If you would do me a favor and answer below in list or sentence how you have expressed your gratitude this Thanksgiving and also what a few things are you are most thankful for it would be greatly appreciated!!

Much thanks,
Debra
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I know some and know there are others who may state:
'its all been said before'
'just gonna give thanks for the same things I always do'
'its just a routine you go through'
'auto pilot with thanks, good food...well some good food, parades, football, and uhm yeah family arguments, of course with hugs and giving thanks its only one day'

So... when 'giving thanks' is what we ought to focus on every day then what makes this day special? Just a reminder? In my religous studies program we talk about the importance of ritual, of activities and stories that give reminders to the actions that occur throughout the year.... it is one reason but really... is knowing all the reasons a necessity.....
The question may be, whether you believe the practices of giving thanks are ideally for one day or every day, what makes you do it....
What makes you give thanks?
What lends you to choose what you are thankful for?

Are you thankful for good times, bad times, people you dislike, people you like, things within your control, things beyond your reach (is there anything beyond your reach)?

Do you return a thanks, to who and what are you thankful for?

How often do you get home from a evening out with friends, or get advice when times are tough, what about when you just run into the person who has the answer/item/etc you need or are looking for---

And after the event, whichever it may be, do you find yourself saying "Thank you God for bringing this person into my life" or perhaps not towards God but somehow you thank the air or 'count your lucky stars'?

My question though is do you thank the actual person, people be it friends, the new person in your life, the person who hosted the event where you got what you needed, or so on?

How often do we actually and verbally in real life give thanks to another person? Or is it just easier to thank God on our own time or just let things be and figure the other person(s) know that we are thankful?

How often does a person actually thank you for something you have done even if it was simply saying 'Bless You' when they sneeze?

Of course then the other question is what is the reply of another or yourself if somone does say Thank-You?

It seems more often the response is 'no problem'. It used to be 'Your Welcome'. If something is 'no problem' what does that imply - could it imply it was not a problem this time but who knows in the futre?

Why do we choose not to say 'Your Welcome' or even 'Thank You'? Is there some social stigma that makes it uncomfortable to say thank you to another person - are we so high on this false sense of individualism that to think we should say thank you would lower our status or perhaps in saying thankyou we admit in our selves the need of another - need of a connection?

Is there some fear in saying thank you... and have we even gone so far as not even to offer assistance because we do not want to have to deal with saying 'thank you'. Are we to busy?

It can and is wonderful to Thank God or whichever higher power you have belief and faith in - but is thanking God enough or should we as being a community of humans, (or most any other philosophical principle) say thanks to one another?

Is it impossible to believe or have faith in other people -

Have we gotten to where there is no concept that another person could actually: help, assist, be kind, etc on their own accord.

I mean is the person who is nice to you mean to every one else - did something just make them happen to be helpful to you today or are they always that way?

(now of course by this I do not intend to bring up the debate about well the other person is they way they are because of their relation to God....I know people of various ideaological systems -religious, philosophical, cultural- and some are kind/helpful/nice/etc and some arent)

Seriously though - do you thank the people in your life whatever role they may play, are you thanked... do others or yourself say your welcome??

Remember today to give thanks to those who have helped you, have lent to you learning a lesson in life, who you care for.... and if some one does say thank you to you say your welcome, say something other then the 'no problem'

Perhaps it really does just come down to
Actions speak louder than thoughts....
perhaps asking all the questions, the why, takes a bit of mystery out, but then maybe it makes it a greater mystery...

 Wishes that you have a day of awareness of your life, of how things have brought you to where you are, where you are going....a day that you find gratitude for all of it and that the gratitude is expressed with unconditional love towards all around you!

Many blessings and much love on this beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday, I am ever grateful for my friends, family, online connections, and so much more!

Taxes Versus Programs?
I have been writing ideas for two different programs:
Health Program: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=17598090&blogId=515137266  (Really would like feedback)
and
Food Program: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=17598090&blogId=515259749
I am looking at writing ideas for other programs or ideas for altering/adjusting programs. Merely for the sake of getting the thoughts out of my mind and who knows maybe someone reading, enjoying, sharing, and/or commenting back.

In the process I wanted to express this thought of a Tax versus a Program.
With the programs I am coming up with I like the idea of a percent of taxes going to them but not a lot and ideally not long term. Rather, I like seeing the programs as optional, extremely beneficial to be part of, and while the government is, in part, actively controlling it is a step or two away in comparison to those systems that are tax based.
What I view as ideally tax based systems include those that are specifically for the education, safety, and law/regulation of daily living. Thus things such as an education system for people age 4 to 18 (over 18 make it a program), police, fire, emergency situations (be it hurricane, terrorism, etc), law and regulations that ought to apply to programs (fda and similar), interactions with foreign governments, war/defense/offense, and similar. Basically, and yes it is my opinion, but those things that help keep us safe and knowledgeable. One could say what benefits our "rights" as we know them but in a sense the programs are aimed to do that but in a "larger" or more encompassing sense. Some people may not want/worry about being part of the Health Care Program, some may like the idea of the Food Program but participate through donations to local food banks or similar rather than pay directly into the Federal program.
On an aside, when you see and read about non-profits having trouble obtaining money and knowing that a good number get federal grants and assistance which is paid by taxpayers it just seems like having departments/programs that brought these groups in the money would go further and more benefits would be reaped.
The problem at times with just using taxes is not just people might not want to be forced into paying higher taxes for programs they do not want to use but also it generally is seen as a gross increase of government into areas that some people are not ready to go. BUT if things are optional (benefits for being part, some level of cost for not), while it does take a level of "faith" that people will want to give/help (obviously they will - at some level) for programs I think with a country where so many are tired of "politicking" something like this would be easier, better, more welcoming, and similar.

Why cant something like this work?

US HealthCare Program

The Price Paid Per Year:
$1,000 - ages 30 to 55
$750 - ages 25-30 and 55-60
$500 - ages 18-25 and 60-65
$100 - ages 16-18 and 65-70
FREE for under 16 and over 70

For indigent or those making less than say $18,000
give discounts that must be reviewed each year
the use of non-profits to provide for these cases


What You Get Each Year:
18 visits to doctor
36 visits to nurse
4 visits to psychologist/counselor
4 visits to CAM therapist: chiro, accupuncture, massage, etc
4 visits to nutritionist
4 visits to specialists: endocrinologist, hemeatologist
2 full health physicals
4 Teeth cleanings
6 cbcs
4 cmps
4 specific blood tests (thyroid, liver, etc)
Flu Vaccine
First Aide/CPR course
1 education class a month (12 total: areas such as nutrition, exercise, meditation, etc)
Youth Vaccines are covered
30% ER coverage if client has been using health care system else only 10%
Any person (US or other) may join system- in order to receive benefits must pay full amount
All the "$4/free" meds that stores offer now would be able to be covered for free. All other medications read below.

How It Is Paid:
Each person responsible to pay amount by April 30th each year to receive benefits
OR
ALL Insurance plans are required to add this fee into their coverage and then pay into the US HealthCare Program


National Database:
A national databse would be needed BUT ONLY to be able to share following information:
Name, address, contact information, date of birth, whether they have paid the health fee, whether they have additional insurance coverage.



The Issues/Questions:

Why those tests/numbers: Needs research but the concept is that with those blood tests a large number of illnesses/diseases/etc can be diagnosed. Combining the doctors roles with nurses, allied health practitioners, and education ideally will decrease major problems while providing a relief of the "now uninsured."

Medicare/Medicaid: basically would disolve these two programs into the US HealthCare Program. May be able to increase the coverage for elderly, very young, and/or indigent but here would be call for non-profits.

Insurance: Require that all insurance companies must pay in for every insured the amount due to the HealthCare Program. Every insurance company must offer light/basic plans that are available to individuals in addition to the "group plans". Recommend that insurance companies offer across state line plans, plans based on field of work, etc that can cater to the situations most apt to arise for those individuals. Can NOT deny coverage due to pre-existing condition, but may add fees for those who do not take advantage of the HealthCare Program.  Because this will not cover everything it is not a "competition" and ideally can enable insurance companies to offer better, more concise, and unique plans.

Businesses: I would not "require" companies to pay this fee for their workers however perhaps there could be either:
tax benefit if they do pay
insurance companies offer 'HealthCare Program" only plans
Issue arrises of dismissed or short-term employees what to do, again reason for not requiring companies to pay this.

State/Federal: While having some management and regulation at the National Level, and much more at the State Level, a lot would be done by regions in state (county, city, etc).

Emergency Rooms: Continue to not be able to turn away people but for those who have not paid their fee it is added onto the fee of the ER. Allow a person to use the care provided by the HealthCareProgram to help with hospital visit.

Getting People To Pay: One problem we often see is that the younger (say 18-30) who are not employed full time, in school, or not employed do not view they need medical coverage. Rather than FORCE any person to pay allow hospitals and clinics to charge additional rates to those who are self-pay for the basics listed above. Conversely, if a person has paid their HealthCare Program fee have the rates be lower. Routes to do this could be to up the fees for seasonal vaccines, etc for self-pays.

Chronic Illness/Disease: The number of visits above should help in the area of preventative medicine as well as curative. In instances where this coverage would not be enough (should be for most diabetics, heart disease, etc..but in cases like cancer) then require insurance companies to create plans for these people, use non-profits, etc.

Drugs/Medicines: As stated above those medications that already are given for free or $4-$10 through places like walmart and grocery changes should be FREE under this program. For the rest research would have to be done to decide what percentage (if any) to cover.

Alternative Therapies: Some CAM therapies are provided as part of this plan to assist those who may better align with that area, however as with the 'traditionally western' treatments only a few services/items would be free. Suggestions for insurance companies to offer CAM Insurance Plans.

Education: One of the primary areas would be offering people a FREE class each month in areas of nutrition, healing, anatomy/physiology, meditation, exercise, etc. Allow one free course each month but not more than one. Insurance companies could offer incentives for people to be part of these courses on education.

Doctors/Nurses/Practitioners: In order to pay for this you would need practitioners that are willing to accept a lower income. Considering the presence of Free Clinics and similarly donated work this may only be a small bump. May be able to bring in TAX or other incentives to the practitioners that take on percentages of the HealthCare Program.

Indigent/etc: This area may still cause some problems and again looking at the number of Free Clinics and similar that we have today there must be a way to "reign" in on them so that something more/better/different can occur so the indigent would still be part???

HealthCare Program Money: Ideally this would be run in part like a non-proft but at minnimum MUST be a closed program. Money collected should NOT go into any form of general fund. When there is a profit or similar than use that money to increase benefits, to provide/assist 501.3c organizations in helping inidgent, for use to fund research when applicable to care/prevention/etc, and espeically for increase of education programs.

Initial Funding: In this area we can look to the federal money that goes to the non-profits already offering similar type programs and work to bring them in under this program diversifying the money. AND/OR do a one-time "loan/gift/etc" from general funds. And/OR by bringing the medicare/medicaid programs under this system have access to that money initially.

Start Date: Ideally this type of plan ought to be able to be put together and start in 2011 - yeah takes work and more research.

Employees: This should not cause a loss of jobs in insurance fields though may require new/more training. Additionally, you would be able to create jobs through the Education Programs and likely would have a need for more nurses/doctors as well.

Socialism Concern:
Is this a socialized system? Yes it is, but with it not going through taxes and still in part being optional, plus ideally having the program at least slightly outside of mainstream federal government worries of this would need to be asked in specific questions.

 Is it different then what we already have available through the required admittance ERs, the medicare/medicaid programs, and non-profit groups? Not really, it actually will bring a lot of that under one area so that hopefully a better system will arise. Again more questions/research would be ideal.

Will this lead to wanting coverage for everything like house over our heads etc? No more than what is already occuring and desired.






So? Why would something like this work? Why would it not work?

Please send me your thoughts/questions.
Please pass this on that I might get more thoughts/questions.
myspace.com/debbie82078 jdwrigh2@mail.usf.edu

Kinda started humming/singing this thing, don't quite have the verses solid but oh well...

"Chorus":
Phrases, and phases, and faces, and paths
so many questions
and answers don't last


I looked to the right, and I looked to the left
above and below for just what i need,
and looked behind and in front of me
but all I found, all I could see... was

"chorus"

I looked to my bother, my sister, my mother
I looked to my father, my lover, my child
and no matter the friend, the person, i sought
they looked as they n'ought but

"chorus"

i looked to the past, the future the now
searched all the whens
seeking the how
yet all of those times, were lost in the rhymes of

"chorus"



I still have a few other verses I am kinda working on regarding asking the questions of who, what, where, when, how, why as well as about heaven, hell, and enlightenment but dont have them at the moment.

FACES
Though I have passed a thousand faces upon the various paths
there is a dream in what could last
though i have drawn a hundred faces from afar to near
there is a wish of what is dear
though I have seen a dozen faces become so cherished
there is a desire for whats been wished
and though I know of a face or two that could sustain
its yours I'd wish remain

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GO AHEAD, Set Me Free
go ahead and say I am co-dependent
go ahead and call me dependent
go ahead and throw me in the realm of selfishness
but let me tell you this
yes I need to know you are there; that you care
yes I need to know whether I have helped how I have shared
yes i need to know the value the sense of worthiness
cause sure I can tell myself all day that i am right
can know each moment of a worth of a light
i can try to believe in the self, to heal myself
to know the only voice of value is the one from me
and yet....
and yet it is you who sets me free
to fly through waves of creativity
to maintain and grow a healing ability
to love, desire, share, to care, to simply be me

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In a dance usually you face each other, you are touching, and the flow of the dance is towards one another.
Yet there are dances where it is not that one or the other dancer leaves the floor but lets the other dance away....
And as that dancer moves away from the one it is the music that fills us with the emotions, with the questions...

what does the lone dancer standing there feel towards themselves, towards the other dancer, towards anything....

Perhaps they continue to dance, do some ballet, a tap routine, some hip hop moves, or stand there swaying....
The music provides that answer as much if not more than the moves.


What of the dancer who danced off ... is it freedom, is it confusion, temptation, another dancer(s), or what?

Again their dance may be fast or slow, joyful or saddened in appearance, and again the music guides us to relate to the dancer moving along the stage or the one staying still.

And as this dance continues, and the music tells the story, as the play unfolds with no words we get drawn into the scene, onto the stage with curiosity, question, and perhaps a desire to call out, to suggest, ....

and no matter what happens... no matter which dancer you related most to, no matter whether the two initial dancers dance again together or not...
no matter what, though it may be a few reviews later, a couple of re-watches, or such...  we find a sense of satisfaction, a sense of understanding, and an appreciation for the show in its parts and likely in its whole as it fits (is categorized) in some realm of life.

"We can always create, yet we can never recreate" - is this statement of mine true?

Every day we get the chance to create our perceptions, our lives, the world around us. Depending on your belief in things from metaphysics, religion, quantum physics, etc you truly can create the world that you are part of, the world around you, 'your world'. Without those thoughts though you still can create so much in each moment as you create the words to express your thoughts, you create your actions (reactions?), and the how, what, why of your daily experiences.

Yet can you 'recreate' anything? We attempt through the religious/spiritual act of ritual, through role playing, through re-enactment, through our relationships, and through how we go about business and personal life to recreate events. To 're-live' the good days, to 'bring back' a success, to recreate a feeling or sensation either to avoid displeasure (maybe to cause it), to learn, to find a sense of stability. - But, does that happen?

Not really, it appears to me that there is no recreating as every moment is new, every day is a new day, and no two moments are ever going to be the same. It goes beyond the story of 'stepping into the same river' to having the same feelings, making the same mistakes/successes, to even saying completely the same thing.

Sure there is that ability to every morning wake up and say the words 'today is a good day' - yet are we re-creating the same emotions when we do it or do we not have a whole days worth of experiences that can let us interpret newly those words, can alter how much we may believe in those words, may act to find the statement more or less true for that day?


Or perhaps that is a trivial example?

In a relationship we may try to recreate the feelings of when it is new, when we were on the honeymoon, when 'times were good', or some other sensation. There are many ways to look at this that will reveal more about the sense of re-creating versus creating. In each there is this aspect that what existed at one point should exist again and in recreating the experience, the situation, the sensations that this past experience will come back. Yet, so much has happened and when we set to only re-create does it work, does it make things the way they used to be or when they 'do' work is it not that what is created is something 'new'.

And that actually is where there is a 'problem' in that act (more so desire?) of re-creating. When we are recreating something we are living in a sense in the past, we are trying to cling onto something, and thus not allow the new to happen, to be in the present moment, to create.

There is still benefit at times to reviewing the past, to the rituals that we take part in, to the re-enactment of events, and to remembering the past in vivid and realistic routes. Yet, the benefit of realizing that each moment is new, that even the re-creatiion is but a new creation, and that life is so much more alive when lived in the moment brings us to start achieving life in a way that can be much more rewarding!

A bit different from the past few days, and likely may post again something more in line later.
However after browsing some tweets, status updates, and listening to the news a tad I am left wondering....

What will happen in 4-6 months when some (most?) of the people who got the $4500 towards a new vehicle can't make the payments on that new vehicle?

The government already owns a portion of the car companies but if this 'clunker bubble' bursts what will happen?

Well some are saying that after that $4500 these people may not have to pay much for their new or new/used car.  Answer me this though... how many of the cars that are being bought to replace the clunkers cost under say $5,000 or for that matter less than $10,000. Sure there may be some out there but then what about the reasons for the clunker program.


I do not know a ton about car sales as my car leaves me quite happy even with the work it needs... I own it, it has 206,0000 + miles on it, and yeah it gets on avg 25mpg or better....

However I am curious about the pricing of the cars and the environmental impact of the cars that replace the clunkers.

If one of the reasons for hte clunker program was to get better environmentally friendly vehicles on the road do those vehicles fit the pricing structure for the people who are there getting the trade in?

If another reason is to supply jobs - how quickly will those jobs end as the program ends?

If another reason was to help those who can't quite afford the car get one is 'credit' still being part of the vehicle assessment for them to get a new one or are there more 'no credit / bad credit' deals that are being pushed through to make this program a succes?


I am rather neutral on the program in general with being able to see some of the benefits if at least from a temporary psychological/sociological perspective but these other questions really make me wonder about short term boosts versus longer term growth.


Your thoughts?