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I can finally take a breath!

Health care reform is passed! It has some real benefits for ordinary people and will do a lot to rationalize the health care system and hopefully cut costs. It's not the bill I would want, Medicare for all! But....it showed that in the face of incredible odds it is possible to get something important accomplished in the U.S. Congress. It also showed how virulent the opposition is to President Obama. Why would ordinary people believe that a bill that reinforces the private health insurance system is socialistic? Why would ordinary people not applaud a law that permits children to be on their parent's health care insurance for til they're 26? Especially important in a recession where it's hard for young people to find jobs. Why would people not want to curb in the power of the health insurance companies to deny you coverage for a pre- existing condition? It's because the steady drumbeat of opposition has demonized the bill and the President. I believe the Republicans have made a mistake. I think most people don't want a "just say no!" government. I hope Democrats and independents will work as hard in this off year election as they worked to elect Obama. Let's reaffirm the idea that civilized debate, rather than furious invective, is more effective in reaching voters.

Space is Breathtaking

As a very early science fiction fan, I remain thrilled by space images as with this one just published on the NASA web site.



Shuttle Silhouette
In a very unique setting over Earth's colorful horizon, the silhouette of the space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this photo by an Expedition 22 crew member on board the International Space Station, as the shuttle approached for its docking on Feb. 9 during the STS-130 mission. Image Credit: NASA

CNN incitement to cynicism

Meanwhile a word on CNN and the public mood.

Local Direct TV in our condo limited us to CNN for news. While in Puerto Rico, of course, we were very close to Haiti and were absorbed by the earthquake and the horror of the devastation and human tragedy. What made us particularly uncomfortable was the knowledge that our government has a horrible history in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It has contributed to bad government and the ecological disasters. For more on Dominican Republic check out: "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz. Of course it wasn't until much later, nearly a month later, that this was discussed on CNN. I am proud of the many good works our government is doing through military and private actions, but there's a gnawing guilt about our history there.

Listening to CNN and it's frenetic tone in covering everything from Michael Jackson's doctor to a recent scandal in the sports world, to politics -- almost all in the same breath -- one understands why the American public is so cynical. Each time someone charges that a program doesn't work, they cover it as if it were news. Each time a situation suggests the possibility of scandal they cover it as news. A good example was the recent post-operative death of Congressman Murtha of Pennsylvania. He died after complications from gall bladder surgery. The commentators looked at each other and said: "Wow, that's routine isn't it? I had that surgery and nothing happened. Could it have been a case of hospital error?" This was all without understanding Murtha's underlying health conditions or what type of surgery he had. We've not heard a word since. (I have to add that Rep. Murtha did contract a post operative infection, as I learned when I returned home.) Also, see further comment on this posting.

I know they have a lot of time to fill but 1)leaping from one story to another without any connection between them and 2) creating anxiety rather than offering information as they report each story, contributes to the destructive tone of American political debate.

Thanks for the comments fellow bloggers.

Sand is better than snow!

It's pretty here and in DC, but definately not as pleasant as warm sand changing colors as the tide comes in on a Puerto Rico beach. We're just back from a glorious one month stay in Rincon Puerto Rico with lots of opportunity to draw,read,do yoga and dive. Three dives in Desecheo and the little Desecheo reef. Exquisite coral formations, unusual colored brain coral, immense schools of tropical fish, and weird sponges. No big animals this time although of course the divers who took off in the morning of the same day I dove little Desecheo swam with a whale. Check out Taino Divers.com for video.

As soon as I learn to operate a scanner and transmit to the computer I'll post some drawings.

'Tis the Season...

In Central Pa the practice of holiday decoration is somewhat toned down by our Mennonite and Amish neighbors who reject that "fancy" display. Although, there are plenty of others who are prepared to spend their money on electricity to run ferris wheels filled with Simpson characters in holiday garb. My favorite is the Santa on a Harley with huge(kick ass) boots, he better not come down my chimney.

Most of all I spend some time reading the signposts outside homes and farms that are supplied by religious publishing houses. They offer instant homilies -- something like the old Burma Shave signs along the road. I puzzle at the contradictions. They warn against sin, they proclaim that sinners are forgiven. They tell us only the "pure in heart" see Jesus and then tell sinners they can be redeemed. Are they saying that a simple renunciation of past ways by a really bad abuser, molester, robber, or drunk can open the door to heaven? Boy that must make the hard working, nose to the grindstone, never straying Christian pretty annoyed. Where's the justice if it takes so little to gain admission?

Of course if it makes sense to that set of believers, it's ok with me. I just would like to find a little peace on earth and common sense for all. Oh, and for the New Year? How about single payer and jobs for all who want them.

Another Celebrity Casualty

Just when I was thinking that nothing could disappoint me as much as the wayward ways of John Edwards, along comes Tiger. Grrrr! It's not politics, true. But it does demonstrate how easily celebrity can cause good people to forget their human obligations and think they can satisfy any itch with impunity. If you read Woods' website you can see that fans are struggling with his "transgressions"... half are saying they're still with him and half saying what a jerk he is. Most of all I think of the disappointment and confusion of kids who have regarded him as a hero.

A whole raft of politicians have shown themselves to be sexually promiscuous and oblivious of the consequences. They, of course, hurt more than partners or parties. They create even more cynicism and sometimes even alter the course of political progress by defiling their espoused causes. Ironically they're bait for celebrity media which created their aura.