Big Changes

When I started Lame and in Pain, I just wanted to talk about disability and how I relate it to my faith.  Then articles would change and be a little off center, looking at current politics and such.  No more.

It's been five years since my incident, and my family deserves something better from me.  Therefore, I have changed my outlook, focused my energies, and also changed my blog as well.  Please follow my journey in pain and possible healing at:  http://www.blessingsinpain.com/, right here at blogger. 

Thank you for your support and I wish you all the best in your personal endevours and walk in your faith in Christ.

Tom

Founding Fathers: USA or Utopia?

For more than two hundred years, the US Constitution and the subsequent Bill of Rights have guided the direction our government. These documents have been touted as the greatest documents for government rule to ever be conceived in human history. Recently, there has been an argument regarding the amount of Judeo-Christian belief and faith that were built into these documents. Before the mid to late twentieth century, this was never questioned.

The reason I bring this up is that today the president calls the healthcare bill a "moral imperative". So I ask, why now? If the Founding Fathers didn't have any form of social care in these amazing documents, does it prove that their form of religion isn't sound? Does it prove that our form of government isn't sound? Or does it show that they really weren't that "Christian" and that they didn't care, as in the case of slavery? Maybe, could it be that healthcare wasn't what it is today?

No to all the above. In fact, it was their faith that kept all social issues out of the government. Even when it came to slavery, although most of the men involved understood that one man cannot own another, slavery was also a matter of economics, practicality, and individual states rights. However, they wrote that "all men are created equal". Slavery was just too big an issue to tackle right after, and in fact during, a war of independence from England. That time would come, they knew that. But is that the answer for all social issues?

What the Founding Fathers knew was that they were starting a loose affiliation of territories, free of strong handed leadership. They had faith in man and God, that people who agreed on the least amount of laws and government were then free to live their lives as God intended. The term "the pursuit of happiness" could more aptly be said as "the freedom to pursue the productivity of their choice" in today's language. It had nothing to do with leisure or frivolity. It also had nothing to do with birth right. During this time, most schools were run by the religious institutions. Medicine was private, and again hospitals, as they were, were under the religious purview. None of this was under government control, save that which served the military.

Still begs the question, "Why?" Because in the late 18th century, even though they were less technologically advanced, all people knew that life has both good and bad in it. No one was trying to create a Utopia, because for the faithful that kind of existence is yet to come. It cannot happen on this earth. Which is exactly why there has been a push to rid our country of Judeo-Christian adherents. If people don't rely on God and His Providence, then they have to rely on the government, because when there are tough times, people need to rely on something.

If this world is all there is, then we need to have everything now. Without the Law of God, there is no sin, and without sin, there is no absolute right or wrong, and everyone deserves the same as anyone else. Can you see now? Can you see that all of the social programs of the government is a rouse to take you away from God and under the federal thumb? God says that children are a gift to parents in their old age, which means the young are to take care of the old. The care of our elderly is not up to government programs and not up to the federal policies to say what care they should get. We've done this for generations, maybe our ancestors were just better people.

So, what do you think? Are we really going to achieve this Utopia? Do you think that just giving people food, shelter, education and their healthcare is going to make life better? Have you been to the projects? Have you seen how much better the healthcare is for Medicaid recipients? Look, life is messy. It smells, there is birth and death, and neither comes cleanly.

It amazes me that in this day and age, there are those who worship the creation and not the Creator, and call it progress. My Celtic ancestors were doing that eons ago, and they came to love Christ. A moral imperative? Please, sell your snake oil to some non-believer who needs something in their life. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

When the Pain is Bad

Right now, my pain level is at an 11. You know, when you go to the doctor, and they ask you to rank your pain from 1 to 10, 1 being almost nonexistent, and 10 meaning it's so bad you go to the hospital for treatment? So I'm at an 11, going to the hospital can't happen because they can't do anything, so 11 is "Any worse and I would consider suicide!".

Now don't panic, I wouldn't consider it--ever. However, for those who don't have chronic pain this kind of reaction can seem either extreme or just a vie for attention. For those of us with pain, it is nothing but the unfortunate and undeniable truth. Pain, when it is chronic and extreme, can easily lead a person to measures heretofore unheard of. It can be maddening and at also warp time itself.

It is on these days, when I want to rip my skin off, when my tinnitus (ringing in my ears) is so loud I can't think, when my back pain means I can't put any pressure at all on it, when standing feels like a knife running up my hip, into my low back and right up my spine giving me a headache; it is now that my faith carries me. I honestly cannot imagine not having the knowledge that God is with me. When I can't think, I can say just a small prayer, sometimes no more than a three word thought, "Lord, help me." I don't meditate on anything, I don't work on my breathing, all that is out the window. I simply ask for His help, and wait. Before long, I am drifting off to sleep.

Later, when I awake, the pain is usually back to a 9 or 10, but definitely down from earlier. It is at a point that I can actually manage, I can begin to think again. It is at a point that I can go to a fuller prayer, one of thanks for that insane edge having been taken away. It is a prayer of thanks for not having to deal with this pain, this injury, by myself. I can count on Him for help.

For those who consider this nothing more than coincidence, my body doing this by some physical reaction, haven't had the experience, and I am sorry for that. Before my injury, I believed the bible was True and inerrant. After my injury, I had the blessing to "know" the words of the bible are true, in my core. Only Christ can know and share my pain, only Christ can do something about it. If you have pain, if you have some illness or injury, take it to the Lord and give it to Him to take care of. It has been my pain that has taught me so much about the Mercy and Love of God. It has shown me the sins of my life, the selfishness I had. Even though it will be five years in September that I have been down, I am not out. The Lord has His healing hand on me and I know He is with me always. When His work in me is done, I will either be fully healed, or called home, that will be His choice. Whichever way this happens, I give glory to God for all He has done, is doing, and will still do for me and all my loved ones.

That's all I wanted to say today. And yes, this has taken very long to write, and I am so happy with spell check! Remember, if you have pain, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual, don't hesitate another minute to turn to the Lord and give your pain to Him. There is only so much that can be humanly done, the rest is up to the Creator of us all. I'm going to pass out now, but I'll be better when I awake, thank God.

Taking Care of Health Care 3 x 3

I just finished watching the President give his town hall meeting in Montana. I am still bewildered. I'm not sure what made me most crazy; the questions, the answers, or the fact that there was no follow up to say, "Are you crazy?"

Let's do this justice, let's break this up into three areas of concern, and give three answers to each issue. Before I do this I would like to give full disclosure. I don't give a rat's tail what a politician's gender, color, or ethnicity is, I care about the job they're doing and whether I can trust them. The outrageous claims that "we" are just angry white folk who can't accept a black president are coming the only racists I know. So, are we ready now? Let's go:

1. THE ANGER: The anger towards the two current bills in Congress is due to:
*1--The plans that are being bantered are far too long and too complex for even the most brainy elitist. Congress is trying to completely overhaul a system that, although has obvious flaws, is also the best health care in the world.
*2--What has been written on paper, scanned into the system and placed onto the net turns out to be different than what Representatives, Senators, and the President are saying. That is what causes all the anger and yelling out at these town hall meetings. How do we know whether our politicians are lying, or just not reading their own bill?
*3--This may be the core of the matter, but I'm not sure. The frustration just might be that HEALTHCARE ISN'T A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT!!!!!!!! If that is what the President wants, start there. But it is not what we need. Just the few issues that make dealing with healthcare difficult needs to be tended to, not to have an entire new system put into place. Morons.

2. THE BILL: Now let's look at what is written within the bills that is cause for concern:
*1--I'm going to start with cost, because that is where the most gaping flaw is, no matter your opinion on who should get what care and how. If we look at the Postal System, Amtrak, Social Security, and Medicare/Medicaid, who would believe the government can make this work without extra taxes? They can't run profitable businesses, and this bill guarantees failure. How? Other than the fact that the Congressional GEO has the numbers which prove this, let's look at how this bill will encourage illegal activity. Within both bills, there is a provision to take care of illegal immigrants. Now, as the family historian, I know that I am not Native American and neither is my wife's family. In fact, we're kind of new to America, between two to four generations. However, our ancestors came over on the boat with nothing and asked for nothing. They did something unusual by today's standards; they came in, went through immigration, and worked! If this bill passes as is, it will encourage people of other countries to come to this country, and purposely bypass immigration, so they can be treated for whatever illness for free. That's stupid and you can't forecast the cost, because we can't protect out borders. No idea of who and how many are coming over. Brilliant.
*2--The president tried very hard to let everyone know that there only might be a public plan, and that plan would be only there if needed, and certainly it will pay for itself. Well, he hasn't read either of the bills. The wording is pretty obvious, especially in the congressional bill. If you have any life event, you lose the private plan and must move to the public plan. That's what is written. No amendment, no "if", and no REASON. I am fine with what is in writing, at lest I know what to expect and how to tell my representative how I want him or her to vote. That's my right. What I don't like is this "selling" of a plan particular that is the opposite of what is actually on the paper. Especially when they are spending a tremendous amount of money to convince us during horrible economic times, and while the administration is already in debt. Wonder why people don't trust the government?
*3--Healthcare options are probably the most worrisome, after the cost factor. To say that doctors are currently making decisions based on money alone is such a slap in the face to all medical professionals, I can't believe that the AMA has sold out its membership. When the President tried to compare going in for a treatment and bringing your car in for servicing I almost choked. A human body is not a car! Let's face it, if your doctor is not telling you that, at 300 pounds you're fat, then shame on him or her. But that is not typically happening, even if doctors and nurses are over worked today. For the most part, it is only natural that people don't go to the doctor unless something is wrong. Ask any dentist. There is a plethora of information about diet and exercise without some added mandate on physicians. The idea of health care vs. sick care is one that can be looked at, but most insurance companies do cover an annual checkup after 40 or 50 years of age, and other tests as well. This is based on historical evidence and that makes sense. Now if you have a family history of illness at an earlier age, then prevention should be covered, and if not, that is a place we can direct insurance laws. However, putting the government in charge, do you really think they are going to be better at looking at each one of us personally? NO, it will go to the "reg's" faster than you can shake my cane at and they'll go by the numbers without a second look. Government interference will in no way make better, more individualized healthcare. Anyone go to the DMV or SSI office? Quality, really?

3. THE FIX: So what is needed to fix healthcare? Believe it or not, that's easy:
*1--First, take away healthcare insurance from employers, yet (like car insurance) make it required for all those over 18, (parents will be able to pay for children from 18 to full time students younger than 24). Yep, from now on, all healthcare insurance will have to be bought like any other insurance you get; life, home, auto. Instead of the company paying the insurance company, that money will be given to the employee. The clincher here is that insurance companies may no longer ask your occupation for purpose of rating your premium. No more back door deals, from now on the risk will be truly across the board. Rates may be increased for certain factors; such as obesity, alcohol or drug consumption, and tobacco use. Those issues that are lifestyle choices that are in the individuals control. This change will encourage people to take an active interest in the cost of their healthcare. This is sorely missing today.
*2--No more pre-existing limitations or limits on the amount of lifetime care. I'm not asking for the coverage of all hypochondriacs, there must be proof treatment and testing is needed. However the facts are that these limits and denials have been one of the biggest problems of dealing with insurance, and a cause for a majority of bankruptcies. If, though, the first point is done, the cost will still be spread out over the most diverse group we have ever had.
*3--For those born with disabilities that will remain throughout their life, insurance companies will be rotated, much like pro-bono cases in law. They must be admitted insurance, and there must be a guardian appointed (first family, then either attorney or social service personnel)to insure proper care and bill paying. However, if one is not a US citizen or resident alien; no insurance/no treatment. NONE. Any US citizen who needs to be treated and does not have it, will get emergent care only and must procure it within 30 days. It is points like this that will take care of the cost.

**Bonus answer: No longer will the government be the ones to place the price tag on healthcare, as they do now because of the way they handle Medicare/Medicaid rates. The government does not pay the full amount, they only pay between 60-80% of the bill and private insurers pay 135% to cover the difference. Today, each patient should be given a price list for all tests and procedures beforehand (except in emergency situations) based on that institution. This will cause real competition, and prices will come down to attract more patients. The federal and state run healthcare plans currently existing, Medicare and Medicaid, will payout the same as everyone.

What the government can do to make this work, is to subsidize coverage based on income. This plan can even take the place of Medicare, if it is subsidized correctly. Currently. Plan A is paid for, but the individual must either take government Part B, or find and pay for better coverage. Here, the government can use current taxes and the IRS system that is in place. By using a sliding scale, individuals or families can receive a subsidy to assist in the purchase of insurance, but still remain in control over the type they deem best. No need for a government option, no need to reinvent the wheel.

That's about it. As a former paramedic/nurse, a financial planner, and now completely and physically impaired, putting me on disability; I believe I have a unique, but experienced voice in this. These are the basics of what I believe is a sensible and simple plan, and it actually builds on what is there. It increases personal responsibility, and puts the cost back to the free market, without government interference, which fosters competition and encourages further innovation. Isn't that what we should be looking for in the end?

The President and the Pope

The President meets the Pope, AKA the Community Organizer meets the Toothless Rottweiler. This Newsweek article, which is not reporting, but rather liberal whining, tries to make Obama both President and a better Pope for American Catholics than Pope Benedict XVI. The fallacy here is that American Catholics are true Catholics in general. Obedience is a Christian mandate, no matter the denomination. If a Catholic does not agree with the Papacy, then that person is a heretic and should either get in step or leave the church and find another denomination. I did, but not for any of the reasons that make Obama a better religious leader...trust me on that.

First, let's look at Obama and his social concepts. Obama is not the savior of America as many liberals socialists believe, because he is not affirming the rights of the people, he is commanding the directive of the government. The current President says, in what he does because I have stopped listening to what he says, is that the government will force the populace to comply with what is good and that will make a better world. We should listen to everyone, take the best and use that. But that isn't what religion, better to say faith, is about. It is also not what the United States was founded on. We, as a country, have based on our government on the rights of the individual to believe and say what they will, however, we also had a mutually agreed upon set level of social acceptance. I fear that today, citizens are far more concerned with what the other person believes or says, causing us to attempt to control the mind, not the actions. Contrary, actions that were once regulated to the privacy of the home, are now allowed in public view. Drunkenness (apart from communal revelry), sexual relations and appetite, and a general aggressiveness are far more open now than they have been in America. The suppression of shame and guilt, the basic emotions associated with having sinned, have garnered a society that has become far more self aggrandizing as well as the unwilling for improvement of the self.

As for the Pope, he has gone from the staunch protector of the Catholic Dogma, to the aged, philosopher who looks to see the betterment of mankind through loving faithfulness of Christ and the Church. Although his sentiments are well put and intended, men know that philosophers don't rule or win battles. We should firmly resolve to be faithful to Christ and the Scripture, but when governments attempt to rule in such fashion as to take care of the populace, than two very important things happen. First, it gives the individual no incentive to be better. No matter what, the government will see to the basic needs of his or her life. Second, it turns the glory to the governing body, or individuals, and away from God. This latter issue is of supreme importance to all the faithful. We must be allowed to succeed or fail under the Eyes of God, and praise Him for our blessings and failures. When we are mandated to have food, shelter and healthcare and other benefits or items, then God was not part of this, just the ruling class.

Today, with the aggressive push against faith in any circumstance, the idea that faith is part of life and not the encompassing reason for and ruling guide for life, the President is essentially becoming a god for the people. The Pope must find his teeth of old and let Obama know exactly two Truths of Life. 1. There is a God, and 2. It is not Obama.

When Were You "Saved"?

OK, let's get the old saying, nay joke, out of the way. "Saved from what?" I guess that although I cringe at that question, it really is quite valid. Before I can go into when, I should visit the what of being saved. The simplest way of answering this question comes by way of the ancient, holy scrolls:

Whether we use the message of John 3:3, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." or elsewhere in the same Gospel (10:9a), "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved" we are speaking of the same Truth. We are human and so very far from perfect. "For all of us have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God", and we need/want to find our way back to Him. That Way, is the way of the cross. As the blood of Jesus dripped from the cross, He being fully man and fully God, washed us all of our sins by His holy perfection. Our heavenly Father now only sees His Son in us, and allows us to enter His throne; forgetting all of our sins, which at least for me are more than the current US debt! So as plainly as I know how to say it, we who are unable to be holy by ourselves, are saved by the Blood of Jesus and from sin and an eternity away from God.

So, I ask again, when were you saved from the terrible pains of an eternity away from the sight of God? My wife and I were recently discussing all the times in our marriage and life when we had done something foolish, only to be ok in the end. Stefanie used to say that I had a leprechaun in my pocket. For myself, I know of many times I was shot at, but two times when I looked down the actual barrel of a pistol directed at me. I remember years before I had even met my wife, I was driving home late at night and drunk. I hit another car, totaling my Datsun B 2-10, and walked away with a cut across the bridge of my nose and nothing more. My friend sitting in the seat next to me woke up in the accident, and only had some broken glass on his clothing, but no injuries at all. As a soldier, security officer, paramedic, nurse, and all around invincible young Irishman who lived life out loud, I was never harmed in any severe way. In full disclosure, I was a Roman Catholic during those years but, how devout can I be drunk driving? My relationship with Christ was obviously on my terms, not His. So how is it both in my life and in our marriage, we have always seemed to be ok in the end? Is it possible that we were meant to be saved long before I had full knowledge of what it meant for me? Kinda'.

Once again, I look to the ancient, holy Word written for us by roughly forty different men of a variety of set and time of circumstances over a period of 1,000 years under the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit; yet has the golden thread of God's Truth throughout. In those scrolls (books, poems, songs, Gospels, and letters), I find the following to help answer my questions. In the letter to the Romans, or more specifically a letter written by the apostle Paul to the early Gentile believers in Rome, we find that Paul is very specific in this matter. In the eighth chapter, verses 28-30, we read "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." When Paul writes that we are called according to His purpose, does that mean we are all chosen by God beforehand? In another letter, this one to the Ephesians, we find right in the first chapter, third verse, it begins, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Just a little later, starting in verse eleven, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation."

That is quite a lot to consider, and I know that this doctrine of predestination is no small matter. This doctrine alone splits churches and even families. But that is not really my question, is it? If I am asking "when" were you saved, it begs the inner question of when did you realize that you were meant for something more? If you feel, or can look upon your own past, and there is something that has kept you either safe or maybe at peace, what is it? Maybe it is the opposite, and your life has not been good, protected, or peaceful; has your lifestyle been starkly against what His Word says? If you believe there is a God, but he seems distant to you, even though you can see His hand in your own life or your life out of His hand, then what is the next step? Let's look at how His Word shows us the response of new believers.

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, is an historical record of the time between the resurrection of Christ to the conversion of Paul. Luke tells us in 2:42 that, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Now this sounds great, but it wasn't all fun times. Lest we forget that this new, small band became a perfect scapegoat for both Jewish leadership and Roman oppressors. Even though Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power, had the face of an angel, and preached the Word of God boldly; he was stoned to death by Jewish leaders for speaking the Truth. This killing began what was called the great persecution, and scattered many of these new believers. But it also helped to spread the Word wherever they went. My point, these men, women and children gave all to Christ, who gave them everything. The were joyful, loving in heart and by deed, caring for one another. They remained that way, even in the face of death.

So let me wrap up how this all fits together for you. When were you saved? Have you listened for the voice of your Creator? Have you responded, accepting His blood bought gift? If so, how thankful have you been, really? Do you rejoice in all things? Do you testify to God's goodness so others may stop and hear the Lord's call? The answers: We were created to be saved before the Lord formed us in our mother's womb, and He calls to us each day. Once we accept His call, we are saved each moment of our life and I don't believe we can be thankful enough. So we are called to be saved before we even realize it, but how long will we live without heading His call? When were you saved?

The Jewish Internet Defense Force In Force

I am proud to have been involved with this group for over a year now, and have been afforded the opportunity to get an education and do some good work as well. The education has been intensive, but sadly it has also been heartbreaking. The type of hate against the Jewish people today is near overwhelming. The vile put forth spews like a cesspool bursting under pressure throughout the internet completely unabated, until the JIDF came along. Its creator has been on a mission, and has brought thousands with him over time.

So many people speak of hate crimes, but because of America’s freedom of speech, it is ok to deny the Holocaust, call for the extermination of the Jewish people wherever they are, to call for the wiping Israel off the map, and to advance lies of all kinds against a people who have the equal right to live as all people. It may be their right to expound nonsense, but where is the responsibility? Within Facebook, the powers that be are quick to protect Islam and homosexuals from any of the slightest words of disrespect. Where is that concern for the Jews? Don’t bother to take the time to look it up, you won’t find it.

As for the work I have been proud to have taken part in, the JIDF has been able to over power hate sites with numbers, being able to take over the site and eventually shutting them down. No hacking and nothing illegal, we have been able to push Facebook to do the right thing in many cases and to just overwhelm other sites. It is always heartwarming to stomp out ignorance. To some, this will sound like some slippery slope for censorship. What about the responsibility for telling the truth? How will spreading hate ideas help anyone? Is it right to allow ignorance to spread, and very possibly lead to hurt or even death? Where do the rights of the individual trump, not the community, but the truth?

Please take time to visit http://www.thejidf.org/, and be a part of celebrating Israel’s 61st anniversary by helping to shut down the 20 most hateful, anti-Semitic groups on Facebook.