Texsox

Mine is over $300 monthly average for 2,000 square feet and we have electric choice.

My feeling is the GOP should be able to appoint anyone who isn't under indictment. IMHO the person can be as far right wing as Bush wants to nominate and that should not effect the confirmation. I've said the same thing with Judges, etc.

Happy Birthday!

QUOTE(Mplssoxfan @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 02:52 PM) The problem is not so much seeing the doc whenever you're sick (though if you go when you have a cold, that might be a bit much), it's the treatment and labs the doc might give you. If someone with basic care goes to the doc and complains of a headache they've had for two days, the doc will probably give them some meds and tell them to call back in a week. If the headache sufferer has a really god insurance package with no deduction, they might try to convince the doc to call for more advanced tests (i.e. MRI), which most of the time aren't necessary. "What the hell, I'm not paying for it. I want an MRI!" Then folks like QP's pop have to drive themselves to the ER when they're almost in a coma. It's messed up. And to highlight how screwed up the system is, if the Doc doesn't do the extra tests, and there happens to be something serious, a jury is going to award the patient $$$$ in a malpractice suit. I've heard Doctors tell that at least 15% or more of their tests are ordered as a CYA.

There was a west wing episode that mirrors this. Basically, if you admire the way someone runs their company, and share the same ideals (Dem or Rep) wouldn't you want to invest? And if you are similar in views, wouldn't you want to donate to that candidate? So on that level I kind of understand researching, coming across a company, and mixing private and public work. I also think it is unreasonable for public officials to not invest in the stock market. In fact, I think it should be required so they don't f-things up and hurt me. But, it always brings up situations like this. I try to be red or blue blind to who it is and find a solution that works for everyone. Perhaps a blind super trust that every national elected member contributes to that buys every stock. The amount would vary, but every stock would be carried.

We only support that freedom if you are not a US government employee Remember Reagan and the air traffic controllers? He's wiping away tears over the brave Solidarity workers in Poland as he's firing the scum strikers here

I am certain that both parties have attorneys whose job is to research these "little interesting" opportunities.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 11:17 AM) Since we're talking specifically about issues with the VA, I'd like to hear people's reaction to this recent RAND Corp. study of health care @ the VA compared with other varieities of private health care in the U.S., which seems to show dissimilar results in cases where people actually get in to receive treatment. There are some advantages in having a consistent health care provider. I also believe it is easier for VA Doctors to prescribe treatments than HMO and Private insurance paid providers.

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 11:07 AM) 1. Whatever this turns out to be health-wise for Cheney, I hope it gets better and this becomes a non-issue. I despise Cheney for a lot of things, but I don't believe him to be an evil person. I hope he gets better. 2. If this does happen, I doubt Bush picks a Prez candidate. For Bush, it looks like the beginning of another power play precedent. For the candidate, they get all their negatives exposed early and often, while not being able to achieve anything materially positive. I don't see the gain there, unless they were a marginal candidate to begin with (and therefore need the attention). 3. Condi Rice is not ready to be a President. Therefore, I dealy hope she doesn't get a job one heart beat away from the Presidency. I doubt anyone is ready to be President under those circumstances. If that was truly the #1 priority, we'd be looking to Bush the older or Clinton to take over the reigns. They don't have to be taught where the coffee pot and bathrooms are. But this will be about politics.

There are lots of problems in our world and we can't solve them all at the same time. Sometimes it takes the problem getting just a little worse. Sometimes people have to die. As a society, we can't beat ourselves up for not tackling this problem much, much, sooner. Overall, from injury to long term treatment, we have done much better. Part of the problem, is actually a very good thing, we are saving a lot more soldiers in the field who would have died in Korea and back.

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QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 10:07 AM) Except for being one of the sleazier men in government. Nice going away present. He's got to be close to retirement. Would never be a Pres candidate. Everyone will pray President Bush remains healthy. And I think Condi would be an interesting pick, for all the reasons Jim mentioned. Not much to do as Veep. Get's us a new Secretary. Could be a win-win.

I dislike matching up socks. I am so glad I wear sandels all summer.

I'd like to offer Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. I think he'd be a nice, solid pick.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 09:24 AM) That's an interesting thought, but I doubt it will happen. I am certain I haven't thought of some problems. I wouldn't want to transfer this to civilian control, but I'd like their budget separate. I think in that way, even the hardcore small military people, could get behind the decent, fair thing to do.

I think they are talking about running to the ER when an office visit the next day would work. Wanting needless tests because your neighbors, sister's, cousin, had a droopy eyelid and then had a heart attack.

I think the problem is also localized based on unique situations, and when we average nationwide, we lose a true picture. This area has a huge problem with uninsured patients. Even worse because of our "born here, you are a citizen" policy that encourages "tourists" to magically go into labor while on a vacation. There are also a high rate of seasonal farm jobs that can not offer benefits. Add in an umemployment rate quadruple the national average and a terrible environment because of decades of pesticide overuse, and you have a tough situation. Average that with Lake Forest Hospital and the picture doesn't seem too bad. This also highlights the interconnection between two dissimilar areas. Immigratiuon and healthcare. Remove the incentive to have a baby in the US and I guarantee the hospitals here see an immediate drop in births. I understand that birthplace is a centuries old, international standard, but in a mobile society like ours, it no longer makes sense, economically or politically.

Being the bleeding heart around here, I don't think there is such as thing as too much we can do for those who were injured in the defense or offense of this country. We can do better, a whole lot better. I'd like to see the health care as a seperate budget, out from the defense budget, more in the entitlement and public aid arenas. We should never have the military in a position to choose between a cool new, and necessary, billion dollar jet and thousands of soldiers getting the medical care they deserve.

QUOTE(Alpha Dog @ Mar 6, 2007 -> 06:36 PM) This situation is a first-look at socailized healthcare in America. Enjoy!. Two very different programs. One has every voter in America involved, the other has a smaller group paid for by the larger group. I also agree with Kap, this is a bipartisan f***up.

The last thing the Dems will allow to pass is someone that would make a strong Pres candidiate in'08. I'm thinking someone like an old, career politician who is about out of gas. Someone to get them through the next couple years. If they still had both houses, they would try and build a strong Pres candidate.

for his recovery.

Happy Birthday!!

Internet for me.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Mar 5, 2007 -> 08:12 AM) That was really easy. Seriously.. Maybe we need to add some more states?

Music and Lyrics with a special friend, excellent. Love a chick flick with a chick Wild Hogs with a buddy, excellent Just have to pair the movie and friend and good things happen.