Health Insurance - you want it, you got it... and you just have to pay for those that can't

The latest proposed legislation regarding health insurance is a costly one. I am sure everyone was excited about Obama's promise of insurance for everyone, including the alleged 50 million uninsured Americans. Well, that reality may be just around the corner. In a time where the economy seems to be shrinking, this legislation proposes that carrying health insurance be required for everyone, all the time, just like car insurance. Additionally, those that choose not to purchase health care will be fined ($1,000 fine per individual, more for families). There will be government subsidies available or the poor, and it will be interesting to see how they use (if they use it). Finally, there will be still be increased taxes to offset the costs of the health care system and cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. So if you have made the choice not to carry health insurance up to this point, the decision is no longer yours (for all you pro-choice folks out there). Hopefully the health care system works a bit better than the car insurance system. I just wonder if there will be a "Safe Auto" or a "Geico" option out there...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090703/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul

Here SHE is, The USS New York (LPD 21), made from the World Trade Center !

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center . It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003 , 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.' Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto? 'Never Forget.'

Go America

4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!! Sometimes I wonder if there are more Americans out there bashing our country than there are honoring it. I know I will be respecting the flag today instead of burning it. I read the other day that more and more Americans are formally renouncing their citizenship. Maybe it's for tax reasons, but in any case, I think that is sad. Perhaps there is a misconception that there is a perfect country out there? I have yet to hear of one, and one would think that we are all too smart to fall for the "grass is greener on the other side" idea. I for one, and happy and proud to be an American and I applaud those that feel the same. For those of you that do not share these same feelings, please remember to thank a soldier for fighting to give you that right of dissension.

3 random thoughts (or maybe not so random since it is the 4th of July):

1. Three out of the first four Presidents died on the 4th of July.

2. Born on the 4th of July is one of the worst and most depressing movies I have ever seen. Cruise should stick to jumping on Oprah's couch.

3. Rush, congratulations on an enormous contract... I think he makes more than ARod.

I'm out like a fat kid in kickball.

The last American business...

Have you ever thought about where your money goes? Shopping at Walmart sends it to China, buying a new car and that cash is probably on its way to Japan (I can't remember the last person to buy an American made car). What about produce, you ask? Most of that is coming from South and Central America. So where you can you go to make sure your money stays here?

The Yard Sale!!!!

That's right, it's the last American business and now is the season. Might I also mention I am hosting one of the yard sales (entrepreneur that I am) this weekend, and every weekend for the rest of the summer (or until my stuff runs out). So if you are looking for a deal (whether on a pair of French doors, or a faux life preserver), stop on by.

Have a good one.

Moving...

If you don't have a soul, this may not effect you. http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/706270

It puts things in perspective.

A Rant and a Cocktail

So crude is flirting (or rather making out) with $140 per barrel, my Health Savings Account deductible is up to $2,500 for an individual ($5,000 for a family), and whenever I leave Canada, it is with less American money than I am used to (and that has nothing to do with the casinos). It will be interesting to see how our next President deals with this mess. I can't help but think our next leader will be nothing more than a scapegoat for the next 4 years. An opportunist would probably argue this is a wonderful time to run for office, but I am running for my underground-end-of-the-world bunker. So what, if any, solutions are out there? How about the Geo Metros (remember those?) is a 50 mpg car? That's better than the Prius (and less expensive) and you can buy one for $1,000 to $1,500 or so on Ebay. Unfortunately, I do not fit in either car, so it's back to the 10-speed.
I need a cocktail:
Aviation

• 1 1/4 oz gin
• 1/2 to 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz maraschino (NOT THE CHERRY JUICE!!!) liqueur*
• Shake with ice and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass. Lemon Twist
• Enjoy

* This can be tough to be find. There are 2 Italian versions, Luxuardo and Stock. If your local state store does not have it/can't get it, email Preiss Imports at website@preissimports.com. There is a Croatian version, Maraska, carried by SendLiquor.com