for the stars when making choices
P.S. As you fly to the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow, a few things to remember: 1) Airline flights are great times for reading. Perhaps you would like to read and learn more about what exactly is in HR 3200. 2) The Cleveland Clinic has an office in downtown Toronto where they recruit patients from the Canadian Health Care System to come to Cleveland for procedures. Maybe you could ask them why they find that a profitable venture. 3) Remember: "Go Green!" and "We are in the worst recession in the past 50 years" -- Spend that money! Fly those planes!
Thank you for your press conference this evening. It was, as always, very insightful to hear you speak; because when you do speak, I hear the real you. After both watching the full press conference and rereading the transcript of the event, I do have a few thoughts to share:
1. While you might be shocked, I am still against the current state of HR 3200. This does NOT mean I am against Health Care Reform. I am against THIS reform, as a package. Some elements are a great starting point. I am sure the dialogue which you have organized has been enlightening. I am sure that great advances in the debate have been made. I still believe, however, that advances being made does not translate into, how did you put it, “stars aligning?”
2. Like many Americans, apparently, I, too, have written prior letters to you about Health Care. In case my previous letters have been lost in the shuffle of your Oval Office Desk, I wanted to clarify that “this debate is not a game” for me, either. And for this purpose, I “can't afford” for you not “to wait any -- any longer for reform.” I, too, am “counting on [you] to get this done.” I, too, am “looking to [you] for leadership.” So, why not stop the Washington game that you play so well and look at all the players in Health Care Reform. (You don’t even have to look at the stars, just see #3 for a hint!)
3. I am so glad you have organized so many meetings in Washington and have published the logs identifying White House meeting guests. I have found one group missing from those logs: the trial lawyers and their associations. I am sure it is not a coincidence that there is nothing related to Tort Reform or Medical Malpractice expenses in HR 3200. I am sure it was just those “stars aligning” again!
Until the next presser,
One who doesn’t wait for the stars when making choices
P.S. As you fly to the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow, a few things to remember: 1) Airline flights are great times for reading. Perhaps you would like to read and learn more about what exactly is in HR 3200. 2) The Cleveland Clinic has an office in downtown Toronto where they recruit patients from the Canadian Health Care System to come to Cleveland for procedures. Maybe you could ask them why they find that a profitable venture. 3) Remember: "Go Green!" and "We are in the worst recession in the past 50 years" -- Spend that money! Fly those planes!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"This isn't about politics" - Part II
Dear President Obama,
With all due respect, for the past 17 hours I have found myself a bit confused. I just wanted to clarify a few things:
1. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you needed to travel all the way to a Washington D.C. hospital (with all the Secret Service detail, all those cars, and use all those lights/cameras/microphones) not to gather information, but to have the right “stage” in which to tout HR 3200.
2. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you are still unwilling to confront the unions and especially the trial lawyers about the huge cost their “agenda” leaves on the medical system in the United States.
3. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you still want to ram this bill through without allowing the American people or their representatives in Congress to really read it, understand it, and discuss it.
4. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you are still not willing to use this same health care you are proposing for the American people for your own family and your Washington colleagues.
5. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you insist on ignoring the Constitution you swore to uphold just 6 months ago (please see the 10th Amendment).
If it isn’t about you and this isn’t about politics, what is it that you are afraid of?
Sincerely,
One who believes it is
With all due respect, for the past 17 hours I have found myself a bit confused. I just wanted to clarify a few things:
1. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you needed to travel all the way to a Washington D.C. hospital (with all the Secret Service detail, all those cars, and use all those lights/cameras/microphones) not to gather information, but to have the right “stage” in which to tout HR 3200.
2. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you are still unwilling to confront the unions and especially the trial lawyers about the huge cost their “agenda” leaves on the medical system in the United States.
3. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you still want to ram this bill through without allowing the American people or their representatives in Congress to really read it, understand it, and discuss it.
4. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you are still not willing to use this same health care you are proposing for the American people for your own family and your Washington colleagues.
5. “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” means that you insist on ignoring the Constitution you swore to uphold just 6 months ago (please see the 10th Amendment).
If it isn’t about you and this isn’t about politics, what is it that you are afraid of?
Sincerely,
One who believes it is
"This isn't about politics" - Part I
To my Representative in the House,
From the news repots I am reading this morning, it appears that President Obama is arranging to meet with some, if not all, of the Blue Dog Democrats today, July 21, 2009. As you potentially meet with him, and as you definitely discuss the results of that meeting with your colleagues, please remember that just yesterday President Obama said, “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” I would encourage you to not cave on what you have stood for in this debate. Please hold your ground and remind President Obama, his White House pressure team led by Rahm Emmanuel, Speaker Pelosi, and even your Blue Dog colleagues, that this is NOT about politics.
I look forward to following your stance on this debate and am hopeful that the debate will linger long enough to allow you to come back to your district and have a town hall meeting on the subject. I am waiting anxiously to attend such a meeting with you.
Sincerely,
A voting constituent in your District
From the news repots I am reading this morning, it appears that President Obama is arranging to meet with some, if not all, of the Blue Dog Democrats today, July 21, 2009. As you potentially meet with him, and as you definitely discuss the results of that meeting with your colleagues, please remember that just yesterday President Obama said, “This isn’t about me. This isn’t about politics.” I would encourage you to not cave on what you have stood for in this debate. Please hold your ground and remind President Obama, his White House pressure team led by Rahm Emmanuel, Speaker Pelosi, and even your Blue Dog colleagues, that this is NOT about politics.
I look forward to following your stance on this debate and am hopeful that the debate will linger long enough to allow you to come back to your district and have a town hall meeting on the subject. I am waiting anxiously to attend such a meeting with you.
Sincerely,
A voting constituent in your District
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Quotation for the Week
"When I look down and see the prodigious fleet they have collected, the preparations they have made, and consider the vast expensed incurred, I can not help being astonished that [the British] should come 3,000 miles at such risk, trouble and expense to rob, plunder and destroy another people because they will not lay their lives and fortunes at their feet."
Joseph Reed, Chief Aid to General Washington, New York, Summer 1776
Joseph Reed, Chief Aid to General Washington, New York, Summer 1776
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dear President Obama...
I am growing increasingly unnerved at the attitude and sound bites coming from your administration and those who have been given the duty, by election, to represent us. My comments today are addressed to you and your White House sound bite team. I saw your press conference yesterday with the nurses. Please do not intonate that Americans support YOUR health care proposal and we all need to "buck up." We bucked up for you with the stimulus, with the omnibus spending bill, and with your budget. Please stop asking us to "buck up" because it fits your agenda, and not necessarily because it is what is best.
Do I believe our current Health Care system could and should be improved? Yes. I also see in the plans put forth that you are not serious about improving the quality and truly lowering the cost -- otherwise I would see tort reform included and unions paying their fair share. Please do not throw away what we have, even if it is not perfect in your eyes, so that you can place another jewel in your crown and tout it in 2012. Please buck up yourself - and take some heat from the trial lawyers and unions in order to do what is right for our nation. When you buck up, then you can ask me to do so, too. I will watch for your lead.
Sincerely,
A concerned mother and citizen
Do I believe our current Health Care system could and should be improved? Yes. I also see in the plans put forth that you are not serious about improving the quality and truly lowering the cost -- otherwise I would see tort reform included and unions paying their fair share. Please do not throw away what we have, even if it is not perfect in your eyes, so that you can place another jewel in your crown and tout it in 2012. Please buck up yourself - and take some heat from the trial lawyers and unions in order to do what is right for our nation. When you buck up, then you can ask me to do so, too. I will watch for your lead.
Sincerely,
A concerned mother and citizen
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