Well, we did it. Me and Leah went apple picking out in Illinois. She loves going apple picking...I love the pie she makes with the apples--it works out well for everyone. Anyway, we went a little later in the season this year...so they had their pumpkins. Leah fell in love with a pumpkin. I bought her an apron (as an early b-day present). A good time was had by all. Enjoy the highlights:
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Pink Water
Today me and Leah went apple picking over in Illinois, on the way home we went through downtown St. Louis. To our shock, we spotted this fountain spouting rose-colored water...we had to get out and snap a few pictures (I had taken my camera to the orchard). Anyway, enjoy these (un-doctored) photos:
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Health Care & The Slippery Slope
Today in class Leah wrote down some of her thoughts about health care (I can't fault her for not paying attention to class...I doodle and write short stories). Anyway, before she went to bed she read her 3-pages of thoughts. In a nutshell, Leah supports government funded health care for children (until age 17). This makes sense, to me at least, because the way I see it the only people without much choice (at all) are children.
Anyway, despite agreeing with her, I argued against this plan. I said that I thought Pediatrics in general would go down in quality. Medical students would opt to go into "adult" medicine to make more money (after all the government isn't going to pay top dollar for this health care for children). Leah countered this by saying she'd give money to people who agreed to practice medicine on children (working through the government programs). I countered by asked where all this money would come
from--taxes of course. And why not? People pay for things (via taxes) that they don't use. For example, single/childless people pay for public schools. But it's all for the greater good. Schools educate people so they can gets jobs (instead of becoming criminals). But look at public schools (actually, don't...they're a mess). Imagine government run health care. I shudder.
Leah's big idea is that by having early health care available, people will grow up healthier--thus saving everyone money (fewer sick, uninsured people will lower costs for everyone). I think this is a valid point--but I don't think that it will create as big effect as she thinks. I think many people will turn 18 and become uninsured. All the good work done up till that point will be for naught (sort of). Also, parents who have to pay for medical care are less likely to clog the system with kids who are suffering from minor things (like colds, which can't be treated). I can see some people abusing free health care in this way. Every little cut or scrape will need attention. I'm not sure if a stuffy nose is what Leah had in mind (but some people will do this). Should I pay for every kid's scratchy throat?
But the biggest problem I have is, of course, the problem of dependency. I don't like the idea of people growing up so dependent on the government. Government is many things, but a protector of every person it is not. At it's best Government should help those who the most helpless, and those who non-government charities can't help. I'm not sure I am comfortable with having elected officials decide what medical procedures are "necessary" and which ones aren't. I'm not sure if Government should decide if my child in a coma should live. When Government starts footing the bill, it starts to get "opinions" on things it has no business thinking about. Government will end up essentially playing God. Only got a 35% chance of surviving your Cancer? Sorry, Trent Lott (who is not a doctor) and the rest of Congress decided you have to have a 36% chance of survival before we pay for your treatment. It'll happen--when more and more people start putting a strain on the system. As more and more people choose to not pay for their children's health care (sure, this plan might start as optional...but people will say "I'm paying for it anyway with my taxes!!! Why not use it?"). Pretty soon Government is telling you how many kids each couple is allowed to have ("We only cover two children, so you have to pay for your third...") for reasons of money and nothing else. Meanwhile "Private" health care will cost and arm and a leg. People will be forced by the market into Governments "loving" embrace.
And then there is the "Slippery Slope." Why only take care of kids? What about Seniors? Shouldn't they...after working so hard for so long, get 100% health care? What about nursing care? A friend of mine just put his granddad in a nursing home--for $5,000 a month!!! More taxes? Will that solve is? Maybe we should just let our old people die? (it is cheaper).
Also, I think clothing should be a "natural right" (to quote the Socialists) so why not give out free clothes. What about food? We could keep health care costs down if we provided citizens with pre-packaged meals (of healthy food, grown by Government farmers). Everyone should have a home, let's give everyone a Government home, too. Electricity is vital to modern living, some people can't live without it to power heating/AC units. Should everyone be guaranteed to get these things? Oh, only the bottom of the barrel, dirt poor...well who is that? What about the people right above them (economically)?
The fact is, unless the Government gives us everything--someone will always be left out in the "cold." As a society we must collectively try to reach out, but not through Government. Instead, churches and other non-profit organizations of charity should act as the safety net. Government's place is to provide us with peace and the freedom to pursue happiness. Government doesn't owe us anything, and we shouldn't give so much of our money to Government. I think there are lots of people who could afford health care if they made other lifestyle choices. Why should MORE of my paycheck vanish?
In short--I'm worried that people are going without proper health care. At the same time, I'm worried about certain politicians laying the foundation of a "Welfare State," where people are basically reduced to serfdom in service to the State. Where people let Government do terrible things simply because they are afraid to speak out and risk losing important life essentials. Essentials which, in a free market, are more affordable to a majority than they would be if regulated by Government. I don't know what the answer is. This is complex. I'm afraid the only human solution is to lay the foundation of a Welfare State.
I'll end with this thought. Do you really want the people who: Can't find Bin Laden, win a war in the Middle East (or tell us the truth about why there even is a war), admit that there is Global Warming, run decent schools, etc...do you want that group of people running your health care (or the care of your children?). I don't. I don't trust elected officials or bureaucracy.
Anyway, despite agreeing with her, I argued against this plan. I said that I thought Pediatrics in general would go down in quality. Medical students would opt to go into "adult" medicine to make more money (after all the government isn't going to pay top dollar for this health care for children). Leah countered this by saying she'd give money to people who agreed to practice medicine on children (working through the government programs). I countered by asked where all this money would come
from--taxes of course. And why not? People pay for things (via taxes) that they don't use. For example, single/childless people pay for public schools. But it's all for the greater good. Schools educate people so they can gets jobs (instead of becoming criminals). But look at public schools (actually, don't...they're a mess). Imagine government run health care. I shudder.
Leah's big idea is that by having early health care available, people will grow up healthier--thus saving everyone money (fewer sick, uninsured people will lower costs for everyone). I think this is a valid point--but I don't think that it will create as big effect as she thinks. I think many people will turn 18 and become uninsured. All the good work done up till that point will be for naught (sort of). Also, parents who have to pay for medical care are less likely to clog the system with kids who are suffering from minor things (like colds, which can't be treated). I can see some people abusing free health care in this way. Every little cut or scrape will need attention. I'm not sure if a stuffy nose is what Leah had in mind (but some people will do this). Should I pay for every kid's scratchy throat?
But the biggest problem I have is, of course, the problem of dependency. I don't like the idea of people growing up so dependent on the government. Government is many things, but a protector of every person it is not. At it's best Government should help those who the most helpless, and those who non-government charities can't help. I'm not sure I am comfortable with having elected officials decide what medical procedures are "necessary" and which ones aren't. I'm not sure if Government should decide if my child in a coma should live. When Government starts footing the bill, it starts to get "opinions" on things it has no business thinking about. Government will end up essentially playing God. Only got a 35% chance of surviving your Cancer? Sorry, Trent Lott (who is not a doctor) and the rest of Congress decided you have to have a 36% chance of survival before we pay for your treatment. It'll happen--when more and more people start putting a strain on the system. As more and more people choose to not pay for their children's health care (sure, this plan might start as optional...but people will say "I'm paying for it anyway with my taxes!!! Why not use it?"). Pretty soon Government is telling you how many kids each couple is allowed to have ("We only cover two children, so you have to pay for your third...") for reasons of money and nothing else. Meanwhile "Private" health care will cost and arm and a leg. People will be forced by the market into Governments "loving" embrace.
And then there is the "Slippery Slope." Why only take care of kids? What about Seniors? Shouldn't they...after working so hard for so long, get 100% health care? What about nursing care? A friend of mine just put his granddad in a nursing home--for $5,000 a month!!! More taxes? Will that solve is? Maybe we should just let our old people die? (it is cheaper).
Also, I think clothing should be a "natural right" (to quote the Socialists) so why not give out free clothes. What about food? We could keep health care costs down if we provided citizens with pre-packaged meals (of healthy food, grown by Government farmers). Everyone should have a home, let's give everyone a Government home, too. Electricity is vital to modern living, some people can't live without it to power heating/AC units. Should everyone be guaranteed to get these things? Oh, only the bottom of the barrel, dirt poor...well who is that? What about the people right above them (economically)?
The fact is, unless the Government gives us everything--someone will always be left out in the "cold." As a society we must collectively try to reach out, but not through Government. Instead, churches and other non-profit organizations of charity should act as the safety net. Government's place is to provide us with peace and the freedom to pursue happiness. Government doesn't owe us anything, and we shouldn't give so much of our money to Government. I think there are lots of people who could afford health care if they made other lifestyle choices. Why should MORE of my paycheck vanish?
In short--I'm worried that people are going without proper health care. At the same time, I'm worried about certain politicians laying the foundation of a "Welfare State," where people are basically reduced to serfdom in service to the State. Where people let Government do terrible things simply because they are afraid to speak out and risk losing important life essentials. Essentials which, in a free market, are more affordable to a majority than they would be if regulated by Government. I don't know what the answer is. This is complex. I'm afraid the only human solution is to lay the foundation of a Welfare State.
I'll end with this thought. Do you really want the people who: Can't find Bin Laden, win a war in the Middle East (or tell us the truth about why there even is a war), admit that there is Global Warming, run decent schools, etc...do you want that group of people running your health care (or the care of your children?). I don't. I don't trust elected officials or bureaucracy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Finish(ing) the Fight...
So last night I went with Leah to Blockbuster, and at 12:00AM bought HALO 3 the second it came out. I stayed up till 1:30AM playing it...it's really good. I want to say it's amazing, but frankly the single player is so far just "okay." The multi-player looks FANTASTIC...only problem is--I don't know anyone that plays HALO anymore. Leah tries to get into it, but all she wants to do is co-op (play nice) when I want to death-match (play mean).
The weapons and other toys are fun, and the graphics are some of the best I've ever seen (on any platform). Playing HALO takes me back to my Junior College days...workin' at the bookstore...fraggin' people on XBOX Live. Ah, memories.
The weapons and other toys are fun, and the graphics are some of the best I've ever seen (on any platform). Playing HALO takes me back to my Junior College days...workin' at the bookstore...fraggin' people on XBOX Live. Ah, memories.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
"Alms for the Poor"
Today, after I finished writing my rough draft for my English paper (due this week) the power went out in our apartment. It was still daylight, though dusk was approaching. I called the power company, and the recording they had said our power would "be back on by 5AM tomorrow" (it came back on at 8:30). So, instead of watching The Simpsons and (the new STAR WARS themed) Family Guy...I sat alone with Rusty and wrote a short little story (in a little red notebook).
It's called "Alms for the Poor."
I find that the poorer I get, the more I sympathize with those in extreme poverty.
I think the GOP should all go spend a week homeless. Hell, let the Dems join 'em (they can camp out together, like one of those leadership retreats). Might help.
It's called "Alms for the Poor."
I find that the poorer I get, the more I sympathize with those in extreme poverty.
I think the GOP should all go spend a week homeless. Hell, let the Dems join 'em (they can camp out together, like one of those leadership retreats). Might help.
A Cards game, Free CD (with a test drive), and my usual blahs
Last night I went to my very first Cardinals game. It was also the first time I've ever been to a MLB game NOT at Kaufman Stadium. It was weird being at a game where people were actually rooting for the home team. I'm not a big sports person, but I do like watching baseball. Usually I don't watch the regular season, instead waiting for the World Series. The Cards have been sucking it up this season, but last night we actually beat Texas (the seventh inning was very, very exciting). Leah's family went with us, it was nice.
Then today I was kicked out of the apartment early (for me) at 9:00. Leah had a woman come over with a bunch of wedding dresses. I don't she found one, but she did manage to break both the light fixture in the bedroom AND our vacuum cleaner! Anyway, I went to Bread Company and did my homework (with a bagel and cup of coffee). I came back when I was allowed and started working on a paper for my American Fiction class. It took me longer than it should have, though because I couldn't find the quotes I wanted to use (I need to start highlighting my book as I read along). Anyway, the rough draft is done, and I'm going to wait until tomorrow to finish it up.
Before leaving the Loop this morning I saw these people from Scion hanging out in front of Vintage Vinyl (my favorite record store). Intrigued, I investigated...to my shock, I was told that if I took a test drive I got a $15 gift card to the store! So, naturally, I took a spin (not a bad little car, though it's exterior styling left much to be desired). Getting my gift card, I promptly went inside and bought a new CD (spending 5 cents on tax). What a lucky bastard I am.
I'm feeling quite "blah." This weekend has kinda sucked. I don't always get along with Leah's sisters and one (her favorite) is in town. I've kinda been on my own this weekend...and I'm feeling like I'm wasting my life a bit. Reading my friend Murphy's blog, I realized that I too am a "putterer." I spend lots of time not really engaged in anything productive. I'm dreading post-graduation. Also, Friday was me and Leah's 2 year anniversary and I wasn't able to do very much for her. I felt bad about that.
Speaking of which...can you believe in LESS THAN A YEAR I'm going to be married?! That also gives me the heebie-jeebies. God bless her, Leah just called me and she got in minor car accident...what am I going to do? I'm rambling, so I'm going to stop
Then today I was kicked out of the apartment early (for me) at 9:00. Leah had a woman come over with a bunch of wedding dresses. I don't she found one, but she did manage to break both the light fixture in the bedroom AND our vacuum cleaner! Anyway, I went to Bread Company and did my homework (with a bagel and cup of coffee). I came back when I was allowed and started working on a paper for my American Fiction class. It took me longer than it should have, though because I couldn't find the quotes I wanted to use (I need to start highlighting my book as I read along). Anyway, the rough draft is done, and I'm going to wait until tomorrow to finish it up.
Before leaving the Loop this morning I saw these people from Scion hanging out in front of Vintage Vinyl (my favorite record store). Intrigued, I investigated...to my shock, I was told that if I took a test drive I got a $15 gift card to the store! So, naturally, I took a spin (not a bad little car, though it's exterior styling left much to be desired). Getting my gift card, I promptly went inside and bought a new CD (spending 5 cents on tax). What a lucky bastard I am.
I'm feeling quite "blah." This weekend has kinda sucked. I don't always get along with Leah's sisters and one (her favorite) is in town. I've kinda been on my own this weekend...and I'm feeling like I'm wasting my life a bit. Reading my friend Murphy's blog, I realized that I too am a "putterer." I spend lots of time not really engaged in anything productive. I'm dreading post-graduation. Also, Friday was me and Leah's 2 year anniversary and I wasn't able to do very much for her. I felt bad about that.
Speaking of which...can you believe in LESS THAN A YEAR I'm going to be married?! That also gives me the heebie-jeebies. God bless her, Leah just called me and she got in minor car accident...what am I going to do? I'm rambling, so I'm going to stop
Friday, September 21, 2007
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