Motivation; Standing up for what you believe in

On the news this morning, nationally, media outlets are reporting its official: the recession is over. Unfortunately, the jobless are and will continue to be the last to feel this impact. So what to do?

In between looking for jobs, I recommend using this time to get involved. There are lessons to be learned from Palin and the Tea Party advocates. They are vocal and organized in their efforts to keep the conservative premises alive and take down those who have worked hard to make needed change in this country like health care reform. Love it or hate it, it is needed. We should all have what the US Congress has for healthcare coverage. The question is: do you want what the Tea Party and GOP are advocating? Keep things the same; be obstructionist to progress; vote out those members of Congress who actually worked to make change?

We should learn from them to make an effort, as hard as it is emotionally, to keep those hard working representatives and Senators in Congress. Do you want what the GOP wants? Do you want to be part of a silent majority that lets the few over rule what is best for the majority and who uses fear tactics and lies to make it happen?

I think of Senator Reid who is a target of the Tea Party who did nothing wrong but work hard to compromise and bring change to the country. Health care is a liberty that each US citizen deserves. If you are looking to change places and people who do not do their jobs, I have some recommendations for you:

Veterans Administration: If you have ever dealt with them, this is the epitomy of turtle mentality....the slower the better; getting nothing accomplished in a timely manner; slough off to another employee who is overworked or just plain taking salaries for doing nothing. But this is a blog for a later time. That said, those of you who have ever dealt with the VA, know it needs change. Make it happen. Organize, Tweet, call and write everyone and anyone to make change. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper; tell your stories of the inadequate follow through in this Federal Agency created to help Veterans and spouses.

Stop the Tea Party: get the facts and tell the facts to all those around you. Stamp out lies. Don't let a vocal majority ruin the democracy of this nation.

Congress: research your representatives and senators. Let them know your thoughts. If you really believe they have not done a good job, research the opponent and make the right choice for your vote.

For me, I would like to add the Maryland State Legislature and nominate them for the "doing the least for their salaries" ever in the history of this State or any state in the US.

More to come..................

View from a townhouse: the 2nd blizzard, of this and that

I hate to admit it but I am bored by this year's American Idol. Even Ellen couldn't save the show last night though it was good to see her add some light to the dull. Earlier episodes showed a really not with it Simon who seemed angry at everyone. It really apears that he barely tolerated Kara. Maybe he should have left this year.

On the other hand, Project Runway is back to its best. Love it.

Ok late yesterday we got some snow which seemed to stop for a few hours last night. Since 6AM EST its been snowing like crazy, our second blizzard in 4 days. This is the view from my front door: that's my Honda in the driveway and the snow is piled high to the left of it from shoveling 2 days ago combined with about 10 innches so far on top of it, taken early in am. Now cannot take pictures because the wind has kicked up and the snow is blowing so fast and furious, it seems like a blur of white everywhere. I am praying my power stays on. By the way, DC can't get it together to clear snow? This is our nation's capital. And the Federal Government is closed? Spare me. though it has been quiet with the Congress not in the news. And that is great!

Now from my kitchen looking out on the deck and trees in the background. Snow combined from other day that was impossible to move due to ice on the top.

the deck is abou 12 feet above the ground but it looks like one with the ground and trees which are about 100 feet tall.

Health Reform as we wished for has been pronounced dead

According to the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/10/pelosi-backs-off-public-o_n_387197.html}, Pelosi has thrown in the towel, and no one is standing up for the public option. So almost 50 million US citizens, will now not have the hope of life with health care coverage. Personally, I cannot stand Pelosis or the other power monger, partisan, imbeciles in Congress. Senator Reid: where the heck are you in this?

Almost 70% of the US citizens want a public option. The good news is that Medicare will have an option for 55+ now. Gee,.....duh...some of us have been saying just do Medicare for all to share the risk and lower health care costs and get it done quickly. But some of us actually work in health care. What makes us think we know what we are doing? We have people in Congress who know how to use anatomical parts of their bodies and take oodles of money from managed care companies....but are soooo clueless when it comes to actually providing legislation to protect, perserve the citizens of the United States. And they get their health care coverage paid for by you and me....that's good because I bet some of these congressional geniuses couldn't write a check for payment...but they know how to deposit those checks don't they......

So sick of this. Wish there was an election tomorrow to get rid of all of Congress and start over. Mr. President, I voted for you and am disappointed you did not stand up for this public option. Senator Ted Kennedy must be turning over in his grave.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly; Ramblings on a Monday

I have been silent for awhile. Helping my daughter and her family move and recognizing that my body is way older then I thought it was and I work out! I have muscles hurting that I did not know I had. And they moved during the first snow in Maryland. Nice.

Coupled with the snow was the absolute unbelievable poor customer service of 2 companies who, in my opinion, represent companies who feel they are doing well enough not to have to care about customers. This represents my opinion, but Verizon is number one on my list of incompetent, stupid, and disdainful businesses in today's world. My daughter's family has NO phone or wireless connections because VERIZON, even though they confirmed that everything would be done the Friday before the move since they don't do new connections on weekends (must be nice), have neither. And when Verizon was called, they did NOTHING to correct the situation. It's a good thing my family  all have cell phones (and not thru Verizon). Additionally, since Verizon did not have FIOS available in the area, direct TV was to be the provider of television services.

All of this was arranged well in advance of the move. Email confirmations were received. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Nothing. And my daughter and her husband have spent hours on the phone with each and they frankly don't care and have done nothing to rectify situation saying they could come out in a week or so.

So they called Comcast and whoever does come out and install first, wins. Frankly, I would like to ask VERIZON: don't care about customers? Well, maybe its time, customers or potential customers leave you. I did. In my opinion, the best thing about Verizon, is that it made Comcast more customer friendly.

Amanda Knox: I have been following this Italian trial. What it showed me is no matter how imperfect the US court system is, it is enormously better then the Italian System.  I can't even imagine what Amanda's family is going thru, not to mention what they are spending on this. What would you do? In my opinion, Amanda should have been acquitted. It really was a verdict against the US as Italian American relations are not great.

Tiger Woods: really a personal matter but very disappointing as this clean cut role model turns out to be a slime bucket. I actually would watch golf if Tiger was playing. I don't think I will ever be able to look at him with any respect at all. I don't care what he does on the golf course; he is a cheater, liar, plain and simple.

Congress: Several senators are urging Senator Reid to move Medicare under the auspices of Congress. What? Congress can't agree on what bathroom to use much less how health care should be governed. We are the only major country without health care for all. And now THEY want to manage Medicare. Spare me. They are not health care professionals and are frankly clueless in this realm. Instead, I would like to see ALL of them gone.

The GOOD? hmmmm...Amazing Race was great. Top Chef is coming to a close, sadly. About 6 more weeks till American Idol starts. And, I have great friends and family. Yep, that's the best!

Make the Most Important Call of Your Life

Here is the main number for Congress – the Senate and House – in Washington, DC. 202 225-3121

Call this number and ask to speak to YOUR  representative in the House. The House will be voting on their version of the health care reform bill on Monday or Tuesday. CALL TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC OPTION with NO TRIGGERS. It's a matter of life or death.....


Then CALL Your Senator using the same number listed above and tell them to support the PUBLIC OPTION WITHOUT TRIGGERS.


Don't know who your representative is? Find out here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

It takes 2 minutes. Do it now. Then watch the voting on CSPAN.

More to come....