The recent death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has brought to the front the nomination and confirmation process. With on party in the White House and another party running the Congress, there is always a struggle about who will be confirmed as the next sitting judge.
My belief is this: It shouldn't matter about political affiliation, personal beliefs or religious ideology. It should be about the law, Constitutional Law to be exact. They should be well versed in the Constitution, have a clear understanding what it truly means and be able to settle matters as a point of law. Anything other than that is an absolute miscarriage of justice.
The Supreme Court is our highest legal forum in our system of justice. If we allow political, personal or religious beliefs enter into, we are actually going against the idea behind the Constitution. The separation of Church and State means that religious ideology shouldn't come into play. However, that doesn't mean that they can't rule on certain Bill of Rights issues, but only so far as the Law and Constitution allows.
For example, the Supreme Court can rule whether or not a particular act or idea is covered and protected under the First Amendment. However, it should not be used to ban a particular religion or belief system. It should not be used to curtail anyone's personal faith and beliefs. It should be used to give those people the right to practice and believe as they so choose.
The Supreme Court should not be beholden to a particular political view or ideology. For instance, it should be used to allow people of all creeds, colors and genders the right to vote and participate in elections. It should not be used to limit certain freedoms according to how the Justices personally believe or their political party says they should believe.
A hot button topic that enters this arena is that of abortion. The religious right believes there should absolutely be not abortions. The ultra liberals thinks that there should be no limits. This is so much discord over this, it has literally torn our country apart.
But, think about this: What if a a woman is raped? Should she have to carry the product of her sexual assault to term because someone believes it a sin? You may think "Well, they could give it up for adoption".
That's all well good except, adoption procedures in this country are extremely rough to get through. Couple that with the fact that there are over 100,000 children in foster care today that are eligible for adoption, what is going to this child different.
Many pro-life people stop caring about the child once it's born. But, if you force a child to be born to a mother who doesn't want it or can't afford it, then what are we truly saying about the child? You can't complain about welfare mothers but take a way an option that will help them.
I'm not saying that abortion should be used as a birth control method, but I am saying we need to have choices. What about the woman who already has 2 or 3 or more children, but is in the middle of a divorce and can't provide for the children she has? Are the pro-lifers going to come and help her with the situation? I don't think so.
That is why a Supreme Court Justice should put away his political, personal and religious beliefs. They need to look strictly at the law. They want to limit birth control for women, or even worse, funding for Planned Parenthood. But, not every Planned Parenthood conducts abortions, but offers free or low cost cancer screenings, yearly exams as well as sexually transmitted disease testing. They also counsel many women about birth control.
Those that do preform abortions, don't take just anyone and do an abortion. There is required counseling, waiting period and discussion before the procedure is ever preformed. If you limit birth control, take away options to pregnancy, many of those children still won't be born. Many of those women will have illegal abortions, which can pose serious health risks including infection, perforation of the uterus and even death. The cost to our health care system would sky rocket. Just take a look at what happened before Roe Vs Wade.
If we allow a Justice to use personal beliefs, political affiliations or religious beliefs trumps the law, then the law has absolutely no meaning and then nobody's political, personal or religious ideology is safe or protected.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Amazon What Were You Thinking
I use social media...a lot. FaceBook, Twitter, yep I do them. Not into Instagram, but will when I have a cell phone that actually takes pictures. I do use Pintrest, and Reddit, and a few others. For being in my 50's, I've accepted the techno revolution and have become quite adept at searching the internet. As a matter of fact, if I can't find it on the internet, it can't be found.
I so some online shopping and was considering getting an Amazon Prime Account. They have things that I would like to have and that free 2 day shipping is a blessing in disguise.
So, you can imagine my horror on Friday when I logged into FaceBook and saw that Amazon was selling T-Shirts that were disgusting...to say the least. On the front, it show someone hanging themselves on one side and someone overdosing on the other. Across the top, it said "Suicide Watch". On the back, it said "Got Suicide?". An organization I belong to Change.org had a petition to remove those shirts. I happily signed and shared to everyone of my friends.
If you don't already know, let me tell you why this is so wrong on so many different levels. First, for those who have survived suicide, it's not a laughing matter. Nor is it something to make fun of. It's hard. There is so much emotion that goes with the grief of those who are left behind someone who completes suicide. This triggered many of my friends as they are also survivor's of suicide.
Second, To those contemplating suicide, this shirt would push you to do it. There is a lot of shame that goes with being suicidal. There is so much judgement from people who have never been there and seeing something like this could very well be the thing that pushes someone over the edge.
If you haven't been there, haven't been in that frame of mind, then don't say a word. You don't know. Some people say that suicide is selfish. Those are the people who have never been there, or have survived a suicide and this is how they deal with their grief, with the questions that come with suicide and the guilt that will always follow. They don't understand how that person could choose death instead of being with them.
Suicide is about escaping pain. Nothing more, nothing less. There is a small percentage that commit suicide by accident (those that accidently overdose chasing that high, autoerotica asphyxiation to think of a couple), but that is less than 1% of all suicides. The people who are suicidal feel pain, a pain that seems to go on and on. The emotional pain of being worthless, not good enough (and trust me, this is a pain that never truly goes away) to live. I've been there, I know what I'm talking about.
My point is this Amazon should have had some type of oversight committee to approve something like this. I get the first amendment. Hell, I count on it at times. But, just because you have the first amendment, that it protects your right to speech doesn't mean you get to escape the consequences of what you are saying. Several people I know were boycotting Amazon because this T-Shirt was so offensive.
So, Amazon, what were you thinking? Next time, maybe take a look at what is being sold on your site, make sure that it's not just socially offensive, but that it doesn't trigger a situation in which others could be physically or mentally injured or worse, cause a death. I believe in free speech, but I also believe in having a social consciousness.
I so some online shopping and was considering getting an Amazon Prime Account. They have things that I would like to have and that free 2 day shipping is a blessing in disguise.
So, you can imagine my horror on Friday when I logged into FaceBook and saw that Amazon was selling T-Shirts that were disgusting...to say the least. On the front, it show someone hanging themselves on one side and someone overdosing on the other. Across the top, it said "Suicide Watch". On the back, it said "Got Suicide?". An organization I belong to Change.org had a petition to remove those shirts. I happily signed and shared to everyone of my friends.
If you don't already know, let me tell you why this is so wrong on so many different levels. First, for those who have survived suicide, it's not a laughing matter. Nor is it something to make fun of. It's hard. There is so much emotion that goes with the grief of those who are left behind someone who completes suicide. This triggered many of my friends as they are also survivor's of suicide.
Second, To those contemplating suicide, this shirt would push you to do it. There is a lot of shame that goes with being suicidal. There is so much judgement from people who have never been there and seeing something like this could very well be the thing that pushes someone over the edge.
If you haven't been there, haven't been in that frame of mind, then don't say a word. You don't know. Some people say that suicide is selfish. Those are the people who have never been there, or have survived a suicide and this is how they deal with their grief, with the questions that come with suicide and the guilt that will always follow. They don't understand how that person could choose death instead of being with them.
Suicide is about escaping pain. Nothing more, nothing less. There is a small percentage that commit suicide by accident (those that accidently overdose chasing that high, autoerotica asphyxiation to think of a couple), but that is less than 1% of all suicides. The people who are suicidal feel pain, a pain that seems to go on and on. The emotional pain of being worthless, not good enough (and trust me, this is a pain that never truly goes away) to live. I've been there, I know what I'm talking about.
My point is this Amazon should have had some type of oversight committee to approve something like this. I get the first amendment. Hell, I count on it at times. But, just because you have the first amendment, that it protects your right to speech doesn't mean you get to escape the consequences of what you are saying. Several people I know were boycotting Amazon because this T-Shirt was so offensive.
So, Amazon, what were you thinking? Next time, maybe take a look at what is being sold on your site, make sure that it's not just socially offensive, but that it doesn't trigger a situation in which others could be physically or mentally injured or worse, cause a death. I believe in free speech, but I also believe in having a social consciousness.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Pedestrians Beware
I walk to and/or from work often. And, when the weather gets better, will be almost everyday I work. I enjoy the time walking. It gives me exercise, helps me to get energized for the day and gives me time to reflect.
I love walking. Problem is, my place of employment is on one of the busiest streets in town and I have to cross the 3 busiest to get there.
I follow the pedestrian rules of the road. I cross at crosswalks and only on walk signs. At one intersection, I have actually have to cross both streets, so I wait for the walk sign.
When it comes on, I walk. However, drivers don't pay attention to pedestrians. You may have a green arrow to turn right (as what happens at one of the intersections), but I also have a walk sign. That means, I HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY!
That's right. I have the right of way. It takes me 20 minutes to walk to work. I leave 40 minutes before work to make sure I have a few moments before clocking in and to make sure I have time to deal with drivers who don't understand the rules of the road.
I have been nearly hit in a crosswalk with the walk sign by everyone from cops to kids. And, that's sad. I leave earlier to make sure I get there in time, but it seems that people who drive leave at the last possible moment and then expect those who who it actually takes longer to get there to wait for them.
Not only that, I have had people stop inside the cross walk, making it impossible for me to cross with the light because I have to walk out into traffic which means I have to wait for another whole light cycle. I can't walk as fast as a car can drive, so it can put me a whole 5 or more minutes behind.
Also, I recently had surgery on my knee, so I don't walk as fast as I normally would, so crossing the street is slower than usual, but still in enough time for cars to get where they are going. I have been called dirty names, honked at and even flipped off because I use the crosswalk in the fashion it was designed, but because I am slower and people are impatient.
My point is this: Yes cars are bigger, therefore, they have more responsibility to watch out for the pedestrian, because, really, if you were to hit someone, whether it was your fault or not, the guilt it would leave with is unimaginable.
I love walking. Problem is, my place of employment is on one of the busiest streets in town and I have to cross the 3 busiest to get there.
I follow the pedestrian rules of the road. I cross at crosswalks and only on walk signs. At one intersection, I have actually have to cross both streets, so I wait for the walk sign.
When it comes on, I walk. However, drivers don't pay attention to pedestrians. You may have a green arrow to turn right (as what happens at one of the intersections), but I also have a walk sign. That means, I HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY!
That's right. I have the right of way. It takes me 20 minutes to walk to work. I leave 40 minutes before work to make sure I have a few moments before clocking in and to make sure I have time to deal with drivers who don't understand the rules of the road.
I have been nearly hit in a crosswalk with the walk sign by everyone from cops to kids. And, that's sad. I leave earlier to make sure I get there in time, but it seems that people who drive leave at the last possible moment and then expect those who who it actually takes longer to get there to wait for them.
Not only that, I have had people stop inside the cross walk, making it impossible for me to cross with the light because I have to walk out into traffic which means I have to wait for another whole light cycle. I can't walk as fast as a car can drive, so it can put me a whole 5 or more minutes behind.
Also, I recently had surgery on my knee, so I don't walk as fast as I normally would, so crossing the street is slower than usual, but still in enough time for cars to get where they are going. I have been called dirty names, honked at and even flipped off because I use the crosswalk in the fashion it was designed, but because I am slower and people are impatient.
My point is this: Yes cars are bigger, therefore, they have more responsibility to watch out for the pedestrian, because, really, if you were to hit someone, whether it was your fault or not, the guilt it would leave with is unimaginable.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Recently, President Obama approved the settlement of 50.000 Syrian refugees, to the dismay of hundreds of thousands Americans. Most of these people who disapprove, but not all, are right wing Christians.
These naysayers disapprove because "all Muslims are looking to kill us". "Islam is a religion of violence". "We can't take care of our own, so why should we take care of others?" "They hate us and only want to see us dead". And the list of reasons go on.
These people need a serious history and religion/belief lesson. So, here I will attempt to give these intolerant people not only a history lesson, but a lesson on religion and tolerance.
First, most people will say that the US is a Christian country, founded on the teachings of Jesus, following the morality and lessons that he taught in an attempt to be "saved" and go to heaven upon their death.
I was a "Fundamentalist Christian" at one time. Today, I am Wiccan, a type of Paganism. While not all Wiccans believe as me, the basic tenants of Wicca is "Do No Harm". I do believe that Jesus lived and he was a great teacher, a great leader, a great profit. I believe in the lessons he taught on how to live our lives. Many right wing "Christians" obviously need a reminder of his lessons.
Jesus did not preach hate. He preached love, tolerance, understanding and acceptance. Notice that not one of his disciples were not hte most respectable people at all. They weren't the cream of the crop, the most righteous. No. they were mostly the dregs. He had a murderer, a tax collector, a thief, a doubter, a fisherman.
Yet, in these people, Jesus saw their potential. He saw who they truly were inside. He accepted them, welcomed them, called to them. In some religions, these disciples have become saints. Yet, today, we do nothing but pass judgment, refuse to accept and love.
Jesus taught "if a man smite you on your right cheek, turn to him also your left" (Matthew 5:39). He taught "What ever you do for least of you so have you done for me (Matthew 25:40). "Judge not lest ye be judged by the very measure by which you judge (Matthew 7:1). "For all fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23). " Do unto others and you would have done unto you" (Luke 6:31)And, my personal favorite, Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34)
Jesus was a radical for his time. He taught about love, he taught about acceptance and he taught that there was more than just this life. He also said that the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Remember, the followers of Jesus were generally of the Jewish faith. He also called the Gentiles (Non-Jewish). He was the fulfillment of the law. His teachings take the place of the violence of the Old Testament.
SO, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? Well, he wouldn't be refusing to help those who were in dire need of help just because a terrorist maybe int he midst. He would accept them with open and loving arms.
When it comes to radicals, the US is not above everyone else. Recently we've had a bunch of abortion clinic bombings and shootings. So, if you believe in Jesus, if you are a Christian, where does it say "Thou shall not kill, unless it means that someone who isn't born would be saved?"
I really want to address this point right here. Many Christians don't believe in abortion, but they don't kill to force people to believe as they do. They protest, they talk/counsel those who are considering it, they pray, but they don't KILL others. Period. They concede that there might be reasons that a woman might need one.
Here are a few examples, only the cruelest of people would force a woman who has been brutally raped that became pregnant because of that rape to carry a child that not only reminds her of the brutalization she received, but also possible other effects. This woman will have PTSD, have no doubts about that. The hormonal changes, the depression, the PTSD may cause that woman to have serious mental health issues that could lead to things such as drug or alcohol use, neglect of herself and her unborn child and even suicide.
How about a woman who already has children and is barely able to support them. She is in the middle of a divorce and knows she can't support this new child. Should she bring another child she knows she can't support just to ease your conscience, your beliefs? She is the one who will have to face the consequences, not you.
You say "There are other options, such as adoption available". Well, right now we have over 100,000 children that are available for adoption right now and you're asking for more to be added. You complain about the homeless and starving children, yet you want to add more to those numbers. You want a child to be born, but you don't want to guarantee that child a decent chance of success. How cruel is that.
For those that bomb and shoot abortion clinics and personnel in the name of Christianity, what will you say to Jesus when you see him during the judgement? Do you honestly think he's going to say "Well, because you did it in my name, this murder is okay"?
A COUNTRY FOUNDED
For those who don't know, this country was founded on the premise of separation of church and state and the right to religious freedom. But do you know why?
In Europe, the Catholic Church reigned supreme. They ran almost all of Europe and wanted to rule the world. Their tenants were forced on people who did not believe, often it was a confess, believe as we do or die. And, these were not nice deaths. These were deaths by boiling in oil, burning at the stake, drawing and quartering. Yes, those things are in our history.
Using violence and death was commonplace and many of the Monarchy (almost the whole of Europe was ran by some sort of monarchy system) passed laws made by the church. Even today, the Bible that you read is based on the selections made by the Pope of the time. During the reformation in the 1500's, those that preached that what the Church was teaching was not what Jesus taught. These protestants were often hunted down and made to recant, or even worse, put to death after a sham of a trial.
Our, founding fathers saw this, experienced this and sought to escape this religious persecution. When writing the very basis of all of our laws and rights, they didn't want the Church (any church) to have the power that was so evident in the Monarchy ran Europe. They didn't want the interference, the restrictions that they often saw. They also didn't want someone to be persecuted based on their religion.
How would you Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans or any of the hundreds of other protestant religions feel if you didn't have the right to worship as you chose? What if you were forced to believe that something you went against your very nature because if you didn't, you would be put to death? Our constitution keeps that from happening.
But, now, many Americans are wanting to deny others the very freedom which they enjoy. They want to deny Muslims the right to worship as they choose. Yes, they call God Allah, but it is the very same God that you worship, the Jews worship. How many names has God been given. How about I am (read the first five books of the Bible), Yeweh, Jehovah.
And, so many of the Right Wing Christian conservatives, especially those in office are rich. Remember what Jesus said about the rich? "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter heaven". (Matthew 19:24).
Our founding fathers must be turning in their graves right now. They didn't base our system of government on ANY type of religion. They wanted religion taken out of Politics. How they would be so disappointed with what we have done with their ideals.
The first settlers here were Puritans, Shakers, Quakers. Our first political powerhouses varied in their manner of beliefs. Yet, one of the most embarrassing moments in our history was the Salem Witch Trials. It was put to an end by the Governor of Massachusetts. People were put to death because of a simple accusation. The trials were not fair (another one of our rights). How would that play out today?
In today's views, Jesus would be considered a liberal. He believed in helping all, accepting all, do the best for each other. Yet, the religious right forgets this, or rewrites it so that they can feel like they are "Good people".
All religions have radicals. That is the very essence of being human. Even here, in the US, we have our radicals. The KKK is a "Christian" organisation that preaches hate, has resorted to all sorts of violence and yes, still exists today. I have been to a KKK rally (as an agitator against them, I must profess). When they started spouting about whites are in charge and Jesus would take care of everyone and how the Jews are ruining things, and mongrels are depleting the race and on and on, I made the simple observation that Jesus was a Jew and was Middle Eastern. That did not set to well, but in truth, that is exactly what Jesus was. Born of the House of David, who was a prominent King of the Jews.
As a matter of fact, do you remember what it said on his cross? "King Of Jews". So, yes, Jesus was a Jew. And, do you honestly believe, being born in the land of Israel, Jesus was blue eyed and white? The nice thing is, though, we each see Jesus/God in our own way. We were made in his image, so how can one race say they are better than the others?
Other radicals. Mormons, how quickly did you distance yourself from Warren Jefferies when he was convicted not only of Polygamy, but also of child molestation? David Koresch was not non violent. He was a child molesting psychopath who had several heavy duty weapons to bring about Armageddon.
Yes, the US has just as many religious radicals as other countries. As a matter of fact, when it comes to the radicalization of the Middle East and Muslims, who do you think is at fault? The US is. That's right, the US and it's allies are directly responsible not only for the Taliban, but for ISIS also.
How can that be, you say? Well, in the 1980's when the Soviet Union was invading Afghanistan, we helped the Afghanis repel them. But, we didn't help them set up a new political system. We didn't help them build schools, educate them or even help with medical needs. Nope, we helped them kick out the "Commies", then we left ourselves, leaving the region in a very destabilized situation. Enter the Taliban.
Pop a head 20 - 30 years. We remove the dictators and bomb their cities and then, do we stay to help set up a new government? NO! we leave them to their own devices, allowing those who use violence as a means of control to take over.....and we end up with ISIS.
Yes, Jesus was a liberal. You could say that he lived in different times and that is true. But, remember, he lived in a country under Roman rule, which was harsh to say the least. He believed in helping his fellow man. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, as he was being arrested, going to his certain death, Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.
Did Jesus say good? No, he rebuked him and told him to put away his sword and healed the servant's ear. (Luke 22 47-53). In that one act, one where violence could be warranted, he denigrated the violence and healed what had been done. Jesus does not want violence committed in his name, and in this one final act, he showed us that he meant to live by peace and love.
So, if you call yourself a Christian, follow the teachings of Jesus, shouldn't you be using non-violence, love, peace and helping others?
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? He would accept those people, even those who hate him (remember, Paul accepted, love and taught his Roman captors as he was awaiting crucifixion), and try to use these methods to bring them to his way. If this is what Jesus would do, how can you do less?
These naysayers disapprove because "all Muslims are looking to kill us". "Islam is a religion of violence". "We can't take care of our own, so why should we take care of others?" "They hate us and only want to see us dead". And the list of reasons go on.
These people need a serious history and religion/belief lesson. So, here I will attempt to give these intolerant people not only a history lesson, but a lesson on religion and tolerance.
First, most people will say that the US is a Christian country, founded on the teachings of Jesus, following the morality and lessons that he taught in an attempt to be "saved" and go to heaven upon their death.
I was a "Fundamentalist Christian" at one time. Today, I am Wiccan, a type of Paganism. While not all Wiccans believe as me, the basic tenants of Wicca is "Do No Harm". I do believe that Jesus lived and he was a great teacher, a great leader, a great profit. I believe in the lessons he taught on how to live our lives. Many right wing "Christians" obviously need a reminder of his lessons.
Jesus did not preach hate. He preached love, tolerance, understanding and acceptance. Notice that not one of his disciples were not hte most respectable people at all. They weren't the cream of the crop, the most righteous. No. they were mostly the dregs. He had a murderer, a tax collector, a thief, a doubter, a fisherman.
Yet, in these people, Jesus saw their potential. He saw who they truly were inside. He accepted them, welcomed them, called to them. In some religions, these disciples have become saints. Yet, today, we do nothing but pass judgment, refuse to accept and love.
Jesus taught "if a man smite you on your right cheek, turn to him also your left" (Matthew 5:39). He taught "What ever you do for least of you so have you done for me (Matthew 25:40). "Judge not lest ye be judged by the very measure by which you judge (Matthew 7:1). "For all fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23). " Do unto others and you would have done unto you" (Luke 6:31)And, my personal favorite, Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34)
Jesus was a radical for his time. He taught about love, he taught about acceptance and he taught that there was more than just this life. He also said that the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Remember, the followers of Jesus were generally of the Jewish faith. He also called the Gentiles (Non-Jewish). He was the fulfillment of the law. His teachings take the place of the violence of the Old Testament.
SO, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? Well, he wouldn't be refusing to help those who were in dire need of help just because a terrorist maybe int he midst. He would accept them with open and loving arms.
When it comes to radicals, the US is not above everyone else. Recently we've had a bunch of abortion clinic bombings and shootings. So, if you believe in Jesus, if you are a Christian, where does it say "Thou shall not kill, unless it means that someone who isn't born would be saved?"
I really want to address this point right here. Many Christians don't believe in abortion, but they don't kill to force people to believe as they do. They protest, they talk/counsel those who are considering it, they pray, but they don't KILL others. Period. They concede that there might be reasons that a woman might need one.
Here are a few examples, only the cruelest of people would force a woman who has been brutally raped that became pregnant because of that rape to carry a child that not only reminds her of the brutalization she received, but also possible other effects. This woman will have PTSD, have no doubts about that. The hormonal changes, the depression, the PTSD may cause that woman to have serious mental health issues that could lead to things such as drug or alcohol use, neglect of herself and her unborn child and even suicide.
How about a woman who already has children and is barely able to support them. She is in the middle of a divorce and knows she can't support this new child. Should she bring another child she knows she can't support just to ease your conscience, your beliefs? She is the one who will have to face the consequences, not you.
You say "There are other options, such as adoption available". Well, right now we have over 100,000 children that are available for adoption right now and you're asking for more to be added. You complain about the homeless and starving children, yet you want to add more to those numbers. You want a child to be born, but you don't want to guarantee that child a decent chance of success. How cruel is that.
For those that bomb and shoot abortion clinics and personnel in the name of Christianity, what will you say to Jesus when you see him during the judgement? Do you honestly think he's going to say "Well, because you did it in my name, this murder is okay"?
A COUNTRY FOUNDED
For those who don't know, this country was founded on the premise of separation of church and state and the right to religious freedom. But do you know why?
In Europe, the Catholic Church reigned supreme. They ran almost all of Europe and wanted to rule the world. Their tenants were forced on people who did not believe, often it was a confess, believe as we do or die. And, these were not nice deaths. These were deaths by boiling in oil, burning at the stake, drawing and quartering. Yes, those things are in our history.
Using violence and death was commonplace and many of the Monarchy (almost the whole of Europe was ran by some sort of monarchy system) passed laws made by the church. Even today, the Bible that you read is based on the selections made by the Pope of the time. During the reformation in the 1500's, those that preached that what the Church was teaching was not what Jesus taught. These protestants were often hunted down and made to recant, or even worse, put to death after a sham of a trial.
Our, founding fathers saw this, experienced this and sought to escape this religious persecution. When writing the very basis of all of our laws and rights, they didn't want the Church (any church) to have the power that was so evident in the Monarchy ran Europe. They didn't want the interference, the restrictions that they often saw. They also didn't want someone to be persecuted based on their religion.
How would you Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans or any of the hundreds of other protestant religions feel if you didn't have the right to worship as you chose? What if you were forced to believe that something you went against your very nature because if you didn't, you would be put to death? Our constitution keeps that from happening.
But, now, many Americans are wanting to deny others the very freedom which they enjoy. They want to deny Muslims the right to worship as they choose. Yes, they call God Allah, but it is the very same God that you worship, the Jews worship. How many names has God been given. How about I am (read the first five books of the Bible), Yeweh, Jehovah.
And, so many of the Right Wing Christian conservatives, especially those in office are rich. Remember what Jesus said about the rich? "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter heaven". (Matthew 19:24).
Our founding fathers must be turning in their graves right now. They didn't base our system of government on ANY type of religion. They wanted religion taken out of Politics. How they would be so disappointed with what we have done with their ideals.
The first settlers here were Puritans, Shakers, Quakers. Our first political powerhouses varied in their manner of beliefs. Yet, one of the most embarrassing moments in our history was the Salem Witch Trials. It was put to an end by the Governor of Massachusetts. People were put to death because of a simple accusation. The trials were not fair (another one of our rights). How would that play out today?
In today's views, Jesus would be considered a liberal. He believed in helping all, accepting all, do the best for each other. Yet, the religious right forgets this, or rewrites it so that they can feel like they are "Good people".
All religions have radicals. That is the very essence of being human. Even here, in the US, we have our radicals. The KKK is a "Christian" organisation that preaches hate, has resorted to all sorts of violence and yes, still exists today. I have been to a KKK rally (as an agitator against them, I must profess). When they started spouting about whites are in charge and Jesus would take care of everyone and how the Jews are ruining things, and mongrels are depleting the race and on and on, I made the simple observation that Jesus was a Jew and was Middle Eastern. That did not set to well, but in truth, that is exactly what Jesus was. Born of the House of David, who was a prominent King of the Jews.
As a matter of fact, do you remember what it said on his cross? "King Of Jews". So, yes, Jesus was a Jew. And, do you honestly believe, being born in the land of Israel, Jesus was blue eyed and white? The nice thing is, though, we each see Jesus/God in our own way. We were made in his image, so how can one race say they are better than the others?
Other radicals. Mormons, how quickly did you distance yourself from Warren Jefferies when he was convicted not only of Polygamy, but also of child molestation? David Koresch was not non violent. He was a child molesting psychopath who had several heavy duty weapons to bring about Armageddon.
Yes, the US has just as many religious radicals as other countries. As a matter of fact, when it comes to the radicalization of the Middle East and Muslims, who do you think is at fault? The US is. That's right, the US and it's allies are directly responsible not only for the Taliban, but for ISIS also.
How can that be, you say? Well, in the 1980's when the Soviet Union was invading Afghanistan, we helped the Afghanis repel them. But, we didn't help them set up a new political system. We didn't help them build schools, educate them or even help with medical needs. Nope, we helped them kick out the "Commies", then we left ourselves, leaving the region in a very destabilized situation. Enter the Taliban.
Pop a head 20 - 30 years. We remove the dictators and bomb their cities and then, do we stay to help set up a new government? NO! we leave them to their own devices, allowing those who use violence as a means of control to take over.....and we end up with ISIS.
Yes, Jesus was a liberal. You could say that he lived in different times and that is true. But, remember, he lived in a country under Roman rule, which was harsh to say the least. He believed in helping his fellow man. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, as he was being arrested, going to his certain death, Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.
Did Jesus say good? No, he rebuked him and told him to put away his sword and healed the servant's ear. (Luke 22 47-53). In that one act, one where violence could be warranted, he denigrated the violence and healed what had been done. Jesus does not want violence committed in his name, and in this one final act, he showed us that he meant to live by peace and love.
So, if you call yourself a Christian, follow the teachings of Jesus, shouldn't you be using non-violence, love, peace and helping others?
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? He would accept those people, even those who hate him (remember, Paul accepted, love and taught his Roman captors as he was awaiting crucifixion), and try to use these methods to bring them to his way. If this is what Jesus would do, how can you do less?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
My Life Is A Life Time Movie Of The Week
Looking back and all I have survived so much. Let me start at the beginning and I will let you decide.
My mom when she was pregnant with me, was the center of all the attention. Now my mom had a narcissistic personalty. So after I was born, and all the attention was on me, she didn't like it. She always said I preferred to stay in my crib alone, so there was very little mother-daughter bonding. My dad, however, thought I was the apple of his eye. I remember very little of my childhood, just only what I had been told
I do remember playing with my little sister. we were playing chase. And I ran into a room, and went to shut the door. My sister put her hand in back of the door by the hinges. I accidentally cut off her pinkie finger. Now this was in the 70's so it was reattached, but now very well. It always grew stunted.
I was made to care for my sister, even though she was the apple of my mothers eye. Not sure why she was but not me,but that is the way it was. If she got hurt, I got a spanking with some type of kitchen utensil. I would then bury the offending kitchen utensil. When my mom went to cook, and she didn't have utensils, I would get another spanking. She finally switched to pussy willow switches that we had to pick out ourselves.
I was a rotten kid, but I was doing anything I could to get my mothers attention, negative or positive. I did play a very bad practical joke on my sister in which I did deserve a spanking. I convinced her that horse shit was molasses and got her to eat it. Then I convinced her that a red rock was the devil coming to get her. She had night mares for weeks.
When i was about 9 ,y parents divorced. I was asked who I wanted to go with. My mom really pushed me towards my dad, but I wanted to be with my little sister, so she got custody of both of us. We ended uplilving in a 14 foot trailer behind the bard she worked at. I ha to watch my sister from about 7 pm until she came home. That could be as late as 5:30. the time I had to get ready for school. As we lived 30 miles out of town, I had to be on the bus at 6:00 am or so.
At some point, my grandparents came and got my sister and I to live with them. I was in the 4th grade at this time. My sister was just starting school. It was one of the best years of my life. I didn't have to fear reprisal for every little thing done, or have to watch over my sister every minute of the day. My grandparents were loving and patient with both of us. My grandmother did dote on my little sister a bit more, but that is because she was so petite. I have never been petite. I was always told that it was a good thing I was smart, then I didn't have worry about finding a husband. It kind of hit me funny, like I wasn't pretty enough to interest a man, and that may be because they always said how cute my sister was, how much like Valerie Bertenelli she looked, those kind of comments. Made me feel like an outsider.
My mom remarried, as did my dad. My dad included us in his wedding, My mom just popped up one day, said she was married and was taking us kids to live with her and her new husband. We were both glad, Missy because she was close to mom, me because I wanted to prove I was good enough.'
We moved to Hoquim, Washington, where David (our new step dad) was working He worked for the railroad, and at any given time, he could be "bumped" from his job, and we would have to move so that he could "bump" someone else.
We lived in Hoquim for about 1 year. I made friends, joined the soccer team. I was one of the best players because I could use wither foot equally accurate. We spent a lot of time at the beach, went clamming, and did things as a family. But, then Dave got bumped. We moved to Moscow, Idaho. I was 10 at the time. It was while we were living there that we finally go to meet our step brother, Tony. We had a lot of fun, Had friends, and well I started to babysit. All the money I made went to my parents as "help" with paying for my keep. This would become the standard by which I would live by.
Once again, David got bumped from his job. This time,he was able to find a job back home in the Tri-Cities, Washington. This is where my grandparents, my dad, all of our families lived. It was nice to be back. I had turned 11 and developed rather large breasts for my age. Something David did not miss.
We moved to a three bedroom duplex so that us girls had our own rooms. It was then that David began to touch my breasts saying that they were nice. And that I would make some guy very happy. he also told me this is the way that dad's show love to their girls. Now you have to remember, as far as my mother was concerned, I was someone with whom she had to compete with. If we played a game, she had to beat me. She had to be smarter, prettier, just everything better than me.
I was mever good enough. I could bring home 6 A's and 1 B, and it would be why didn't I get all A's. If there was an issue as school, she would not listen to me, but always blamed me, even if the school was trying to tell her it wasn't my fault. Like the time I walked into the locker room, so see a good friend's back covered in bruises and blisters. I went and reported it immediately to the principal. They called my mom to let her know what a good deed I had done. I got a whipping for telling on someone else. That was my life. Never good enough.
My mom when she was pregnant with me, was the center of all the attention. Now my mom had a narcissistic personalty. So after I was born, and all the attention was on me, she didn't like it. She always said I preferred to stay in my crib alone, so there was very little mother-daughter bonding. My dad, however, thought I was the apple of his eye. I remember very little of my childhood, just only what I had been told
I do remember playing with my little sister. we were playing chase. And I ran into a room, and went to shut the door. My sister put her hand in back of the door by the hinges. I accidentally cut off her pinkie finger. Now this was in the 70's so it was reattached, but now very well. It always grew stunted.
I was made to care for my sister, even though she was the apple of my mothers eye. Not sure why she was but not me,but that is the way it was. If she got hurt, I got a spanking with some type of kitchen utensil. I would then bury the offending kitchen utensil. When my mom went to cook, and she didn't have utensils, I would get another spanking. She finally switched to pussy willow switches that we had to pick out ourselves.
I was a rotten kid, but I was doing anything I could to get my mothers attention, negative or positive. I did play a very bad practical joke on my sister in which I did deserve a spanking. I convinced her that horse shit was molasses and got her to eat it. Then I convinced her that a red rock was the devil coming to get her. She had night mares for weeks.
When i was about 9 ,y parents divorced. I was asked who I wanted to go with. My mom really pushed me towards my dad, but I wanted to be with my little sister, so she got custody of both of us. We ended uplilving in a 14 foot trailer behind the bard she worked at. I ha to watch my sister from about 7 pm until she came home. That could be as late as 5:30. the time I had to get ready for school. As we lived 30 miles out of town, I had to be on the bus at 6:00 am or so.
At some point, my grandparents came and got my sister and I to live with them. I was in the 4th grade at this time. My sister was just starting school. It was one of the best years of my life. I didn't have to fear reprisal for every little thing done, or have to watch over my sister every minute of the day. My grandparents were loving and patient with both of us. My grandmother did dote on my little sister a bit more, but that is because she was so petite. I have never been petite. I was always told that it was a good thing I was smart, then I didn't have worry about finding a husband. It kind of hit me funny, like I wasn't pretty enough to interest a man, and that may be because they always said how cute my sister was, how much like Valerie Bertenelli she looked, those kind of comments. Made me feel like an outsider.
My mom remarried, as did my dad. My dad included us in his wedding, My mom just popped up one day, said she was married and was taking us kids to live with her and her new husband. We were both glad, Missy because she was close to mom, me because I wanted to prove I was good enough.'
We moved to Hoquim, Washington, where David (our new step dad) was working He worked for the railroad, and at any given time, he could be "bumped" from his job, and we would have to move so that he could "bump" someone else.
We lived in Hoquim for about 1 year. I made friends, joined the soccer team. I was one of the best players because I could use wither foot equally accurate. We spent a lot of time at the beach, went clamming, and did things as a family. But, then Dave got bumped. We moved to Moscow, Idaho. I was 10 at the time. It was while we were living there that we finally go to meet our step brother, Tony. We had a lot of fun, Had friends, and well I started to babysit. All the money I made went to my parents as "help" with paying for my keep. This would become the standard by which I would live by.
Once again, David got bumped from his job. This time,he was able to find a job back home in the Tri-Cities, Washington. This is where my grandparents, my dad, all of our families lived. It was nice to be back. I had turned 11 and developed rather large breasts for my age. Something David did not miss.
We moved to a three bedroom duplex so that us girls had our own rooms. It was then that David began to touch my breasts saying that they were nice. And that I would make some guy very happy. he also told me this is the way that dad's show love to their girls. Now you have to remember, as far as my mother was concerned, I was someone with whom she had to compete with. If we played a game, she had to beat me. She had to be smarter, prettier, just everything better than me.
I was mever good enough. I could bring home 6 A's and 1 B, and it would be why didn't I get all A's. If there was an issue as school, she would not listen to me, but always blamed me, even if the school was trying to tell her it wasn't my fault. Like the time I walked into the locker room, so see a good friend's back covered in bruises and blisters. I went and reported it immediately to the principal. They called my mom to let her know what a good deed I had done. I got a whipping for telling on someone else. That was my life. Never good enough.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Government Shut Down
I want to express my extreme displeasure at our government. The Republicans are saying well we won't pass a budget unless Obamacare goes. The Democrats are saying we are trying to protect the little people.
The shut down has now occurred. But it's not the House or the Senate, the President or any of his cabinet that is going without pay. No. It is the little guy who works for the government. While I do believe in healthcare for everyone, and I do mean everyone, to take out the petty differences of these two parties who have lost touch with their constituents is unforgivable.
SHAME ON YOU MR. PRESIDENT AND SHAME ON YOU MR. CRUZ. You have let a partisan issue effect millions of people who now have no income and are going to become part of the working poor. You need to step out of your offices, put politics aside and truly look at the people who are affected.
How are you explaining this to your constituents? How are you explaining how a petty battle has now made it so that these workers don't have a way to pay their bills? What about those who depended on that income to be able to survive? Is this in their best interest?
This has become nothing more than a pissing contest and I can tell you this: The American Public's is bigger than both of yours. If the American public ran their homes and businesses the way you guys do, there would be nothing left of our country to worry about fighting over.
Step outside your protected offices and pay, go to some of the hardest hit areas. Talk to people who have to live with the decision that you make. You want to satisfy those who lobbied you or donated to your campaign, but I can tell you this, It won't be anarchy, but we, the American people will speak, and you won't like what you are going to be told.
The shut down has now occurred. But it's not the House or the Senate, the President or any of his cabinet that is going without pay. No. It is the little guy who works for the government. While I do believe in healthcare for everyone, and I do mean everyone, to take out the petty differences of these two parties who have lost touch with their constituents is unforgivable.
SHAME ON YOU MR. PRESIDENT AND SHAME ON YOU MR. CRUZ. You have let a partisan issue effect millions of people who now have no income and are going to become part of the working poor. You need to step out of your offices, put politics aside and truly look at the people who are affected.
How are you explaining this to your constituents? How are you explaining how a petty battle has now made it so that these workers don't have a way to pay their bills? What about those who depended on that income to be able to survive? Is this in their best interest?
This has become nothing more than a pissing contest and I can tell you this: The American Public's is bigger than both of yours. If the American public ran their homes and businesses the way you guys do, there would be nothing left of our country to worry about fighting over.
Step outside your protected offices and pay, go to some of the hardest hit areas. Talk to people who have to live with the decision that you make. You want to satisfy those who lobbied you or donated to your campaign, but I can tell you this, It won't be anarchy, but we, the American people will speak, and you won't like what you are going to be told.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Obamacare: A True Story
I have heard a lot of talk about Obamacare. The debate has been ongoing since he began office. The Republicans cry "it's too expensive". The Democrats cry "it is an American right". I believe they are both right and they are both wrong. Let me tell you a true story, and how Obamacare could have helped. Then you decide.
Ever since the announcement that the Obamacare health plan was unveiled, my sister was excited. You see, my sister who is now in her mid-40's, has not had health insurance in the last 15 or so years. She can't afford it. She works in child care and the pay is just above minimum wage so her gross monthly income runs about $1600 a month and there is an additional income of $1400 per month for survivors benefits for her son. Sounds good doesn't it? Well let me give you some facts about that.
She has the standard federal taxes taken out, which amounts to about $400 or so dollars a month. She has to drive, and so she has to buy car insurance, there's another $50. She has a teenage son, and well, you know how expensive they can be.
Rent runs $800 a month. Yes the place is a little large, it has 4 bedrooms, but it has a fenced yard, a garden and a garage. She could move to a smaller place, but considering that a 2 bedroom apartment is going for $700 a month and she wouldn't get to keep her dogs, she has decided to stay.
Then there is the utilities. The water, electricity and garbage run about $250 per month. There is no cable bill, so she only has Netflix to watch. Internet, which is at less and 1.0 mps, runs $25.00 per month. Food runs around $400 per month. She doesn't have a home phone just a cell phone, which the plan she uses costs $50 per month for unlimited everything.
So lets total this up: $1200 Working Income
$1400 Survivors Benefits
$2600 Total income per month
$ 800 Rent
$ 250 Utilities
$ 400 Food (and this is not steaks or expensive fast food, she does her own cooking)
$ 50 Car Insurance
$ 50 Cell phone
$ 25 Internet
$1575
So far she has $1025 left. Now lets factor in some other things. Her refrigerator went out, and of course she didn't have the money to buy a new or used one outright, so she had to rent to own on. Same with the washer. Together those are $150.00 per month. True she could go to a laundry mat, but the cost is so expensive, it almost saves money.
Then you add in gas for her vehicle. That runs about $200 per month. She could take the bus, but she has to be at work before they even start running, so that wouldn't be practical. She is got a ticket that wasn't her fault, but she still has to pay it. Another $25 down the drain.
Teenage boys grow out of their clothes and shoes almost before you done paying for them. And then they are hard on them. Figure another $100 or so per month You must figure in household supplies. Detergent, soap, dish soap, dog food, cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products all come to about and extra $100. Plus incidentals, lets give another $100. So now we have:
$ 150 Rent to Own
$ 200 Gas
$ 25 Ticket
$ 100 Teenage Boy (Shopping at discount stores. Shoes more due to foot size)
$ 100 Household supplies
$ 100 Incidentals
$ 675
So now she has $350 left per month. Still sounds good right? Her job does not offer health insurance. Both she and her son need medications, which they can't afford because they are expensive and with no insurance, they have to pay full price. That comes to another $500 per month. Oops, now she's over what she has available to spend.
To top it all off, last year she became seriously ill with a kidney stone and was hospitalized for 3 days, 2 of which were in ICU. She had to have emergency surgery. Total Hospital bill: Over $200,000 dollars. She didn't have healthcare and she didn't meet the income guidelines for charitable relief, so yep, she is responsible.
She doesn't qualify for state health insurance for her or her son, she is $30 over the limit. She doesn't qualify for food benefits, so there is no help there. She couldn't afford to pay what the hospital wanted, so it went to collection, so now they are garnishing her, which means that original $1200 left over went to about $800. She checked into buying health insurance herself. Lowest bid $600 per month, and that is without prescription, dental or vision.
She works full time. She does not rely on any state or federal funding. She is the working poor. She needs new glasses (her eyesight is terrible), but can't get them because she doesn't have the money. She avoids going to the doctor, because she can't afford $100 for each visit. She does manage to get prescriptions refills every 3 months, but that is little help. With Obamacare, maybe she and her son can have some health insurance that would ease her burden.
So the next time you are talking about the Obamacare health plan, consider this, it isn't the rich or those on state aid it helps. It is those people who work for a living, and yet can not afford health care. Mitt Romney was heard to say, well the poor just go to the emergency room anyway, so why do we need this.
Well, Mr. Romney, you have never had to live paycheck to paycheck. You have never had to live by a budget that the ordinary expenses was more than the income. Why don't you and everyone of the detractor's get down in the trenches and live on a budget that a working family does. She is raising her son through no fault of her own. His father died. That was a loss of income of $1600 per month.
She tries to do right by the government. She obeys all the laws and to my way of thinking is a goody two shoes (sorry, but I am not as saintly as she is). She has given to her community and tried to make the world a little better. She has done right by the government. When are they going to do right by her?
Ever since the announcement that the Obamacare health plan was unveiled, my sister was excited. You see, my sister who is now in her mid-40's, has not had health insurance in the last 15 or so years. She can't afford it. She works in child care and the pay is just above minimum wage so her gross monthly income runs about $1600 a month and there is an additional income of $1400 per month for survivors benefits for her son. Sounds good doesn't it? Well let me give you some facts about that.
She has the standard federal taxes taken out, which amounts to about $400 or so dollars a month. She has to drive, and so she has to buy car insurance, there's another $50. She has a teenage son, and well, you know how expensive they can be.
Rent runs $800 a month. Yes the place is a little large, it has 4 bedrooms, but it has a fenced yard, a garden and a garage. She could move to a smaller place, but considering that a 2 bedroom apartment is going for $700 a month and she wouldn't get to keep her dogs, she has decided to stay.
Then there is the utilities. The water, electricity and garbage run about $250 per month. There is no cable bill, so she only has Netflix to watch. Internet, which is at less and 1.0 mps, runs $25.00 per month. Food runs around $400 per month. She doesn't have a home phone just a cell phone, which the plan she uses costs $50 per month for unlimited everything.
So lets total this up: $1200 Working Income
$1400 Survivors Benefits
$2600 Total income per month
$ 800 Rent
$ 250 Utilities
$ 400 Food (and this is not steaks or expensive fast food, she does her own cooking)
$ 50 Car Insurance
$ 50 Cell phone
$ 25 Internet
$1575
So far she has $1025 left. Now lets factor in some other things. Her refrigerator went out, and of course she didn't have the money to buy a new or used one outright, so she had to rent to own on. Same with the washer. Together those are $150.00 per month. True she could go to a laundry mat, but the cost is so expensive, it almost saves money.
Then you add in gas for her vehicle. That runs about $200 per month. She could take the bus, but she has to be at work before they even start running, so that wouldn't be practical. She is got a ticket that wasn't her fault, but she still has to pay it. Another $25 down the drain.
Teenage boys grow out of their clothes and shoes almost before you done paying for them. And then they are hard on them. Figure another $100 or so per month You must figure in household supplies. Detergent, soap, dish soap, dog food, cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products all come to about and extra $100. Plus incidentals, lets give another $100. So now we have:
$ 150 Rent to Own
$ 200 Gas
$ 25 Ticket
$ 100 Teenage Boy (Shopping at discount stores. Shoes more due to foot size)
$ 100 Household supplies
$ 100 Incidentals
$ 675
So now she has $350 left per month. Still sounds good right? Her job does not offer health insurance. Both she and her son need medications, which they can't afford because they are expensive and with no insurance, they have to pay full price. That comes to another $500 per month. Oops, now she's over what she has available to spend.
To top it all off, last year she became seriously ill with a kidney stone and was hospitalized for 3 days, 2 of which were in ICU. She had to have emergency surgery. Total Hospital bill: Over $200,000 dollars. She didn't have healthcare and she didn't meet the income guidelines for charitable relief, so yep, she is responsible.
She doesn't qualify for state health insurance for her or her son, she is $30 over the limit. She doesn't qualify for food benefits, so there is no help there. She couldn't afford to pay what the hospital wanted, so it went to collection, so now they are garnishing her, which means that original $1200 left over went to about $800. She checked into buying health insurance herself. Lowest bid $600 per month, and that is without prescription, dental or vision.
She works full time. She does not rely on any state or federal funding. She is the working poor. She needs new glasses (her eyesight is terrible), but can't get them because she doesn't have the money. She avoids going to the doctor, because she can't afford $100 for each visit. She does manage to get prescriptions refills every 3 months, but that is little help. With Obamacare, maybe she and her son can have some health insurance that would ease her burden.
So the next time you are talking about the Obamacare health plan, consider this, it isn't the rich or those on state aid it helps. It is those people who work for a living, and yet can not afford health care. Mitt Romney was heard to say, well the poor just go to the emergency room anyway, so why do we need this.
Well, Mr. Romney, you have never had to live paycheck to paycheck. You have never had to live by a budget that the ordinary expenses was more than the income. Why don't you and everyone of the detractor's get down in the trenches and live on a budget that a working family does. She is raising her son through no fault of her own. His father died. That was a loss of income of $1600 per month.
She tries to do right by the government. She obeys all the laws and to my way of thinking is a goody two shoes (sorry, but I am not as saintly as she is). She has given to her community and tried to make the world a little better. She has done right by the government. When are they going to do right by her?
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Washington State: It's not just apples anymore
When
I was little, Washington state was known for the apples that were
grown there. It was the biggest commodity they had to offer. Growing
up in Benton County, the second largest production area for wine, I
have seen and experienced the growth of this industry. Now being the
second largest wine producing state in the nation, Washington has
made it's mark on the national and international scenes.
Offering a premium taste at affordable prices, these wines have ranked consistently high on the international scene. Rivaling those offered from France, Italy and Spain, they have become some of the must haves on the wine enthusiast's list. With a wide variety of both red and white wines, they have something from everyone.
The vineyards found here vary in size and production levels. On the east side of the state, that is more desert than lush green country, wine production and grape harvesting have become one of the biggest economy boosters that the state has. Stabilizing employment and jobs available, this industry has become a viable source of income for everyone.
These wineries also offer tours and bring in about 1.4 million tourists a year according to the Washington Wine Commission. This adds extra dollars to even the smallest town coffers. Places like Patterson Washington, who's population is only 222, has one of the biggest producers of wine in the state, Columbia Crest. Hidden in the Horse Heaven hills, surrounded by desert like country, the first view of the lush green of the vineyard is a sight that will not soon be forgotten.
Along with the vineyards, many wineries offer tasting rooms that allow to sample some the finest wines that Washington has to offer. With wineries easily accessible, and close, you can visit a wide variety in a day or weekend. Many also offer cafes to dine in and entertainment areas to enjoy concerts that occur year round and by staying at a local bed and breakfast, that romantic getaway can be quite affordable.
Washington has more to offer than just Microsoft, Boeing and apples. They now have premier wines that are offered here and abroad. So the next time you are buying that bottle of wine, think about a Washington state wine. You will not be disappointed.
Offering a premium taste at affordable prices, these wines have ranked consistently high on the international scene. Rivaling those offered from France, Italy and Spain, they have become some of the must haves on the wine enthusiast's list. With a wide variety of both red and white wines, they have something from everyone.
The vineyards found here vary in size and production levels. On the east side of the state, that is more desert than lush green country, wine production and grape harvesting have become one of the biggest economy boosters that the state has. Stabilizing employment and jobs available, this industry has become a viable source of income for everyone.
These wineries also offer tours and bring in about 1.4 million tourists a year according to the Washington Wine Commission. This adds extra dollars to even the smallest town coffers. Places like Patterson Washington, who's population is only 222, has one of the biggest producers of wine in the state, Columbia Crest. Hidden in the Horse Heaven hills, surrounded by desert like country, the first view of the lush green of the vineyard is a sight that will not soon be forgotten.
Along with the vineyards, many wineries offer tasting rooms that allow to sample some the finest wines that Washington has to offer. With wineries easily accessible, and close, you can visit a wide variety in a day or weekend. Many also offer cafes to dine in and entertainment areas to enjoy concerts that occur year round and by staying at a local bed and breakfast, that romantic getaway can be quite affordable.
Washington has more to offer than just Microsoft, Boeing and apples. They now have premier wines that are offered here and abroad. So the next time you are buying that bottle of wine, think about a Washington state wine. You will not be disappointed.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Part one of my journey through grief
It started when I woke up to find my significant other and fiance dead in our bed. Very dead, as in Rigor Mortis had set in. Calling 911, then turning him over, I saw a sight that I will never forget. He had bled out through his mouth, nose, eyes and ears. He was stiff, his lip permanently in a scowl, his arm stuck above his head. His face swollen and bruised. It is a picture that I do not wish on even my worst enemy.
Opening the door for the emergency crews, I couldn't think of anything except...He's dead. How come I didn't know he was dying laying there next to me? How could this be happening? My brain went in so many directions at once, I didn't even hear the police when they arrived. Not the sirens, not the car doors, but they were suddenly at the door.
Removing me from the room, they did a cursory look when the ambulance arrived. The EMT went into the room to check him. I was sitting on the curb outside the door, when he came back out, shook his head and drew a line across his neck...all in full view of me.
I did not realize until the police told me that it was Saturday, not Friday, the day I thought it was. I remember talking to him after I came home from Bingo Thursday. We watched Robot Chicken at midnight, then I went to sleep. He seemed his normal self. I woke up around 2or 3 in morning (don't know which day now) and going to the bathroom. It sounded like Rick was snoring as he did. Laying with his head on his arms, he always slept with his face into the pillow to give relief to his neck. I woke up again about 7 am because I was cold. Rick always kept the temperature in the room between 50-65 degrees. I covered us both with a blanket, turned down the A/C, and went back to sleep. Waking up at noon, I reach over to wake him up. He was stiff.
I don't remember much of that day. I know the detectives asked me some questions. The police are involved in any sudden, traumatic or unattended death. I couldn't tell you what they asked me. I remember calling his mom, I remember calling one couple who were our friends. I couldn't tell you much about the rest of the day, or the days prior. Everything was jumbled in my head.
I was so in shock, so hysterical, that the police insisted on making me go to the hospital to be checked out. I remember crying, shaking, getting a shot and a pill, a prescription. I don't remember how I got back to our room, but I did. I remember talking to my therapist who came and got me and took me to Sonic's to get a drink. I remember calling his doctor to let him know that my love was dead.
See, I waited until later to call his doctor. Rick had been seen at his doctor just three days prior, and the doctor accused him of abusing his medications then gave him the following: 120 Hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10/325mg, 120 Xanax, 1mg, 120 Neurontin 600 mg, and 90 Elavil..I don't know the milligrams on that one. Rick was a prescription drug addict. He took pain pills and anti-anxieties to get high. Other wise, he was healthy.
He had some seizures in the past, but those were because he combined his medications with other substances like alcohol and marijuana. He never had a seizure when he did one or the other, but when he did them together, yes he had seizures. His heart was healthy, and generally, he was in good physical shape. So, to me, the only logical thing was an overdose.
I stayed in the room that night. There was nothing indicating that I couldn't. Not from the police, not from the management. There was no written thing that said do not enter. I needed to stay there. I was still trying to wrap my mind around what had happened and what I had seen.
We were living in New Mexico, 1400 miles away from our families in Washington state. The next day, I decided to get a refund on the room (we had paid for the month), and go to where I knew his body would be going. I grabbed most of our stuff, loaded the jeep and headed home with less than $200 in my pocket. Filling our Jeep with gas, I hit the road. It was lonely, I couldn't listen to music and I cried most of the time anyway.
I stopped a couple of places to beg for money to get gas to make it all the way home. Went to an ER because I was having chest pains. Surprise, Surprise, I was suffering from anxiety. So back on the road I went. ON the way to Roswell, I had driven over the Wasatch mountains in Utah. I hate cars and heights, and I especially hate them at night. But back over them I went. Suddenly, my headlights went out. All the sudden all I could think was, crap. I hit the high beams, the head lights came on...for about 1 minute, then they too went out. Crap, hit the low beams, they came one. 1 minute later they went out again. I did this for about 10 or so minutes. I finally said Rick, If you are trying to tell me something then spit it out. Suddenly the headlights came on, and there was a sign for a rest area, 1 mile down the road. So I pulled in about 4 or so in the morning. I had been driving about 12 hours, not including the gas stops, the pee breaks or the ER visit.
I started out the next morning. Realizing I did not have enough cash to make it home, I begged again. I looked for some community resources in Salt Lake, but I kept getting lost. Finally, going to the Walmart parking lot, I made a sign and begged. A kind woman filled my tank, and gave me enough cash ($100) to make it home.
The whole time I had been traveling, when I topped for gas, I let his family know where I was and how long until I would get back there. Playing nicey nice, the kept making me feel that they were expecting me to help with planning his funeral. I had been with him the last year, with little contact with his family. Yes he called his mom that last month to help pay rent, but I was with him the whole time.
Finally making it close to where my sister lives, I called Rick's sister and let her know I was stopping there for the night. She asked me "you have a sister there? Well I have an appointment in Richland that I forgot about, so I will just meet you there." Being tired, grief struck, in shock, I didn't any attention to the fact that she was going to travel 100 miles down to where I was staying, even though she had told me she was helping her mom, who was understandably taking it hard.She also said we will meet to discuss his obituary. Little did I know their true intentions.
I talked to the detective in charge of Rick's death the next morning. She asked me why I left New Mexico. I explained that I wanted to be where Rick's body was, that I needed to be with people who could support me emotionally and have a place to live. She said she understood.
I had a warrant for my arrest because I had missed a fine payment. I had been planning on coming back to Washington that very week that he died. But now he was dead, and I was back. I was trying to get through his funeral before turning myself in. That is not how it worked out.
I had brought a bag in to my sister's house in the morning. I did this to get some of my bathroom stuff. I then went and was looking through the things I had brought back. I realized I was supposed to meet his sister, so I called and made arrangements. I did not drive the Jeep, but walked to the meeting place. I met with his sister, one of his brothers and his sister in law.
They began by telling me that they needed the title to the jeep so that they could get a loan to get Rick's body back home. Knowing that you have to prepay transportation costs, I agreed, but didn't have the title on me (or so they thought). WE made some talk of his death and I told them how sorry I was, that I was so shocked.The next thing I know, I have two police officers asking me my name, then arresting me on my warrant. They only people who knew where I was at that moment was his family. I didn't realize it at the time but they had to have called the police and had me arrested. His sister was sitting their going what is going on, like she was shocked to see them. I was too shocked from being arrested, still in shock from the sight I had seen 3 days prior, and lost in grief to realize this. It didn't even dawn on me that the name on the screen in the police car was his sister's. We never did talk about the obituary.
I gave them permission to get the jeep, told the officers it was okay. Then I went to jail. I was released the next day after seeing the judge. I got back to find they had taken everything. My tooth brush, my clothes, Rick's things, everything that was in the jeep or in the driveway, where I had left it to go meet them. My whole life with Rick, save for the one bag I had brought inside, was gone All the the memorabilia, our music, our games, our movies, gone in a flash.
When I got out the next day, and I discovered everything gone, I tried to call his sister, but just kept getting her voice mail. I still did not put two and two together. I left her messages. She finally called me back and asked me what happened and I explained to her bout the warrant. I let her know that I would be able to go to the funeral...she said okay. She asked me about how he was wearing his hair, and I told her like a Ranger (US Army). She said great she picked a good picture of him for the obituary.
I saw the obituary the next day. Yes, they picked a great picture. But as I am reading this, I discover there is no mention of me or our life together other than he was in New Mexico following his dream. Nothing. Our time together was erased from everyone's eye but mine. Hurt, I try to call her. Again just voice mail. She finally did call back, because they knew I had two disposable camera's that hadn't been developed. She demanded them back, I told her no, I was going to develop them because there were a few pictures they didn't need to see (one's that Rick took while I was sleeping, or doing my facial routine). She asked me if there was any other pictures I said no.
I had to call my prepaid card issuer because my card had been in Rick's wallet, and it had been taken by the police the day I found him. I had unemployment being deposited on it. When I went to log into my account, found it had been closed. I had direct deposit of mine and Rick's disability checks on it. I had the card first and added Rick later. His family had closed the account. I had to open a new one, and lost the money that was on the card (only $17.00, but still not the point).
Later that night, I was logging into an email account that Rick and I shared. I discovered a picture there that showed him playing guitar. I called his sister and gave her the information to be able to retrieve it. Good thing I downloaded it to my computer, because I went to log in and his family had blocked me from that too. I was starting to realize that they were not grieving with me, but were in fact trying to cut me out of everything. I still did not have my clothes, and had to borrow some from my sister. They kept saying they would get them too me. It took a week to get them back, and that is all I got back. None of personal care things, none of our movies, our video games, just my clothes and personal pictures of my family.
After that, his sister refused to take my calls. She blocked me. His brother Dave, called me to deliver my clothes, and wanted to meet and talk about Roswell. I met with him, still not telling them the condition I found his body. I still refused to give them that nightmarish sight and hurt them further. Rick and I had a cat name Ares that we left with our friends in Roswell for a while. His family informed me it was their cat now and they would go and get him. Dave asked me questions about our time, and said they would visit Roswell, and see the place we went.
I asked the funeral director to let me know when the funeral was. They never did. I was forbidden to go by the family. I found out about it after the fact. That was the ultimate hurt. I didn't get to say goodbye or be with others who loved Rick too. I was alone in my grief. Barely eating, not sleeping, I was bereft. Thoughts of wanting to join him were never far from my mind. I was not functioning at all. I kept myself busy by doing everything..yard work, house work, laundry, everything that I could to keep from thinking about it. I gave myself blisters on both hands, and feet. Anything to keep from feeling the enormous pain in my heart, the hole that was there from Rick's death.
Opening the door for the emergency crews, I couldn't think of anything except...He's dead. How come I didn't know he was dying laying there next to me? How could this be happening? My brain went in so many directions at once, I didn't even hear the police when they arrived. Not the sirens, not the car doors, but they were suddenly at the door.
Removing me from the room, they did a cursory look when the ambulance arrived. The EMT went into the room to check him. I was sitting on the curb outside the door, when he came back out, shook his head and drew a line across his neck...all in full view of me.
I did not realize until the police told me that it was Saturday, not Friday, the day I thought it was. I remember talking to him after I came home from Bingo Thursday. We watched Robot Chicken at midnight, then I went to sleep. He seemed his normal self. I woke up around 2or 3 in morning (don't know which day now) and going to the bathroom. It sounded like Rick was snoring as he did. Laying with his head on his arms, he always slept with his face into the pillow to give relief to his neck. I woke up again about 7 am because I was cold. Rick always kept the temperature in the room between 50-65 degrees. I covered us both with a blanket, turned down the A/C, and went back to sleep. Waking up at noon, I reach over to wake him up. He was stiff.
I don't remember much of that day. I know the detectives asked me some questions. The police are involved in any sudden, traumatic or unattended death. I couldn't tell you what they asked me. I remember calling his mom, I remember calling one couple who were our friends. I couldn't tell you much about the rest of the day, or the days prior. Everything was jumbled in my head.
I was so in shock, so hysterical, that the police insisted on making me go to the hospital to be checked out. I remember crying, shaking, getting a shot and a pill, a prescription. I don't remember how I got back to our room, but I did. I remember talking to my therapist who came and got me and took me to Sonic's to get a drink. I remember calling his doctor to let him know that my love was dead.
See, I waited until later to call his doctor. Rick had been seen at his doctor just three days prior, and the doctor accused him of abusing his medications then gave him the following: 120 Hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10/325mg, 120 Xanax, 1mg, 120 Neurontin 600 mg, and 90 Elavil..I don't know the milligrams on that one. Rick was a prescription drug addict. He took pain pills and anti-anxieties to get high. Other wise, he was healthy.
He had some seizures in the past, but those were because he combined his medications with other substances like alcohol and marijuana. He never had a seizure when he did one or the other, but when he did them together, yes he had seizures. His heart was healthy, and generally, he was in good physical shape. So, to me, the only logical thing was an overdose.
I stayed in the room that night. There was nothing indicating that I couldn't. Not from the police, not from the management. There was no written thing that said do not enter. I needed to stay there. I was still trying to wrap my mind around what had happened and what I had seen.
We were living in New Mexico, 1400 miles away from our families in Washington state. The next day, I decided to get a refund on the room (we had paid for the month), and go to where I knew his body would be going. I grabbed most of our stuff, loaded the jeep and headed home with less than $200 in my pocket. Filling our Jeep with gas, I hit the road. It was lonely, I couldn't listen to music and I cried most of the time anyway.
I stopped a couple of places to beg for money to get gas to make it all the way home. Went to an ER because I was having chest pains. Surprise, Surprise, I was suffering from anxiety. So back on the road I went. ON the way to Roswell, I had driven over the Wasatch mountains in Utah. I hate cars and heights, and I especially hate them at night. But back over them I went. Suddenly, my headlights went out. All the sudden all I could think was, crap. I hit the high beams, the head lights came on...for about 1 minute, then they too went out. Crap, hit the low beams, they came one. 1 minute later they went out again. I did this for about 10 or so minutes. I finally said Rick, If you are trying to tell me something then spit it out. Suddenly the headlights came on, and there was a sign for a rest area, 1 mile down the road. So I pulled in about 4 or so in the morning. I had been driving about 12 hours, not including the gas stops, the pee breaks or the ER visit.
I started out the next morning. Realizing I did not have enough cash to make it home, I begged again. I looked for some community resources in Salt Lake, but I kept getting lost. Finally, going to the Walmart parking lot, I made a sign and begged. A kind woman filled my tank, and gave me enough cash ($100) to make it home.
The whole time I had been traveling, when I topped for gas, I let his family know where I was and how long until I would get back there. Playing nicey nice, the kept making me feel that they were expecting me to help with planning his funeral. I had been with him the last year, with little contact with his family. Yes he called his mom that last month to help pay rent, but I was with him the whole time.
Finally making it close to where my sister lives, I called Rick's sister and let her know I was stopping there for the night. She asked me "you have a sister there? Well I have an appointment in Richland that I forgot about, so I will just meet you there." Being tired, grief struck, in shock, I didn't any attention to the fact that she was going to travel 100 miles down to where I was staying, even though she had told me she was helping her mom, who was understandably taking it hard.She also said we will meet to discuss his obituary. Little did I know their true intentions.
I talked to the detective in charge of Rick's death the next morning. She asked me why I left New Mexico. I explained that I wanted to be where Rick's body was, that I needed to be with people who could support me emotionally and have a place to live. She said she understood.
I had a warrant for my arrest because I had missed a fine payment. I had been planning on coming back to Washington that very week that he died. But now he was dead, and I was back. I was trying to get through his funeral before turning myself in. That is not how it worked out.
I had brought a bag in to my sister's house in the morning. I did this to get some of my bathroom stuff. I then went and was looking through the things I had brought back. I realized I was supposed to meet his sister, so I called and made arrangements. I did not drive the Jeep, but walked to the meeting place. I met with his sister, one of his brothers and his sister in law.
They began by telling me that they needed the title to the jeep so that they could get a loan to get Rick's body back home. Knowing that you have to prepay transportation costs, I agreed, but didn't have the title on me (or so they thought). WE made some talk of his death and I told them how sorry I was, that I was so shocked.The next thing I know, I have two police officers asking me my name, then arresting me on my warrant. They only people who knew where I was at that moment was his family. I didn't realize it at the time but they had to have called the police and had me arrested. His sister was sitting their going what is going on, like she was shocked to see them. I was too shocked from being arrested, still in shock from the sight I had seen 3 days prior, and lost in grief to realize this. It didn't even dawn on me that the name on the screen in the police car was his sister's. We never did talk about the obituary.
I gave them permission to get the jeep, told the officers it was okay. Then I went to jail. I was released the next day after seeing the judge. I got back to find they had taken everything. My tooth brush, my clothes, Rick's things, everything that was in the jeep or in the driveway, where I had left it to go meet them. My whole life with Rick, save for the one bag I had brought inside, was gone All the the memorabilia, our music, our games, our movies, gone in a flash.
When I got out the next day, and I discovered everything gone, I tried to call his sister, but just kept getting her voice mail. I still did not put two and two together. I left her messages. She finally called me back and asked me what happened and I explained to her bout the warrant. I let her know that I would be able to go to the funeral...she said okay. She asked me about how he was wearing his hair, and I told her like a Ranger (US Army). She said great she picked a good picture of him for the obituary.
I saw the obituary the next day. Yes, they picked a great picture. But as I am reading this, I discover there is no mention of me or our life together other than he was in New Mexico following his dream. Nothing. Our time together was erased from everyone's eye but mine. Hurt, I try to call her. Again just voice mail. She finally did call back, because they knew I had two disposable camera's that hadn't been developed. She demanded them back, I told her no, I was going to develop them because there were a few pictures they didn't need to see (one's that Rick took while I was sleeping, or doing my facial routine). She asked me if there was any other pictures I said no.
I had to call my prepaid card issuer because my card had been in Rick's wallet, and it had been taken by the police the day I found him. I had unemployment being deposited on it. When I went to log into my account, found it had been closed. I had direct deposit of mine and Rick's disability checks on it. I had the card first and added Rick later. His family had closed the account. I had to open a new one, and lost the money that was on the card (only $17.00, but still not the point).
Later that night, I was logging into an email account that Rick and I shared. I discovered a picture there that showed him playing guitar. I called his sister and gave her the information to be able to retrieve it. Good thing I downloaded it to my computer, because I went to log in and his family had blocked me from that too. I was starting to realize that they were not grieving with me, but were in fact trying to cut me out of everything. I still did not have my clothes, and had to borrow some from my sister. They kept saying they would get them too me. It took a week to get them back, and that is all I got back. None of personal care things, none of our movies, our video games, just my clothes and personal pictures of my family.
After that, his sister refused to take my calls. She blocked me. His brother Dave, called me to deliver my clothes, and wanted to meet and talk about Roswell. I met with him, still not telling them the condition I found his body. I still refused to give them that nightmarish sight and hurt them further. Rick and I had a cat name Ares that we left with our friends in Roswell for a while. His family informed me it was their cat now and they would go and get him. Dave asked me questions about our time, and said they would visit Roswell, and see the place we went.
I asked the funeral director to let me know when the funeral was. They never did. I was forbidden to go by the family. I found out about it after the fact. That was the ultimate hurt. I didn't get to say goodbye or be with others who loved Rick too. I was alone in my grief. Barely eating, not sleeping, I was bereft. Thoughts of wanting to join him were never far from my mind. I was not functioning at all. I kept myself busy by doing everything..yard work, house work, laundry, everything that I could to keep from thinking about it. I gave myself blisters on both hands, and feet. Anything to keep from feeling the enormous pain in my heart, the hole that was there from Rick's death.
Monday, September 10, 2012
RX Epidemic Memorial
Prescription drug addiction is the fastest rising cause for drug treatment. It is estimated that currently 7 million Americans suffer from this addiction. The overdose and death rate is now higher than heroin and cocaine Combined. A many as 5,400 people every day begin to abuse prescription medications. This is the fastest rising epidemic facing American's today. It is estimated that as much as $72 billion is being spent on prescription drug abuse issues every year. Millions suffer in silence, while others feel they have little recourse in their state. One person is bringing this to the attention of everyone.
April Schalow is on her 261st day of recovery, as of September 10.2012. To mark the fact that there are so many people afflicted with this addiction, She and husband Kyle have set out to make a monument to those who are in recovery, those who are still actively using in their addiction and to those who have lost a loved one to this senseless, and easily preventable addiction.
What is unique about her idea is that she is going to use old prescription bottles. These bottles will be donated from all walks of life in several countries. Those who donate the bottles are asked to place a note or eulogy in at least one bottle. These will be read at a ceremony she plans for mid October. She is hoping to raise the awareness of this silent and deadly epidemic.
April encourages everyone to get involved. She says their are several ways to support this endeavor: first by attending the memorial and donating your empty recycled prescription medication bottle(s). If you’d like to include a short eulogy in remembrance of a loved one or friend you are welcome to. You are also welcome to read the eulogy yourself and place it within the monument that we’ll be creating with the empty prescription bottles. In the event you won’t be able to make the memorial and still would like to participate, we encourage you to collect and forward any and all prescription medication bottles to us, so that we can use them in the construction of the monument. You may also include a eulogy in the event you are unable to make it, simply forward those as well. We are also seeking help spreading the word for this historic memorial; anyway that you can help would be appreciated.
The inaugural 2012 RX EPIDEMIC MEMORIAL ceremony will be held Sunday, October 14th at 10am. The memorial will be held on the WPOS fm facility located at 7112 Angola Rd. Holland, Ohio 43528. She asks everyone to join her in person if they can, but in spirit if they can't.
For more information on this please contact:
Kyle and April Schalow
725 Culley rd.
Holland, Ohio
43528
419-206-4816
Kyle: Kbs32@hotmail.com
April: Ams000381@hotmail.com
On facebook:
RX EPIDEMIC MEMORIAL
Or
Shh it’s a secret but everyone knows
Or watch the Oprah Lifeclass show on OWN September 23,2012. You will need to check your local listings to find the time.
Suicide Awareness
Every day, 94 people complete a suicide. This is equivalent to 1 very 15 minutes. It averages to about 34,000 per year. For every completed suicide, there are 25 more attempts that fail. These are national statistics we can not ignore.
Having been on both sides of the coin, I know a lot about this from both the person who is contemplating suicide and someone who has survived a suicide.
A suicidal person believes that they are not needed, they are not wanted, or even that they will be missed. They may feel alone, even when in a crowded room. The suicidal person can see no other way out of their pain than to die. This is sad, because every human being on this planet has value. The problem is, sometimes the suicidal person does not see that value. They have tunnel vision, where all they see is the pain they are feeling.
By getting these people help, we reinforce their value as members of society. When these people are given treatment, they most often are glad they are still alive. But having been suicidal once makes it much more likely they will feel so again. Pills alone don't work. It requires therapy, feeling valued, and most of all, feeling loved. Without these things, a person may continue in a downward spiral that could end up with another attempt or worse a completed suicide.
Suicidal people do not realize the impact their death has on those around them. But, every one who has survived a completed suicide, the effects are enormous. The person who finds the person after suicide is completed will be traumatized severely. That person will never forget the sight of what they found, regardless of the method.
Those who loved the suicidal person will also be greatly affected. They will having lingering questions about what they could have done to prevent this. Often times, survivors have a sense of guilt that they didn't prevent this from happening. That fight that they had with the person who complete suicide before this will feel like they caused this. It may, in turn, cause that person to become suicidal and to also make an attempt.
People who have survived a suicide are 10 times as likely to attempt suicide than others. A parent who has lost a child to suicide will feel they failed the child. A spouse will feel like they did something to cause the person to complete suicide. The child who's parent completes suicide will scar that child, no matter the age, for the rest of their lives. In each of these cases, the parent, the spouse, the child may feel like joining their loved one and knows the only way to do this is by completing suicide. They are hurting and questioning themselves so much that they start that downward spiral that their lost loved one did.
We need to watch for warning signs in others around us.
- Giving away personal items
- Talking about death or suicide
- Death preoccupies their thoughts
- Some one who has lost a loved on to suicide
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there are numbers that you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.
As with any other type of emergency, call the local emergency number (such as 911) right away if someone you know has attempted suicide. Do not leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Prescription Drug Abuse, Addiction, Overdose And Death
Every day as many as 5,400 people begin to abuse a prescription medication. That equals to about 12 million per year. It is estimated that 2.7% of the nation's population are addicted to these medications. That is 7 million people. Every year, millions more are added to this growing epidemic. In 2008, the statistics for overdose death were 20,044. Although unavailable, at this time, it is estimated that the number will increase drastically. It was found that opioid painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxycontin, accounted for 73.8% of these deaths.
This is primarily due to the rising sales of these potent painkillers. Nationwide, pharmacies received and ultimately dispensed the equivalent of 69 tons of pure oxycodone and 42 tons of pure hydrocodone in 2010, latest year for which statistics are available. That's enough to give 40 5-mg Percocets and 24 5-mg Vicodins to every person in the United States.
I hate a petition. Please read and sign it at: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-president-of-the-united-states-set-up-a-prescription-drug-tracking-for-both-patients-and-doctors#
This is primarily due to the rising sales of these potent painkillers. Nationwide, pharmacies received and ultimately dispensed the equivalent of 69 tons of pure oxycodone and 42 tons of pure hydrocodone in 2010, latest year for which statistics are available. That's enough to give 40 5-mg Percocets and 24 5-mg Vicodins to every person in the United States.
It is estimated that nearly half of all emergency room visits were prescription drug overdoses. The cost in healthcare is about $72 billion for the non medical use of prescription opioids. This is a dramatic increase.As of August 31, 2010, among the seven types of laws examined, one state had none of these types of laws, three states had one, fifteen had two, nineteen had three, seven had four, five states had five, and one had six, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This involved seven different types of laws: Laws requiring physical examination before prescribing, Laws regarding tamper-resistant prescription forms, laws regulating pain clinics, laws setting prescription drug limits, laws prohibiting "doctor shopping".fraud, Laws requiring patient identification before dispensing, Laws providing immunity from prosecution/mitigation at sentencing for individuals seeking assistance during an overdose.
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# of Laws
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State
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# of Laws
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State
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# of Laws
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3
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4
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1
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2
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5
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3
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2
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3
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2
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4
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3
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2
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3
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2
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3
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6
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0
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5
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1
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2
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3
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5
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4
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3
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3
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2
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3
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2
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2
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3
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3
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5
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3
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5
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2
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2
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3
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Currently, the Drug Enforcement Agency oversees prescribers and pharmacies. Each state is in charge of monitoring the amount a patient receives. There is currently no national oversight of individual patients who receive addicting prescription medication.
This is unacceptable. We need to have better controls over the states in regards to these prescriptions. A national oversight committee is need to monitor each states Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which will help identify not only the prescriber and pharmacy, but also the patients who may be receiving addictive medication from several doctors and pharmacies. Offering to mitigate criminal proceedings in the case of someone who is seeking treatment or wishes to enter a drug offender program will help also.
Finding alternatives to addictive pain medications is imperative. This epidemic will only rise until we find another way to combat pain. By doing this, we will reduce the number of pills that will be available on the streets, thereby reducing the number of people who may become addicted. This will also limit the possibility of overdose and death.
To find out more information please visit these sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/poisionings
I hate a petition. Please read and sign it at: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-president-of-the-united-states-set-up-a-prescription-drug-tracking-for-both-patients-and-doctors#
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