With apologies to all of you soap opera lovers - “Like sand through an hourglass so are the days of Health Care Reform.” Since 1994 I’ve used the hour glass as a metaphor for our Health Care (HC) and HC Financing (HCF) systems.
In the next few months the TV lobbying / advertising drama (being played out in one minute snippets by the reformers and the status quo advocates) will resemble soap operas. So like the days our lives - will be the days of Health Care Reform.
Experience indicates that most people believe we have two health care systems - one for the poor, underserved, aged, and needy and the other for the folks with individual and / or group insurance coverage - this is the rich, the employed, and folks with “resources” and / or good luck. I disagree - I believe ours is one system.
Visualize an hourglass. Equalize the sand on both sides and then lay the hour glass on its side. In this metaphor the sand is people and dollars. On one side is the “public sector” - Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, state / charity hospital systems, etc. On this side the costs of care provided are paid by taxes and out of pocket monies.
On the other end of the hourglass is the private sector. This is the insured population - those individuals that have bought their own policies or have been provided coverage (and sometimes premium subsidies) through their employers, association, or other group mechanism. On this side of the equation costs of care are paid by premium dollars and out of pocket monies.
Now before you scream that my visual is as flawed as the current systems since I have ignored 40 - 50 million people who are uninsured, I encourage you to hear “the rest of the story.” The uninsured can get care - they don’t get insurance.
When individuals in the public sector and the uninsured use services that are not covered by a public or government plans, these folks run to the private side - where they obtain services needed at their own cost or they use the private sector on a “free” (to them) and uncompensated (to the provider) basis.
When the government does not adequately compensate providers - the share of uncompensated costs are shifted to private side resulting in premium increases - in effect a “tax” on these plans (some project this cost to be 15 - 20% of premiums). When the public sector offers increasing services or demand for services increase - the hourglass is flipped over and tax dollars flow from the private to the public side.
It is a fact that Medicare and Medicaid are now underfunded in the short term to providers and unsustainable in the long term. A public plan that pays full costs for services will not be competitive and a public plan that does not pay full costs will force the private sector plans into a non-competitive position and ultimately bankruptcy. So as you can see - Health Care Reform is like “sand in an hourglass.”
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (July 2009)
All rights reserved
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Look Before You Leap.Measure Twice Cut Once.A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Health Care (HC) and Health Care Financing (HCF) should be and will be reformed in the near future. This is necessary since our current systems cannot be sustained because of their existing costs and inevitable trends of inflation. Before we act however, we should consider the wisdom of the ages offered above.
On Saturday February 22, 1997 I lay on a gurney in the Emergency Room at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in the process of a heart attack. My blood pressure was 180 / 120 and my pulse rate was over 100. I was scared, angry, frustrated, and anxious - I thought I was going to die. My emotions were working overtime and my “rational side” was on vacation. Finally Dr. Carl Luikart held my hand, looked into my eyes, touched my soul and said, “Mike, you’re not going to die.”
Reason returned. He and I agreed on a process that would fix the immediate problem and than agreed on life changes - new responsibilities necessary to sustain the fix. It worked - 12 years later I’m healthier at 61 than I was at 49.
As I listen to all sides of the HC and HCF debate “rage” on about what’s wrong and what must be done - I hear “scared, angry, frustrated, and anxious.” That’s the bad news - the good news is that the “near death experience” of these systems provides us a once in a lifetime chance to change behavior. All stakeholders are motivated to “stay alive.” Now let’s assure that the changes needed work and “stick.”
As background understand that Health Care is the delivery of medicine and Health Care Financing is the funding of this medicine. The government is already the dominant force in the system. Also understand that when we speak of the consumers of HC - we must consider the needs of the patients (users), the tax and premium payers (funders), and the providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.) of this care.
The Government is a Health Care Financer through the Medicare and Medicaid systems. Both are acknowledged to soon be bankrupt. The Government is a direct provider of care through the VA system - which though well intentioned has been shown to be very ineffective in the care provided and the number of Vets served. As an aside - Social Security is another system where Uncle Sugar provides the service - it too is known to be headed into bankruptcy. These systems are not role models.
The one true success story in Government provided health care and its financing is The Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The secret to this success is that they “outsource” the service to private sector insurance companies.
As “we the people” consider reform - let’s take a deep breath - know we’re not going to die and understand that all stakeholders must change our lifestyles in order to assure a healthy future for ourselves and our progeny. Before we add another “public” plan - to the “trifecta of failure” that are government run systems - let’s measure twice and cut once, look before we leap, and earn a penny by saving one.
Copyright Michael G. Manes (July 2009)
All rights reserved
On Saturday February 22, 1997 I lay on a gurney in the Emergency Room at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in the process of a heart attack. My blood pressure was 180 / 120 and my pulse rate was over 100. I was scared, angry, frustrated, and anxious - I thought I was going to die. My emotions were working overtime and my “rational side” was on vacation. Finally Dr. Carl Luikart held my hand, looked into my eyes, touched my soul and said, “Mike, you’re not going to die.”
Reason returned. He and I agreed on a process that would fix the immediate problem and than agreed on life changes - new responsibilities necessary to sustain the fix. It worked - 12 years later I’m healthier at 61 than I was at 49.
As I listen to all sides of the HC and HCF debate “rage” on about what’s wrong and what must be done - I hear “scared, angry, frustrated, and anxious.” That’s the bad news - the good news is that the “near death experience” of these systems provides us a once in a lifetime chance to change behavior. All stakeholders are motivated to “stay alive.” Now let’s assure that the changes needed work and “stick.”
As background understand that Health Care is the delivery of medicine and Health Care Financing is the funding of this medicine. The government is already the dominant force in the system. Also understand that when we speak of the consumers of HC - we must consider the needs of the patients (users), the tax and premium payers (funders), and the providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.) of this care.
The Government is a Health Care Financer through the Medicare and Medicaid systems. Both are acknowledged to soon be bankrupt. The Government is a direct provider of care through the VA system - which though well intentioned has been shown to be very ineffective in the care provided and the number of Vets served. As an aside - Social Security is another system where Uncle Sugar provides the service - it too is known to be headed into bankruptcy. These systems are not role models.
The one true success story in Government provided health care and its financing is The Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The secret to this success is that they “outsource” the service to private sector insurance companies.
As “we the people” consider reform - let’s take a deep breath - know we’re not going to die and understand that all stakeholders must change our lifestyles in order to assure a healthy future for ourselves and our progeny. Before we add another “public” plan - to the “trifecta of failure” that are government run systems - let’s measure twice and cut once, look before we leap, and earn a penny by saving one.
Copyright Michael G. Manes (July 2009)
All rights reserved
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Remind me again - What does the "G" stand for?
Preface - This blog originated through dialogue with Rolfe McCollister, Publisher of the Baton Rouge Business Report. Some of the ideas below were mentioned in his column in the June 2, 2009 edition of his Journal.
In 1978 I was the Southwest Louisiana representative for the GM (General Motors) sponsored FAMEX Insurance Program. I sold workers compensation, dealers open lot, garage and garage keepers insurance, etc. With a representative of GM or MIC I visited each of the General Motors dealers in my territory. Insurance was of interest but it was not a major concern. Government intervention was the issue.
In 1978 what kept GM and her dealers “up at night” was their concern that if GM obtained 65% market share Uncle Sam would step in and break up the family - General Motors, Inc. would become Pontiac, Inc., Chevrolet, Inc. etc. (similar to what was later done to “Ma Bell”). Fast forward 31 years. Today’s headlines read, “GM likely to seek Bankruptcy.” NPR predicted that soon 70% of General Motors will owned by U. S. - General Motors is going to be Government Motors. Dealers in 1978 were so right in their concerns yet so wrong about the timing and outcome.
Reasons cited for the collapse of GM are numerous - poor management, shoddy workmanship / poor quality, legacy costs / unions, failing to anticipate needs of the marketplace, and foreign competitors. The bottom line is that GM didn’t make profits. Now “Uncle Sugar” is going to fix that. Here’s what has me confused.
If poor management is the problem, how is putting government in charge going to fix it? Government failed in its job to regulate the Financial Services Industry which just collapsed. How is a government (except for the military) not noted for quality of service or effective management going to bring GM “from the ashes?”
If unions and legacy costs are the issue, how is government the answer? Government has civil service, public unions and unfunded liabilities (legacy costs) far greater than those at GM. Consider Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, under funded benefit and retirement plans for their own government employees, etc.
Remind me again how is government going to show GM the way? I’m confused.
If failing to anticipate needs (wants) of the marketplace is the problem what history of “visionary” leadership has modern day government provided? Did the “fed” see the economic collapse coming or did it catch U.S. more by surprise than did VW, Toyota, and Honda surprise GM in the 1970s? Did FEMA and other agencies adequately anticipate and prepare for 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, etc.? I’m confused.
If the problem is profits - how is the ultimate operator in and owner of losses, debts, and deficits going to lead GM from the darkness of Chapter 11. Unless the Government can show GM and her dealers how to print money and give it to prospective customers to buy their cars - how can they make this work? I realize that past performance is not always a good indicator of the future - or is it?
The “G” once stood for GENERAL - now I believe it stands for GOVERNMENT - Unfortunately it will soon mean GONE - the great company and our tax dollars!
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 2009)
All rights reserved
In 1978 I was the Southwest Louisiana representative for the GM (General Motors) sponsored FAMEX Insurance Program. I sold workers compensation, dealers open lot, garage and garage keepers insurance, etc. With a representative of GM or MIC I visited each of the General Motors dealers in my territory. Insurance was of interest but it was not a major concern. Government intervention was the issue.
In 1978 what kept GM and her dealers “up at night” was their concern that if GM obtained 65% market share Uncle Sam would step in and break up the family - General Motors, Inc. would become Pontiac, Inc., Chevrolet, Inc. etc. (similar to what was later done to “Ma Bell”). Fast forward 31 years. Today’s headlines read, “GM likely to seek Bankruptcy.” NPR predicted that soon 70% of General Motors will owned by U. S. - General Motors is going to be Government Motors. Dealers in 1978 were so right in their concerns yet so wrong about the timing and outcome.
Reasons cited for the collapse of GM are numerous - poor management, shoddy workmanship / poor quality, legacy costs / unions, failing to anticipate needs of the marketplace, and foreign competitors. The bottom line is that GM didn’t make profits. Now “Uncle Sugar” is going to fix that. Here’s what has me confused.
If poor management is the problem, how is putting government in charge going to fix it? Government failed in its job to regulate the Financial Services Industry which just collapsed. How is a government (except for the military) not noted for quality of service or effective management going to bring GM “from the ashes?”
If unions and legacy costs are the issue, how is government the answer? Government has civil service, public unions and unfunded liabilities (legacy costs) far greater than those at GM. Consider Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, under funded benefit and retirement plans for their own government employees, etc.
Remind me again how is government going to show GM the way? I’m confused.
If failing to anticipate needs (wants) of the marketplace is the problem what history of “visionary” leadership has modern day government provided? Did the “fed” see the economic collapse coming or did it catch U.S. more by surprise than did VW, Toyota, and Honda surprise GM in the 1970s? Did FEMA and other agencies adequately anticipate and prepare for 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, etc.? I’m confused.
If the problem is profits - how is the ultimate operator in and owner of losses, debts, and deficits going to lead GM from the darkness of Chapter 11. Unless the Government can show GM and her dealers how to print money and give it to prospective customers to buy their cars - how can they make this work? I realize that past performance is not always a good indicator of the future - or is it?
The “G” once stood for GENERAL - now I believe it stands for GOVERNMENT - Unfortunately it will soon mean GONE - the great company and our tax dollars!
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 2009)
All rights reserved
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Training Wheels - A development tool or a lifestyle?
Technically we are first cousins but in fact we grew up more like brothers. We’re both tall. He’s thin and I’m more full bodied. He’s very smart and analytical; I’m emotional and have more scar tissue. He’s worked in the security of government (civil service, pensions, etc.) I live in the world of entrepreneurs with the freedom, opportunity, exhilaration, and “terror” accompanying the risks I take everyday.
His father and my mother were brother and sister. Our home environments and culture were near identical. We’re just more than a year apart in age and yet worlds apart in politics and the philosophy of living. If you lined all the socially acceptable political philosophies up against a wall Martin would be standing on the far left and I’d be on the far right.
When he visits we spend much time in discussions that some would call debates, Sheila (my wife) calls madness, Martin I suspect considers needed indoctrination of the ignorant and I call my best effort to shake some sense into him.
On Friday evening after some delicious Shrimp Creole - Martin, Joe, and I discussed the world today - what’s wrong, what’s right, and what needs fixing. Joe and I came down on the side of the marketplace, individual freedom, risk, capitalism, hard work, and personal responsibility. Martin’s position, to me, appeared to be more on the side of government intervention, “spreading the wealth,” understanding the plight of others, helping and fixing, and socialism.
I tried to capture these two opposing viewpoints in a metaphor that can be explained in one page. I struggled. Then I flashed back to Christmas of 1981. My oldest son was two. A candle was burning on the table and he kept reaching for the flame. I’d stop his hand each time he got close. Then I realized I wouldn’t always be there to protect him - so this was a teachable moment. I let him touch the flame. Suffice it to say Slade has never touched fire again.
Here’s my best effort to explain away the difference in our beliefs. I believe choices have consequences - we learn by falling down and getting back up. Scar tissue is a better teacher than brain tissue. I think Martin believes that consequences can be managed by regulation and limiting choices - fewer choices - fewer consequences.
I became reinforced on the rightness of this metaphor - when listening to recent broadcasts on NPR. One discussed behavioral economics (raising gas prices to $6.00 to discourage driving), one discussed the criminalization of garbage in San Francisco (penalties for not composting), and two others reported on Financial Services and FAA regulators blaming the regulated for their failure to comply.
Here’s the metaphor - “training wheels.” I see training wheels as a temporary development tool to assist learning / independence. Martin wants government to permanently affix training wheels on our lives - to protect us from ourselves.
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 11, 2009)
All rights reserved
His father and my mother were brother and sister. Our home environments and culture were near identical. We’re just more than a year apart in age and yet worlds apart in politics and the philosophy of living. If you lined all the socially acceptable political philosophies up against a wall Martin would be standing on the far left and I’d be on the far right.
When he visits we spend much time in discussions that some would call debates, Sheila (my wife) calls madness, Martin I suspect considers needed indoctrination of the ignorant and I call my best effort to shake some sense into him.
On Friday evening after some delicious Shrimp Creole - Martin, Joe, and I discussed the world today - what’s wrong, what’s right, and what needs fixing. Joe and I came down on the side of the marketplace, individual freedom, risk, capitalism, hard work, and personal responsibility. Martin’s position, to me, appeared to be more on the side of government intervention, “spreading the wealth,” understanding the plight of others, helping and fixing, and socialism.
I tried to capture these two opposing viewpoints in a metaphor that can be explained in one page. I struggled. Then I flashed back to Christmas of 1981. My oldest son was two. A candle was burning on the table and he kept reaching for the flame. I’d stop his hand each time he got close. Then I realized I wouldn’t always be there to protect him - so this was a teachable moment. I let him touch the flame. Suffice it to say Slade has never touched fire again.
Here’s my best effort to explain away the difference in our beliefs. I believe choices have consequences - we learn by falling down and getting back up. Scar tissue is a better teacher than brain tissue. I think Martin believes that consequences can be managed by regulation and limiting choices - fewer choices - fewer consequences.
I became reinforced on the rightness of this metaphor - when listening to recent broadcasts on NPR. One discussed behavioral economics (raising gas prices to $6.00 to discourage driving), one discussed the criminalization of garbage in San Francisco (penalties for not composting), and two others reported on Financial Services and FAA regulators blaming the regulated for their failure to comply.
Here’s the metaphor - “training wheels.” I see training wheels as a temporary development tool to assist learning / independence. Martin wants government to permanently affix training wheels on our lives - to protect us from ourselves.
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 11, 2009)
All rights reserved
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Noise You Hear...
The noise you hear is the deceased members of the greatest generation rolling over in their graves. I suspect they’ve been stirring for awhile. I think GM’s bankruptcy today was more than they can take lying down. The bailouts, the Madoff scandal, the collapse of Wall Street and its icons, and the new Government intervention into our capitalist society started the wake up process and today GM finished it.
Friday’s USA Today (May 28, 2009) had two simple charts that provided a snapshot of the chaos that is our tomorrow. The front page pie chart stated, “What we owe - Federal obligations for benefit programs and the national debt soared $6.8 trillion in 2008 to $63.8 trillion or a cost per household of $546,668.
On page 6A another chart titled “Double Trouble” showed health care spending in this decade soaring from $1.4 trillion in 2000 to $2.4 trillion in 2008. The second half of this chart shows the average cost of a family health insurance plan increasing in from $6,438 in 2000 to $12,680 in 2008. This of course is before “Uncle Sugar” intervenes with more benefits for more people with more dollars that we don’t have.
I failed Economics 101 at USL but I’m smart enough to know what USA Today described can’t be sustained. I don’t know if the quote that follows is accurate or if I’ve attributed it to the proper author but I am sure that the Greatest Generation would say “right on” if they read it when they were alive or today or tomorrow.
“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves from the Public Treasury. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the Public Treasury with a result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy always followed by dictatorship.” (Alexander Fraser Tytler – 1748 – 1813)
Here’s our problem - the Greatest Generation helped build this country and the excesses we enjoy today. Most lived through the Great Depression. Most had nothing and appreciated everything. They did not know privilege but accepted sacrifice. Work was not an option; it was a part of life - everyday life.
All were impacted by World War II. The costs in terms of lives, dollars, and “blood, sweat, and tears” can never be repaid. They fought for their beliefs and paid a terrible price in battle. The only “entitlement” they expected was an opportunity. The only “payback” they sought was a better life for their families - their children and grand children. They gave and did not count the cost.
The succeeding generations now have everything and too often (in the stereotype) appreciate nothing. Entitlements are in our language and our lives. We are the beneficiaries of the sacrifices of our predecessors but may not be up to accepting the sacrifices needed to sustain the “better life” we’ve been given. I pray I’m wrong. I hope U. S. and the Greatest Generation after this brief wake up can Rest in Peace!
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 1, 2009)
All rights reserved
Friday’s USA Today (May 28, 2009) had two simple charts that provided a snapshot of the chaos that is our tomorrow. The front page pie chart stated, “What we owe - Federal obligations for benefit programs and the national debt soared $6.8 trillion in 2008 to $63.8 trillion or a cost per household of $546,668.
On page 6A another chart titled “Double Trouble” showed health care spending in this decade soaring from $1.4 trillion in 2000 to $2.4 trillion in 2008. The second half of this chart shows the average cost of a family health insurance plan increasing in from $6,438 in 2000 to $12,680 in 2008. This of course is before “Uncle Sugar” intervenes with more benefits for more people with more dollars that we don’t have.
I failed Economics 101 at USL but I’m smart enough to know what USA Today described can’t be sustained. I don’t know if the quote that follows is accurate or if I’ve attributed it to the proper author but I am sure that the Greatest Generation would say “right on” if they read it when they were alive or today or tomorrow.
“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves from the Public Treasury. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the Public Treasury with a result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy always followed by dictatorship.” (Alexander Fraser Tytler – 1748 – 1813)
Here’s our problem - the Greatest Generation helped build this country and the excesses we enjoy today. Most lived through the Great Depression. Most had nothing and appreciated everything. They did not know privilege but accepted sacrifice. Work was not an option; it was a part of life - everyday life.
All were impacted by World War II. The costs in terms of lives, dollars, and “blood, sweat, and tears” can never be repaid. They fought for their beliefs and paid a terrible price in battle. The only “entitlement” they expected was an opportunity. The only “payback” they sought was a better life for their families - their children and grand children. They gave and did not count the cost.
The succeeding generations now have everything and too often (in the stereotype) appreciate nothing. Entitlements are in our language and our lives. We are the beneficiaries of the sacrifices of our predecessors but may not be up to accepting the sacrifices needed to sustain the “better life” we’ve been given. I pray I’m wrong. I hope U. S. and the Greatest Generation after this brief wake up can Rest in Peace!
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (June 1, 2009)
All rights reserved
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Warning - Political Correctness can be Harmful to U. S.
Max DePree an expert on leadership states that, “the first role of the leader is to define reality.” I believe Mr. DePree is suggesting that no matter where you are going; you must first know where you are to be effective in your journey.
From Wikipedia - Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term applied to language, ideas, policies, or behavior seen by some[who?] as seeking to minimize offense to gender, racial, cultural, disabled, aged or other identity groups. Conversely, the term "politically incorrect" is used to refer to language or ideas that may cause offense or that are unconstrained by orthodoxy…
From Webster - correct - 1. to make right; change from wrong to right; remove errors from. From Political Science 101 at USL (1967) - Politics is the art of compromise. From this author - political correct is a compromise of what is right or correct. Farfetched - you decide.
I believe the greatest threat to us as living individuals is the belief that we are victims not survivors. In my opinion the victim give all his / her power to the condition, person, or circumstance that challenges them. To declare ourselves survivors - we take the power back.
I believe the greatest threat to us / U. S. collectively is political correctness since it diminishes our ability to define reality. If you can’t define a problem you can’t solve it. I’m not encouraging hate speech, rudeness, or offensive language but I also don’t believe denial of or spinning of facts helps in effective problem solving.
In our world we often hear - perception is reality. To that I offer the following: Reality is the facts. Perception is how we view the facts. To change reality we must intervene with resources - money, time, physical force, energy, etc. To change perceptions we merely have to change our point of view – how we look at the facts. As an example - tell me the color of an apple. Slice it and tell me the color again. Our perception of an apple is it is red or green, or golden. The fact is that no matter how you slice an apple the dominant color is white.
Today - if a person or group isn’t blessed with the facts to support their position and they lack the skills needed to win people over based upon their persuasiveness then the best they can hope to do is to constrain the effectiveness of the opposition. Political correctness allows such a control on expression of thought.
Need an example - today, we’re told that Evolution is science and science is about facts. Intelligent design or God may make us feel good but Evolution is where it’s at. Many of these same scientists will, however, go to extreme lengths to protect an endangered species that by nature evolves in and out of the world. As an aside - put most of these same scientists in a foxhole and they’ll pray… Reality or perception?
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (May 30, 2009)
All rights reserved
From Wikipedia - Political correctness (adjectivally, politically correct; both forms commonly abbreviated to PC) is a term applied to language, ideas, policies, or behavior seen by some[who?] as seeking to minimize offense to gender, racial, cultural, disabled, aged or other identity groups. Conversely, the term "politically incorrect" is used to refer to language or ideas that may cause offense or that are unconstrained by orthodoxy…
From Webster - correct - 1. to make right; change from wrong to right; remove errors from. From Political Science 101 at USL (1967) - Politics is the art of compromise. From this author - political correct is a compromise of what is right or correct. Farfetched - you decide.
I believe the greatest threat to us as living individuals is the belief that we are victims not survivors. In my opinion the victim give all his / her power to the condition, person, or circumstance that challenges them. To declare ourselves survivors - we take the power back.
I believe the greatest threat to us / U. S. collectively is political correctness since it diminishes our ability to define reality. If you can’t define a problem you can’t solve it. I’m not encouraging hate speech, rudeness, or offensive language but I also don’t believe denial of or spinning of facts helps in effective problem solving.
In our world we often hear - perception is reality. To that I offer the following: Reality is the facts. Perception is how we view the facts. To change reality we must intervene with resources - money, time, physical force, energy, etc. To change perceptions we merely have to change our point of view – how we look at the facts. As an example - tell me the color of an apple. Slice it and tell me the color again. Our perception of an apple is it is red or green, or golden. The fact is that no matter how you slice an apple the dominant color is white.
Today - if a person or group isn’t blessed with the facts to support their position and they lack the skills needed to win people over based upon their persuasiveness then the best they can hope to do is to constrain the effectiveness of the opposition. Political correctness allows such a control on expression of thought.
Need an example - today, we’re told that Evolution is science and science is about facts. Intelligent design or God may make us feel good but Evolution is where it’s at. Many of these same scientists will, however, go to extreme lengths to protect an endangered species that by nature evolves in and out of the world. As an aside - put most of these same scientists in a foxhole and they’ll pray… Reality or perception?
Copyright - Michael G. Manes (May 30, 2009)
All rights reserved
Monday, May 25, 2009
On Memorial Day - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Daddy was in the Navy, Uncle Booz was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific, Geronimo fought in World War II and Korea, and Leroy dropped from the heavens over Normandy into hell on the beaches. Thank you.
The Greatest Generation didn’t seek fame or this moniker but had it thrust upon them because of the timing of their birth and the world they grew up and too many died in. The Veterans and the families that loved and often buried them made sacrifices that are incomprehensible to those of us that followed.
Their children were the baby boomers - “the hippies” - the “me” generation. We were the beneficiaries of their sacrifice and hard work. We grew up in an Ozzie and Harriet world - that in no way paralleled the trauma they suffered. As we grew older we learned of the inner turmoil that followed many of these Veterans for their lifetime in a post war world. War is hell and it is not turned off by a peace treaty.
When our time came to serve - we, in the stereotype, did not enthusiastically follow in the steps of our fathers. Many of us served as volunteers other were reluctant warriors as draftees. Most struggled with our options - many went, some ran. War is never good - Vietnam was controversial at best, political and maybe even unnecessary at worst. War is hell. Thank you.
Today wars continue on two major fronts - Iraq and Afghanistan. With an all volunteer force it is now a choice more than an obligation. Thank God and the individual Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Air Man or Woman, or Coast Guard Member for the sacrifices they choose to make. War is still hell. Thank you.
As for the future - there will always be war. It will always be hell. The good news for me and the news I want to spread today is that you need not fear about the future of our military. Worry about politics and the political leadership if you must but be comforted in the fact that our Armed Forces are not just good but are great.
In June of 2006, I was honored to participate in the U. S. Army War College National Security Seminar in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I’d define the War College as Graduate School for the future leadership of the country’s military. During the last week of their year 200 civilians are integrated into their classrooms and lives to provide a civilian’s perspective on life and for us as civilians to learn and be awed by the substance of these young (relative to me) warriors and peacemakers.
Nothing in my life has given me more comfort in the future of our country, our world, and our individual lives than getting to know and appreciate the quality of leadership that permeates all branches of our military. For five days I met the brightest, hardest working, best educated, and most disciplined individuals assembled on any campus anywhere. Our past has been paid for - our future is being written and the writers, the leaders, and the future are bright. Thank you!
MGM
The Greatest Generation didn’t seek fame or this moniker but had it thrust upon them because of the timing of their birth and the world they grew up and too many died in. The Veterans and the families that loved and often buried them made sacrifices that are incomprehensible to those of us that followed.
Their children were the baby boomers - “the hippies” - the “me” generation. We were the beneficiaries of their sacrifice and hard work. We grew up in an Ozzie and Harriet world - that in no way paralleled the trauma they suffered. As we grew older we learned of the inner turmoil that followed many of these Veterans for their lifetime in a post war world. War is hell and it is not turned off by a peace treaty.
When our time came to serve - we, in the stereotype, did not enthusiastically follow in the steps of our fathers. Many of us served as volunteers other were reluctant warriors as draftees. Most struggled with our options - many went, some ran. War is never good - Vietnam was controversial at best, political and maybe even unnecessary at worst. War is hell. Thank you.
Today wars continue on two major fronts - Iraq and Afghanistan. With an all volunteer force it is now a choice more than an obligation. Thank God and the individual Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Air Man or Woman, or Coast Guard Member for the sacrifices they choose to make. War is still hell. Thank you.
As for the future - there will always be war. It will always be hell. The good news for me and the news I want to spread today is that you need not fear about the future of our military. Worry about politics and the political leadership if you must but be comforted in the fact that our Armed Forces are not just good but are great.
In June of 2006, I was honored to participate in the U. S. Army War College National Security Seminar in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I’d define the War College as Graduate School for the future leadership of the country’s military. During the last week of their year 200 civilians are integrated into their classrooms and lives to provide a civilian’s perspective on life and for us as civilians to learn and be awed by the substance of these young (relative to me) warriors and peacemakers.
Nothing in my life has given me more comfort in the future of our country, our world, and our individual lives than getting to know and appreciate the quality of leadership that permeates all branches of our military. For five days I met the brightest, hardest working, best educated, and most disciplined individuals assembled on any campus anywhere. Our past has been paid for - our future is being written and the writers, the leaders, and the future are bright. Thank you!
MGM
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