Larry Tracey Larry Tracey	Our national health care situation, and the fact the the insurance and pharmaceutical companies have such a pernicious stranglehold on everything absolutely sickens me. Given what a sudden illness or injury that requires extensive hospital care can cost a person who has health insurance, it absolutely boggles the mind to think about how many Americans just can't afford health insurance anymore and go without. Affordable health insurance for every man, woman, and child in our country should be the top priority of the next administration. I'm sorry to hear about you canceling your Cobra.....and I pray to God that good health makes its home on your door step...... And yes, If one hasn't registered to vote yet, do so quickly. Unless I'm mistaken, you only have a few more days to do so to be eligible to vote in the next election, and the next one is perhaps the most critical one in our country's history...... Take care my precious friend.......   Posted by Larry Tracey on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 5:11 AM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	and thank you, Larry... I have a roof over my head, plenty of rice & beans, and lots of love, so... savoring this wonderful life :)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 4:10 AM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	"Affordable health insurance for every man, woman, and child in our country should be the top priority of the next administration." You'd think it would have been long before this... if for no other reason than the net loss to the nation's economy (P.O.V. also revealed the exponential economic loss numbers for each person who misses work or loses his/her job due to lack of health insurance.) I pray especially for those who are struggling to live without treatment while desperately doing all they can (odd jobs, selling homes, etc.) to make payments on their existing medical bills.   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 3:50 AM [Reply to this]

	Willow	The United States now makes it impossible for its citizens to have a shred of dignity. We are beholden to her for everything any more, and must jump through hoops to have even the smallest measure of self sufficient satisfaction, and dare I say, pride? There was a time when we were considered her greatest asset, now, we are her greatest weakness. I'm sorry for the decision you were forced to make yesterday, Carolyn, but young families and single mothers have been making this decision for years... do I pay my electric bill, or do I feed my children? Either/or... that is what it now means to be an American... only the rich get to have their cake and eat it, too.   Posted by Willow on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 12:54 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	"...young families and single mothers have been making this decision for years... do I pay my electric bill, or do I feed my children?..." Yes, Bev, and THIS is my point exactly!!!!! As difficult as this is for me, I am sitting on top of the world compared to the ones who REALLY suffer from this 'game'! Your heartfelt, compassionate reference to those in tougher situations is the very reason I even bothered to blog this... NOT for myself... but to point out that if it creates such a hardship on me, what sort of hell OTHERs must struggle through! Thank you for digging deeper into the conversation! :)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 6:42 PM [Reply to this]

	glo Gloria Levario	Let's get married. I'll add you to my plan.   Posted by glo on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 1:34 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	I make some pretty mean pumpkin empanadas... ;)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 4:11 AM [Reply to this]

	charley	It saddens me to hear this news, Carolyn. I, too, had to let my Cobra coverage expire several years ago. I was laid off in July 2001 from the company I had been with for 17 years. It was the year I turned 50, so it was tough enough to even get a good interview. Then September 11, 2001, came along and (pardon the imagery) "the walls came tumblin' down". With few prospects in front of me I had to make some difficult decisions, as have many of us. And the decision was compounded by the fact that I was just entering the decade that requires regular check ups to address age related conditions. The health coverage issue was just one of many that resulted from the circumstance in which I found myself. I do hope that you are able to correct your situation soon. And thank you for the sweet birthday wish and poem. The phrase "trails of tears" holds a special meaning for me. Maybe I've mentioned it to you that I am decended partly from Cherokee Indian blood, and the "Trail Of Tears" was the name given to the march that the indian tribes suffered as they were driven from eastern Tennessee over to the territory established as a reseravtion for the indian nations. That territory would eventually become the state of Oklahoma.   Posted by charley on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 2:23 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	"I was laid off... (after) 17 years. It was the year I turned 50, so it was tough enough to even get a good interview... compounded by the fact that I was just entering the decade that requires regular check ups to address age related conditions. The health coverage issue was just one of many..." You are the perfect example of the fastest growing number of uninsured individuals. There simply has to be a better system... a fair and equitable opportunity for those who want to work... and an equal opportunity to access the same quality health care at the same price as the next guy. My 'trails of tears' wish was referring to embracing pain along with the joy, as Native Americans undoubtedly did as they were driven away. However, I did not (consciously) know about your Cherokee heritage or the story about the Trail of Tears. Thank you for sharing your story, and for further enlightening me about the Native American story. I have been having some inexplicable 'knowings' lately... perhaps that's what prompted my poem. You are always in my prayers, Charley... :)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 4:35 AM [Reply to this]

	Dee	Insurance and Oil= death to the common man right now. Food? What's that? I've forgotten how nice it used to be to have a stocked refigerator. Insurance? It's been almost a decade since I've had any. And I feel like I'm skating on thin ice everyday without it...but there is just no affording it? I feel this blog more than I prefer. But in real time,on a daily basis. If they can't fix the insurance issue ...can euthenasia at least be legal and free to the terminally ill? I would at least like the option to take myself out comfortably in the event of terminal disease since there would be no way in hell I could afford treatment? And the county health care system? Pfft. forget it...it's deplorable. If you make more than approx. $700 a month they won't even take you on. They want cash, and a one time visit is more expensive than a local prima care. $250. just for one visit with an on staff resident (yeah, a student doctor) I know my comment is intense and negative...but, That's about how dismal options can be in the event of no insurance if you're sick with a terminal disease. I can't even imagine how truly horrifying it would be to have sick children that you can't afford to insure,or obtain humane treatment for. I shudder to even think of such suffering so many people are going through at this time. Makes me grateful for the smallest of things today. Vote for Change.. I'm down with that!   Posted by Dee on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 4:35 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	NEVER apologize for 'going off' on or about anything!!! This is my 'kitchen'... anyone can speak freely here. You drive home the reality of the issue. I overheard co-workers in the hall earlier this week (at my temp job - and thank God I even have that!), referring to the uninsured as lazy bums who need to get a job... and as idiots who blow their money on high def TV's and designer clothes. I reorganized a few filing cabinets to work off the feelings inside me... and it wasn't even in my own department, these filing cabinets. LOL These unenlightened souls should spend a week with us, eh!!!!! "I shudder to even think of such suffering so many people are going through at this time. Makes me grateful for the smallest of things today." me, too..... me, too   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 4:50 AM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	EVERYONE (not just Dee) WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY AND THE PANEL DISCUSSION I REFERENCED IN THE BLOG......... EVERYONE.......... WATCH THEM AND TURN YOUR FRIENDS (and enemies) ONTO THESE EYE-OPENING LESSONS!!! Learn more (from the mouths of the campaigns themselves) the detailed plans they have to address our national healthcare crisis (and if you don't think it's a crisis, you REALLY need to watch these!!!)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 6:48 PM [Reply to this]

	Dee	p.s...can I come watch the 2nd series of the debates at your house since I don't have cable..or tv at all? ;) Ahhhh...I'm SO loving you Carolyn Collins!   Posted by Dee on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 4:37 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	I'll find the schedule for the debates........... and the schedule for P.O.V. and Rx............ we'll watch them on my rabbit ears static-ridden box tv (no cable/no satellite) and I'll make some hot green tea to boost our health - ha!   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 6:50 PM [Reply to this]

	Merry and the Mood Swings	Spent time this weekend with a Canadian who extolled the health care system in Canada which covers everyone. We need to get this worked out, we're one of the few industrialized nations in the world who hasn't. Until then or until your personal circumstances change, take good care of yourself and be your usual optimistic self. That's as important to maintaining your health as anything. Hugs, Mary   Posted by Merry and the Mood Swings on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 5:08 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	Hugs to you, too, Mary. LOL... Y'know, I edited out of my blog a sentence I will share with you now... "I foresee a migration further north, to a country that believes all humans deserve an equal chance to be healthy. Perhaps I should start packing." Capitalism has its place. But when it assumes the role of determining who should live and who shold die, well... There is a play I saw several years ago... where HMO's became the world government... and Kavorkianism became the world church. They worked hand in hand to ensure that those who required the least healthcare were given carte blanche, and those who required healthcare... were turned over to the church. It was such a phenomenal, ludicrous, tongue in cheek play that I saw it three times. Not sounding so ludicrous after I watched P.O.V.'s "Critical Condition". Oh, I am always optimistic, even if I am driven to tears.......... have you seen the commercial with Mr. Bill (the old SNL clay doll). Every bit if it... totally me. (I especially love the part where someone pours coffee on his white shoes and Mr. Bill replies in earnest, "I always wanted brown shoes!" If nothing else, my own insurance/work situation has heitened my empathy and advocacy for those who have the same problem, only under much more dire circumstances. Which reminds me... I missed the credits on this documentary... wonder who the amazing person was who made this... hmmmmmm.......   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 5:20 AM [Reply to this]

	Merry and the Mood Swings	Was the play you saw called The Deatherians by John O'Keefe? The plot sounds similar. The Undermain did a great production of The Deatherians several years ago. It's still my favorite of all the amazing productions that they've done.   Posted by Merry and the Mood Swings on Sunday, October 05, 2008 - 11:18 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	you nailed it in one!!! The Deatherians performed at The Underman. My fave, too. ;)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Monday, October 06, 2008 - 12:44 AM [Reply to this]

	Ashley	Every person makes a difference, and each vote matters. Thanks for raising awareness about this very important issue, Carolyn! I can't speak for everyone else, but I've had enough of corporate corruption and watching people with whom our country put our collective TRUST become uber-wealthy (corporate executives and select politicians)..........while the majority of the hard working and productive population struggles to make ends meet, and not have basic needs met. Where's the justice? We each have to use our own voices. Thanks for making a difference.   Posted by Ashley on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 5:43 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	basic needs justice voices necessary to build a successful society   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 5:25 AM [Reply to this]

	Emma * The Mind of a Woman *	Health care in this richest of nations is an ongoing scandal. Unfortunately, neither major party candidate has an adequate solution that will make it affordable or practical for most Americans. We need total reform and we need it now. This economic crisis is going to severly impact anyone's ability to fix this critical issue after the election. Regitster to vote. Call your Congresspeople and demand that they vote against this bailout. Any measure that involves taxpayer money to prop up a failing financial system will only make things worse for us in the long run. There are other solutions, that will take some time to work out but being rushed into a foolish and prohibitively expensive bailout that has no guarantee of working is only going to make it that much harder to fix the underlying system. Keep spreading the message.   Posted by Emma * The Mind of a Woman * on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 7:46 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	"...There are other solutions..." And electing a president who seeks out differing views and desires his council to challenge him would be a MAJOR step in finding better solutions for every major issue!   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 5:33 AM [Reply to this]

	cHaOtiC_StRucTurE	Bless you sweet Carolyn.   Posted by cHaOtiC_StRucTurE on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 2:42 AM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	hugs, sweet Deb   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 5:35 AM [Reply to this]

	Story by Corey	I feel for your decision. Having spent most of my career in public health, I see your story on the face of thousands of people who come through my health department's door. Providing for the health of our citizens is a fundamental moral responsibility of our society and government, as much a duty as providing police and fire protection. Its WRONG to put this responsiblity on the backs of small business and fellow citizens. No other country in ths world does this! People often say the U.S. has the best health care in the world......and that may be true for those increasingly few who can afford it. But the majority cannot afford it. So no matter how good the care may be, it doesn't matter if you don't have the financial resources to access it.   Posted by Story by Corey on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 3:15 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	PERZACKLY!!! Thanks for sharing your first hand view from the side of those who are there to help, yet their hands are tied.   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 4:12 PM [Reply to this]

	THE TAO OF SHISA BRI ॐॐॐ	So sorry to hear this..it is a sin how much helath care cost and it is the pharmeceuticals that get all the gluttony profits so they can take docotrs out to eat and on holidays so they can charge us more so the insuranc will go up so they can pay more...it is goign to be the next "bank scandal" It is soooo selfish and senseles!!   Posted by THE TAO OF SHISA BRI ॐॐॐ on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 8:39 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	You stated the nature of that crazy merry-go-round perfectly! I'm in AWESOME shape compared to most in my situation (good health and at least have a temp job to cover basic living and the occasional vacation), but I am also one of those rare creatures who treasures a simple lifestyle. My call to action came, not from my own situation, but from watching "Critical Condition" and learning what has likely been hiding behind the smiles of so many strangers I encounter every day! I know you do not even have TV, but you shoud DEFINITELY watch the online streaming video of this film. In fact, Brian... I CHALLENGE you to watch this and THEN get your acrylics to 'sing' the hope and the determination and tenacity of these brave spirits!!! (hee-hee... and yes, I am serious!) BTW was just thinking of you while listening to my "Drum Prayer" cd..... sending you energy of fire and water. Get off your butt and 'come back to life', Brian!!! Breathe in all that is good, and exhale all that is negative. Others need the song of your spirit... I need the song of your spirit! (fyi, I need to do the same... so as I pop you with the towel, I gladly turn to accept a pop from you! LOL)   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 11:49 PM [Reply to this]

	Diana	Thanks for the info AND the links!   Posted by Diana on Monday, October 06, 2008 - 4:09 PM [Reply to this]

	Carolyn Collins Photography Carolyn Collins	You, kind lady, are always welcome. Let me know when you make it into Dallas again - we'll have to find another kewl meditation garden or labryinth walk or just kick back on the shore of White Rock Lake. :) xo   Posted by Carolyn Collins Photography on Monday, October 06, 2008 - 4:12 PM [Reply to this]

	CandleBurn	Thank you for sharing this Carolyn ... it had me glued from start to finish ...   Posted by CandleBurn on Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 4:01 AM [Reply to this]