greg775

QUOTE (Jerksticks @ May 24, 2017 -> 03:20 AM) I think the answer is a universal switch to concierge medicine across the board. Everyone carries insurance for serious disease. Insurance companies win, and people win. The only people that lose are all the coders and billing departments at every hospital/doctor's office. The need for that field would plummet. I kind of agree with this.

I don't like the topic of white privilege because I don't agree with the protests on campuses where unsuspecting students get drawn into it when all they are doing is trying to study in a library and they get accosted by groups of loud people demanding you "admit your privilege." Very rude. Very bad. Very scary. I'll tell you one thing: This white privilege thing from what I've been reading (not saying it's true) is hurting a great university. I was reading about Missouri's enrollment being way down and dorms closing and businesses closing, etc., cause the protests killed enrollment. If this isn't true, maybe the MU grads on here can fill us in. Laugh at me all you want but the basketball team may be very important in bringing Missouri back. That team figures to be sensational this season and sports can change the feelings on a campus quickly. This white privilege thing is bothersome to me on many levels.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ May 24, 2017 -> 03:57 AM) Why are we bunting with two strikes No reason to bunt in a ballpark like this. Renteria is losing favor in my book.

QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ May 22, 2017 -> 10:09 PM) Ok Greg - here's my effort to explain this as simply as possible. Prior to 2008, insurance companies could deny coverage to someone because they had a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies could place a maximum limit on the amount of coverage you could use in your lifetime. They could exclude entirety categories of services - like maternity coverage - from people. The upshot of those policies was that people who had cancer or had been hit by a car or had diabetes were unable to obtain insurance period, or could no longer use insurance because they had passed their lifetime maximums. This led to lots and lots of medical bankruptcies, etc. Now, those people could still obtain treatment when they got sick, because a hospital can't turn someone away without insurance. But people who were using the ER as their doctor were unable to pay the bills. And when those bills ended up discharged in bankruptcy, that led to increased costs for everybody else. The Affordable Care Act comes along in 2008. It says that the insurance companies can't deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. All their policies have to cover "essential services." There are no more lifetime maximums. And if you fall below a certain income level, you received subsidies on your insurance - subsidies that were paid for by increased taxes on the very wealthy. It also expanded Medicaid coverage to millions of people. Now, the ACA has problems too! Because insurance covers more, the cost of coverage went up for a lot of people. And deductibles went up as well. Also, some Republican states refused the Medicaid expansion (even though the federal government was paying for it). But more people had health insurance, and the number of medical bankruptcies should have gone done. The Republican bill wants to return coverage back closer to what our system was prior to 2008. The bill lets states decide if they want to make insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions. It sunsets the Medicaid expansion in 2020. Rather than subsidies based on income, it gives everybody the same tax credit for purchase of health insurance (so Bill Gates would get the same amount of credit as you would). It also doesn't force insurance companies to cover "essential services" anymore. For healthy people, insurance costs will probably go down. For people who are sick, insurance costs will skyrocket again. According to the last time the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office scored the Republican bill, 24 million people would lose access to health insurance as a result of the Republican bill (the new CBO score comes out Wednesday). Healthcare is complicated! I'm not an expert on it by any means, and the issues go a lot deeper than what I just wrote. But that is a Cliffs Note version of the issues in healthcare. Thank you. That helps much. QUOTE (StrangeSox @ May 23, 2017 -> 01:35 AM) During the campaign, he pledged not to cut Medicaid, Medicare, or social security I tell you, I'd rather have Bernie who is at the opposite end of the spectrum than the elitists like Trump. How can a Presidential candidate lie about such things? I mean if this is true and Trump said what you said, this is really appalling. If he flat out lied, he should be called on it daily. If this is true, anybody who voted for him expecting no cuts to these services just got f***ed over, flat out f***ed over. I know politicans are famous for lying about things to get elected. Maybe tons of them have done this as well. it still sucks if he ran on this and flat out was lying. I mean I guess the voter should just assume any Republican is lying when it involves positive solutions regarding social issues and common guy issues (health care, food stamps, social security, medicare). Not trying to stir it up, but at this point in time, Bernie was our only chance at compassionate social policies. (This is assuming correctly that Hillary was unelectable). This is very sad. I guess in 4 years it'll go back to normal. I'm assuming Trump will want no part of re-election. I mean OK, lets say like a friend of mine you have a horrible pre-existing condition. Now she has insurance under Obamacare. Will her company be able to immediately drop her? She'll never get insurance. Each treatment will be 50000 or more so she'll be homeless soon. Multiply her situation by thousands after thousands. We almost have to go to socialism at this point. Our system is barbaric.

Once these bastards started on concerts and sporting events ... that can really change things drastically. They've been encouraged to attack these type venues and quite frankly with the rent a cops on hand they "could be" very very dangerous venues in the future for fans. That said, this is an unspeakable tragedy. I'm still speechless and don't want to say anything but sorry for the victims and their families.

This guy is worse than the bad version of Humber.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ May 23, 2017 -> 01:21 PM) In his statement on the Manchester incident, Trump says he refuses to call the terrorists monsters because that's what they want, instead he will call them losers, because losers in life is what they are. I get what he's going for so I won't fault him completely, but calling somebody a "loser" seems like such a Trump-ism. I could see that as part of a SNL sketch even before this. I understand Trump's sentiment, but I agree 'loser' doesn't work here. Even though they are losers. I'd just go ahead and call them assholes, lowlifes. Lowlife fits more than loser.

QUOTE (fathom @ May 23, 2017 -> 04:34 AM) Just extremely sloppy, which is what his reputation was defensively in the minors. Very sloppy. Where can we move him though? I can't picture him playing anywhere but short. Maybe catcher. I wonder if he has catching in his history.

QUOTE (Reddy @ May 23, 2017 -> 05:06 AM) You are literally Donald Trump, aren't you? I really feel honored that some of the most brilliant people on this board understood my position and supported my stance even if they don't like me or in fact dislike me.

QUOTE (bighurt574 @ May 22, 2017 -> 08:53 PM) The guy had 400 games and 1,400 at bats under his belt before this season, all for a combined 0.1 WAR. That's after 2,300 at bats in the minors. He was a year or two away from being non-tendered. Glad he's shown some signs of life, but he still has to prove the consistency. Makes sense, but do you understand my point? Lot of guys are getting their first call up at 25 and fans are drooling over their arrival in the bigs. Avi is off to a good start in his year 25 season.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ May 22, 2017 -> 05:45 PM) I have no idea why people continue to take this guy's bait. ptatc's response here, shows that I am not trying to bait anybody, but discuss issues that are interesting to me. The response of the year IMO is his ... "You do see the irony/contradiction here though, right? You have students who want tolerance, yet they won't listen to a person speak. You have students who feel so strongly against a person/topic that they are protesting and leaving. Yet they are accepting a degree from a school whose organization is against the same topic. A student who could into Notre Dame could get into any number of quality schools who don't offend their beliefs as well. I really don't care what they do it just seems contradictory." Now my initial post drew an intellectually sound response like that. I don't know why you see my starting this post as "bait" of any kind. s***, it was a huge topic of interest in the news Sunday and it especially intrigued me being Catholic and having so many friends and relatives who attended ND and love ND.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ May 22, 2017 -> 09:51 PM) Greg, that isnt "the other side" its the very far very off the chart unrealistic rhetoric of insane people. There is no value in listening to that. ever. It's kind of like the other thread about ND, discussing views. I like to listen to the pro-Trumpers on the radio present their stances on the subject, just as I like to hear/read the anti Trump view on this board. All the words resonate with me as I develop a position.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ May 22, 2017 -> 06:30 PM) I have seen people from Mike Pence to Bill Clinton speak in person. I think a large part of life is seeing what the other side sees, instead of treating them like an infectious disease. The best way to change hearts and minds is to really understand the other side, and not just through the talking points you are given. Understanding why Mike Pence exists is way more important than what Mike Pence has to say. Walking out on a speech is the easy way out. You sir, are a wise man IMO and my type of person. Life is very boring listening to one side, people who agree with you. You may all hate me, but at least I like to be educated on the opposing viewpoint. Both sides of issues fascinate me. Kudos to you for your position. QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ May 22, 2017 -> 06:31 PM) Personally, I would have a morbid sense of curiosity about what makes them tick and to see how they work a crowd. Of course. Great post IMO. QUOTE (ptatc @ May 22, 2017 -> 06:36 PM) I agree with the not always agreeing with the stance of the school. But for someone to disagree with the stance enough to stage a protest but still not care about it enough to attend the school is just funny. That's what I was trying to say in my posts but I didn't do it well enough cause I got blasted on here! QUOTE (bigruss22 @ May 22, 2017 -> 07:15 PM) I remember back in HS, my freshman year we had to write to a politician (of our choice) for our civics class. I wrote to President Bush, who I really didn't like at the time. I didn't get a response, which wasn't a surprise, but then my mom tells me like 3 months later that I got a photo of the president in the mail but she threw it out since she knew I wasn't a fan. I was pretty stunned and actually upset, because regardless of how I felt about the president, I thought it was really cool that I received something from the White House (though I'm sure it was an automated response thing). These days however, I'd probably shred anything I got from the WH. Very cool story. That sucks mom threw out the letter. Of course you wanted to know you got a response. QUOTE (ptatc @ May 22, 2017 -> 07:55 PM) No it's not. They are a Catholic based school. These are the views of the founding of the school. There maybe differences of individuals at the school but not the school. They won't come out and specifically comment on it as they aren't stupid and will avoid it. That's what I was trying to say. QUOTE (ptatc @ May 22, 2017 -> 09:05 PM) They have those policies and behind them but they also represent the Catholic Church which is steadfastly against them. So which do you choose? All I'm saying is that it's funny how they pick and choose what and where to believe and how to express it. I'll take a degree from a school that represents a view that I feel so strongly against that I am now going to protest it. That's also what I was trying to say. I thought it was a logical argument myself.

QUOTE (raBBit @ May 22, 2017 -> 06:13 PM) The conclusions drawn are incredible. I'm an adult. I can listen to people I disagree with and sometimes even gain an appreciation for what I didn't believe or understand when I do. I'm accepting of all words. I don't detest people based on them having different beliefs. I won't address your ridiculous hypothetical as it has no basis in reality nor any practical value to address. OMG, what a great post! Rabbit is the voice of reason here IMO! It's so gratifying to see some people who agree with me!

QUOTE (ptatc @ May 22, 2017 -> 05:44 PM) You do see the irony/contradiction here though, right? You have students who want tolerance, yet they won't listen to a person speak. You have students who feel so strongly against a person/topic that they are protesting and leaving. Yet they are accepting a degree from a school whose organization is against the same topic. A student who could into Notre Dame could get into any number of quality schools who don't offend their beliefs as well. I really don't care what they do it just seems contradictory. THANK YOU. Even though I feel like ptatc doesn't like me, he backed me here. THIS IS WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY!!! Thank u ptatc. And for the record I love ptatc's knowledge of injuries. He da man whether he likes me or not.

I was in the car listening to two different radio hosts today. WOW. You guys would be well served IMO to listen to the other side once in a while. One host dared the left media to get him fired. Good stuff. I won't share specifics cause you don't want me to, but it's entertaining radio that is for sure. Sometimes I don't want to listen to local radio discussing Alex Gordon's failures and Alex Smith vs. Mahomes and the national politicos are interesting.

Did you see some Cavs fan got into it with LeBron after the game heckling him? That one fan makes Cleveland fans look like buffoons. Obviously the Cavs are going to win that series. LeBron was responsible for that city winning its first title in a gazillion years but some moron boos him and rides him after a meaningless Game Three. Luckily the fan was caught and ejected by cops.

QUOTE (bighurt574 @ May 22, 2017 -> 05:40 PM) Sorry man, at some point, the slow start to his career speaks for itself - whether it's an issue of effort, focus, training, or whatever else. He lost weight and got into better shape this year. I'd keep him motivated as long as I could. The pressure of not having many more chances left seems to be working at this point. I'd be reluctant to change anything, for at least another year. This is all cliche sports fan stuff. He's only 25. But the fact he's been learning in the bigs makes him a known flop in most eyes. Had he been in the minors all this time with the name Avi Garcia and come up to the bigs this year and been doing this, we'd be immortalizing him. Some of his hits this year, like that last hit in his four hit game that just kept rolling and rolling all the way to the wall because it was such a rope, would be legendary. He's been around so long he's not the second string quarterback but a known commodity. Look, face it. He's a 25 year old budding star. Now he could flop, but right now he should be given the same hype as if he'd just come up after a LONG building process in the minors.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ May 22, 2017 -> 04:49 PM) His supporters are like someone caught in a bad relationship. Just rationalizing everything he does Like all supporters. That's why they are called supporters. I won't mention the H word but she had supporters as well through all her scandals.

QUOTE (oldsox @ May 22, 2017 -> 11:36 AM) Poster child for Overpaid. Almost all major leaguers who become free agents and sign multi year deals are overpaid. Teams usually regret the multi year deals a year or so after contracting them. If they win a World Series (Gordon) then the payment is for past performance, not current and future. it's a way of thanking them for the WS.

QUOTE (bighurt574 @ May 22, 2017 -> 02:15 PM) I'd keep Avi playing for his next contract for as long as humanly possible. He seems like the type to mail it in once he gets a big deal. Was this a joke? You don't know your White Sox at all.

QUOTE (Tony @ May 22, 2017 -> 06:20 AM) This isn't about Trump. It's about Sean Hannity being an absolute piece of s***. Stop posting his nonsense. You guys really despise me don't u? The tone is always so gruff.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ May 21, 2017 -> 08:21 PM) Weren't you the one arguing about a month back saying all they needed was a catcher, a DH and another OF? That would replace Avi. Probably but I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. I'm no GM.

QUOTE (Tony @ May 22, 2017 -> 04:26 AM) Stop relaying. No one wants to hear what Sean Hannity thinks. Stop it. I think you guys jumped the gun in your joy of maybe getting rid of Trump this soon. His little meeting with Russia apparently isn't amounting to much of anything. When he gets impeached it'll be a doozy, not this thing. You may be upset with me for posting the other side's opinion, but it is very important nonetheless. But if I'm facing a ban, I won't post hannity any more.

QUOTE (Middle Buffalo @ May 22, 2017 -> 03:40 AM) I'd bet a good percentage of the straight Catholics who attend ND participate in sex outside of wedlock & for reasons other than for procreation. Care to enlighten the board on Catholicism's stance of extramarital sex, Greg? Why would these good Catholics go to ND if they engage in this perverse behavior? Excellent post. Food for thought. At least I acknowledge such. Nobody ever gives me credit when I am winning an argument. Cough, Mike Trout. but good point. Sex is against the rulebook, yes it is. That's the first point that to me has made sense. Yes I'd say of the 85 percent of the Cathlics who go to Notre Dame, 80 to 85 percent of them refuse to abide by the premarital sex item in the rulebook. Although I have read Millenials aren't that into sex or marriage, either one. QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 22, 2017 -> 03:51 AM) Greg, by this argument, you should be protesting your own church or dropping out. Certainly, there has to be 15-20% of a Church's teaching (Catholic/Christian, etc.) that we disagree with or don't feel all that strongly about. What's most important, the "core belief" or quibbling about every little issue? Seriously, if you read the New Testament literally, it promises hell for those who basically (should) know that being homosexual is wrong, if you don't confront those individuals with your evidence/testimony...you're basically condoning their actions. And yet how many church members (besides Fred Phelps' in your neck of the woods) do this? Does Tim Tebow even get in people's faces and preach to gay people and try to convert them, for instance? It's highly unusual in society today. Another good post. Food for thought. Good stuff.