“It’s all about the economy, stupid.” Beware, the firing (not laying-off) of all the teachers in a school or a school district is all about saving money, not about the quality of education. Come May or June, the school district may rehire some of the teachers, but I don’t expect they’ll hire the great teacher who worked hard to earn a doctorate and has dedicated twenty-five years of her life to the children in that district. Nope, she’s too expensive. They’ll hire cheap replacements, new graduates with bachelor degrees.
Blaming all of the woes of the public school system on tenure is totally inadequate. Tenure originated so that teachers would have academic freedom and job security. In other words, teachers couldn‘t be fired for teaching something controversial such as Huck Finn or at the whim of a parent or administrator. (Now, even this has been taken away with the dictates of No Child Left Behind where teachers must teach to a test.) Let’s not forget that tenure came into the public schools during the suffrage movement of the 1920s when female teachers could be fired for getting married, being pregnant, or wearing slacks. (My first job in a second grade classroom in 1972 coincided with the first year the women teachers in that elementary school district were allowed to wear slacks.)
Am I in favor of “the dance of the lemons,” as former Governor Schwarzenegger called the moving of “bad” teachers from one school to another? Of course not! Education has been my life’s passion, and my hope has always been that all children receive an education that gives them a love of learning and the tools to do so. Those tools? They include things like a full stomach and a safe home, adults who care about them and value education, as well as computer skills, the ability to read and research, the opportunity to express their creativity, the excitement of discovery, and so on.
“Immoral, illegal, unjust, irresponsible, disgraceful, and disrespectful.” Those words were uttered by George Nee, president of the AFL-CIO of Rhode Island after the teachers were fired there. I echo him. Individual teachers who are not doing their job deserve remediation, and if that doesn’t work, they need to find a new profession. But this mass firing of teachers will not be the panacea for educational reform.
What if all teachers across the nation stopped teaching in support of their colleagues? What if all professors did the same? It’s time to nip this economic ploy right now or these mass firing will become the norm and not the exception. Don’t think it won’t happen to you because you’re a good teacher or professor. It has nothing to do with your skills. It’s all about the economy.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
When is an aunt an aunt?
Barbara, the woman formerly known as “Aunt Barbara,” passed away this week after a battle with cancer. She was my uncle’s third wife, and they were together about as long as my husband and I have been. It was Barbara who packed her bags and moved out, thus allowing the family to dub her the “home wrecker.” My uncle remarried, they moved away, and, after a time, that woman left him too. I don’t think my uncle is a “good catch.”
With the passing of time, my feelings softened. By chance, or God’s hand, I ran into Barbara the day before my mother was to be buried. She was sympathetic, said lovely things about my mother, and came to the visitation. It was the first time I’d seen her since the divorce, and it was to be the last time.
My feelings are a-jumble. I am sad at the loss, sad that the mother of my cousin is gone, sad for his grieving. I shared many family holiday dinner with Barbara, was at her home to watch that Super Bowl of 1985 when the Bears reigned, was by her side after the death of her oldest son when he was but 20.
Although only four years older than me, Barbara was my aunt for almost half of my life. Because of the divorce from my uncle, she was no longer my aunt, no longer family. I think the realization I have come to with her passing is that the heart doesn’t recognize legal contracts but is controlled by the intricate strands of memory that are woven into its very being.
I mourn. I hope that Barbara has awakened to joyous eternal life. Amen.
With the passing of time, my feelings softened. By chance, or God’s hand, I ran into Barbara the day before my mother was to be buried. She was sympathetic, said lovely things about my mother, and came to the visitation. It was the first time I’d seen her since the divorce, and it was to be the last time.
My feelings are a-jumble. I am sad at the loss, sad that the mother of my cousin is gone, sad for his grieving. I shared many family holiday dinner with Barbara, was at her home to watch that Super Bowl of 1985 when the Bears reigned, was by her side after the death of her oldest son when he was but 20.
Although only four years older than me, Barbara was my aunt for almost half of my life. Because of the divorce from my uncle, she was no longer my aunt, no longer family. I think the realization I have come to with her passing is that the heart doesn’t recognize legal contracts but is controlled by the intricate strands of memory that are woven into its very being.
I mourn. I hope that Barbara has awakened to joyous eternal life. Amen.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Spring is springing in Holland
We drove up to our condo in Holland, MI a week ago to enjoy winter. I was looking forward to blinding, huge snows and crystal clear nights. Upon arrival, in bitter cold, we were greeted with a winter wonderland. There was snow everywhere, with only streets and parking lots open. Only the downtown with its heated sidewalks was truly snow-free. Our condo association even had to negotiate with a nearby company to accept loads of our snow to keep the parking area clear. The snow had been pushed onto every grass surface and was higher than the gutters! However, only a few days after we arrived, the melt started.
Lake Mac's ice fishing days are over. Our swans and eagles no longer visit the open water near our pier, as they have the entire lake to enjoy. Today this sun is dancing on the water, newly free of ice, shimmering in joy. The perennials are revealed and full of new green growth, and the rhododendrons' leaves are splayed to soak up the sun, buds swollen, holding the gift of spring. The father house finch perched on our balcony railing with nest-building material in his beak.
Isn't this so like God? We expect and look forward to one thing, but She blesses us with something even greater!
Lake Mac's ice fishing days are over. Our swans and eagles no longer visit the open water near our pier, as they have the entire lake to enjoy. Today this sun is dancing on the water, newly free of ice, shimmering in joy. The perennials are revealed and full of new green growth, and the rhododendrons' leaves are splayed to soak up the sun, buds swollen, holding the gift of spring. The father house finch perched on our balcony railing with nest-building material in his beak.
Isn't this so like God? We expect and look forward to one thing, but She blesses us with something even greater!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Choose: guns or butter
Elaine alerted me that our local PBS station is asking its viewers to contact their Washington representative, as federal support for PBS is on the chopping block. She included the phone number for me to call. (Isn't she a wonderful friend?)
Guns or butter. That's the example used in economics. Which do you favor: three more dead in Afghanistan or Masterpiece Theater? "That's not a fair example," you say. My reply? "It is." These are the very choices that our Congress is debating now.
Let Egypt be an example to us. Let the people of each country be self-determined. Bring our troops home. There will be plenty of money to provide health care for all, fund social security, fund pensions, and much more.
What would YOU do with $1 trillion? Would you protect the future of our children?
The United States has already spent $3 trillion on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. With no end in sight for Afghanistan, and ongoing operations in Iraq, this number will only increase, hurtling its way to becoming the most expensive war in the history of the United States (chasing WWII, which was almost $5 trillion with inflation).
What would you do with $1 trillion?
The National Priorities Project and the American Friends Service Committee asked youth around the country to answer this question by making a three-minute film in their own community. You can view the winning videos of the contest at the AFSC website. I encourage you to listen to their stories. Each video answers the question from a unique perspective, incorporating each student's own interpretation. Whether using pure journalism or spoken word, each story highlights a generation which is keenly aware of how our money could be better spent.
In my activist experience I have watched dozens of videos, read articles, and stared at countless photographs. I scour through fact sheets, charts, arguments, and briefs. I have listened to arguments on both sides of aisle, but nothing was as affecting as these three-minute videos of young men and women grappling with the inequities of war and challenging themselves to understand how Congress keeps inflating our defense budget....
As we’ve recently seen in Egypt, the youth of a nation are often the rhythm which propels a movement. Maybe Congress should start listening to the young men and women in these films as they spend the next couple of weeks discussing the upcoming federal budget proposal.
Hannah Lythe is a policy and outreach associate at Sojourners.
Guns or butter. That's the example used in economics. Which do you favor: three more dead in Afghanistan or Masterpiece Theater? "That's not a fair example," you say. My reply? "It is." These are the very choices that our Congress is debating now.
Let Egypt be an example to us. Let the people of each country be self-determined. Bring our troops home. There will be plenty of money to provide health care for all, fund social security, fund pensions, and much more.
What would YOU do with $1 trillion? Would you protect the future of our children?
What would you do with $1 trillion?
The National Priorities Project and the American Friends Service Committee asked youth around the country to answer this question by making a three-minute film in their own community. You can view the winning videos of the contest at the AFSC website. I encourage you to listen to their stories. Each video answers the question from a unique perspective, incorporating each student's own interpretation. Whether using pure journalism or spoken word, each story highlights a generation which is keenly aware of how our money could be better spent.
In my activist experience I have watched dozens of videos, read articles, and stared at countless photographs. I scour through fact sheets, charts, arguments, and briefs. I have listened to arguments on both sides of aisle, but nothing was as affecting as these three-minute videos of young men and women grappling with the inequities of war and challenging themselves to understand how Congress keeps inflating our defense budget....
As we’ve recently seen in Egypt, the youth of a nation are often the rhythm which propels a movement. Maybe Congress should start listening to the young men and women in these films as they spend the next couple of weeks discussing the upcoming federal budget proposal.
Hannah Lythe is a policy and outreach associate at Sojourners.
Monday, February 14, 2011
We love...
We love because God first loved us. 1 John 4:19 ISV
For me, that's the equivalent of "in the beginning" as far as love goes, and love is, of course, the topic for today.
I was introduced to The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery when I was in high school, and the lessons of the story have stayed with me ever since, beginning with this one:
"Here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." and continuing...
"Perhaps love is the process of my leading you gently back to yourself."
"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
"True love begins when nothing is looked for in return."
I hope each of you has someone or something that loves you and that you love. Love is the essence of the life we lead, and when we learn to love our neighbors, we will have peace.
For me, that's the equivalent of "in the beginning" as far as love goes, and love is, of course, the topic for today.
I was introduced to The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery when I was in high school, and the lessons of the story have stayed with me ever since, beginning with this one:
"Here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." and continuing...
"Perhaps love is the process of my leading you gently back to yourself."
"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
"True love begins when nothing is looked for in return."
I hope each of you has someone or something that loves you and that you love. Love is the essence of the life we lead, and when we learn to love our neighbors, we will have peace.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
St. T-Shirt or St. Jewelry?
Sailing back to Ft Lauderdale, we attended a lecture by a former high school history teacher. He said, “Let’s see, on this cruise we’ve been to San Juan, St. T-Shirt, and St. Jewelry.” Everyone laughed. Actually, both St. Martin and our last stop, St. Thomas, have a gracious plenty of souvenir/t-shirt stores and jewelry shops. As we were window shopping and occasionally going into the stores, much to my dismay, Bob seemed disinterested. I finally asked him why, and he said there is so much that it’s overwhelming. H-m-m-m, men!
St. Thomas, our last port. Now, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with St. John and St. Croix, it lies in the Greater Antilles some 1,000 miles from the southern tip of Florida. Its history started much the same as the other islands we visited. Those who first populated the islands were seagoing settlers who migrated north from South America and eastward from Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Columbus came upon St. Croix on his second trip in 1493 and was greeted by arrows. He retreated and eventually claimed St. John, St. Thomas, and what are now the British Virgin Islands for Spain. Finding no priceless spices, he sailed off. The pirates arrived next. St. Thomas’ sheltered harbor became a favorite for Blackbeard, Bluebeard. and others. But in 1666, the Danes began colonizing the island and eventually named the harbor town (which we docked near) Charlotte Amalie, in honor of the wife of Danish King Christian V.
The Danes were the Switzerland of the Caribbean, maintaining neutrality during the European wars, and ruled St. Thomas mostly without interruption. Because of that and the perfect harbor, it became part of the triangular route that connected the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe in the trade of sugar, cotton, indigo and slaves. Slavery was finally abolished on July 3, 1848, now celebrated as Emancipation Day. Unlike other islands whose economies floundered with the introduction of the cheaper sugar beets, St. Thomas’ economy remained strong, leading to the development of shipyards, a good banking system, and a large merchant class. Charlotte Amalie had 101 large importing houses, owned by various countries, in 1845.
The United States showed interest in purchasing the islands from Denmark during the Civil War, as it wanted to establish a naval base there. The Danes finally agreed to a $2.5 million price for the three largest islands, and the transfer took place on March 31, 1917. Ten years later, the people were granted U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Virgin Islands today are an unincorporated territory--the people govern themselves and elect their own governor, but are not permitted to vote for our president or congressional representation.
Currently, about 60,000 people from 60 nations live on 32-square-mile St. Thomas, however, Virgin Islanders strive to maintain their “rich, spicy West Indian-African heritage.” Like the other islands, tourism rules the economy.
Our ship was docked too far from town for us to walk, but a mall had grown up within steps of the cruise ships and most stores were represented, so we took advantage of that in the morning.
In the afternoon we took an excursion to Magens Bay. On narrow switchback roads, our van climbed the interior mountain, and near the top we stopped to overlook the bay--just beautiful with the red-roofed houses and the turquoise waters. Of course there were some souvenirs for sale there as well as a small donkey named Monica Lewinsky with whom one could have photos…for a fee! When we came to the other side of the mountain, we stopped at another overlook to see the famous Magens Bay whose heart-shaped beach of white sand is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. At the park, we found the bay calm, and the bottom flat and sandy. It was perfect for playing in the water, walking the beach, and sunning with a book. I wore #75 sunscreen and, true to its claim, I didn’t look like I’d been out at all. We weren’t ready to leave and return to the ship. It was glorious, but we had 982 nautical miles (1.15 land miles equals 1 nautical mile) to cover to be back in Florida.
Our disembarkation was easy, and although the line through customs was long, it moved right along. We quickly found our ground transportation and were at the airport. Once again, going through security took hours of standing. It was a poorly organized system, and I thought several elderly people near us would collapse at any time. And again, there was not an empty seat on the airplane. There is no joy in air travel anymore. We are cattle, poked and prodded through the chute, after which we turn into sardines, to be packed body to body into a metal container. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just blink and be at our destination!
I cannot end on that negative note, as there is such wonder to discover in seeing all the beauty that God has created. The geography of the world is as different and unique as its people. Traveling offers an amazing way to make history come to life and whets my curiosity to learn about many things. Perhaps best of all, by being introduced to people of other cultures, I can be more understanding of the challenges they face and less fearful of the differences between us. Mother Teresa gave us hope when she said, “Peace begins with a smile.” I try to sprinkle them everywhere.
St. Thomas, our last port. Now, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with St. John and St. Croix, it lies in the Greater Antilles some 1,000 miles from the southern tip of Florida. Its history started much the same as the other islands we visited. Those who first populated the islands were seagoing settlers who migrated north from South America and eastward from Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Columbus came upon St. Croix on his second trip in 1493 and was greeted by arrows. He retreated and eventually claimed St. John, St. Thomas, and what are now the British Virgin Islands for Spain. Finding no priceless spices, he sailed off. The pirates arrived next. St. Thomas’ sheltered harbor became a favorite for Blackbeard, Bluebeard. and others. But in 1666, the Danes began colonizing the island and eventually named the harbor town (which we docked near) Charlotte Amalie, in honor of the wife of Danish King Christian V.
The Danes were the Switzerland of the Caribbean, maintaining neutrality during the European wars, and ruled St. Thomas mostly without interruption. Because of that and the perfect harbor, it became part of the triangular route that connected the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe in the trade of sugar, cotton, indigo and slaves. Slavery was finally abolished on July 3, 1848, now celebrated as Emancipation Day. Unlike other islands whose economies floundered with the introduction of the cheaper sugar beets, St. Thomas’ economy remained strong, leading to the development of shipyards, a good banking system, and a large merchant class. Charlotte Amalie had 101 large importing houses, owned by various countries, in 1845.
The United States showed interest in purchasing the islands from Denmark during the Civil War, as it wanted to establish a naval base there. The Danes finally agreed to a $2.5 million price for the three largest islands, and the transfer took place on March 31, 1917. Ten years later, the people were granted U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Virgin Islands today are an unincorporated territory--the people govern themselves and elect their own governor, but are not permitted to vote for our president or congressional representation.
Currently, about 60,000 people from 60 nations live on 32-square-mile St. Thomas, however, Virgin Islanders strive to maintain their “rich, spicy West Indian-African heritage.” Like the other islands, tourism rules the economy.
Our ship was docked too far from town for us to walk, but a mall had grown up within steps of the cruise ships and most stores were represented, so we took advantage of that in the morning.
In the afternoon we took an excursion to Magens Bay. On narrow switchback roads, our van climbed the interior mountain, and near the top we stopped to overlook the bay--just beautiful with the red-roofed houses and the turquoise waters. Of course there were some souvenirs for sale there as well as a small donkey named Monica Lewinsky with whom one could have photos…for a fee! When we came to the other side of the mountain, we stopped at another overlook to see the famous Magens Bay whose heart-shaped beach of white sand is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. At the park, we found the bay calm, and the bottom flat and sandy. It was perfect for playing in the water, walking the beach, and sunning with a book. I wore #75 sunscreen and, true to its claim, I didn’t look like I’d been out at all. We weren’t ready to leave and return to the ship. It was glorious, but we had 982 nautical miles (1.15 land miles equals 1 nautical mile) to cover to be back in Florida.
Our disembarkation was easy, and although the line through customs was long, it moved right along. We quickly found our ground transportation and were at the airport. Once again, going through security took hours of standing. It was a poorly organized system, and I thought several elderly people near us would collapse at any time. And again, there was not an empty seat on the airplane. There is no joy in air travel anymore. We are cattle, poked and prodded through the chute, after which we turn into sardines, to be packed body to body into a metal container. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just blink and be at our destination!
I cannot end on that negative note, as there is such wonder to discover in seeing all the beauty that God has created. The geography of the world is as different and unique as its people. Traveling offers an amazing way to make history come to life and whets my curiosity to learn about many things. Perhaps best of all, by being introduced to people of other cultures, I can be more understanding of the challenges they face and less fearful of the differences between us. Mother Teresa gave us hope when she said, “Peace begins with a smile.” I try to sprinkle them everywhere.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Update on the 79.9% interest rate credit card...
I didn't mention that CNN claimed that 700,000 other people had the Premier Bankcard with the 79.9% interest rate. The CEO said that the response to the card has been "phenomenal." Two percent of people receiving the offers applied for the cards while a normal response rate is 1%-1.2%.
Monday, February 7, 2011
An interest rate of 79.9%
The island will have to wait for another day, because I just heard a story on CNN that demands comment. A woman filed for bankruptcy because of her health care costs. As a result of her bad credit rating, the credit card that she now has--Premier Bankcard of South Dakota, issued by First Premier Bank--carries a 79.9 % interest rate. My reaction?
First, I continue to be totally puzzled by some people’s lack of support for national health care. I have no idea what was/is this particular woman’s health challenges, but I don’t feel that people should have to worry about the cost of their health care when they’re ill, perhaps even fighting for their lives. We have Americans deciding if they’ll have heat or blood pressure medication, if they’ll have a house or an operation. We have Americans who are vehemently against abortion and yet don’t stand up and demand care for the existing people who are suffering. Where are our values and our compassion? Where is our love of neighbor?
Second, usury is alive and well in our country. Our banks are just as greedy as Wall Street. First Premier says that its card needs to be priced on the risk associated with this market (those with bad credit histories) and that it’s up to the consumer to decide whether or not to buy the product. It also claims that this exorbitant rate is necessary because of the new credit card reform law that bans credit cards that carry huge fees--their former most common product. Isn’t this just kicking someone when she’s down? Isn’t it taking advantage of those already in dire circumstances, and perhaps those naïve and unaware of other options, or those without a magnifying glass to read all of that fine print? Again, where are our values and our love of neighbor?
(One in financial straits should talk with a credit counselor, as there are other options including debit cards and secured cards.)
Who will provide assistance to the person injured on the side of the road? Who will stand up for their values? Who will condemn greed? Who will practice their faith?
(For more information on First Premier’s card, go to www.creditcards.com.)
On the issue of health care and insurance, please read the following:
First, I continue to be totally puzzled by some people’s lack of support for national health care. I have no idea what was/is this particular woman’s health challenges, but I don’t feel that people should have to worry about the cost of their health care when they’re ill, perhaps even fighting for their lives. We have Americans deciding if they’ll have heat or blood pressure medication, if they’ll have a house or an operation. We have Americans who are vehemently against abortion and yet don’t stand up and demand care for the existing people who are suffering. Where are our values and our compassion? Where is our love of neighbor?
Second, usury is alive and well in our country. Our banks are just as greedy as Wall Street. First Premier says that its card needs to be priced on the risk associated with this market (those with bad credit histories) and that it’s up to the consumer to decide whether or not to buy the product. It also claims that this exorbitant rate is necessary because of the new credit card reform law that bans credit cards that carry huge fees--their former most common product. Isn’t this just kicking someone when she’s down? Isn’t it taking advantage of those already in dire circumstances, and perhaps those naïve and unaware of other options, or those without a magnifying glass to read all of that fine print? Again, where are our values and our love of neighbor?
(One in financial straits should talk with a credit counselor, as there are other options including debit cards and secured cards.)
Who will provide assistance to the person injured on the side of the road? Who will stand up for their values? Who will condemn greed? Who will practice their faith?
(For more information on First Premier’s card, go to www.creditcards.com.)
On the issue of health care and insurance, please read the following:
Why It Makes Jesus Cry When UnitedHealthcare Screws People
by Rose Marie Berger and Heidi Thompson 02-04-2011This week UnitedHealthcare told a 29-year-old stroke victim that her health insurance with them does not include the rehabilitation necessary for her to walk, eat, or speak again.
This “hip, young, vibrant and beautiful woman,” as her sister described her to us, entered the hospital in December. After more than a month in recovery from a highly unusual massive cerebral stroke, her sister said that UnitedHealthcare has now “pulled the plug on her rehab and is sending her home with me.”
The victim’s sister, who prefers to remain anonymous, does not live in the same state; nor is she equipped to provide the care needed. “My sister cannot walk, stand, wash, toilet herself, count or read, and speaks only garbled phrases.” The hospital insists that it will discharge her, or start to bill her sister daily, even though she has told them repeatedly that her “only current option is to take her to a handicapped-accessible motel room.”
When insurance representatives were questioned on the wisdom — or basic human decency — of sending her incapacitated sister home with her to a motel, she was told, “This is a ‘social problem’ not a ‘medical problem’ and thus, the insurer has no duty to continue rehab.”
Whoa, UnitedHealthcare! You think that’s a “social problem?”
Denial of coverage for this young American woman who worked for and earned her health coverage is not a social problem. It’s a “criminal problem.” It’s called stealing from the sick to feed the greed of the rich. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. In 2009, UnitedHealthcare in New York was investigated and found seriously wanting. Rather than go to court, UHC coughed up$350 million to settle the class-action suit. In 2007, UHC agreed to pay the largest settlement in the Nebraska Department of Insurance’s history when UHC was found to have violated 18 Nebraska laws more than 800 times in a one-year period. Our conclusion is that UHC has a “criminal problem.” But we’ll let the lawyers and courts sort that one out.
However, we can tell you what definitely is a social problem: the fact that across America today there are thousands of people who have insurance, yet are denied care.
Another social problem is that our elected officials appear impotent in the face of health insurance companies’ power and swagger. While we are glad for the tiny baby steps forward with the health-care reform legislation that we Americans achieved last year, this sad story shows how far we have yet to go.
For-profit health insurance companies, no matter what reforms or regulations we put in place, are not the answer. By their very definition, health insurance companies profit by denying sick people medical care.
That’s the way insurance works. You pay the insurer, betting that at some point you will get sick and you will need care. The insurer takes your money but doesn’t take care of you when you do get sick, at least if the insurer is UnitedHealthcare. As health care advocate Donna Smith said in a recent column, “Americans know that health insurance is not health care.” In this case, UnitedHealthcare has once again made the point.
“Writing a check to Blue Cross or Humana or Aetna or Cigna or UnitedHealthcare
But back to our original point. Why does this make Jesus cry? Unquestionably one of Jesus’ hallmark characteristics was his concern for and ministry with the sick. From healing the lepers and the woman with an issue of blood, to healing Jairus’ daughter and the Roman soldier, Jesus publically called to account the levitical “health-care” system of his time.
The religious purity laws of the day — what we might call “pre-existing conditions” — created “a system of social boundaries,” writes biblical scholar Richard Ascough, which served “to remove socioeconomically burdensome populations, and especially the chronically ill, from society.” What the system said was just not possible to heal, Jesus showed was very possible with few resources and a little compassion. It wasn’t that the system didn’t have the ability or finances to heal the sick; it was that the system didn’t care.
“I am enraged, bewildered, and powerless to take on the U.S. health-‘care’ system,” this young woman’s sister told us. She has left phone messages with her UHC “inpatient Care Manager,” faxed letters requesting a written explanation for why coverage has been denied. To date, she has not heard back. “I want people to know what it means in basic human terms to watch a loved one sent home when medical help might give her back some minimum quality of life.”
Somewhere tonight we’re sure a UnitedHealthcare insurance representative is praying for forgiveness for what he or she has done to this young woman who is sick and needs support. We’re equally sure that Jesus will offer that forgiveness — but not without shedding a tear.
Rose Marie Berger, an associate editor at Sojourners, blogs at www.rosemarieberger.com. She’s the author of Who Killed Donte Manning? The Story of an American Neighborhood available at store.sojo.net. Heidi Thompson is publisher of Sojourners magazine.
This “hip, young, vibrant and beautiful woman,” as her sister described her to us, entered the hospital in December. After more than a month in recovery from a highly unusual massive cerebral stroke, her sister said that UnitedHealthcare has now “pulled the plug on her rehab and is sending her home with me.”
The victim’s sister, who prefers to remain anonymous, does not live in the same state; nor is she equipped to provide the care needed. “My sister cannot walk, stand, wash, toilet herself, count or read, and speaks only garbled phrases.” The hospital insists that it will discharge her, or start to bill her sister daily, even though she has told them repeatedly that her “only current option is to take her to a handicapped-accessible motel room.”
When insurance representatives were questioned on the wisdom — or basic human decency — of sending her incapacitated sister home with her to a motel, she was told, “This is a ‘social problem’ not a ‘medical problem’ and thus, the insurer has no duty to continue rehab.”
Whoa, UnitedHealthcare! You think that’s a “social problem?”
Denial of coverage for this young American woman who worked for and earned her health coverage is not a social problem. It’s a “criminal problem.” It’s called stealing from the sick to feed the greed of the rich. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. In 2009, UnitedHealthcare in New York was investigated and found seriously wanting. Rather than go to court, UHC coughed up$350 million to settle the class-action suit. In 2007, UHC agreed to pay the largest settlement in the Nebraska Department of Insurance’s history when UHC was found to have violated 18 Nebraska laws more than 800 times in a one-year period. Our conclusion is that UHC has a “criminal problem.” But we’ll let the lawyers and courts sort that one out.
However, we can tell you what definitely is a social problem: the fact that across America today there are thousands of people who have insurance, yet are denied care.
Another social problem is that our elected officials appear impotent in the face of health insurance companies’ power and swagger. While we are glad for the tiny baby steps forward with the health-care reform legislation that we Americans achieved last year, this sad story shows how far we have yet to go.
For-profit health insurance companies, no matter what reforms or regulations we put in place, are not the answer. By their very definition, health insurance companies profit by denying sick people medical care.
That’s the way insurance works. You pay the insurer, betting that at some point you will get sick and you will need care. The insurer takes your money but doesn’t take care of you when you do get sick, at least if the insurer is UnitedHealthcare. As health care advocate Donna Smith said in a recent column, “Americans know that health insurance is not health care.” In this case, UnitedHealthcare has once again made the point.
“Writing a check to Blue Cross or Humana or Aetna or Cigna or UnitedHealthcare
But back to our original point. Why does this make Jesus cry? Unquestionably one of Jesus’ hallmark characteristics was his concern for and ministry with the sick. From healing the lepers and the woman with an issue of blood, to healing Jairus’ daughter and the Roman soldier, Jesus publically called to account the levitical “health-care” system of his time.
The religious purity laws of the day — what we might call “pre-existing conditions” — created “a system of social boundaries,” writes biblical scholar Richard Ascough, which served “to remove socioeconomically burdensome populations, and especially the chronically ill, from society.” What the system said was just not possible to heal, Jesus showed was very possible with few resources and a little compassion. It wasn’t that the system didn’t have the ability or finances to heal the sick; it was that the system didn’t care.
“I am enraged, bewildered, and powerless to take on the U.S. health-‘care’ system,” this young woman’s sister told us. She has left phone messages with her UHC “inpatient Care Manager,” faxed letters requesting a written explanation for why coverage has been denied. To date, she has not heard back. “I want people to know what it means in basic human terms to watch a loved one sent home when medical help might give her back some minimum quality of life.”
Somewhere tonight we’re sure a UnitedHealthcare insurance representative is praying for forgiveness for what he or she has done to this young woman who is sick and needs support. We’re equally sure that Jesus will offer that forgiveness — but not without shedding a tear.
Rose Marie Berger, an associate editor at Sojourners, blogs at www.rosemarieberger.com. She’s the author of Who Killed Donte Manning? The Story of an American Neighborhood available at store.sojo.net. Heidi Thompson is publisher of Sojourners magazine.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A new day, a new island...
Yes, one island, but two nations! That’s St. Maarten (Netherlands)/ St. Martin (France). It is the smallest island, 37-square-miles, in the world to be shared between two countries.
The first known inhabitants were the Arawak Indians who prospered until the warring Caribs invaded and conquered them. Columbus spotted the island in 1493, but Europeans didn’t populate it until the 17th century. Then claimed by the Dutch, French and Spanish, the Dutch and French joined forces and booted out their common enemy, the Spanish, in 1644.
One can freely travel and conduct business from one side of the island to the other, no customs with which to deal. However, all of the casinos are on the Dutch side as are all the fast food restaurants. The economy of each is centered almost completely around tourism. Our bus driver told us that beer is a dollar a bottle, but a gallon of milk costs about $7.50. Calling an island home isn’t inexpensive.
We spent the morning strolling through downtown Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, and I enjoyed the plethora of jewelry stores and souvenir shops. The area had really grown up since our last visit, and little looked familiar. In the afternoon, we took one of the ship’s shore excursions to the Oriental Beach (Baie Orientale) on the French side, considered one of the island’s most beautiful. The sand was white, and the water was turquoise. We were given chaise lounge chairs (packed like sardines) and rented an umbrella, but even with that and two heavy showers, I managed to look a bit pink…probably because I enjoyed walking on the beach and venturing into the waves. Our location was between the family-oriented and clothing-optional sections. We saw a few topless women and a couple of men wearing thongs. It wasn’t a pretty sight, but I wish that Americans had fewer hang-ups about bodies.
It had been another day in paradise, with soft trade winds, lots of sun, and 80-degree temperatures. We sailed off into the sunset.
The first known inhabitants were the Arawak Indians who prospered until the warring Caribs invaded and conquered them. Columbus spotted the island in 1493, but Europeans didn’t populate it until the 17th century. Then claimed by the Dutch, French and Spanish, the Dutch and French joined forces and booted out their common enemy, the Spanish, in 1644.
One can freely travel and conduct business from one side of the island to the other, no customs with which to deal. However, all of the casinos are on the Dutch side as are all the fast food restaurants. The economy of each is centered almost completely around tourism. Our bus driver told us that beer is a dollar a bottle, but a gallon of milk costs about $7.50. Calling an island home isn’t inexpensive.
We spent the morning strolling through downtown Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, and I enjoyed the plethora of jewelry stores and souvenir shops. The area had really grown up since our last visit, and little looked familiar. In the afternoon, we took one of the ship’s shore excursions to the Oriental Beach (Baie Orientale) on the French side, considered one of the island’s most beautiful. The sand was white, and the water was turquoise. We were given chaise lounge chairs (packed like sardines) and rented an umbrella, but even with that and two heavy showers, I managed to look a bit pink…probably because I enjoyed walking on the beach and venturing into the waves. Our location was between the family-oriented and clothing-optional sections. We saw a few topless women and a couple of men wearing thongs. It wasn’t a pretty sight, but I wish that Americans had fewer hang-ups about bodies.
It had been another day in paradise, with soft trade winds, lots of sun, and 80-degree temperatures. We sailed off into the sunset.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
If YOU value your freedom...
I beg you to read the following by Jim Wallis, and then contact our President (there's a link) in support of our brothers and sisters in Egypt.
Our neighbor is from Egypt and left there about 15 years ago because he thought things would never change. However, his people are courageously rising up to show the world that they want a democracy. Khaled has told us of the very things that Jim Wallis reports in this blog, and he has also told us that unless the United States backs the Egyptian people, they will remain under a dictatorship. I realize a change in leadership will have many ramifications for all countries, but how can we--the people of the United States--stand in support of a ruthless dictator over the will of a people clamoring to be free? Please. Just do it!
By all journalistic reports, it was the Egyptian government of President Hosni Mubarak that sent thousands of armed thugs into Tahrir Square and the streets of Cairo yesterday to bring violence to what had been a peaceful and nonviolent protest for democracy. Some think many of those who were attacking the protesters were police in plain clothes. Others are believed to have been hired and bused in to foment violence with machetes, clubs, and razors — some riding in on horses and camels into the peaceful crowds.
A call for peace now must mean a call for Mubarak’s immediate resignation.
What had been an exemplary nonviolent protest — with people serving tea to each other and to the young soldiers in the square — suddenly turned into a bloody conflict. By some accounts, the death of more than 300 Egyptian protesters outnumbers those who died in the Iranian protests of 2009.
But the Egyptian protesters refuse to retreat and vow to continue their democratic crusade, saying they would “die in the streets” if necessary. As I write, the struggle has gone back and forth into the afternoon and evening. Yesterday, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof posted on his Facebook page: ”Something incredible is happening at Tahrir Square in Egypt: The pro-Mubarak thugs whom the government sent here with clubs, machetes and straight razors are retreating! The democracy forces seem to be winning this battle. It’s a symbol of Mubarak’s incompetence that he dispatches armed thugs to engineer a crackdown — and can’t even achieve that.”
Mubarak has often used thugs to intimidate the Egyptian people, steal elections, and repress those who dissent from his dictatorial and corrupt regime. And the truth is that President Mubarak is the big thug. It’s time for him to immediately resign and leave Egypt, and allow a genuine political process to begin with fair and free elections in a new Egypt.
And it’s time for President Barack Obama to call for Mubarak to resign.
As the biggest supplier of military aid to Egypt, it is the responsibility of the United States to call for Mubarak’s withdrawal. Last night, thousands of people of faith called upon the president to do so. If you have not done so already, click here to send this message to the White House. And if Mubarak doesn’t respond to Obama’s appeal, the United States government should end its military aid to Egypt.
This is a moral issue and urgent issue — and it’s time for the faith community to speak and to speak clearly. I believe President Obama is very frustrated and angry over the situation in Egypt, and while he has called for a “transition” to occur, he now needs to clearly call for Mubarak’s resignation and departure from Egypt. Mubarak cannot stay and try to manipulate elections in September, and the necessary preparations for genuine elections simply cannot occur with Mubarak still in power. A strong word of encouragement from thousands in the faith community and beyond could help our president do the right thing — and do it now. President Obama must call on the dictator to leave now and open the way for democracy in Egypt.
So please send this message and action alert to family, friends, and members of your churches and communities. Spread the urgent call for President Obama to tell Mubarak to go.
Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street — A Moral Compass for the New Economy, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs at www.godspolitics.com. Follow Jim on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/JimWallis.
Our neighbor is from Egypt and left there about 15 years ago because he thought things would never change. However, his people are courageously rising up to show the world that they want a democracy. Khaled has told us of the very things that Jim Wallis reports in this blog, and he has also told us that unless the United States backs the Egyptian people, they will remain under a dictatorship. I realize a change in leadership will have many ramifications for all countries, but how can we--the people of the United States--stand in support of a ruthless dictator over the will of a people clamoring to be free? Please. Just do it!
By all journalistic reports, it was the Egyptian government of President Hosni Mubarak that sent thousands of armed thugs into Tahrir Square and the streets of Cairo yesterday to bring violence to what had been a peaceful and nonviolent protest for democracy. Some think many of those who were attacking the protesters were police in plain clothes. Others are believed to have been hired and bused in to foment violence with machetes, clubs, and razors — some riding in on horses and camels into the peaceful crowds.A call for peace now must mean a call for Mubarak’s immediate resignation.
What had been an exemplary nonviolent protest — with people serving tea to each other and to the young soldiers in the square — suddenly turned into a bloody conflict. By some accounts, the death of more than 300 Egyptian protesters outnumbers those who died in the Iranian protests of 2009.
But the Egyptian protesters refuse to retreat and vow to continue their democratic crusade, saying they would “die in the streets” if necessary. As I write, the struggle has gone back and forth into the afternoon and evening. Yesterday, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof posted on his Facebook page: ”Something incredible is happening at Tahrir Square in Egypt: The pro-Mubarak thugs whom the government sent here with clubs, machetes and straight razors are retreating! The democracy forces seem to be winning this battle. It’s a symbol of Mubarak’s incompetence that he dispatches armed thugs to engineer a crackdown — and can’t even achieve that.”
Mubarak has often used thugs to intimidate the Egyptian people, steal elections, and repress those who dissent from his dictatorial and corrupt regime. And the truth is that President Mubarak is the big thug. It’s time for him to immediately resign and leave Egypt, and allow a genuine political process to begin with fair and free elections in a new Egypt.
And it’s time for President Barack Obama to call for Mubarak to resign.
As the biggest supplier of military aid to Egypt, it is the responsibility of the United States to call for Mubarak’s withdrawal. Last night, thousands of people of faith called upon the president to do so. If you have not done so already, click here to send this message to the White House. And if Mubarak doesn’t respond to Obama’s appeal, the United States government should end its military aid to Egypt.
This is a moral issue and urgent issue — and it’s time for the faith community to speak and to speak clearly. I believe President Obama is very frustrated and angry over the situation in Egypt, and while he has called for a “transition” to occur, he now needs to clearly call for Mubarak’s resignation and departure from Egypt. Mubarak cannot stay and try to manipulate elections in September, and the necessary preparations for genuine elections simply cannot occur with Mubarak still in power. A strong word of encouragement from thousands in the faith community and beyond could help our president do the right thing — and do it now. President Obama must call on the dictator to leave now and open the way for democracy in Egypt.
So please send this message and action alert to family, friends, and members of your churches and communities. Spread the urgent call for President Obama to tell Mubarak to go.
Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street — A Moral Compass for the New Economy, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs at www.godspolitics.com. Follow Jim on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/JimWallis.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Today is canceled
That was the headline of our newspaper today. It was similar to the crawl on the local TV station last evening, a town followed by "canceled." Fisher--canceled. Tolono--canceled. There were so many cancellations, school district names and numbers were eliminated, but it read like the nuclear holocaust had occurred and towns had disintegrated.
I thought of all of the children who were whooping it up at home, knowing that they had a free day. I loved snow days as a child, but I admit that I loved them even more as a teacher. I savored that unscheduled time and most often used to it read--as a child, a teacher, even now. Sometimes, my mother treated me to snow ice cream. It tasted as good to me then as gelato tastes now, and the occasional black speck didn't bother me a bit. I owned a sled, but I lived where it was too flat to use until my high school years, when a sledding hill was finally constructed. Mostly everyone stayed inside when we had big snows--no neighborhood snowball fights or massive snowmen. We turned into hibernating bears.
Truthfully, I was terribly disappointed by the "winter storm" that showed up here. I wanted the snow to fall at a rate of 2" an hour, bury the bushes, and render the landscape pristine. Instead, we listened to the wildness of the wind and the fury of sleet most of the day and evening on the first of February. We might have received 4-6 inches of snow, but it was tainted by the ice and very difficult to remove today. Blessedly a neighbor snow blows our driveway, and we only have to cope with clearing the entry and a dog path out back.
The fire is calling me, and I only have forty pages left in my book. Time to return to my chair and languish in the beauty of the author's words.
I'll return to blogging about our cruise tomorrow. (We were actually gone from January 14-23.) Those 80 degree days seem far off!
I thought of all of the children who were whooping it up at home, knowing that they had a free day. I loved snow days as a child, but I admit that I loved them even more as a teacher. I savored that unscheduled time and most often used to it read--as a child, a teacher, even now. Sometimes, my mother treated me to snow ice cream. It tasted as good to me then as gelato tastes now, and the occasional black speck didn't bother me a bit. I owned a sled, but I lived where it was too flat to use until my high school years, when a sledding hill was finally constructed. Mostly everyone stayed inside when we had big snows--no neighborhood snowball fights or massive snowmen. We turned into hibernating bears.
Truthfully, I was terribly disappointed by the "winter storm" that showed up here. I wanted the snow to fall at a rate of 2" an hour, bury the bushes, and render the landscape pristine. Instead, we listened to the wildness of the wind and the fury of sleet most of the day and evening on the first of February. We might have received 4-6 inches of snow, but it was tainted by the ice and very difficult to remove today. Blessedly a neighbor snow blows our driveway, and we only have to cope with clearing the entry and a dog path out back.
The fire is calling me, and I only have forty pages left in my book. Time to return to my chair and languish in the beauty of the author's words.
I'll return to blogging about our cruise tomorrow. (We were actually gone from January 14-23.) Those 80 degree days seem far off!
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