A Question for Doctors and NP's

When I was young, a visit to the doctor was and annual occurrence. at most, for a DPT booster...if something like a broken bone, or stitches, wasn't required. I remember four events that required a special visit. One was for stitching up my chin after trying to tight-rope walk on a bassinet. One was for a broken finger while playing dodge ball, one was for addressing red streaks running up my leg after being stung by a wasp, and one was for being knocked out, with a concussion, while playing softball in gym. Bad scrapes, cuts that didn't cause large open wounds, colds, flu, measles, mumps, and chicken pox were handled at home without a visit to the doctor. A visit to the ER was out of the question. That was for life-threatening events, which was decided by parents, emergency personnel, and finances. 

Today, people go to urgent care, or emergency rooms, for things not contemplated as requiring such things in the past. A visit to either shows people ratchet-jawing on their phone as they wait for the doctor, or nurse practitioner. Very sick children I can understand, but when they're fidgeting, complaining, and don't show any sign of severe malaise, or injury, I wonder if there is really a necessity for the visit. That brings me to my question: What percentage of visits are medically necessary, and what percentage could have been handled at home, with over the counter medications? It seems the percentage is probably too high for unnecessary visits, but that's just an opinion.

Paying Their Debt For a Student Loan

I can't fathom the amount of money given to students without any collateral, especially the loans secured by the stealing of money from taxpayers. It's over a trillion dollars, with a substantial amount of the loans in default. So, without any recourse, except for wage garnishment, how are taxpayers going to be reimbursed for the largess of some corrupt politicians? 

Should universities be on the hook for the majority of the unpaid debt? Even our local university used the easiness of securing a loan to peddle degrees that flooded the market with potential employees without an avenue toward a job in the future. Many were two year technical degrees, but the market didn't support the number of students. That's unconscionable,  and the stupidity should fall on the university. If they have to rob their trusts, sell some of their real estate, and lay off some of their employees, then maybe that's part of the solution. They sold their snake oil, and it's time they became responsible for the problems they created. 

What about the politicians? They were involved with passing legislation that allowed the waste of taxpayer funds. Maybe their pensions should be taken, their salaries garnished, and those still in office faced with a very small staff. No junkets, fact finding missions, and no travel on military aircraft. They created this problem, and should bear some of the costs. 

The students are responsible too. They signed the agreement, and many either are paying in good faith, or have paid off their loans, but the default rate is too high. To make things worse, with the only jobs available for some degrees, and income that doesn't support the loan amount, paying the loan, and living, can't happen. That money is lost, and recovery will never happen. 

So, it appears the only loser in this student loan debacle is the taxpayers that produced, had their income reduced to pay for student loans, and were betrayed by the government. Expecting them to burden more is not an option. If the government has to sell off some national parks, stop giving any money in foreign aid, and go after the money promised to be repaid after the last world war, then so be it. Enough is enough, and it's time this problem is solved.

New Eye Glasses

 I've worn glasses for years. They correct for astigmatism, and seeing closely. I've always worn progressive lens glasses, until this time. I decided on bifocals, which don't require finding the "sweet spot" for whatever is being observed. It's a change, and typing at the computer now requires my readers. I can use the bifocals, but they cause an unnatural tilting of my head, and I'm finding the neck strain I would have is gone. Also, my peripheral vision is better. I don't have to turn my head as far to see side road traffic. That would exacerbate my sore neck. Still it's a change, but in the next few years, my ophthalmologist thinks cataract surgery will be required for my cataracts. As of now, I don't have the terrible night vision, or the dullness of light advanced cataracts can cause.  

High Level Incompetence

I've worked with some highly qualified people that were a credit to their profession. Their knowledge allowed them to make good choices, justified their position, and eliminated the boondoggles that happen on every project. Most had some years under their belt, but there were younger professionals that were a credit to their advanced education. 

As time went on, and my years increased in construction, I found of who should have been the culls still in positions they couldn't handle, and in many situations, those in the public sector were advanced in position to solve the problem of not being able to terminate their employment. Their power was wielded without understanding the costs, or damage to their reputation. One, I called the "Smiling Menace". They grinned like a jackass eating briars constantly, and regardless of how ridiculous their decisions were, held fast to their decisions because their ignorance overruled their knowledge. 

The article below explains the problems with universities. Those that should have never reached the top in running the university now hold positions they use to stroke their incompetency fueled ego. They're releasing graduates that have degrees that demand a competency they don't have, and the ultimate result will be a strong unwillingness to hire those from these universities, and a suspicion of college graduates.

Link 

The Might of the Rank

I've been watching the news reports about base commanders pulling rank, thumbing their noses at the highest ranking members of the military, and forgetting their arbitrary abuse of power can be their downfall. Maybe they think they're right, but in the military, you're subordinate to the President and Vice President. Piss them off, and you might find yourself walking down the road and kicking cans.

What Covid Taught Us

The Covid debacle taught a substantial amount of people are considered useless by the evil minions of death we call "government". Doctors, food service workers, construction workers, maintenance workers, law enforcement workers and some in the military were shown they're just slaves; and those slaves willing to take an injection of slow poisoning were guaranteed their service wouldn't be needed in the future after the imported slaves (that never received the injection) took over. There's no other way to look at it, and those involved with this subterfuge need to be hanged.

Current Supreme Court Order

I read the current order by the Supreme Court in answer to detainees fighting being removed by Trump. 

 A.A.R.P., ET AL. V. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF U.S., ET AL.  There is before the Court an application on behalf of a putative class of detainees seeking an injunction against their removal under the Alien Enemies Act. The matter is currently pending before the Fifth Circuit. Upon action by the Fifth Circuit, the Solicitor General is invited to file a response to the application before this Court as soon as possible.  The Government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order of this Court. See 28 U. S. C. §1651(a). Justice Thomas and Justice Alito dissent from the Court’s order. Statement from Justice Alito to follow. 

It doesn't demand a release, or confer with the judgement of the lower court. It does state the matter is currently pending in the Fifth Circuit Court, and pending that decision, will address the matter in the future if necessary. What happens in the future will be determined by the action of the Fifth Circuit.

Add: Judge Alito isn't pleased with the backdoor method of allowing an injunction filed without due process, and ignoring procedure. My guess is DEI/EEO....whatever it's called these days is at work. Some of the justices tasks are so far over their head, they have to reach up to dust the baseboards. Others were bitten by a Marxist and are suffering accordingly. 

Low Life Without Sense

This Senator is a certifiable ass-clown. His being in office makes me wonder if the drinking water in Maryland is tainted.  Personally, I think his action is criminal, and if he's flying on taxpayer money, he should be forced to reimburse taxpayers for his trip. After that, censure him. 

A Quick Thought

Is it considered a foul in Women's sport for a player to kick a transgender opponent in the balls?

The New Slush Fund?

 I've noticed the AARP is being pushed by the Hartford to attract clients. If I had to guess, the exposure of how AARP reaped billions from skimming a percentage of premiums from United Healthcare is either wanting them to get out from under the microscope, or the executives want a raise. It's a billion dollar slush fund, and substantially more than is taken in from membership. According to a news report I read, the partnership between AARP and United Healthcare is reaching the point of renewal (or not) this year, which would mean they find a new source of income, or possibly face scrutiny they don't want. Regardless, neither really cares much for seniors, although they do care for their Social Security, and Medicare, benefits. 

I'm Wondering About the Reason

Locally, the nearest big city has had a rash of auto-pedestrian accidents. Is it there are just more reports by the media? Is it more people making foolish choices in their attempt to cross the street? Are the people getting hit intoxicated? Are people driving too fast? Are people looking at their cell phone instead of paying attentions to the road? Is it all of the above? I'll never know, but as streets become wider, the distance to avoid being hit by a car increases. When you add intoxicants, speeding drivers, and cell phones, you have more opportunities for the media to report accidents. That, and an increase in auto insurance in that area. 

A Champion Tree

 I wrote about this tree in the past. I don't remember when, but while looking at some old photos, I was again amazed at the size. 

The tree has its own web page, which is an interesting read.

link: Columbus Live Oak It's in Columbus, Texas, which about an hour west of Houston. Columbus is on the Colorado River, which is the reason for the community. It was at a river crossing, and established in 1823. 

The county courthouse is an amazing structure, and if you continue down old Hwy 90 to the west, you'll see some of Texas few see. If you do go that way, I recommend getting off the highway at Seguin, and finding another route around San Antonio. Traffic in the metro area is as bad as Houston, if not worse. It may theoretically take longer, but if so, it's worth the time to see the rural areas around the city.

Foul Mood

I've been in a foul mood for the last few days. It's the culmination of many things, but more than anything else, it's the revealing of the amount of money outright stolen by the government. Someone being punished for their crimes is more than necessary at this time, and if justice is really served, prisons won't be large enough. I suggest tents in the desert as an alternative. Wasting more money on more government owned buildings is another thing that make my mood foul.

Straining The Mississippi Watershed

The torrential rains on the Mississippi River watershed will be something to watch in the near future. While the river is controlled from natural actions to change course over time to the Atchafalaya River, the control structures haven't been exposed to what is being described as "Biblical" flooding. Time will reveal how this all works out, but if the control structures fail, the changes downstream might reveal the folly of humans. 

Thinking About Alligators

 For some reason, I was thinking about alligators this morning, and remembered some times I spent in the marsh back in the early seventies. At that time, alligators were newly placed on the endangered species list, and even today, with their numbers rebounding, they're a protected species. 

Back then, I would go with my brother, and friends, to go fishing in the local marsh. Part of the marsh was impounded with levees, which was fresh water, and the majority of the marsh was a salt water marsh, with an entirely different fauna, except for the alligators. There were many alligators. They thrived in both habitats, and required wariness when in the marsh. While they were usually afraid of humans, large females could become aggressive when protecting their nest. If they happened to attack, and you were alone, they could hold you in a death spin until you drowned. After that, if you weren't found, they could feed on your deteriorating body. Rotting meat being much more tender, eating a person was an easier task. 

Maybe they were endangered, but considering what I saw, I have a suspicion their numbers were probably smaller than when they were originally counted, but never to the point of endangerment. Doing so allowed the species to grow in numbers, protecting the species allowed hunting permits (taxes for more public sector employees) and with government inclusion, opportunities for grants, with other slush funds for politicians. I may be wrong, but I might be right. I'll probably never know, but after watching the antics of government entities, I have a feeling I am probably right.

A New Battle with Poison Ivy

About two years ago, while at my sister-in-laws, I noticed some poison ivy in one of her planted beds. Closer inspection revealed a main trunk next to a pine tree thicker than my thumb. Looking up, I could see the runners were up to fifteen feet into the tree. I asked if she would mind if I eradicated the infestation. With her permission granted, I went home, gathered my supplies, and went to work. 

I cut the main trunk at the base, sprayed the leaves around the bed with glyphosate, and left the herbicide to work its magic. Over the next few months, I took care of any stray shoots, and keep an eye on the bed when I visit. So far, only a few stragglers will appear, and are sprayed when found. II haven't found any this season so far, which is a good sign. I did the same at my mothers house years ago after my wife had a terrible reaction to some in a bed she was clearing for the approaching sale of my mother's house. Neither of us had noticed the poison ivy, and while I'm usually not affected, my wife's strong reaction required a visit to the doctor. 

The day before yesterday, while at the back of the land, I noticed a few poison ivy leaves near the ground. Looking closer, I realized the entire area was filled with poison ivy, and as much as I wanted to spray, the wind was too high. So, today won't be a good day to spray either. Tomorrow will be the same, and it's not looking like it will be accomplished until next week, if not later. It will be a new battle, but I plan on winning. It's been years since I had a real bad dealing with poison ivy after clearing a right of way on a project. The painful itch was maddening, and only the hottest of water I could stand would relieve the itch. It took over a week for the areas on my arms to finally become clear, and the memory will remain forever. 

Dealing With Those on Their High Horse

I get tired of the condescending airs of too many people that have a duty to be honest, competent, and have an integrity to match their important positions. The media is one of the worst places to find these people. Supposed journalists, with their subverted education, have unrealistic views of anyone other than their peers, fail in their duty to factually describe their findings, have a disrespect for those that don't follow their narrative, or expose their shortcomings, and pontificate on opinions that are beyond their duty. 

Politicians are another. They ignore their constituents, lavish taxpayer gifts on their promoters, and fail to do the simplest of required tasks, such as balancing their budget. In their minds, we're supposed to defer to them, regardless of how feckless, dishonest, and crooked they are. 

Judges may be the worst. The law allows them drag their feet, place extreme financial burdens on the innocent, allow attorneys to make a mockery of the judicial system, ignore Constitutional mandates, and do so with the knowledge they are failing to provide everyone with the same rights. Simple legal proceedings require more money than many people have available, and the result is they're defeated before they ever have a chance. When you add the groups that subvert the judicial system with frivolous tort, and the judges don't throw them out of their courtroom, it's not hard to fathom how people become very wary of the legal system.

It appears some things are changing. Judges are being scrutinized, which is important. They have specific tasks and those wandering from their jobs should be taken to task for their errors. Legal relief shouldn't be only for the rich, or for those financed by groups with money provided by those that want to destroy the United States. That, and it shouldn't take years to solve many problems. 

The legacy media is faltering, which is a good sign. There needs to be integrity in news reporting, and a realization multiple sources of good information are more important than favorite news channels. There are good news sources, and they should be consulted instead of relying on the legacy media, or social media posts.

Politicians always have been a untrustworthy group. Finding the good ones is like digging through horse manure for grains of corn. As a group, they've proven they fail in the most important of tasks, and created more problems than they solve. I don't see much of a change, but know if you throw enough of them in prison for their criminal actions, the rest may get a clue.