Tired of the Commercials

Medicare enrollment is about to end for this year. In two days, this should alleviate the constant pounding to buy insurance plans. Some might be confused by the constant barrage of supposedly sweet deals, and the commercials reflect the attempt to win you over with "free" stuff. Regardless, there are few things some don't know. 

Those commercials promising special deals come with some spare baggage. First, the less you have to pay, the more you're restricted from choosing your health professionals. The policies that actually give you money through health credit cards demand you either go to the doctors they can coerce into signing a contract with the insurance carrier, or they don't pay anything. In larger population areas, this allows you to see the better doctors, but that usually means long waiting times for visits. In rural areas, long drives might be necessary to just go for a checkup, and in some situations, a large part of your state the insurance companies might not even include your area. 

The most important thing to remember is that some of the commercials are not actually by the insurance companies. They are commercials where insurance agents pay a fee to a company, which transfers the caller to them for a possible new client. Insurance agents receive a fee for every person they get to sign on a policy, and regardless of your state, are licensed and must follow insurance laws. The laws of that state dictate what they can offer, and the slick commercials are basically throwing you into a pool, which is filled with those agents willing to take a chance on getting enough policies to pay for their fee to be included. You meet your agent by a phone call, and probably have absolutely no information on their reliability, or whether they will be honest about the policy you're about to buy,

If I had to recommend what people should do when they have to deal with Medicare, I would say read everything you can about the system, find a good insurance agent to represent you, and if you can afford it, go with a supplemental policy called a Medigap policy. Those pay whatever Medicare doesn't pay, and allow you to see any doctor you want. 

If It Quacks Like a Duck

I've been watching the news, listening to commentary, and digesting the assassination of Charlie Kirk. On one side, the cheering is nauseating. On the other, the demand for retribution is strong. What happens next is the big question, but I am seeing the reactions to those celebrating the assassination are finding they lack a job, probably lack a successful near future, and some will lose a business. That, and those only willing to be in a mob are looking for a place to hide. Backpedaling is a good description of some with more public exposure, but their past postings, or rants, are still to be found, thrown into their face, and their hypocrisy exposed. 

The big change is government officials that once either condoned the violence, or turned their heads, are being exposed, fired, and those that might have been sympathetic scurrying for cover. The media is finding their over-the-top commentators too expensive to keep. Hundreds of millions is the cost, and shrewd investors are moving their money to more secure investments. 

I'll be watching how this all advances. One thought is once peaceful people will violently react to those that spent years belittling years of societal advancement. Trying to destroy the moral fiber of citizens is never taken lightly, and anger that builds over long periods of time is released explosively. We'll see, but my hope is law is enforced fairly, those that are obviously trying to destroy the U.S. society are prevented from their task, and the sanity of a peaceful society is sought.    

Like Matt Dillon

I've been watching old Gunsmoke episodes. The best are the thirty-minute episodes of the first six seasons, which were more succinct in revealing the plot, and the ultimate conclusion. Usually the conclusion was lawless behavior didn't benefit a healthy society, and regardless of opinions, laws against public safety sometime require drastic actions for prevention and vigilantism can be more dangerous than any crime. Most importantly, the show revealed the imperfections in law enforcement, and how the anarchic nature of people can appear when there are no rules for a good society. That, and how corruption can destroy a city, and outright attacks sometimes require drastic actions.

The L.A. riots currently happening are the epitome of a group of people out of control, desperately needing to be stopped, and unhindered by either a feckless, or complicit government. Sending in the National Guard guarantees two things: One is the safety of those arresting illegal invaders, and the other is the protection of the rights, property, and safety of citizens not involved. It never should have reached this point, but there is a seditious effort to destroy the city, those involved are desperate, or paid, and the drastic step of sending in the National Guard is the last measure to insure the peace of the city. 

Many in California proclaim how important the state is due to the size of the economy. The same could be said if the cartels were given full control. It's not about the money. It's about the rights of all, and the guarantee crime is not used to achieve a selfish goal. When unbridled violence is used to control, the result is a society fearful of its safety, and actions that can only be described a terrorism. 

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. 

Offense and Defense

Years ago, I read a book by an officer that commanded Army troops in Vietnam. It was an interesting read, but what really stuck in my mind was how the officer knew that defensive actions allowed enemy forces to group and attack. He didn't just expound about his thoughts; he explained through the events how they worked. 

Politically, the undesired effects of the defensive position of so called conservatives is glaringly apparent. It's time for that to change. A strong offensive effort is more than needed to remove the damage caused by allowing destructive ideas to flourish with nothing but pandering as the reaction. Laws have been broken, the lives of good people have been destroyed, and those responsible need to be punished for their efforts. That will never happen unless there is an overwhelming push to destroy the enemies of the United States; both foreign and domestic. There are sufficient laws to obtain this goal, and I expect Trump's appointments to accomplish this task.

Free Range Pets

Back in the late seventies, my hometown took money sponsored Vietnamese refugees. Local churches, including my grandmother's, were proud of their money being spent for the endeavor...until they came. I'll explain the problems. 

First, the plan was to relocate the refugees in an area that best matched the environment they were accustomed to living. My hometown was on the coast, so the fishermen were relocated to the area; including some of the suburbs of the Houston metroplex. Sounds good? Right? 

A local wealthy grocery owner conveniently had a multitude of rent house near his store, which allowed them to be filled with the refugees. This area was near my grandmother's, and somehow, she ended up with a family across the street from her house. That's when reality set in. 

Without careful thought, and planning, nobody realized the people that fished in Vietnam were not the same as the people that fished in the United States. The cultural difference was immediately apparent, and the results were not pretty. 

The people across the street from my grandmother's would hang their nets in the trees to dry. For those that don't understand fishing nets, they acquire an odor when drying. Not everything washes out, and residue takes on the odor of dead fish. To add insult to injury, commodes were not readily available to many of the refugees in their country, so the porcelain storage area in the small room was convenient for storing shrimp. A little chlorine bleach in the water prevented the shrimp from becoming unsellable in a short period of time, and buyers of shrimp became wary of any shrimp that smelled like chlorine bleach. Shrimp were cheap at the roadside sales on the highway, but not smelling the shrimp before buying was not recommended.

Children, when afflicted with intestinal problems, were allowed to play outside with nothing but a shirt. That allowed them to drain, without soiling their clothes, and this infuriated my grandmother, who wholeheartedly promoted the refugees, and now wanted them gone. She commented one day: "They need to bring them all to the ship channel and throw them in."

I was living in an apartment in the same area at the time. One thing I noticed over time, was the absence of the neighborhood pets that once roamed freely.  Rumor was they were being supper, but I never had any proof, although I did notice the absence of pets I'd watched over a period of time. 

Local fishermen had a huge problem with the refugees. The refugees were given resources the local fishermen spent years of accumulating, and the refugees were exempted from many of the wildlife laws, which gave them an advantage over the local fishermen. To add insult to injury, the refugees, with their free resources, could cut the prices and the local fishermen suffered. There was even an incident of violence in Seabrook, Texas that made national news. 

So, here we are again. This time it's not being swept under the rug, and the internet offers daily views of the problems created by the unbridled relocation of refugees. It doesn't work, and it never will. 

I have to add those of Vietnamese heritage have assimilated into our society, most are productive, good citizens, and those I've known are blessed with strong family values and integrity. It took a long, long time for their adapting to our society, and the method used was far from what anyone could describe as a good solution.

What Are Your Experiences?

I've seen doctors, and I've seen nurse practitioners over the years. I have a guarded opinion about both. Some doctors are woefully uninformed of the nature of their patients, and some nurse practitioners don't seem to have a grasp of the responsibility of their autonomy. I can see why undesirable aspects of both happen, but can't see any cut and dried method to prevent conditions unfavorable to a patient. Reviews of either can be misleading during internet searches, and opinions of other patients may not have any bearing on your own condition. Both are limited by regulations, lack of quality time to spend with patients, and due to shortages, some culls shouldn't be in the medical profession. 

Personally, I've been blessed with primary doctors. Whether it was by sheer luck, or careful consideration, isn't really important without a sure-fire method of determining their qualifications. All have taken time for my questions and concerns. That, and willing to send me to specialists for things such as skin cancer and internal medicine concerns. 

I've had some bad experiences with nurse-practitioners. Their qualifications weren't the problem. The problem was their "jumping ship" where they were working, not leaving specific instructions for future doctor visits, and basically having me slip through the cracks. To the office personnel, I didn't exist, until I called to ask why prescription weren't refilled, or when my next appointment was scheduled.  Even that led to some frustrating attempts to play the "listen to the following list" menu and finding the correct person to handle my problem. 

I wish I had a good answer, but from my research, doctors have a tougher role to fill when it comes to accountability. Nurse practitioners will leave for multiple reasons, go to another doctor, or clinic, and their concern for patients seems to only be transitory. I can't fault them for wanting a better environment, or more money, but somewhere is a balance that demands more obligation to their patients. 

I have no solutions, but I do have questions. My experience is mine alone, may be totally irrelevant to most other situations, and not reflect the experiences of anyone else. That's why I'm asking for other opinions. 

It's Been 12 Years

 Sometime over the weekend, my visitor counter turned over one million. That's monumental to me, although to some that's accomplished in less than a year, or in less time than that. It took 12 years to reach this point, and I have to thank all that visited, even the rascally bots. 

Fourteenth Amendment Nonsense

Section 1

"...All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

If someone pays attention, they realize foreign citizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Of course, they can be prosecuted for crimes, but the embassies for the citizens are safe havens, and they might even be allowed to leave under the protection of diplomatic immunity. 

What does this have to do with the 14th Amendment? Its the part about jurisdiction. Foreign citizens are not under U.S. jurisdiction, and even if their child is born here, they are still a foreign citizen just visiting. Therefore, they are not automatically a U.S. citizen. 

This is easy stuff. How anyone can think otherwise either indicates they're as dense as a box of rocks, or have an agenda to subvert the laws of the United States. 

Call It What it Is

A federal judge wields a lot of power, which makes an injunction a powerful tool to cause an immediate cessation of an action; and the opportunity for a plaintiff to use the courts to obtain relief. It's a good thing, but requires evidence of immediate harm, witnesses, and legal citations establishing standing.

The judge that placed the injunction of Trump's executive order didn't demand the proper evidence, ignored the law that allowed the action, and the appellate court did the same.

This is anarchy. Any other word doesn't describe arbitrarily ignoring laws, rules, and the legal representative powers given to an elected official.

A more effective legislative branch would immediately censure the judges, and pursue impeachment for what is obviously an abandonment of the rules of law the judges swore to uphold. They abused their power, and created an atmosphere where citizens have no recourse to protect their rights by the methods outlined in the Constitution. These judges present a danger to all citizens of the United States and should be removed.

A Paradox

For years, I've watched the constant battle to guarantee an honest election, without fraud. On one side there's the demand for identification, and on the other is the demand to stop the effort for identification, with the statement voter fraud either doesn't exist, or is so minimal it's not important to consider.

You can't really determine if there is voter fraud, unless there's a form of identifying voters. You can't state there is little, or no fraud, if there is no method of determining if a voter has the legal right. So, the paradox, at this time, lies with those that think voter identification is not necessary, while using the excuse there is little, or no voter fraud.

Trump stated he wants an investigation into voter fraud, which is getting negative responses. I can understand a concern for spending money on such an investigation, but think it's important. If the investigation finds nothing, then I'll feel assured an effort was made to guarantee my vote is not negated by someone that doesn't have that right. If it does find fraud at the level Trump believes was reached, then the effort to state voter fraud is inconsequential becomes either ridiculous, or criminal culpability.

Purges

Society purges those that conflict with those that want supreme power. In the past, the rulers banished, or murdered those they felt were a threat. In present times, one great purge of recent history was when the Marxisst took over Russia, and those in power purged millions from society. They were a threat, and considered unnecessary.

The Muslims are doing this today, and the current Democrats are making every attempt to remove firearms from private citizens, so they can start their complete purge.

One purge of note was the purge that ended with the creation of the United States. As opposed to others in the past, individual freedom was the reason for the purge, and those that attempted to prevent this freedom were purged from power.

The United States is due for a purge. Who is purged is the question. Those in power obviously want it to be those that question their abuse of power. The citizens feel otherwise. Time will tell how this ends. .

Presidential Qualifications

We've had few Presidents that were qualified. While the founders fought a brutal war to secure their liberty, those that didn't live during that struggle have increasingly been isolated from those that pay their way, and insure their safety.

With the above in mind, I think the following are one week of labor requirements before a candidate can run for President:

- Pulled concrete on a paving crew
- Cleared fence rows
- Dug fence posts.
- Carried shingles to a roof.
- Carried bricks for a bricklayer.
- Placed underground conduit.
- Worked as a welder helper.
- Stacked cement on pallets.
-  Hand dug pipe for a water line.
- Spent a week in a combat zone

These are only a few I can think of off the top of my head. I invite readers to add to these requirements.

A President should have empathy, and a goal to represent those all decisions affect. While an ivy league education has prestige, it doesn't address the daily chores of those that foot the bill. Liberty, without excessive taxes, or regulations, is something that demands those chosen for leadership can understand, and cherish.

I'm adding to this post, as suggestions arrive. 

- Work in a clinic, an ER, or a hospice. 

Lagniappe

Lagniappe, and "baker's dozen" mean the same thing, unless it's not baked goods, or it's really not something extra, or you expect such things; and you are irritated because you didn't get lagniappe, or an extra doughnut.

You're welcome.

Happy Holidays?

When I hear "Happy Holidays", the first thing that crosses my mind is "What holidays?"

Should I be buying eggs, and dyeing them different colors? Or, getting out the pit, buying some brisket, and stocking up on fireworks? Is it time to buy a turkey, make pumpkin pies, and celebrate the first feast of the Pilgrims?

It's Christmas. It's the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, with families coming together, with friends, the exchange of gifts, and perpetuating the belief of a fat man climbing down the chimney to bring gifts.

So, if you're offended by "Merry Christmas", go soak your head; take a long walk on a short pier; take too many sleeping pills, or just jump from a tall bridge. Christmas is about peace, charity, and good will to all - except those so willing to politically destroy the holiday. Even if you're not Christian, relish the pure love that Christmas demands, and take a break from being an asshole.

Highway Stripes

Most people don't know what highway stripes signify. That,and the distance between stripes

The stripes are 10 feet long, and forty feet from nose of stripe, to nose of stripe. Otherwise, there's thirty feet between each stripe.

Years ago, stripes were painted on the pavement. For decades, a thermoplastic is used instead. The plastic arrives in bags, is heated in pots, and sprayed like paint on the pavement. As the plastic is sprayed, glass beads are sprinkled on top to add reflectivity at night. Without it, the stripes are hardly seen, and water on the paving almost completely obscures.

Stripes have different colors, but for highway markings, they are yellow and white. White designates the lanes in one direction, and yellow is used to signify the boundary between opposing traffic lanes.

Broken lines are used to indicate lanes. On a highway with only two way traffic, these stripes are yellow, since traffic flows both ways. On highways with multiple lanes, the broken lines are white.

Solid lines indicate the driver is to keep inside their lane and not cross the line. On highways with two lanes, and opposing traffic, the line on the right will be a solid white, and the line between opposing traffic will be solid yellow. In curves, a broken yellow line will have a solid yellow line adjacent to signify which lane of traffic is not to pass slower traffic. If it's on the side you're driving on, it indicates you are prohibited to pass, and the line will remain, until there's enough sight distance to pass safely. If there are two solid lines, crossing the center line is prohibited for both lanes of traffic.

On multiple lane highways, the right line is solid white, except where it follows the right side of an exit ramp. Beyond the ramp, the white line continues. Entrance ramps will have a safety "island" of diagonal stripes before the break at the entrance. The merging lane white line eventually ties into the white line in the outside travel lane.

A yellow solid line is found on the left side of the inside lane of multiple lane highways. Even if there's a large grass median, the yellow line is painted to signify the demarcation of opposing lanes of traffic.

Solid lines come in different widths. The typical four inch solid line indicates travel across the line is cautioned and only for a specific purpose. Roads with continuous center turn lanes have these. Travel is allowed, but only with caution, and the lane is never to be treated as a travel lane. Drivers are expected to only use the lane for acceleration, and deceleration, when traffic allows. These line are left out at intersections and driveways.

Eight inch wide sold lines are never to be crossed. These are found at entrances, and exits, to signify the traffic in the other lane has the right of way, and dangerous conditions are presented if a driver crosses the line. When the eight inch line is broken, it signifies a combination entrance/exit ramp, and drivers are to be extra cautions when crossing the line to exit, or merge.

Between the stripes, or on solid lines, raised reflective markers are placed to help mark the pavement at night, or in low light conditions, such as during a heavy rain. On two lane roads, the center of the lanes will have reflectors that show amber both ways. On multiple lane highways, the center line markers are white toward facing traffic, and red on the opposite side. Otherwise, if you you're driving, and see red reflective markers ahead, you're driving against traffic. An occasional blue marker indicates a fire hydrant is at that location.

If you got this far in this post, you're interested, and will notice such things as you drive. When you understand the basic rules for stripes, you begin to notice those that are worn, or missing reflective markers, which can be found scattered on the shoulder.

Whether interested, or not, the stripes on the highway are regulation markings. Failing to observe what they indicate can lead to traffic fines, or worse, a head-on collision on a rural highway, late at night.

One other thing: Years ago, an old TxDot worker asked me which lane I drove in, when going over an overpass on an empty highway late at night. I answered it depended, and he cautioned to always stay in the right lane. He further explained that someone driving the wrong direction will have a tendency to try and stay in what they think is the right lane. By staying in the right lane, the odds are they'll pass you, and you'll have another head-shaking moment to add to your list.

Why Sharks Attack

Because they're hungry.

The solution to shark attacks? Don't swim with hungry sharks.

Maybe, Not Important

I've witnessed some injuries on projects. One involved a mangled hand, with the realization the pink stuff in the exposed inner flesh of the fingers was live bone. It was terrible to behold, and the helplessness to offer much relief was unpleasant.

That's mild, compared to those that watched friends succumb to injury during battle. I can only imagine trying to help hold intestines in, while waiting for a medivac, or listening to the wails of someone with nerves reacting to a wound that will eventually end their life.

We honor those that fell during their service this weekend, but I like to honor those that survived, wondered about their luck, felt some guilt for surviving, and went on to live their lives in a society that rarely contemplates the horror of combat.

We're all in this together, and we're all responsible for all that transpires during the tribulations of our nation. Never forget those that sacrificed their life, and never discount the importance of all that are part of our national defense.

Hillary Ate A Burrito

That's important stuff; or not. I haven't yet determined how she plans to win an election, if she wears sunglasses, tries to hide her events, and parks in handicap spots. I'm guessing the Democratic Party is throwing all their eggs in one basket, with the hope most U.S. voters are dumber than a box of rocks....they might have a winning strategy.

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In other news: An ESPN pretty face showed her ass, Twitter tweeters want her fired forever, and she's probably getting a tan during her week off for punishment.

Since it's sports, it really doesn't matter. (I know. I'm supposed to have a different perspective, but I personally don't care.)

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Muslims threw 12 Christians into the Mediterranean. Other than a handful of news sources, it's not reported. I can only assume the alphabet networks don't care. I think my assumption is correct.

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A former NFL, high dollar player will spend life in prison for murder. Thank goodness he didn't spank his child. That would have been horrible.

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An espresso machine was delivered to the International Space Station Since I really can't find an exact figure for how much that cost, I can tell you tens of thousands per pound is much more expensive than Starbucks. I hope they enjoy their espresso. Every astronaut needs a caffeine rush, and multiple trips to urinate.

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Drones are all over the news. Everyone wants one, but nobody wants to be the object of observation. It's a paradox, in my opinion. I'm guessing more will be around, more people will be upset, and a cottage industry of turning expensive drones into piles of twisted metal will flourish.

Of course, new laws will be implemented to be completely ignored by those sworn to uphold the law.

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Suzanne Somers was sickened by black mold in the past. I won't offer any snark.

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U.S. military personnel have low moral. No Shit! I find myself astounded daily by the fact that at least half haven't gone AWOL.

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I could go on, but I won't. The news is filled with information that only confirms my belief the inmates are running the asylum.

The tea is cold, and the back porch is calling. I think I'll go watch the birds.

Fence Row Justice

Apparently, too many petty criminals, white collar thieves, unscrupulous business folks, and some government officials, think a few fines, maybe probation, and possible a few months in jail are not too big of a punishment for their discretions against the vulnerable, and trusting, members of our society.  I have a solution: Fence Row Justice

In my part of the world, an overgrown fence can be a tremendous task to clear. The tallow trees, hackberries, blackberry vines, youpon, honeysuckle, morning glory, strangler vines, and a type of vine with  thorns to rival a bougainvillea, are accented by paper wasps, ground hornets, yellow jackets, bumble bees and the high heat, with humidity. A hot summer day of clearing is nothing anyone wants to try.

Mete out punishment by feet of clearing. For trying to screw Mrs. Flahooty out of her warranty, a few thousand feet. For intentionally misrepresenting a product, about a mile should be enough. For misusing public funds, or stealing from taxpayers, ten miles should be the minimum.

I know many are thinking: "Surely, there aren't enough fences to punish all these folks", I don't think it would take that many miles. After about one year, few would take the chance of being convicted.

I might be wrong, but I think I'm right.