With the passing of Senator Kennedy I am a bit discouraged (again) that the US will make any real strides at a healthcare system that makes sense. As anyone will tell you, even doctors, it is broken and millions are suffering as a result. They are suffering and at a cost that exceeds any other country in the world with many, many times the cost of any other country with many, many times worse outcomes - especially for women and children. We are mucked in a dilemma of special interests and self-interests with no long-range planning and no real vision - yet with balk at anyone who tries to lead us in a sensible direction with hate-mongering and misinformation from those who are afraid of losing their ounce of gold. It always amazes me when I read how many die each year in this country because they have no access to medical care; it also amazes me the number who die because of doctor mistakes (more than 4X the first). Will I see anything that resembles a solution in my lifetime? I am no politician and I think I should say each morning Thank G-d I wasn' born a politician. lol
I was at my voting place at 5:55 AM and there was already a good line. It was exciting. I don't remember feeling this way since the Kennedy election.
As someone who was an activist in the 60s, 70s and 80s, I've sometimes felt that all that work and effort went for nothing and this country will never change. Today I really felt a little hope and was actually excited and proud to vote. I may not spend the last of my days in this country, but I also won't be ashamed to be an American. Maybe we're not the new Rome and we can change and live up to our potential and our ideals. We'll see. (is that a little skepticism seeping back in?) But there is something in the air. I hope it ain't smoke.
SuSann
Dear Friends, I am so grateful for this experience. Who knew I could mix and haul cement? Leslie and I worked on the project in Buffalo aboit a year ago and that was a wonderful experience as well, but to work with people from your own temple was somehow a bonus. Thank you all for sharing the study sessions and the day of hard work. SuSan
