I Love The USA

a positive view

Published on March 4, 2004 By KarmaGirl In Politics

I read so many blogs that complain left and right about the USA. If you
took them to heart, you would think that this is the most evil place on
Earth. After talking with somebody I know out of the country, it is
obvious that the press portrays the US the same way. This person was under
the assumption that nobody had healthcare and you would go broke in the US if
you got sick.

My family has been in the US a *long* time. Like, "Mayflower" long
time. I grew up in a very small town with barely any opportunities.
However, living in this great country, I knew that I could bend my life
into anything that I wanted to.

My Mom was a stay at home Mom, and we lived on a low-medium
income. We had a comfortable home that was within our means. Never
any flashy cars, vacations, and stuff like that, but we lived comfortably.

Through the years, I moved out of that small town because I knew that the job
market was not in what I wanted to do. I moved to a bigger city. I
started working and supporting myself a little over 9 years ago. Is
started out making $9.00. Then, a job opportunity came available at a
start up company. Though is was a risk for me, I took the job because I
believed in the vision of the company. I took a pay cut down to $7.00 per
hour. I got rid of all expenses that I didn't *need*, and then got to work
making sure that the company grew and succeeded.

Over the years, that risk has paid off. The start up company employs
many people and has millions of customers. Everyone gets paid a fair wage,
gets health insurance, and the work environment is great. I am also
very happily married, have a great child, and have a comfortable home and
lifestyle. I work full time to maintain that life, and it all makes me
happy.

What made that possible? It's the way America works. It gives
people with a vision the ability to start a business no matter how small it
is. If that person works hard enough, that business will thrive.
America has the land, resources, and opportunities that allow you to work for
and obtain the life you want.

And, no, it's not handed to you. America doesn't mean a "free
ride". It is here to give you the freedom to work for what you want.
It is here to protect you and give you a fair chance. *No* country is
perfect. There is no way to please everyone. But, in my view,
America is as close to perfect as you can get.

My life is comfortable, and I work in a place that I love and
appreciate. I know its roots and I never forget its beginnings. I
take the same view with America- learn its roots, don't forget its beginnings,
and try to appreciate the way it currently stands.

Comments (Page 3)

jeblackstar

on Mar 06, 2004

Yes, and once we've sacrificed our liberty where are we? It's a slippery slope.

Cheers

bakerstreet

on Mar 06, 2004

Yes, and once we've sacrificed our liberty where are we?

Alive, with the ability to further adjust things until they are just right. Laws are amended and repealed all the time. No one is able to make a precise fit on their first try. The Democratic party is just becoming a peanut gallery, demanding changes be made, and then screaming about the changes. Professional critics. pfft. Those who don't know, teach...

BulbousHead

on Mar 06, 2004

Alive, with the ability to further adjust things until they are just right.

If you lose enough civil liberties, you lose the ability to further adjust things.

The Democratic party is just becoming a peanut gallery, demanding changes be made, and then screaming about the changes.

The changes keep sucking.

Those who don't know, teach...

The same mentality that allows Republican Cabinet members to call teachers "terrorists."

bakerstreet

on Mar 06, 2004

"If you lose enough civil liberties, you lose the ability to further adjust things"

Hrm, haven't seen any changes suggested that would replace representative government. If you don't like what your legislators do, vote them out and they can make new laws.

"The changes keep sucking."

Odd, aren't there two parties? Maybe they should stop critiquing and come up with something themselves?

"The same mentality that allows Republican Cabinet members to call teachers "terrorists."

Link please?

BulbousHead

on Mar 06, 2004

Hrm, haven't seen any changes suggested that would replace representative government. If you don't like what your legislators do, vote them out and they can make new laws.

That's the plan.

Odd, aren't there two parties?

In existence? Yes. Controlling the Congress and the Presidency? No.

Link please?

Just so there's no whining about the "liberal media": http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,112247,00.html

bakerstreet

on Mar 06, 2004

"That's the plan."

Well, at least when Republicans lose it is generally because the public didn't approve of their actions. In the last 50 or so years, Democrats usually lose because they have no actions to judge. My opinion, of course.

"Controlling the Congress and the Presidency? No."

That's the bitch about representative government. You get control from the approval of the public. People like results, even controversial ones, more than they like criticism and debate. Democratic "results" are just so damned esoteric that the public doesn't see much tangible effect. Again, my opinion.

"Republican Cabinet members to call teachers "terrorists.""

I'd fire him. I doubt he was stating policy, though. Wanna start talking about every boob that made lame jokes in Democratic administrations? Hell, you could say Clinton's administration WAS a bad joke... again, my (and many other's) opinion.

Voix

on Mar 07, 2004

I promised I wouldn't get into a dialogue about politics. Sigh. Call it a weak moment and momentary lapse of reason.

Karma - I'm glad you got 'yours' and have a wonderful life. But girlfriend, one of these days, you have lessons coming to you. You said this and more but I dont have room to cut and paste everything.

First off, the 'usa' is just a chunk of land like any other. And there is good and not so good in every this country and others. But there has got to be balance. This country was founded on a lie and it will fall on a lie. I'm not saying that to be mean or ugly, it's a fact if you'll read real history and not the garbage they hand out in schools and on TV. Being positive is okay as long as you remain based in reality.

I have friends all over the world. (Chinese, French, Algerian, etc. Christian, Muslim, Pagan, etc.) Not one of them has ever called the US evil. Not have they refused to talk to me, etc. What they have trouble with, and moi too, is the government and attitudes that are taking this country down a path that will lead to something so horrible it will make your idea of 'evil' look like a walk in the park.

And I'm not sure where you get your 'facts' from like the ... 'In the US you can't lose your home, you can't lose your car. As a matter of fact, creditors overlook a lot of medical debt. I saw people come in to our business with 100k+ of medical debt and they got approved for credit all the time. Those kind of debts are so astronomical they don't even seem to count. Granted, the rest of us WITH insurance pay those debts in the long run because they are passed along to us and our insurance companies...'

Geeze, what planet do you live on?

You can lose your home, your car, your possessions. Obviously you haven't been paying attention over the past several years. Foreclosure on farms is not pretty. Not sure what business you're in that gives credit to people with high med bills, but obviously I need to know.

As for 'anyone can buy insurance' - again, a statement I have to disagree with. If you have a pre exisiting condition, you get limited coverage, if you can afford it. If you have an 'orphan' disease like I do - then babydoll, you are screwed. They will not take you nor do they have to. In fact, many insurance companies are bailing out of states that have people with what are considered to be high risk health issues. Whatever, I'll jump off my soapbox and go back to what I was doing.

Good luck and all that jazz.

bakerstreet

on Mar 07, 2004

And I'm not sure where you get your 'facts' from like the ...

The reference was to medical debts. They can't "foreclose on your house", unless you don't pay your mortgage ( i.e. you don't own it yet, so it isn't yours ), if you don't pay your property taxes, or if you own more than one home/farm. They can't take your only residence, and they can't take your only mode of transportation. If you can work, they get the court to deduct from your wages, same goes for student loans. Perhaps people get their wages deducted and then can't pay the mortgage, but the holder of the medical debt can't make you liquidate your residence.

As for the 100k of medical debt, I have personally seen it happen with my own eyes. The mistake people make is ruining mainstream credit trying to pay the medical debt. If someone came in trying to finance and they had spotless credit other than a huge medical debt, they were always accepted. Granted, many, many times I went back and got the stuff later, but it was because they didn't pay our debt, not the medical bills.

"As for 'anyone can buy insurance.... They will not take you nor do they have to."

Dunno where you live, that varies state by state. In KY you can't be penalized for any pre-existing condition. Granted, insurance is more expensive here because of it, but hey, you get what you pay for. I moved here from TN for that reason alone, with a well-documented pre-existing condition. The key to existing with a lot of medical problems is not compounding it with other debt. I've been living it for about 10 years, and things have been okay for me so far.

LaVoix

on Mar 07, 2004

Then you live in a state that is far more relaxed about things. And that's good. (Yet you had to move there to get it. Maybe that's not so good unless you really wanted to move for other reasons too.)

Sigh - I should've seen this coming - politics/religion and health care. But I'm not here to argue about where I live. I would like to point out though that the government has changed laws regarding property seizures, bankruptcy, etc. You can have your vehicle taken under certain circumstances. You can also lose your house, esp. if it's paid for. Out here, they can use a law regarding failure to maintain financial security, fiscal responsibility, etc. But I'm not here to point out the law and how it varies. Bottom line - If you do not pay your medical bills out here, they will make your life miserable. They will make any and every attempt to collect with and without a collection agency. And your credit is most definately affected.

I happen to live in the one of the great plains states. One of the biggest fears out here that people have is how to pay for medical or at least pay the bills for doctors visits, in-hospital care, out-patient care, meds, etc. Especially for cancer, parkinsons, alzheimers, glaucoma, and MS. These are all biggies out here. Then there's the catastropic stuff like tractor and combine accidents or even the 17 yr. kid working at a cabinet shop who lost the fingers on his right hand.

My ONLY point to make is that not ALL states are equal nor are ALL medical plans available to ALL people. We don't have many hospitals out here. We don't have many insurance underwriters. We have mainly rural clinics open for a few hours each week. The hospitals all have signs in the ER saying that they will not turn you away. True. AND the fine print says they do NOT have to treat you other than to stabilize your condition. They can then say good-bye to you. They do not have to keep you inside the building.

As for insurance not having to accept you - I have a friend who lives in Alabama. She can't get coverage. Why? Because she has asthma and is over the limit on the weight charts. As for personal experience - it has happened to me. In fact I was covered at one time with group insurance by a major carrier, when I lived and worked back east. I fell ill, due to the 'orphan' disease and was in ICU for three days. After the insurance company found out - not only did they cancel, but they also refused to pay the bill. Nice. Made a lasting impression on me. Let's see - that was back in the mid 80's. I tried to pick up health coverage privately, but couldn't. I was turned down. My file had been flagged.

My hubby (blind) is on SocSec. The Medicare plan barely covers anything and it's not free. We pay for all his meds out of pocket since the VA won't pay for them. They will furnish them and mail them to him with a lovely bill. We are lucky we can afford to pay, and yes, I am glad we can pay for his meds. But what about those who can't. Or even those who are penalized like people who have kids with special needs in say, Minnesota. All across the country - disabled people and others are losing out.

Now, I suppose the 'get what you pay for' is supposed to make one feel - what - grateful? The fact that it's expensive is what - fair? And to be forced to take a job you may not want or even like JUST to get health care is not in anyone's best interest in the long run.

Oh. and let's not forget the companies that are given everything by a state to just come on in and hire. Yeah, those right to hire, right to fire states, gotta hand it to them. Those companies often hire and fire before any health bennies can be used or even become qualified to use. Sort of like rape and pillage tactics.

Universal health care is the only humane and mature way to go. Why is everyone so afraid of universal health care? If this country is to grow up, it needs to stop and look at the people. It's a shame that greed is allowed to take precedence and over-rule not only common sense but basic compassion. This is more than about health care, it's about attitude towards others. (The old 'am I my brother's keeper' biblical thing comes to mind. Not that I' m a bible thumper but it seems to me that so many christians, especially Bush and his band of brothers, keep saying one thing yet when it comes to walking the talk, guess what flys out the window first. )

The whole thing is a moot point anyway for this whole country is going to be in a world of hurt if things don't change soon. And a lot of surprised people are going to be saying gee, now what do we do and praying to get out of the mess created by man's inhumanity towards himself and others. Oh well.

Good luck. And hang onto that insurance.

PS - A tiny taste of other insurance refusuals include:

Insurance co's refuse to cover native communities. Last Updated Tue, 18 Feb 2003 11:21:20. MONTREAL - Insurance companies say they won't cover people living on a native reserve in Quebec because the risk is too high. cbc.ca/stories/2003/02/18/Consumers/native_030218

In general, companies are currently entitled to refuse health insurance cover to people who are over 65 and ... been members up to that age. Health insurance does not include long ...www.oasis.gov.ie/retirement/health_insurance.html.en

479 HEALTH INSURANCE HEALTH INSURANCE Health Insurance for Families ... their insurance plans will and will not cover and where to. turn when companies refuse coverage or refuse to pay ...www.pkids.org/11-11healthinsurance.pdf

Often insurance companies refuse to cover a health condition ...www.trenchlaw.com/w_article/article_vew.asp?ArticleID=277&Print=1

... Insurance companies refuse to cover high-risk people and are also too expensive for many people to afford ... 40 million people in the United States have no health insurance. ...www.spub.ksu.edu/ISSUES/v100/FA/n061/opn---Lach-Column.html

in the face because their life insurance companies refused coverage for their cancer kids ... discovered that life insurance companies can indeed legally refuse to cover our kids ...acor.org/diseases/ped-onc/timetogo/funeralcosts.html

Health insurance companies that refuse to cover people with pre-existing medical ... from providing federal employees with health insurance, President Clinton announced Tuesday. ...www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0798/070898b2.htm

Insurance companies may refuse to cover individual homes where regular flooding is ... rural areas, and have enjoyed cheaper insurance because crime rates are lower ...www.asserta.com/jsp/howto/howtoinsurance/avoiddeepwater.jsp

option is becoming less attractive as insurance companies refuse to cover customers' cars in Europe.We are finding now that most insurance companies will not cover the Euro leg of ...www.mamut.com/homepages/United_Kingdom/1/4/freestylecarimports/newsdet13.htm

Reinsurers refuse cover against terrorism ... reinsurers continue to ignore the request from insurance companies to provide them cover against terrorism and ...dawn.com/2003/01/19/ebr4.htm

Who Will Assume Liability? Insurance companies brand genetically engineered plants as risky as war and nuclear accidents. Here is an interesting new development. ... to promote genetically modified crops, but insurance companies are refusing to cover... www.progress.org/gene80.htm

Insurance companies may refuse to cover allergy medication ... for sale over the counter. Many insurance companies may now limit patient's access to prescription options ...www.kpdx.com/Global/story.asp?S=1344465

...of dogs they refuse to cover. The American Kennel Club believes that insurance companies should determine coverage ... In fact, insurance companies should consider a dog an asset, a ...www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/insurance_chart0702.cfm

Insurers refuse to cover GM farmers. Leading companies liken risk to thalidomide and terrorism ... Insurance companies are refusing cover for farmers considering growing GM crops or for ...www.guardian.co.uk/print/0%2C3858%2C4769520-103690%2C00.html

KarmaGirl

on Mar 07, 2004

Karma - I'm glad you got 'yours' and have a wonderful life. But girlfriend, one of these days, you have lessons coming to you. You said this and more but I dont have room to cut and paste everything.

Really? I'd like an explanation of this. You don't know *anything* about me, my life, or anything. How can you make a statement like that? You sound bitter.

KarmaGirl

on Mar 07, 2004

also, you quoted things that I didn't say.

LaVoix

on Mar 07, 2004

Quote - The laws about healthcare aren't really like that. Yes, you may have debt if you have a big healthcare bill, but you will not go broke or get bad credit because of it. Unquote.

Things like that you didn't say? You won't get bad credit? You won't go broke?

Okay I said - Quote - Karma - I'm glad you got 'yours' and have a wonderful life. But girlfriend, one of these days, you have lessons coming to you. You said this and more but I dont have room to cut and paste everything. Unquote.

Ah - Look at your nickname. A bit touchy are we? Look at the placement of the whole thing too.

, seriously though - that quote is not a threat. It means simply that when the entire health care system (and others like the stock market) takes a dive and crashes - then what? And it will crash no matter how positive anyone thinks or feels. (The Chinese are practically keeping this country afloat.)

It means there are companies that will go under. It means that a service or product is only worth what other's can afford to pay for it. (ie: Confederate money and gingerbread.) It means that everything is connected somehow, somewhere. It means that when push comes to shove, people go first to maintain the profit line. One should not get too cocky nor too complacent. Look at what Enron did. Look at what John Morrell did to it's people. Good grief, even Disney now.

It's about people being on top or at least comfortable for a while and getting used to it, then having it all disappear and needing to adjust. It's about finding out that there are flip sides to everything in life. It's seeing people really try and not being able to recover. It's about all that and more and knowing that lessons come around whether we want them or not.

Quote - Or What made that possible? It's the way America works. It gives people with a vision the ability to start a business no matter how small it
is. If that person works hard enough, that business will thrive. America has the land, resources, and opportunities that allow you to work for and obtain the life you want....And, no, it's not handed to you. America doesn't mean a "free ride". It is here to give you the freedom to work for what you want. It is here to protect you and give you a fair chance. *No* country is perfect. There is no way to please everyone. But, in my view, America is as close to perfect as you can get. ..My life is comfortable, and I work in a place that I love and appreciate. I know its roots and I never forget its beginnings. I take the same view with America- learn its roots, don't forget its beginnings, and try to appreciate the way it currently stands. Unquote.

Bitter? Nah. Just have a broader view of a bigger picture. Of course I don't know you. Just as you don't know me. So what?

I learned this country's history from many perspectives. I know the 'roots' of this country.

No country is perfect, that's a given and I don't expect a free ride for anything. But I do expect honesty and REAL fairness, not just lip service - from the government, the people I work with and live with, etc. (And I don't want the type of 'protection' being offered nowadays by this country's administration. The Patriot Act? Come on. And please, don't hand me OSHA, etc.)

Sure America has the resources and the land. But at what cost does someone develop something? Chemical weapons and bombs? The military industrial complex Lincoln hinted at? Wait, the Black HIlls and gold vs. native rights and broken treaties? Ah - opportunity - which has many facets. For example, Wal-mart - that thrives bigtime but wait, that's driven small mom and pop businesses out. Again, opportunity. But is it fair? Who decides on what fair is?

Many people do work hard and never get anywhere. Other times, people are driven to fail by people/corps that do not want the competition. Other times, people succeed. Is it just sometimes the luck of the draw? Who knows.

If you are part of a company that did it right, doesn't prey on others, does not abuse it's workforce or trash the environment, etc. then hey, great. Kudo's and all that. It's working for you. Just never get to the point where you can't see the other side. That's all.

Always keep your options open and good luck.

bakerstreet

on Mar 07, 2004

"You can have your vehicle taken under certain circumstances. You can also lose your house, esp. if it's paid for. "

Let's see the laws. You quote all you like about insurance companies, that is a private thing. You can choose what state to live in, and what company to do business with. If your area is being abused by insurance companies, people are allowing it to happen.

I know of no law, anywhere, though, that allows your primary residence and primary means of transportation to be liquidated. Don't confuse this with bankruptcy. If someone wants to declare themselves bankrupt, they voluntarily come to an agreement about the liquidating of their property. They don't always force you to do that even with bankruptcy. I have known people that have successfully filed and kept their homes.

If you owe money on your house and your car, they aren't yours. The bank can take back what they own. Beyond that, if you are saying that because of a medical debt, no matter how large, that you can have your primary residence and primary means of transportation seized, you are gonna have to prove it. No offense, but in my experience I have never, ever seen it happen. That is why you see people trying to raise money for expensive procedures. Hosptials know that unless they get paid at least in part up front , there is damn little they can do to get their money afterwards.

KarmaGirl

on Mar 07, 2004

Bitter? Nah. Just have a broader view of a bigger picture. Of course I don't know you. Just as you don't know me. So what?

You *claim* to have a "broader view of a bigger picture" but how can you say that? I also like how you take quotes out of context. This post is not about healthcare, but it seems like people are fixated on it. I have had my fair share of dealings with healthcare. If you were to read my other articles, you will see that I am very familiar with healthcare and the healthcare "system".

It means simply that when the entire health care system (and others like the stock market) takes a dive and crashes - then what?

It's a service industry. you think have the government's hand in it will help? Look what the HMO's did. think that's corruption? Just wait and see the corruption if the government gets involved. And, at that point, why would a doctor become a skilled specialist? Will he/she be able to demand a higher price? Or, will we just end up with a bunch of crappy doctors that have no reason to become more skilled. (Because, if you think that doctors are doctors to actually *help* people, then you need to take a closer look).

But, you have proved my whole point of this article. People just want to bitch because life isn't fair. Well, it's not fair- get over it. The government wasn't established to micro manage your life. If you get sick and can't pay for the service, that's not the government's problem. If your business was driven out of business by another business.....well, that's just business. You should have been more competitive. Ya' went broke and lost your house because you didn't pay the mortgage? Whose fault is that?

If people would just take personal responsibility for their life and actions and quit blaming the "government" or "society" or everything but themselves, then this planet would be a lot better off.

jeblackstar

on Mar 08, 2004

Hey now, I apologized for mixing my rants. Y'all are taking potshots at me after I admitted I was wrong.

Oh, and you can get bad credit for not paying your medical bills, and I've yet to meet a health organization that was willing to negotiate that far down that the truely poor can make the payments.

Cheers

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