We, the people want to be heard!

In the United States of America, it is our right and our duty to let our wants and need known to our political representatives. And as our representatives, it is their responsibility to listen and relay those wants and needs to the leaders in Washington.
There are a lot of pundits commenting on the Senatorial race in Massechusets today. Typically this state votes Democratic, or at least liberal. Tonight, however, Scott Brown, (R) won over Martha Coakley,(D)even after President Obama went and promoted her.
I think that the main topic hit upon over and over again has been that the people feel like they aren't being listened to. In this very blue state, the voting isn't so much for Brown or agains Coakley as it has been a message to politicians in Washington, that ,"they don't like what is going on!"
In events like the Tea Parties and ralleys being held, the American people just  wanted to be heard...instead they were ridiculed and called names. But until the messages are received..."we don't like the Health Care Bill, "we don't want any more spending," we don't want deals made behind closed doors, "and we don't want special treatment for some, that will have to be paid for by others." And finally,"You politicians in Washington are there because, we, the people, put you there to represent us...not to run over us." This turn of events will continue to occur. Messages will continue to be sent, until President Obama, Reid and Polosi "get it".
As I have said from the beginning, here is a place to be heard. Comment...add your two cents worth! If enough of us get talking...there will bw a loud noise that won't be ignored.

More thoughts on healthcare...

Today I was listening with half an ear to the news. Again, healthcare was the topic. The democrats were divided, those on the left debating with those who were more moderate.
I was surprised to hear that, I think it was the Washington Post, did a poll and reported that over 60% of the people want a "public option". Supposedly all the other polls, Gallup, Rasmussen and other public poles say it is more like 48% to 46%, for and against and as we draw closer to finalizing this Healthcare thing, it is even lower.
The thing that we can all agree on is that there is a need for a change in the healthcare system...but it has to be one that really is better! Not a change just for change sake. That is the best thing about all the discussion going on. We might actually figure out a solution so that everybody has medical care, we won't put the country under with all the expense, and seniors, handicapped and other more needy groups won't be marginalized or exploited.
So, I guess that means we all need to pay attention, consider the plans that are being discussed and decide what we think will work best. And then we need to make our conclusions be known.
If we say and do nothing, we will have given up our right to complain about the outcome!

It's a new decade as well as a new year!

A coworker brought up some comments that he has been hearing since the new year has begun. Things like, "I'm glad that year is finally over..."," man, that was a tough year, this year should be better...",etc. What it brings to mind is that there is optomism in the air. That's great! We need optomism.
At work we have spent the time to consider last year, reviewing what worked and what didn't. Then we each put together some individual goals. I think everyone is looking for things to try that they might not have even considered before. What I am getting to is that it was a tough year last year. I don't think any of us were untouched by the bizarre economic times we are in, even if it wasn't us personally...certainly someone we know or is close to has been effected. BUT, we are eecking by and growing stronger and getting smarter and because of our efforts and not giving in, things will be better in 2010!
(Here is a quote I came across recently:
DO NOT SUPPOSE THAT MEN SUCCEED THROUGH SUCCESS...
MUCH OFTENER THEY SUCCEED THROUGH FAILURE.
So, we all need to hang in there and keep getting up when challenges knock us down...it is The American Way after all!

I have talked about this but haven't posted it...

A huge expense that paying Americans are covering are the medical expenses of people who go to emergency rooms for things that aren't emergencies and then have no money to pay for the bills they have run up. The costs become exhorbitant and if there is no insurance, which is typical, the public has to cover it.
Here is a better idea. (When my kids were young and we had no insurance we used to go to a clinic and paid on a sliding scale according to what we earned.) Why not have clinics opened, maybe in an annex of the emergency rooms, where non-emergency patients could go. This should not be a free-clinic, but payable on a sliding scale. Some won't be earning any money, but most earn something.
I'm all for helping others, but we all need to do what we can to support ourseves, too.
What do you think?