Good day, family and friends!
Today, we start looking at litigation, insurance fraud, and special interest legislation.
Another component that has caused the cost of doing business for both physicians and insurance providers to skyrocket is runaway litigation. Over the last 30 - 35 years, the concepts of 'Personal Responsibility' and 'Reasonable Expectation' have been either perverted or completely discarded by personal injury attorneys. People who are grieving over a personal tragedy are being convinced by these ambulance-chasers that it will make them feel better to lash out at the deepest pockets they can find. Here are two recent examples of such spurious abuse of litigation:
1) Earlier this year, a grieving family in Montana filed suit against the parent company of Louisville Slugger because their son was killed by a line drive hit by a batter using one of their aluminum bats. The jury awarded the family $850,000.
2) A woman in Oklahoma has filed suit against Samsung and Sprint Nextel because a man who was distracted by a cellphone call ran a red light and broad-sided a car in the intersection, killing the woman's mother. This suit is pending.
But the most famous case of abusive litigation that really opened the flood gates is the case of Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants from 1994. In case you don't remember, this is the case where a 79-year-old woman who, due to her own actions, spilled hot McDonald's coffee in her lap. Thanks to her weasel of an attorney and the twelve idiots on the jury she received a judgment of $2.86 million dollars for 'comparative negligence'. To add insult to injury, her husband filed a separate suit against McDonald's for "loss of spousal duties" because his wife couldn't have sex while she recovered. McDonald's settled his suit out of court for another $150,000.
What do these cases have to do with the cost of healthcare? They are some of the most egregious examples of the courts throwing personal responsibility out the window. This attitude that people are no longer responsible for their own actions has spilled over into every aspect of our society...including healthcare. Because of this 'victim mentality', the cost of medical malpractice insurance coverage has gone crazy. Paying the out of control punitive damages being awarded in malpractice cases have severely increased the operating expenses of the malpractice insurance carriers. They pass this cost along to the physicians in the form of a six-fold increase in malpractice insurance premiums. In turn, this increase in the operating costs of a physician's practice results in higher overall costs to the consumer for every visit to a doctor's office. As with just about every other cost in this debate, there is a wide disparity in just how much of a physician's cost is malpractice insurance...between 19% and 27%, depending on which report you read.
Next time, we continue looking at the impact of litigation, insurance fraud, and special interest legislation on healthcare costs.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
07 December 2009
Intermezzo - Copenhagen Climate Conference
WARNING! Today's post is a bit longer than usual.
Good day, family and friends.
Recently, when I asked a number of my friends and family to join a social group regarding the UN Climate Change Conference that begins today in Copenhagen, I received a terse chastisement from one of my friends accusing me of ignoring the facts and blindly supporting a conspiracy theorist. I replied to this friend with a summary of the facts I have uncovered in my own research and my own reasons for my position on this conference. When I re-read it, I thought it sounded pretty darn good (if I do say so myself!) and decided I would share it with the world through this blog. The only changes I've made is to change the voice from responding to specific allegation to being a narrative. So, here we go. Enjoy!
First, I have always believed as part of my Core Principles that it is humanity’s responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth. I believe we have a duty to ourselves to continue to advance our knowledge and exploit the resources of the Earth for that advancement, but that it must be done in such a way as to impact the ecology as minimally as possible so we can leave a planet for our children and grandchildren that is better than the one into which we were born. I believe that we are overdue for a technology upgrade in how we power our society and that it will take us completely away from fossil fuels, but I also believe that forcing our society into new energy sources before they are proven efficient, reliable, and cost-effective will prove disastrous.
Second, before you conclude that I am doing nothing but parroting the paranoid rhetoric of Alex Jones, you should know I have listened to him exactly once over the last ten years. It was late at night several months ago when I was driving back from San Antonio and needed to listen to something annoying to keep myself awake. Quite frankly, Alex Jones’ position on a particular topic never enters my mind one way or another when I am researching it.
Third, do I believe the climate of the Earth is changing? Yes I do. Is this climate change man-made? No. Even the most pessimistic climate reports (e.g. the UN’s IPCC and former VP Al Gore) have humanity contributing only 11% of the ‘greenhouse gases’ that are being blamed for the change in the planetary climate over the last 150 years. A look at the meteorological records going back to the early 19th century shows that, over the hundred years between 1900 and 2000, the average planetary temperature has risen 0.74 degrees Celsius (approximately 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s not 0.74 degrees every decade…that’s 0.74 degrees for the entire Century as opposed to the one degree per decade some climate change pundits claim. Not only that, but since the year 2000, the average planetary temperature has actually dropped by 0.11 degrees Celsius.
If humanity did not cause even this minimal increase in the Earth’s average temperature, then what did? Well, to counter the 2,000 scientific experts listed in the UN’s IPCC Report, there are nearly 30,000 experts from many different disciplines (meteorology, climatology, planetology, paleoclimatology, astronomy, and physics just to name a few) who have identified two primary causes:
1) the Earth is at the tail end of the warming period that followed the last ice age. This ‘mini ice age’ ran from the mid-15th century to the mid-19th century and has been identified as one of the principle catalysts for historic events such as the winter-related failure of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the Irish potato famine. In fact, archeologists and paleoclimatologists have determined that the average global temperature for 2000 was still cooler that the average global temperature of the year 1000; and
2) Over the last 60 years, solar activity has reached an 8,000 year high. In fact, it can now be demonstrated that the temperature increase in the last century has a more direct correlation with the sun’s irradiant output than with the level of CO2.
To be fair, I will concede that a handful (possibly a couple hundred) of the nearly 30,000 scientists are probably in the employ of ‘Big Oil’. But if you are going to dismiss their findings because of a small sub-group, then, to be intellectually honest, you must dismiss the results of the other side as well since 186 of the 2,000+ scientists listed as contributors of the IPCC report had to threaten to sue the UN to have their names removed because they disagreed with both the methods the IPCC used and the conclusions the IPCC published as ‘settled science’.
Fourth, while the concerns over the state of America’s sovereignty is usually the first concern listed by opponents of the Copenhagen conference, it is actually a summary of all the issues many people have with the draft of the proposed agreement that has been made public.
I have to concede here that I did make a mistake…one that many people have been making. The draft of what President Obama will be asked to sign at Copenhagen next week is not a treaty. Rather, it is a proposed global Accord. The UN committee that authored the accord stated they intentionally did it this way “to avoid the issues that prevented the Kyoto Treaty from being universally implemented.” The reason this distinction is important is that, as what happened with the Kyoto Treaty, Congress would have to ratify any treaty the President signed before it would be implemented by the U.S. With an accord, however, the President can implement it without ever consulting Congress through cabinet-level policy changes and Executive Orders. President Obama (as did the previous two administrations) has clearly demonstrated that he is more than willing to use these tools to get around that pesky Constitution thing.
It has been stated that, “anyone following the debate over signing this treaty should be following the issues of who is required to participate, what sanctions should be imposed, what levels of compliance are practical and attainable and other realistic concerns, not whether we are signing over our government to a world power.” With the exception of fringe elements such as Alex Jones’ followers, that is what most people opposing the accord are doing. These concerns were first brought to my attention when I saw an interview with Lord Christopher Monckton. Lord Monckton is a respected member of the British House of Lords and a self-educated expert on global climate change. As a member of Parliament, he received an advance copy of the accord and proceeded to go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Here are some of the highlights:
• The accord establishes a redistribution of wealth from industrial nations to third-world nations in the name of ‘Reparations of Climate Debt’;
• It establishes an “internationally interlocking bureaucratic entity for the purpose of governing the terms of the accord, collecting up to 2% of the GDP of industrial nations to be redistributed to un- and underdeveloped nations, and to enforce the terms of the accord by whatever means necessary”;
• It establishes a interlocking infrastructure of technical panels with the right to intervene in the economy of any nation, in spite of the laws or government of that nation;
• Defines industrially-generated CO2 as the main cause of Global Climate Change;
• Sets CO2 reduction standards for industrial nations that can only result in the reduction in the standard of living for that nation while having absolutely no effect on Global Climate Change. (When the numbers are crunched, it shows that the standards set by this accord will result in only a 1% reduction in CO2 in approximately 175 years!);
Basically, this accord will have absolutely no impact on the global climate, punishes developed nations for daring to have the audacity to advance humanity, will only serve to establish the framework for a fledgling global bureaucracy structured under Marxist principles, and will waste billions (if not trillions) of dollars that could be better used by the private sector to research, perfect, and implement the new forms of clean energy we desperately need. Remember, most of the scientists the UN are leaning on for the 'settled science' of global warming were screaming that we were about to enter a new ice age only 33 years ago!
Finally, even if this is a treaty and not an accord, President Obama needs to make a statement to the world that he is not a ‘sheeple’ willing to go along with anything just so the World will think nice things about him. He needs to send a clear message that he will only sign on with a plan that will have a positive impact on all the people of the World, and that he honors and respects the Constitution…the document that has brought freedom, opportunity, and prosperity to more people than anything else in the history of the world…and is truly the First Defender of the Constitution. This is why he must not sign the Copenhagen Accord.
While I do believe we need to continue to monitor and study the climate of the Earth, I firmly believe that the minor warming trend we experienced over the last century is part of a natural cycle. I believe that climatology is part of a greater need to study, understand, and protect the entire ecosphere of our planet, and that money currently being wasted on ‘snake oil’ schemes to ‘fix the climate’ would better serve humanity and the Earth by being applied to research in alternative energy, alternative agricultural methods, oceanic research, extra-planetary exploration, and in encouraging ‘positive’ land stewardship habits in people instead of trying to legislate them into submission.
I encourage everyone of you to call the White House switchboard at (202) 456-1414 and politely let President Obama know what we expect of him when he joins the other heads of state in Copenhagen next week.
Best regards....
© James P. Rice 2009
Good day, family and friends.
Recently, when I asked a number of my friends and family to join a social group regarding the UN Climate Change Conference that begins today in Copenhagen, I received a terse chastisement from one of my friends accusing me of ignoring the facts and blindly supporting a conspiracy theorist. I replied to this friend with a summary of the facts I have uncovered in my own research and my own reasons for my position on this conference. When I re-read it, I thought it sounded pretty darn good (if I do say so myself!) and decided I would share it with the world through this blog. The only changes I've made is to change the voice from responding to specific allegation to being a narrative. So, here we go. Enjoy!
First, I have always believed as part of my Core Principles that it is humanity’s responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth. I believe we have a duty to ourselves to continue to advance our knowledge and exploit the resources of the Earth for that advancement, but that it must be done in such a way as to impact the ecology as minimally as possible so we can leave a planet for our children and grandchildren that is better than the one into which we were born. I believe that we are overdue for a technology upgrade in how we power our society and that it will take us completely away from fossil fuels, but I also believe that forcing our society into new energy sources before they are proven efficient, reliable, and cost-effective will prove disastrous.
Second, before you conclude that I am doing nothing but parroting the paranoid rhetoric of Alex Jones, you should know I have listened to him exactly once over the last ten years. It was late at night several months ago when I was driving back from San Antonio and needed to listen to something annoying to keep myself awake. Quite frankly, Alex Jones’ position on a particular topic never enters my mind one way or another when I am researching it.
Third, do I believe the climate of the Earth is changing? Yes I do. Is this climate change man-made? No. Even the most pessimistic climate reports (e.g. the UN’s IPCC and former VP Al Gore) have humanity contributing only 11% of the ‘greenhouse gases’ that are being blamed for the change in the planetary climate over the last 150 years. A look at the meteorological records going back to the early 19th century shows that, over the hundred years between 1900 and 2000, the average planetary temperature has risen 0.74 degrees Celsius (approximately 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s not 0.74 degrees every decade…that’s 0.74 degrees for the entire Century as opposed to the one degree per decade some climate change pundits claim. Not only that, but since the year 2000, the average planetary temperature has actually dropped by 0.11 degrees Celsius.
If humanity did not cause even this minimal increase in the Earth’s average temperature, then what did? Well, to counter the 2,000 scientific experts listed in the UN’s IPCC Report, there are nearly 30,000 experts from many different disciplines (meteorology, climatology, planetology, paleoclimatology, astronomy, and physics just to name a few) who have identified two primary causes:
1) the Earth is at the tail end of the warming period that followed the last ice age. This ‘mini ice age’ ran from the mid-15th century to the mid-19th century and has been identified as one of the principle catalysts for historic events such as the winter-related failure of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the Irish potato famine. In fact, archeologists and paleoclimatologists have determined that the average global temperature for 2000 was still cooler that the average global temperature of the year 1000; and
2) Over the last 60 years, solar activity has reached an 8,000 year high. In fact, it can now be demonstrated that the temperature increase in the last century has a more direct correlation with the sun’s irradiant output than with the level of CO2.
To be fair, I will concede that a handful (possibly a couple hundred) of the nearly 30,000 scientists are probably in the employ of ‘Big Oil’. But if you are going to dismiss their findings because of a small sub-group, then, to be intellectually honest, you must dismiss the results of the other side as well since 186 of the 2,000+ scientists listed as contributors of the IPCC report had to threaten to sue the UN to have their names removed because they disagreed with both the methods the IPCC used and the conclusions the IPCC published as ‘settled science’.
Fourth, while the concerns over the state of America’s sovereignty is usually the first concern listed by opponents of the Copenhagen conference, it is actually a summary of all the issues many people have with the draft of the proposed agreement that has been made public.
I have to concede here that I did make a mistake…one that many people have been making. The draft of what President Obama will be asked to sign at Copenhagen next week is not a treaty. Rather, it is a proposed global Accord. The UN committee that authored the accord stated they intentionally did it this way “to avoid the issues that prevented the Kyoto Treaty from being universally implemented.” The reason this distinction is important is that, as what happened with the Kyoto Treaty, Congress would have to ratify any treaty the President signed before it would be implemented by the U.S. With an accord, however, the President can implement it without ever consulting Congress through cabinet-level policy changes and Executive Orders. President Obama (as did the previous two administrations) has clearly demonstrated that he is more than willing to use these tools to get around that pesky Constitution thing.
It has been stated that, “anyone following the debate over signing this treaty should be following the issues of who is required to participate, what sanctions should be imposed, what levels of compliance are practical and attainable and other realistic concerns, not whether we are signing over our government to a world power.” With the exception of fringe elements such as Alex Jones’ followers, that is what most people opposing the accord are doing. These concerns were first brought to my attention when I saw an interview with Lord Christopher Monckton. Lord Monckton is a respected member of the British House of Lords and a self-educated expert on global climate change. As a member of Parliament, he received an advance copy of the accord and proceeded to go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Here are some of the highlights:
• The accord establishes a redistribution of wealth from industrial nations to third-world nations in the name of ‘Reparations of Climate Debt’;
• It establishes an “internationally interlocking bureaucratic entity for the purpose of governing the terms of the accord, collecting up to 2% of the GDP of industrial nations to be redistributed to un- and underdeveloped nations, and to enforce the terms of the accord by whatever means necessary”;
• It establishes a interlocking infrastructure of technical panels with the right to intervene in the economy of any nation, in spite of the laws or government of that nation;
• Defines industrially-generated CO2 as the main cause of Global Climate Change;
• Sets CO2 reduction standards for industrial nations that can only result in the reduction in the standard of living for that nation while having absolutely no effect on Global Climate Change. (When the numbers are crunched, it shows that the standards set by this accord will result in only a 1% reduction in CO2 in approximately 175 years!);
Basically, this accord will have absolutely no impact on the global climate, punishes developed nations for daring to have the audacity to advance humanity, will only serve to establish the framework for a fledgling global bureaucracy structured under Marxist principles, and will waste billions (if not trillions) of dollars that could be better used by the private sector to research, perfect, and implement the new forms of clean energy we desperately need. Remember, most of the scientists the UN are leaning on for the 'settled science' of global warming were screaming that we were about to enter a new ice age only 33 years ago!
Finally, even if this is a treaty and not an accord, President Obama needs to make a statement to the world that he is not a ‘sheeple’ willing to go along with anything just so the World will think nice things about him. He needs to send a clear message that he will only sign on with a plan that will have a positive impact on all the people of the World, and that he honors and respects the Constitution…the document that has brought freedom, opportunity, and prosperity to more people than anything else in the history of the world…and is truly the First Defender of the Constitution. This is why he must not sign the Copenhagen Accord.
While I do believe we need to continue to monitor and study the climate of the Earth, I firmly believe that the minor warming trend we experienced over the last century is part of a natural cycle. I believe that climatology is part of a greater need to study, understand, and protect the entire ecosphere of our planet, and that money currently being wasted on ‘snake oil’ schemes to ‘fix the climate’ would better serve humanity and the Earth by being applied to research in alternative energy, alternative agricultural methods, oceanic research, extra-planetary exploration, and in encouraging ‘positive’ land stewardship habits in people instead of trying to legislate them into submission.
I encourage everyone of you to call the White House switchboard at (202) 456-1414 and politely let President Obama know what we expect of him when he joins the other heads of state in Copenhagen next week.
Best regards....
© James P. Rice 2009
30 November 2009
Healthcare in America: Affordability, pt 3
Good day, family and friends!
Lets continue our look at the costs associated with healthcare insurance...
Thanks to knee-jerk reactions by both the courts and the insurance companies to the actions of a handful of miscreants, modern healthcare insurance policies are engorged with fine print designed to severely limit what the policy covers while balancing the need to provide a value to the customer with that of making a profit for the company's shareholders. Unfortunately, all this fine print creates a burden on everyone...from the customers who have to track what is and isn't covered, to the medical providers who have the additional cost of hiring dedicated specialists to handle the jungle (excuse me...'rain forest') of policies and paperwork created by the fine print, to the insurance companies themselves who are also saddled with the costs of having entire departments dedicated to handling the paperwork and interpreting the policies created by the fine print. Depending on which study you read, between 14% and 32% of the cost of healthcare are the administrative costs associated with the fine print.
Believe me, if the insurance companies thought it would be safe to operate without the fine print and its concomitant costs, they would scrap it in a heartbeat. After all, as with any publicly-traded company, they have a duty to those investors who hold shares of the company's stock to be as efficient and profitable as possible. And do you honestly believe that doctors enjoy spending any part of the capital of their practice on the clerical necessities of insurance claims?
It will probably surprise most of you that the premiums paid for insurance policies make up only a portion of an insurance company's capital. The rest of it comes from the sale of stock in the company and from investments the company makes with its capital on hand. This is why making certain the shareholders get some sort of return on their investment is so important. If the company makes no profit, there are no dividends for the stockholders. If there are no dividends, there will be no new stockholders and existing ones will begin to divest themselves of their shares. The end result is that, without the working capital provided by investors, the insurance companies will go out of business.
This is the point where I expect to hear politicians and progressives start whining about "the obscene profits insurance companies make on the suffering of the American public." How does one define "obscene profit"? Currently, there are just over 1,300 insurance companies operating in the United States that offer some sort of healthcare policy. The average profit for all of these companies in 2008 was 2.2%.
*GASP!* How obscene!
It gets even worse. The 16 largest insurance companies that account for right at 80% of the net worth of the insurance industry averaged a whopping 3.4% profit, with the single highest profit in the healthcare insurance industry for 2009 being (drumroll, please) 4.6%.
O! The Humanity! Say it isn't so!
Let's compare that to the average profit margin of...oooh, let's say...professional politicians. These fine, upstanding, selfless individuals make a profit of 100%. Or how about that planetary champion of the climate, Al Gore. His projected profit for 2009 for his 'humanitarian' efforts to fight 'global climate change' is 290%. If the 'Cap and Trade' Bill is signed and put into effect in the next 6 months, then Vice President Gore stands to make a profit of nearly 500% in 2010.
So, which profits are the most obscene?
Next time: Insurance Fraud and special interest legislation...litigation's ugly stepsisters.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
Lets continue our look at the costs associated with healthcare insurance...
Thanks to knee-jerk reactions by both the courts and the insurance companies to the actions of a handful of miscreants, modern healthcare insurance policies are engorged with fine print designed to severely limit what the policy covers while balancing the need to provide a value to the customer with that of making a profit for the company's shareholders. Unfortunately, all this fine print creates a burden on everyone...from the customers who have to track what is and isn't covered, to the medical providers who have the additional cost of hiring dedicated specialists to handle the jungle (excuse me...'rain forest') of policies and paperwork created by the fine print, to the insurance companies themselves who are also saddled with the costs of having entire departments dedicated to handling the paperwork and interpreting the policies created by the fine print. Depending on which study you read, between 14% and 32% of the cost of healthcare are the administrative costs associated with the fine print.
Believe me, if the insurance companies thought it would be safe to operate without the fine print and its concomitant costs, they would scrap it in a heartbeat. After all, as with any publicly-traded company, they have a duty to those investors who hold shares of the company's stock to be as efficient and profitable as possible. And do you honestly believe that doctors enjoy spending any part of the capital of their practice on the clerical necessities of insurance claims?
It will probably surprise most of you that the premiums paid for insurance policies make up only a portion of an insurance company's capital. The rest of it comes from the sale of stock in the company and from investments the company makes with its capital on hand. This is why making certain the shareholders get some sort of return on their investment is so important. If the company makes no profit, there are no dividends for the stockholders. If there are no dividends, there will be no new stockholders and existing ones will begin to divest themselves of their shares. The end result is that, without the working capital provided by investors, the insurance companies will go out of business.
This is the point where I expect to hear politicians and progressives start whining about "the obscene profits insurance companies make on the suffering of the American public." How does one define "obscene profit"? Currently, there are just over 1,300 insurance companies operating in the United States that offer some sort of healthcare policy. The average profit for all of these companies in 2008 was 2.2%.
*GASP!* How obscene!
It gets even worse. The 16 largest insurance companies that account for right at 80% of the net worth of the insurance industry averaged a whopping 3.4% profit, with the single highest profit in the healthcare insurance industry for 2009 being (drumroll, please) 4.6%.
O! The Humanity! Say it isn't so!
Let's compare that to the average profit margin of...oooh, let's say...professional politicians. These fine, upstanding, selfless individuals make a profit of 100%. Or how about that planetary champion of the climate, Al Gore. His projected profit for 2009 for his 'humanitarian' efforts to fight 'global climate change' is 290%. If the 'Cap and Trade' Bill is signed and put into effect in the next 6 months, then Vice President Gore stands to make a profit of nearly 500% in 2010.
So, which profits are the most obscene?
Next time: Insurance Fraud and special interest legislation...litigation's ugly stepsisters.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
29 November 2009
Healthcare in America: Affordability, pt. 2
Good day, family and friends!
Last time, we established that most medical professionals are working hard to earn a living in what they believe to be their true vocation. Quite frankly, anyone who chooses to pursue a medical career in our overly-litigious society deserves a warm round of applause and a hearty pat on the back.
Now, to continue with the analysis...
The second component we have to look at when asking why healthcare costs what it costs is insurance. Thanks to a concerted effort by certain politicians, a growing entitlement mentality spreading through our society, and a very few bad apples in the insurance industry, healthcare insurers have been painted as demons in the healthcare debate. The biggest reason for this is that most modern Americans have a skewed vision of exactly what insurance is.
As a result of the creeping efforts of the Progressive movement over the last 75 to 80 years, most Americans now view their insurance premiums as payments for entitlements. They believe that, as long a their monthly payment is made, they are entitled to access to any healthcare they desire, no matter the cost or availability, as long as they also pay their token co-payment and a small deductible. This warped view of insurance is why many people are unhappy with their healthcare coverage.
The truth of the matter is that insurance is nothing more than a legal form of gambling. When your premium is paid, whether by your employer or out of your own pocket, a wager is placed with the insurance company (the House) that you are going to need medical assistance and that they, within the 'rules' of the wager, will pay for all or part of it. When they accept your wager (premium), the House (insurance company) is betting that you will remain healthy and hale and won't need said medical services. Unfortunately, most bettors (you the customer) let themselves be distracted by the bright shiny lights that is the marketing campaign for the insurance policy and fail to actually read and understand the rules of the wager (i.e. the fine print). Additionally, most bettors also forget the first rule of gambling: "The odds are always in favor of the House."
To be fair, most of that fine print is as complex and convoluted as the worst example of an ambulance-chasing shyster could make it, so it does take a considerable investment in time for the average American to read through and understand what they are getting. Unfortunately, all that fine print evolved over time in response to economic pressures placed on the insurance companies by gradual changes in litigation. This is where some of those 'bad apples' come in; unscrupulous men who would describe a policy to a potential customer as being one thing when it was something completely different just so they could make a sale. Thus, the actions of a few resulted in the implementation of policies and procedures within the insurance industry that were designed to minimize the damage caused by future bad apples and protect the interests of their shareholders. In other words, the only people who won at that table were the lawyers.
Next time, we continue to look at the costs involved with healthcare insurance.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
Last time, we established that most medical professionals are working hard to earn a living in what they believe to be their true vocation. Quite frankly, anyone who chooses to pursue a medical career in our overly-litigious society deserves a warm round of applause and a hearty pat on the back.
Now, to continue with the analysis...
The second component we have to look at when asking why healthcare costs what it costs is insurance. Thanks to a concerted effort by certain politicians, a growing entitlement mentality spreading through our society, and a very few bad apples in the insurance industry, healthcare insurers have been painted as demons in the healthcare debate. The biggest reason for this is that most modern Americans have a skewed vision of exactly what insurance is.
As a result of the creeping efforts of the Progressive movement over the last 75 to 80 years, most Americans now view their insurance premiums as payments for entitlements. They believe that, as long a their monthly payment is made, they are entitled to access to any healthcare they desire, no matter the cost or availability, as long as they also pay their token co-payment and a small deductible. This warped view of insurance is why many people are unhappy with their healthcare coverage.
The truth of the matter is that insurance is nothing more than a legal form of gambling. When your premium is paid, whether by your employer or out of your own pocket, a wager is placed with the insurance company (the House) that you are going to need medical assistance and that they, within the 'rules' of the wager, will pay for all or part of it. When they accept your wager (premium), the House (insurance company) is betting that you will remain healthy and hale and won't need said medical services. Unfortunately, most bettors (you the customer) let themselves be distracted by the bright shiny lights that is the marketing campaign for the insurance policy and fail to actually read and understand the rules of the wager (i.e. the fine print). Additionally, most bettors also forget the first rule of gambling: "The odds are always in favor of the House."
To be fair, most of that fine print is as complex and convoluted as the worst example of an ambulance-chasing shyster could make it, so it does take a considerable investment in time for the average American to read through and understand what they are getting. Unfortunately, all that fine print evolved over time in response to economic pressures placed on the insurance companies by gradual changes in litigation. This is where some of those 'bad apples' come in; unscrupulous men who would describe a policy to a potential customer as being one thing when it was something completely different just so they could make a sale. Thus, the actions of a few resulted in the implementation of policies and procedures within the insurance industry that were designed to minimize the damage caused by future bad apples and protect the interests of their shareholders. In other words, the only people who won at that table were the lawyers.
Next time, we continue to look at the costs involved with healthcare insurance.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
21 November 2009
Healthcare in America: Affordability, pt. 1
Good day, family and friends!
Well, its been over 2 months since my last post. For those of you who have been following this series, I apologize. However, I receive no compensation at all for my blog and activities that pay the bills must come first.
As I started looking into the affordability of healthcare in America, the question I started with was, "why does it cost what it costs?" There are as many different opinions as to 'why' as there are corrupt politicians in government. Some have claimed that costs are set and controlled in secret by a consortium of medical insurance corporations and pharmaceutical companies with a goal of padding the bottom line. Some claim that the healthcare providers themselves are just greedy individuals who are demanding every dime the traffic will bear. President Obama even went so far as to suggest that physicians are performing unnecessary surgeries in order to collect higher fees from MedicAid/MediCare. In fact, the truth is that modern medical technology is simply very expensive to develop, learn, acquire, and maintain, and that rampant insurance fraud and out-of-control litigation makes healthcare coverage prohibitive for the underwriters.
So, let's start with the physicians. Most physicians start their careers at least $200,000 in debt from their education. Additionally, the average start-up cost for a new medical clinic for a General Practitioner is between $300K and $500K. If the clinic is for a medical specialty (e.g.: Endocrinology or Orthopedic Surgery), add another $200K - $300K. This means that a new doctor opening a new clinic incurs between $300K and $800K in additional debt before they ever see a patient. This plus the desire to have access to a pool of experience causes most new physicians fresh out of their residency to become employees of an established clinic.
While it is true that these highly-trained medical employees usually do make a salary in the low six-figures, they earn every penny of it. These men and women are usually the ones pulling the long and undesirable shifts. Most averaging 68 hours of work per week and only 8 days total of vacation in the first five years after they complete their residency. These new members of the clinic are usually the ones on call during the holidays. Basically, they work hard to establish themselves with their patients and the local hospitals at which they have privileges. In other words, they are 'paying their dues.' On top of that, most physicians spend an average of 36 hours per year in additional training on new procedures, equipment, and medications.
In addition to the cost of employing these medical professionals, the clinics themselves also have a staff of highly-trained nurses, physicians' assistants, and medical receptionists/clerks to pay. Their overhead also includes items such as the facilities themselves, routine medical equipment maintenance, cleaning crews that specialize in medical facilities, and medical/laboratory courier services. Finally, they usually have at least two medical billing specialists just to deal with the complexities of the plethora of insurance options available to their patients. After all that, most medical clinics (with the exception of clinics specializing in 'elective' procedures) barely clear a profit of 6% at the end of the year. Not exactly an easy way to get rich quick, is it.
Next time, I'll look at what goes into the cost of healthcare insurance and address the abominable suggestion made by the President.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
Well, its been over 2 months since my last post. For those of you who have been following this series, I apologize. However, I receive no compensation at all for my blog and activities that pay the bills must come first.
As I started looking into the affordability of healthcare in America, the question I started with was, "why does it cost what it costs?" There are as many different opinions as to 'why' as there are corrupt politicians in government. Some have claimed that costs are set and controlled in secret by a consortium of medical insurance corporations and pharmaceutical companies with a goal of padding the bottom line. Some claim that the healthcare providers themselves are just greedy individuals who are demanding every dime the traffic will bear. President Obama even went so far as to suggest that physicians are performing unnecessary surgeries in order to collect higher fees from MedicAid/MediCare. In fact, the truth is that modern medical technology is simply very expensive to develop, learn, acquire, and maintain, and that rampant insurance fraud and out-of-control litigation makes healthcare coverage prohibitive for the underwriters.
So, let's start with the physicians. Most physicians start their careers at least $200,000 in debt from their education. Additionally, the average start-up cost for a new medical clinic for a General Practitioner is between $300K and $500K. If the clinic is for a medical specialty (e.g.: Endocrinology or Orthopedic Surgery), add another $200K - $300K. This means that a new doctor opening a new clinic incurs between $300K and $800K in additional debt before they ever see a patient. This plus the desire to have access to a pool of experience causes most new physicians fresh out of their residency to become employees of an established clinic.
While it is true that these highly-trained medical employees usually do make a salary in the low six-figures, they earn every penny of it. These men and women are usually the ones pulling the long and undesirable shifts. Most averaging 68 hours of work per week and only 8 days total of vacation in the first five years after they complete their residency. These new members of the clinic are usually the ones on call during the holidays. Basically, they work hard to establish themselves with their patients and the local hospitals at which they have privileges. In other words, they are 'paying their dues.' On top of that, most physicians spend an average of 36 hours per year in additional training on new procedures, equipment, and medications.
In addition to the cost of employing these medical professionals, the clinics themselves also have a staff of highly-trained nurses, physicians' assistants, and medical receptionists/clerks to pay. Their overhead also includes items such as the facilities themselves, routine medical equipment maintenance, cleaning crews that specialize in medical facilities, and medical/laboratory courier services. Finally, they usually have at least two medical billing specialists just to deal with the complexities of the plethora of insurance options available to their patients. After all that, most medical clinics (with the exception of clinics specializing in 'elective' procedures) barely clear a profit of 6% at the end of the year. Not exactly an easy way to get rich quick, is it.
Next time, I'll look at what goes into the cost of healthcare insurance and address the abominable suggestion made by the President.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
10 September 2009
Healthcare in America: Accessibility, pt 2
Good day, family and friends!
When last we met, we established that everyone, from the most indigent to the wealthiest among us, has access to healthcare. I am not yet dealing with physician choice or the cost of private physicians or the number of specialists per capita in a given area of the country or any other questions or issues. All of that comes later. All the last post was meant to do was answer the question, "How accessible is healthcare to the citizens of America?" The answer is, "Anyone within 250 yards of an American emergency room or department, whether or not they are a U.S. citizen, whether or not they are actually within the borders of the U.S., have access to all the medical care necessary to treat and stabilize an emergency condition to the point where they can reasonably be expected to care for themselves, or until they can be discharged into the care of a qualified caregiver, whether or not they are able or are willing to pay for such medical service."
But many people believe that isn't enough...that they shouldn't be 'forced' to go to an emergency room if they want to see a doctor. According to the Bureau of the Census, the American Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006 (the last year this statistic was available for all three organizations), between 91% and 92% of the population of the U.S. lives less than thirty minutes from either a primary-care physician or a non-emergency clinic that is still accepting new patients. Of the remainder, just under 6% of the population chooses to live in remote areas more than thirty minutes from any sort of population center, no matter how small. This means that only 2% to 3% of the U.S. population lives in what are called 'under-serviced' areas.
While I do acknowledge that there are areas in which the American Healthcare system can be improved, I have to applaud our nation on accessibility to medical care. Of the twenty most populous nations in the world, Japan comes the closest to offering the level of healthcare available to Americans. There are nations that seem to be doing a better job of delivering healthcare to their citizens than America...Cuba and Sweden are the two countries most often used as examples...and for their population, they very well may be doing a good job. But comparing the logistics of delivering medical care in the third most populous nation on Earth to the logistics of delivering it in the seventy-fifth and the eighty-eighth most populace nations is like comparing the logistics of traffic management in Greensboro, NC and Chesapeake, VA to that of Chicago. It isn't even an 'apples-to-apples' comparison; rather, its more like 'apples-to-eggplant'. Basically, such a comparison is spurious and completely without merit. The bottom line is that, of the twenty nations that make up just over 79% of the world's population, none provide better access to healthcare than the United States of America.
Next time, I start looking at the cost and affordability of healthcare in America.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
When last we met, we established that everyone, from the most indigent to the wealthiest among us, has access to healthcare. I am not yet dealing with physician choice or the cost of private physicians or the number of specialists per capita in a given area of the country or any other questions or issues. All of that comes later. All the last post was meant to do was answer the question, "How accessible is healthcare to the citizens of America?" The answer is, "Anyone within 250 yards of an American emergency room or department, whether or not they are a U.S. citizen, whether or not they are actually within the borders of the U.S., have access to all the medical care necessary to treat and stabilize an emergency condition to the point where they can reasonably be expected to care for themselves, or until they can be discharged into the care of a qualified caregiver, whether or not they are able or are willing to pay for such medical service."
But many people believe that isn't enough...that they shouldn't be 'forced' to go to an emergency room if they want to see a doctor. According to the Bureau of the Census, the American Medical Association, and the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006 (the last year this statistic was available for all three organizations), between 91% and 92% of the population of the U.S. lives less than thirty minutes from either a primary-care physician or a non-emergency clinic that is still accepting new patients. Of the remainder, just under 6% of the population chooses to live in remote areas more than thirty minutes from any sort of population center, no matter how small. This means that only 2% to 3% of the U.S. population lives in what are called 'under-serviced' areas.
While I do acknowledge that there are areas in which the American Healthcare system can be improved, I have to applaud our nation on accessibility to medical care. Of the twenty most populous nations in the world, Japan comes the closest to offering the level of healthcare available to Americans. There are nations that seem to be doing a better job of delivering healthcare to their citizens than America...Cuba and Sweden are the two countries most often used as examples...and for their population, they very well may be doing a good job. But comparing the logistics of delivering medical care in the third most populous nation on Earth to the logistics of delivering it in the seventy-fifth and the eighty-eighth most populace nations is like comparing the logistics of traffic management in Greensboro, NC and Chesapeake, VA to that of Chicago. It isn't even an 'apples-to-apples' comparison; rather, its more like 'apples-to-eggplant'. Basically, such a comparison is spurious and completely without merit. The bottom line is that, of the twenty nations that make up just over 79% of the world's population, none provide better access to healthcare than the United States of America.
Next time, I start looking at the cost and affordability of healthcare in America.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
20 August 2009
Healthcare in America: How Accessible is It?
Good day, family and friends!
I start today with the question, "Does everyone have access to healthcare in America?" The short answer is, "Statistically speaking, yes."
In 1986, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (42 U.S.C., Chapter 7, Subchapter XVIII, Part E, § 1395dd, EMTALA) was passed as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This act mandates:
"In the case of a hospital that has a hospital emergency department, if any individual (or a person acting on the individual’s behalf, whether or not the individual is eligible for benefits) comes to the emergency department and a request is made on the individual’s behalf for examination or treatment for a medical condition, the hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the hospital’s emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists."
It further goes on to define an "emergency medical condition" as either:
"(A) a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in—
(i) placing the health of the individual (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy,
(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions, or
(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part; or
(B) with respect to a pregnant woman who is having contractions—
(i) that there is inadequate time to effect a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery, or
(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or the unborn child."
This EMTALA goes on to make it illegal for a hospital to have any sort of financially-based conversation with the individual until such time as the patient's condition has been stabilized and the conversation will not interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Later amendments from Congress defined "individual" as "any person within 250 yards of the emergency room/department, regardless of the person's citizenship or legal status," and made it illegal for different levels of care to be provided, based on the definitions in the Act. In other words, whether you're a Mexican citizen living just across the border from a hospital in Texas, or the wealthiest American citizen in El Paso, TX with the greatest medical insurance in the world, you will both receive the same level of care if you have the same emergency medical condition and go to the same border hospital in El Paso.
Next time, we continue our look at how accessible medical care is in America. Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
I start today with the question, "Does everyone have access to healthcare in America?" The short answer is, "Statistically speaking, yes."
In 1986, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (42 U.S.C., Chapter 7, Subchapter XVIII, Part E, § 1395dd, EMTALA) was passed as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This act mandates:
"In the case of a hospital that has a hospital emergency department, if any individual (or a person acting on the individual’s behalf, whether or not the individual is eligible for benefits) comes to the emergency department and a request is made on the individual’s behalf for examination or treatment for a medical condition, the hospital must provide for an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the hospital’s emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists."
It further goes on to define an "emergency medical condition" as either:
"(A) a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in—
(i) placing the health of the individual (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy,
(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions, or
(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part; or
(B) with respect to a pregnant woman who is having contractions—
(i) that there is inadequate time to effect a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery, or
(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or the unborn child."
This EMTALA goes on to make it illegal for a hospital to have any sort of financially-based conversation with the individual until such time as the patient's condition has been stabilized and the conversation will not interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Later amendments from Congress defined "individual" as "any person within 250 yards of the emergency room/department, regardless of the person's citizenship or legal status," and made it illegal for different levels of care to be provided, based on the definitions in the Act. In other words, whether you're a Mexican citizen living just across the border from a hospital in Texas, or the wealthiest American citizen in El Paso, TX with the greatest medical insurance in the world, you will both receive the same level of care if you have the same emergency medical condition and go to the same border hospital in El Paso.
Next time, we continue our look at how accessible medical care is in America. Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
19 August 2009
Intermezzo
WARNING! Today's post is a bit longer than normal.
Good day, family and friends!
Since my last post on the 13th, I've been doing some serious soul searching. I have to admit to being more than a little surprised and shocked by the response I received from the definitions I provided, not only from my friends and family, but from others outside my Facebook 'Friends' list who read my blog. While the responses from my 'Friends' list were considered, reasonable, and in the spirit of open debate and discussion, the others were considerably more vitriolic. These less than intelligent individuals also chose to expose their true cowardly nature by sending their comments to me via e-mail rather than posting them in either of the open forums available. Both sets of comments, however, did serve to underscore the most fundamental problem with most political debates these days, and in particular the Healthcare debate: how can we have a rational, reasoned, intelligent debate about anything when we can't even agree on the most basic parameters of the debate?
I could become redundant right now and once again go into excruciating detail of how I went out of my way to make certain I did not get the definitions I used from any source that was even remotely "Conservative" on the political pendulum, but I won't. What has happened, though, is that I now understand what the main protagonist in two novels I recently read was put through as I am experiencing now it myself.
In Terry Goodkind's novels, Soul of the Fire and Faith of the Fallen, Richard Rahl believes that he can convince the citizens of a small country to join his empire by simply sharing the truth with them. The truth is that Richard's empire is dedicated to justice, to protecting individual rights, to ending corruption and cronyism, and to allowing everyone the freedom to strive to be their best free from the fear that it will arbitrarily be taken away from them. The Order (Richard's opposition), on the other hand, believes that Man is a base creature whose only purpose in life is to help others with no thought for himself. The Order preaches social justice and entitlement, mandates charity, condemns personal excellence, and justifies murder, rape, and pillage as tools necessary to bringing 'true equality' to the masses. Unlike Richard, though, The Order doesn't bother with the truth. They instead use propaganda, misinformation, and outright lies to manipulate the masses. They demonize business owners as wealthy elitists who just want to side with Richard so they can continue to keep all the money earned for them by the common workers. They promise a new era of prosperity for the common man while punishing the 'greedy.' They use whisper campaigns to blame Richard's faction for everything that goes wrong...even natural disasters. They spread rumors that Richard doesn't care about the unemployed and would rather see impoverished children die. In short, they stoke the fire of fear in the common people.
In the end, 70% of the people vote to side with The Order. Richard withdraws his entourage and leaves the people to their fate. The Order moves in and the people discover the truth...that they have voluntarily enslaved themselves to a culture of death. From this, Richard finally realizes that truth does not automatically win every time and you can't force people to be free. He learned that no amount of logical, reasoned, factual discourse will ever change an opinion based on feelings. In fact, more often than not, the attempt to change such an opinion will lead only to animosity, derision, and outright hostility. This is where the response to my blog has left me.
As I read comments that called me things like "hatemonger", "racist", "Republican stooge", and "ignorant inbred hick", I decided I was done. Why should I even bother if just the definitions I provided were eliciting this sort of response from the effete thugs who are only interested in promoting their own agenda? It became very clear that no amount of rational, logical analysis and discussion would dent the shell of partisan intolerance in which these 'enlightened' individuals had wrapped themselves. I was done trying to be a rallying point for the vision of personal freedom and personal responsibility laid out by our forefathers. I would no longer bear that standard as long as I was viewed as nothing but a 'hick in a flyover state' by the snobs living in the elitist bastions of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Central Austin, and the East Coast. I had decided to drop my analysis on Healthcare in America.
This is where my brilliant youngest daughter comes in. I was discussing with her the frustration (and to an extent, depression) I was experiencing as I tried to have an intelligent discussion when she cut to the chase and asked me a single question: "Why did you start your blog in the first place?" That one question was like a lightning bolt. She made me realize that I had wandered far off track. As stated in my very first post, I started blogging "as a way to work out my thoughts on everything that is happening to our Nation and around the world." I didn't start this blog to educate or enlighten anyone else. If that happened along the way, it was gravy. But the meat of my blog is my own thoughts.
Therefore, thanks to my daughter, I have decided to continue my analysis of the Healthcare issue. I will continue to write about the facts, experiences, and opinions I deem relevant. I will continue to document my sources for my own use. I invite you to continue reading and to comment on what I post. I will probably answer questions, respond to requests for clarification, and thank you for your comments. I will not, however, debate anything in the 'comments' section of either my blog or my Facebook account until I have completed the entire series on Healthcare. Then, if you want to debate, I will do so only if you come ready with facts from verifiable sources. If you choose to try to debate anything in this series with 'feelings', I will at best ignore you, and at worst verbally shred you.
Next time, I will finally continue the series on Healthcare in America. Really! Until then...
Best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
Good day, family and friends!
Since my last post on the 13th, I've been doing some serious soul searching. I have to admit to being more than a little surprised and shocked by the response I received from the definitions I provided, not only from my friends and family, but from others outside my Facebook 'Friends' list who read my blog. While the responses from my 'Friends' list were considered, reasonable, and in the spirit of open debate and discussion, the others were considerably more vitriolic. These less than intelligent individuals also chose to expose their true cowardly nature by sending their comments to me via e-mail rather than posting them in either of the open forums available. Both sets of comments, however, did serve to underscore the most fundamental problem with most political debates these days, and in particular the Healthcare debate: how can we have a rational, reasoned, intelligent debate about anything when we can't even agree on the most basic parameters of the debate?
I could become redundant right now and once again go into excruciating detail of how I went out of my way to make certain I did not get the definitions I used from any source that was even remotely "Conservative" on the political pendulum, but I won't. What has happened, though, is that I now understand what the main protagonist in two novels I recently read was put through as I am experiencing now it myself.
In Terry Goodkind's novels, Soul of the Fire and Faith of the Fallen, Richard Rahl believes that he can convince the citizens of a small country to join his empire by simply sharing the truth with them. The truth is that Richard's empire is dedicated to justice, to protecting individual rights, to ending corruption and cronyism, and to allowing everyone the freedom to strive to be their best free from the fear that it will arbitrarily be taken away from them. The Order (Richard's opposition), on the other hand, believes that Man is a base creature whose only purpose in life is to help others with no thought for himself. The Order preaches social justice and entitlement, mandates charity, condemns personal excellence, and justifies murder, rape, and pillage as tools necessary to bringing 'true equality' to the masses. Unlike Richard, though, The Order doesn't bother with the truth. They instead use propaganda, misinformation, and outright lies to manipulate the masses. They demonize business owners as wealthy elitists who just want to side with Richard so they can continue to keep all the money earned for them by the common workers. They promise a new era of prosperity for the common man while punishing the 'greedy.' They use whisper campaigns to blame Richard's faction for everything that goes wrong...even natural disasters. They spread rumors that Richard doesn't care about the unemployed and would rather see impoverished children die. In short, they stoke the fire of fear in the common people.
In the end, 70% of the people vote to side with The Order. Richard withdraws his entourage and leaves the people to their fate. The Order moves in and the people discover the truth...that they have voluntarily enslaved themselves to a culture of death. From this, Richard finally realizes that truth does not automatically win every time and you can't force people to be free. He learned that no amount of logical, reasoned, factual discourse will ever change an opinion based on feelings. In fact, more often than not, the attempt to change such an opinion will lead only to animosity, derision, and outright hostility. This is where the response to my blog has left me.
As I read comments that called me things like "hatemonger", "racist", "Republican stooge", and "ignorant inbred hick", I decided I was done. Why should I even bother if just the definitions I provided were eliciting this sort of response from the effete thugs who are only interested in promoting their own agenda? It became very clear that no amount of rational, logical analysis and discussion would dent the shell of partisan intolerance in which these 'enlightened' individuals had wrapped themselves. I was done trying to be a rallying point for the vision of personal freedom and personal responsibility laid out by our forefathers. I would no longer bear that standard as long as I was viewed as nothing but a 'hick in a flyover state' by the snobs living in the elitist bastions of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Central Austin, and the East Coast. I had decided to drop my analysis on Healthcare in America.
This is where my brilliant youngest daughter comes in. I was discussing with her the frustration (and to an extent, depression) I was experiencing as I tried to have an intelligent discussion when she cut to the chase and asked me a single question: "Why did you start your blog in the first place?" That one question was like a lightning bolt. She made me realize that I had wandered far off track. As stated in my very first post, I started blogging "as a way to work out my thoughts on everything that is happening to our Nation and around the world." I didn't start this blog to educate or enlighten anyone else. If that happened along the way, it was gravy. But the meat of my blog is my own thoughts.
Therefore, thanks to my daughter, I have decided to continue my analysis of the Healthcare issue. I will continue to write about the facts, experiences, and opinions I deem relevant. I will continue to document my sources for my own use. I invite you to continue reading and to comment on what I post. I will probably answer questions, respond to requests for clarification, and thank you for your comments. I will not, however, debate anything in the 'comments' section of either my blog or my Facebook account until I have completed the entire series on Healthcare. Then, if you want to debate, I will do so only if you come ready with facts from verifiable sources. If you choose to try to debate anything in this series with 'feelings', I will at best ignore you, and at worst verbally shred you.
Next time, I will finally continue the series on Healthcare in America. Really! Until then...
Best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
13 August 2009
Healthcare in America: A Clarification
Good day, family and friends!
Well, it appears that I'm on the right track. The definition I provided for American Progressivism alone generated quite a debate in Facebook...so much so that I decided I needed to clarify a few points from what I've posted so far before I go any further.
First point: the definitions I provided, specifically those for the political philosophies, are not mine. Those are the definitions provided by universally recognized experts in their fields; experts such as:
> The editors of The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition;
> Ronald J. Pestritto, Shipley Professor of the American Constitution at Hillsdale College;
> William J. Atto, Ph.D., American Historian and Researcher specializing in the 19th Century and Assistant Professor of History at the University of Dallas;
> Herbert Croly, founder and first editor of The New Republic.
Second point: the only personal opinion I have so far presented in this series is that the debate on healthcare in America "is rapidly devolving into shrill screaming matches split along the lines of political philosophies." As this series continues, I will make a point to indicate when I am expressing an opinion. I will also be providing a complete bibliography of my sources at the end.
Third point: I am not making this a contest between Good and Evil. I provided the definitions of the various political philosophies in order to provide a foundation for the various proposals that have been made to fix, improve, and/or change healthcare in our nation. I firmly believe it to be of the utmost importance that we understand the philosophies and motives behind the various suggestions so that an informed decision can be made.
Finally, please keep the input coming. I really do love any and all thoughtful questions, comments, and criticisms about my blog. Keep in mind, though, that if you take exception to data that I quote from a documented source, please take it out on the source and not the messenger.
Next time, how accessible is Healthcare in America?
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
Well, it appears that I'm on the right track. The definition I provided for American Progressivism alone generated quite a debate in Facebook...so much so that I decided I needed to clarify a few points from what I've posted so far before I go any further.
First point: the definitions I provided, specifically those for the political philosophies, are not mine. Those are the definitions provided by universally recognized experts in their fields; experts such as:
> The editors of The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition;
> Ronald J. Pestritto, Shipley Professor of the American Constitution at Hillsdale College;
> William J. Atto, Ph.D., American Historian and Researcher specializing in the 19th Century and Assistant Professor of History at the University of Dallas;
> Herbert Croly, founder and first editor of The New Republic.
Second point: the only personal opinion I have so far presented in this series is that the debate on healthcare in America "is rapidly devolving into shrill screaming matches split along the lines of political philosophies." As this series continues, I will make a point to indicate when I am expressing an opinion. I will also be providing a complete bibliography of my sources at the end.
Third point: I am not making this a contest between Good and Evil. I provided the definitions of the various political philosophies in order to provide a foundation for the various proposals that have been made to fix, improve, and/or change healthcare in our nation. I firmly believe it to be of the utmost importance that we understand the philosophies and motives behind the various suggestions so that an informed decision can be made.
Finally, please keep the input coming. I really do love any and all thoughtful questions, comments, and criticisms about my blog. Keep in mind, though, that if you take exception to data that I quote from a documented source, please take it out on the source and not the messenger.
Next time, how accessible is Healthcare in America?
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
12 August 2009
Healthcare in America: The Issues
Good day, family and friends!
As promised last time, I have one more term to define...
A-mer-i-can Pro-gres-siv-ism - noun
The political philosophy that blends socialism and fascism, originally outlined and defined by John Dewey and Herbert Croly at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th Centuries, and embraced by Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin Roosevelt. Progressivism is a system of government marked by centralization of authority under an elite administrative class, stringent socioeconomic controls, marginalization of individual rights, limited private ownership of property, moral relativism, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent elitist nationalism. The progressive philosophy views the common citizen as rabble incapable of self-determination and in need of guidance by the intellectual elite. Since its inception, this movement has been known as Progressivism, New Nationalism, Social Progressivism, Intellectualism, The New Deal, Liberalism, and American Progressivism.*
Some of you may be wondering why, if I'm trying to take a completely logical, scientific look at the state of healthcare in America, I'm defining so many terms that most people deem to be political. Its because one must understand the source of a problem before one can focus on a solution that actually resolves the problem and does not make it worse in the long run. The definitions of these political philosophies are important so that we can understand the source of many of the ideas being thrown around as 'solutions,' and by extension, the motive behind many of these ideas.
But the true starting point lies with the first three definitions I provided: healthcare, healthcare system, and insurance. I'm starting here because, when most people speak of 'healthcare in America,' they are actually lumping together two different issues...Access to Healthcare in America, and The Affordability of Medical Insurance (a.k.a Healthcare Coverage) in America. Therefore, my analysis and accompanying suggestions of solutions will be split into these two categories. starting with Access to Healthcare in America.
Until next time, best regards...
* Summarized definition consolidated from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition and American Progressivism by R.J. Pestritto and William J. Atto.
© James P. Rice 2009
As promised last time, I have one more term to define...
A-mer-i-can Pro-gres-siv-ism - noun
The political philosophy that blends socialism and fascism, originally outlined and defined by John Dewey and Herbert Croly at the end of the 19th/beginning of the 20th Centuries, and embraced by Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin Roosevelt. Progressivism is a system of government marked by centralization of authority under an elite administrative class, stringent socioeconomic controls, marginalization of individual rights, limited private ownership of property, moral relativism, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent elitist nationalism. The progressive philosophy views the common citizen as rabble incapable of self-determination and in need of guidance by the intellectual elite. Since its inception, this movement has been known as Progressivism, New Nationalism, Social Progressivism, Intellectualism, The New Deal, Liberalism, and American Progressivism.*
Some of you may be wondering why, if I'm trying to take a completely logical, scientific look at the state of healthcare in America, I'm defining so many terms that most people deem to be political. Its because one must understand the source of a problem before one can focus on a solution that actually resolves the problem and does not make it worse in the long run. The definitions of these political philosophies are important so that we can understand the source of many of the ideas being thrown around as 'solutions,' and by extension, the motive behind many of these ideas.
But the true starting point lies with the first three definitions I provided: healthcare, healthcare system, and insurance. I'm starting here because, when most people speak of 'healthcare in America,' they are actually lumping together two different issues...Access to Healthcare in America, and The Affordability of Medical Insurance (a.k.a Healthcare Coverage) in America. Therefore, my analysis and accompanying suggestions of solutions will be split into these two categories. starting with Access to Healthcare in America.
Until next time, best regards...
* Summarized definition consolidated from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition and American Progressivism by R.J. Pestritto and William J. Atto.
© James P. Rice 2009
11 August 2009
Healthcare in America: Just What are We Talking About?
Hello again, friends and family!
Last time, I let you know what I mean when I use the word, healthcare, and the phrase, healthcare system. Today, I'm going to continue defining the terms of this analysis. Once again, these definitions, unless otherwise indicated, come from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition*...
in-sur-ance - noun
coverage by a contract binding a party to indemnify another against specified loss in return for premiums paid.
con-ser-va-tism - noun
1) The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.
2) A political philosophy or attitude emphasizing respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism, and opposition to sudden change in the established order without extensive research and due consideration.
con-sti-tu-tion - noun
1) the system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution.
2) Constitution: The fundamental law of the United States, framed in 1787, ratified in 1789, and variously amended since then.
fas-cism - noun
1) A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
2) A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
lob-by-ist - noun
a person engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause.
so-cial-ism - noun
1) Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2) The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.
That's all for now. Next time, one more definition, then on to the discussion.
Until then, best regards...
* The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
© James P. Rice 2009
Last time, I let you know what I mean when I use the word, healthcare, and the phrase, healthcare system. Today, I'm going to continue defining the terms of this analysis. Once again, these definitions, unless otherwise indicated, come from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition*...
in-sur-ance - noun
coverage by a contract binding a party to indemnify another against specified loss in return for premiums paid.
con-ser-va-tism - noun
1) The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.
2) A political philosophy or attitude emphasizing respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism, and opposition to sudden change in the established order without extensive research and due consideration.
con-sti-tu-tion - noun
1) the system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution.
2) Constitution: The fundamental law of the United States, framed in 1787, ratified in 1789, and variously amended since then.
fas-cism - noun
1) A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
2) A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
lob-by-ist - noun
a person engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause.
so-cial-ism - noun
1) Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2) The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.
That's all for now. Next time, one more definition, then on to the discussion.
Until then, best regards...
* The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
© James P. Rice 2009
10 August 2009
Healthcare in America: Just How Sick Is It?
Greetings, friends and family!
One of the hottest topics in America today is our "healthcare system." No matter who you are...man or woman...young or old...rich or poor...liberal or conservative...you have an opinion on the state of "healthcare" in America...and it more often than not will be in conflict with the opinion of the person standing next to you. Unfortunately, because this is such a personal topic that affects nearly everyone at a visceral level, it is a debate that is rapidly devolving into shrill screaming matches split along the lines of political philosophies. This sort of self-serving, ego-stroking, intellectually dishonest conflict does nothing to resolve the issue and serves only to empower the 'healthcare pimps' on both sides who use the fear and uncertainty of the issue to make themselves rich.
Starting today, I want to take a clear, concerted look at the issues we're facing and see if I can't come up with some suggestions for improving the American "healthcare system." I will be using information and data from many different sources, including (but not limited to) the U.S. Census Bureau, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, personal experience, and the personal experiences of family and friends. At the end of the day, I believe that a reasoned, rational, intelligent plan of attack can be developed that will work infinitely better than any of the plans created by our political heroes whose primary concern is pandering to their contributors and supporters and other special interest groups.
The first thing to do is to define the problem. You may have noticed that I've been putting "healthcare" and "healthcare system" in quotation marks. This is because those two phrases can have different meanings to different people. For this analysis, here is how The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines them:
health-care - noun
1) the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.
- adjective
2) of, pertaining to, or involved in the healthcare field.
health-care sys-tem - noun
the group of professionals, offices, clinics, hospitals, and other institutions concerned with the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being.
Next time, I'll continue establishing the parameters of this discussion. Please bear with me; it will get better.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
One of the hottest topics in America today is our "healthcare system." No matter who you are...man or woman...young or old...rich or poor...liberal or conservative...you have an opinion on the state of "healthcare" in America...and it more often than not will be in conflict with the opinion of the person standing next to you. Unfortunately, because this is such a personal topic that affects nearly everyone at a visceral level, it is a debate that is rapidly devolving into shrill screaming matches split along the lines of political philosophies. This sort of self-serving, ego-stroking, intellectually dishonest conflict does nothing to resolve the issue and serves only to empower the 'healthcare pimps' on both sides who use the fear and uncertainty of the issue to make themselves rich.
Starting today, I want to take a clear, concerted look at the issues we're facing and see if I can't come up with some suggestions for improving the American "healthcare system." I will be using information and data from many different sources, including (but not limited to) the U.S. Census Bureau, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, personal experience, and the personal experiences of family and friends. At the end of the day, I believe that a reasoned, rational, intelligent plan of attack can be developed that will work infinitely better than any of the plans created by our political heroes whose primary concern is pandering to their contributors and supporters and other special interest groups.
The first thing to do is to define the problem. You may have noticed that I've been putting "healthcare" and "healthcare system" in quotation marks. This is because those two phrases can have different meanings to different people. For this analysis, here is how The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines them:
health-care - noun
1) the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.
- adjective
2) of, pertaining to, or involved in the healthcare field.
health-care sys-tem - noun
the group of professionals, offices, clinics, hospitals, and other institutions concerned with the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being.
Next time, I'll continue establishing the parameters of this discussion. Please bear with me; it will get better.
Until then, best regards...
© James P. Rice 2009
07 August 2009
30 Years and Counting - Post Script
Reunited and it feels so good.
Reunited 'cause we understood.
There's one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it.
We both are so excited
'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey.
- from Reunited by Peaches and Herb* (the Billboard #1 song on 22 May 1979)
And finally, I want to take a moment to thank eleven very special people:
The Reunion Committee
> Blythe Barfield Waugh
> Kelly Bohannan Dudley
> Stan Bugh
> Lisa Gregston Borger
> Kristi Herd Tackett
> Cindy Lay Ketchum
> Stacy Shields Gill
> Jeff Smith
> Jeanne Staab Jones
> Bo Summers
and the Reunion Webmaster, Kevin Wood.
Basically, these eleven souls did a stellar job of organizing and executing the 'classmate hunt' and the Reunion Weekend itself. My sister-in-law is a professional event planner and I don't think she could have done any more than you eleven did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for a fantastic weekend! God Bless you all!
Best regards...
* Reunited © Polydor Records 1978
© James P. Rice 2009
Reunited 'cause we understood.
There's one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it.
We both are so excited
'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey.
- from Reunited by Peaches and Herb* (the Billboard #1 song on 22 May 1979)
And finally, I want to take a moment to thank eleven very special people:
The Reunion Committee
> Blythe Barfield Waugh
> Kelly Bohannan Dudley
> Stan Bugh
> Lisa Gregston Borger
> Kristi Herd Tackett
> Cindy Lay Ketchum
> Stacy Shields Gill
> Jeff Smith
> Jeanne Staab Jones
> Bo Summers
and the Reunion Webmaster, Kevin Wood.
Basically, these eleven souls did a stellar job of organizing and executing the 'classmate hunt' and the Reunion Weekend itself. My sister-in-law is a professional event planner and I don't think she could have done any more than you eleven did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for a fantastic weekend! God Bless you all!
Best regards...
* Reunited © Polydor Records 1978
© James P. Rice 2009
30 Years and Counting - Epilogue
I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me
Or am I even in it's mind at all.
Perhaps I'll get a chance to look ahead and see
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball.
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball.
- from Crystal Ball by Styx*
(Okay...I can almost hear some of you out there cheering, now that I've reached the end...)
The bottom line of these last ten posts with which I wish to leave you is this: if you have a reunion of your high school graduating class coming up, duct tape your own Captain Paranoia to a chair and go. The experience was exhilarating, refreshing, and more than a little liberating. In short, it was a blessing.
If this shadow has offended,
Think but this, and all is mended;
That you have but slumber'd here
While these words did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you pardon, I shall mend.
Whilst a joyous time by me was had,
And all I saw did make me glad,
I must admit to faces missed
In this parting of Time's mist.
Jeff and Jeff and Jackie, too,
Marvelyn, I did miss you.
Patty, Cindy, Mike, and John,
I pray success has carried on.
Clark and Susan and Eileen;
Faces wished for but not seen.
Fin'ly, now, a gentle prayer
For friends of ours no longer here:
May God's sweet mercy on your soul
Waft you to your final goal.
To all the rest, I bid adieu,
With hopes to once again see you
Someday, in a future time,
When the Class of '79,
Can once again in Tulsa meet.
Until then, may your lives be sweet.
(with a tip of the hat to The Bard)
Best regards...
* Crystal Ball © A&M Records, Inc. 1976, 1988
© James P. Rice 2009
Or am I even in it's mind at all.
Perhaps I'll get a chance to look ahead and see
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball.
Soon as I find myself a crystal ball.
- from Crystal Ball by Styx*
(Okay...I can almost hear some of you out there cheering, now that I've reached the end...)
The bottom line of these last ten posts with which I wish to leave you is this: if you have a reunion of your high school graduating class coming up, duct tape your own Captain Paranoia to a chair and go. The experience was exhilarating, refreshing, and more than a little liberating. In short, it was a blessing.
If this shadow has offended,
Think but this, and all is mended;
That you have but slumber'd here
While these words did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you pardon, I shall mend.
Whilst a joyous time by me was had,
And all I saw did make me glad,
I must admit to faces missed
In this parting of Time's mist.
Jeff and Jeff and Jackie, too,
Marvelyn, I did miss you.
Patty, Cindy, Mike, and John,
I pray success has carried on.
Clark and Susan and Eileen;
Faces wished for but not seen.
Fin'ly, now, a gentle prayer
For friends of ours no longer here:
May God's sweet mercy on your soul
Waft you to your final goal.
To all the rest, I bid adieu,
With hopes to once again see you
Someday, in a future time,
When the Class of '79,
Can once again in Tulsa meet.
Until then, may your lives be sweet.
(with a tip of the hat to The Bard)
Best regards...
* Crystal Ball © A&M Records, Inc. 1976, 1988
© James P. Rice 2009
06 August 2009
A Decade (posts, not years) of 30 Years and Counting: The Show Must Go On!
The Show must go on!
The Show must go on!
Inside my heart is breaking,
My makeup may be flaking,
But my smile, still, stays on!
- from The Show Must Go On! by Queen*
When last we met, I droned on for two segments about an epiphany I'd had regarding my friends from high school. What was so interesting about that blinding flash of clarity was that, as we chatted and reminisced, a number of my friends said much the same...that they just never really felt any sort of peer pressure from their classmates. It was a wonderfully warm feeling to have my own observation confirmed.
Another interesting revelation was how some of my classmates viewed themselves during high school. One of the best examples of this is Diane.
I was in awe of Diane in high school. In my eyes (and those of more than a few of my acquaintances), she was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, intelligent, talented, worldly, kind, eloquent, fun, inspiring...did I mention beautiful? She had traveled the world...had experienced places I dreamt of...lived in cultures outside of our own. When she was on the stage, it was like watching one of the stars of the golden age of theater. In my mind, she was the Katherine Hepburn of our generation. Imagine my surprise when, during our reunion lunch, she described herself in high school as "nerdy, clumsy, and goofy."
This was the young lady for whom I had spent most of a week working up the courage to ask her to accompany me to an awards banquet our Junior year. I was totally self-conscious the night of that banquet...afraid I would embarrass myself in front of her, while secretly basking in the pride of having such a special person as my date. Her revelation of her self-image from back then served to make that night that much more special. The fact that she felt like that on the inside while projecting the outer image I and others saw served to justify my personal belief in how special Diane is. After all, she was one of the people who inspired me to continue striving to graduate with the Class of '79.
Our lunch that Sunday, as was the entire weekend, was filled with observations and revelations such as these. I deeply believe that they have helped strengthen old friendships and create new ones amongst the Class of '79.
After several hours, we all finally admitted that we had to go our separate ways. We took a few group photos, along with a portrait of Frida Kahlo the restaurant had on display (unbeknownst to me, it was the day before the 55th anniversary of her death), and began to head out. Even then it was tough to let go...after more hugs and promises to keep in touch, several of us gathered on the sidewalk outside of El Guapo's and chatted for another half hour. Finally, we reluctantly parted and headed to our various modes of transportation. After all, the show that is our current lives must go on.
Next time, a look into the Crystal Ball. Until then, best regards...
* The Show Must Go On! © Queen Productions Ltd. 1991
© James P. Rice 2009
The Show must go on!
Inside my heart is breaking,
My makeup may be flaking,
But my smile, still, stays on!
- from The Show Must Go On! by Queen*
When last we met, I droned on for two segments about an epiphany I'd had regarding my friends from high school. What was so interesting about that blinding flash of clarity was that, as we chatted and reminisced, a number of my friends said much the same...that they just never really felt any sort of peer pressure from their classmates. It was a wonderfully warm feeling to have my own observation confirmed.
Another interesting revelation was how some of my classmates viewed themselves during high school. One of the best examples of this is Diane.
I was in awe of Diane in high school. In my eyes (and those of more than a few of my acquaintances), she was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, intelligent, talented, worldly, kind, eloquent, fun, inspiring...did I mention beautiful? She had traveled the world...had experienced places I dreamt of...lived in cultures outside of our own. When she was on the stage, it was like watching one of the stars of the golden age of theater. In my mind, she was the Katherine Hepburn of our generation. Imagine my surprise when, during our reunion lunch, she described herself in high school as "nerdy, clumsy, and goofy."
This was the young lady for whom I had spent most of a week working up the courage to ask her to accompany me to an awards banquet our Junior year. I was totally self-conscious the night of that banquet...afraid I would embarrass myself in front of her, while secretly basking in the pride of having such a special person as my date. Her revelation of her self-image from back then served to make that night that much more special. The fact that she felt like that on the inside while projecting the outer image I and others saw served to justify my personal belief in how special Diane is. After all, she was one of the people who inspired me to continue striving to graduate with the Class of '79.
Our lunch that Sunday, as was the entire weekend, was filled with observations and revelations such as these. I deeply believe that they have helped strengthen old friendships and create new ones amongst the Class of '79.
After several hours, we all finally admitted that we had to go our separate ways. We took a few group photos, along with a portrait of Frida Kahlo the restaurant had on display (unbeknownst to me, it was the day before the 55th anniversary of her death), and began to head out. Even then it was tough to let go...after more hugs and promises to keep in touch, several of us gathered on the sidewalk outside of El Guapo's and chatted for another half hour. Finally, we reluctantly parted and headed to our various modes of transportation. After all, the show that is our current lives must go on.
Next time, a look into the Crystal Ball. Until then, best regards...
* The Show Must Go On! © Queen Productions Ltd. 1991
© James P. Rice 2009
05 August 2009
30 Years and Counting's Ninth -or- Thank You for Being a Friend!
Thank you for being a friend.
Traveled down the road and back again,
Your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant.
I'm not ashamed to say,
I hope it always will stay this way.
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow.
- from Andrew Gold's Thank You for Being a Friend!*
As I noted last time, I now know that I suffered from undiagnosed clinical depression my Senior year in high school. The reason I mentioned everything that led to my depression was so you would understand why I had all but given up on successfully completing high school. I couldn't see how to get out of the pit I was in and was on the verge of allowing the depression to paralyze me. That's where the people I've been talking about came in. Between the friends I was having lunch with at El Guapo's on Sunday the 12th, other friends I've mentioned throughout this series, and two special teachers, I (barely) managed to graduate.
I don't think any of my friends ever knew how close it had been or how important they had been to me. It wasn't because they tutored me or (God Forbid) helped me cheat, it was because of two things: 1) they provided me with living examples of what I should be doing; and 2) they never once applied Peer Pressure to me for any reason. If I didn't have two teen aged daughters of my own that had allowed me to view Peer Pressure from a father's point of view, I don't think I would have ever realized how blessed I was in high school.
During my years at Memorial, I knew people who used recreational drugs, who were a bit wild, who smoked, who skipped school, who had secret lives, who...well, you get the idea. But not a single one of those people ever put any sort of pressure on me to do what they were doing. I was offered the opportunity to join in if I wanted to, but it was no big deal if I didn't. I was blessed to be surrounded by the sweetest, kindest, funnest, most truly Cool students to ever grace a high school. Quite frankly, the obnoxiously vain crack weasels that are presented as the so-called 'cool kids' in the teen dramas from the 90's and early part of this decade aren't worthy of cleaning the toilets of those I knew in high school. That hot Sunday in Tulsa, I was lunching with the real deal.
Next time, The Show Must Go On. Until then, best regards...
* Thank You for Being a Friend © Lackyu Music, Los Angeles, CA 1978
© James P. Rice 2009
Traveled down the road and back again,
Your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant.
I'm not ashamed to say,
I hope it always will stay this way.
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow.
- from Andrew Gold's Thank You for Being a Friend!*
As I noted last time, I now know that I suffered from undiagnosed clinical depression my Senior year in high school. The reason I mentioned everything that led to my depression was so you would understand why I had all but given up on successfully completing high school. I couldn't see how to get out of the pit I was in and was on the verge of allowing the depression to paralyze me. That's where the people I've been talking about came in. Between the friends I was having lunch with at El Guapo's on Sunday the 12th, other friends I've mentioned throughout this series, and two special teachers, I (barely) managed to graduate.
I don't think any of my friends ever knew how close it had been or how important they had been to me. It wasn't because they tutored me or (God Forbid) helped me cheat, it was because of two things: 1) they provided me with living examples of what I should be doing; and 2) they never once applied Peer Pressure to me for any reason. If I didn't have two teen aged daughters of my own that had allowed me to view Peer Pressure from a father's point of view, I don't think I would have ever realized how blessed I was in high school.
During my years at Memorial, I knew people who used recreational drugs, who were a bit wild, who smoked, who skipped school, who had secret lives, who...well, you get the idea. But not a single one of those people ever put any sort of pressure on me to do what they were doing. I was offered the opportunity to join in if I wanted to, but it was no big deal if I didn't. I was blessed to be surrounded by the sweetest, kindest, funnest, most truly Cool students to ever grace a high school. Quite frankly, the obnoxiously vain crack weasels that are presented as the so-called 'cool kids' in the teen dramas from the 90's and early part of this decade aren't worthy of cleaning the toilets of those I knew in high school. That hot Sunday in Tulsa, I was lunching with the real deal.
Next time, The Show Must Go On. Until then, best regards...
* Thank You for Being a Friend © Lackyu Music, Los Angeles, CA 1978
© James P. Rice 2009
03 August 2009
The 30 Years and Counting Octopost -or- Send in the Clowns
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want.
Sorry, my dear.
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.
- excerpt from Send in the Clowns, from the Stephen Sondheim musical, A Little Night Music*
While most of our classmates began their journeys home on Sunday, a dozen of us met at El Guapo's at noon for an impromptu reunion of the Masque & Gavel...and anyone else who'd been involved in the performing arts at Memorial. Like Jaimie's concert on Thursday night, it wasn't limited to the members of the Class of '79. Chargers from the Classes of 1980 and 1981 joined us for Tulsa-style TexMex, a pitcher of Mimosas, and more aerobic exercise for our memories. Beyond the hugs and smiles, the memories and updates, I began to realize what was so special about my time in high school with these people.
To set the stage for this little epiphany, let me tell you a bit about the 17 year old me. I was too smart for my own good. What this means is that, while I had the intellect that got me into the National Honor Society at the end of 9th grade, I didn't have the maturity to handle the additional responsibilities of being in high school. I had always been smart enough to make mostly A's, along with a B or two, just from the information I absorbed in class. I almost never had to crack a book. The problem with this was that I never learned how to study. By the time I hit the second half of my Junior year, I realized I was in trouble because most of my teachers were teaching "college style"...in other words, they only provided about half of the information in class and expected the students to fill in the gaps by completing outside assignments. My last three semesters were also when Real Life slapped me in the face and I was confronted for the first time with people in power (teachers) who let personal opinion and prejudices color the grades they gave me instead of going solely by my scores on assignments and tests. By Christmas break 1978, I was looking at repeating the 12th grade as a serious possibility. I didn't know it at the time, but I've since found out that I was suffering from depression I didn't know how to handle during my Senior year.
Next time, Thank You for Being a Friend! Until then, best regards...
* A Little Night Music and Send in the Clowns © Copyright Little Night Music Ltd, 2009
© James P. Rice 2009
My fault I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want.
Sorry, my dear.
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.
- excerpt from Send in the Clowns, from the Stephen Sondheim musical, A Little Night Music*
While most of our classmates began their journeys home on Sunday, a dozen of us met at El Guapo's at noon for an impromptu reunion of the Masque & Gavel...and anyone else who'd been involved in the performing arts at Memorial. Like Jaimie's concert on Thursday night, it wasn't limited to the members of the Class of '79. Chargers from the Classes of 1980 and 1981 joined us for Tulsa-style TexMex, a pitcher of Mimosas, and more aerobic exercise for our memories. Beyond the hugs and smiles, the memories and updates, I began to realize what was so special about my time in high school with these people.
To set the stage for this little epiphany, let me tell you a bit about the 17 year old me. I was too smart for my own good. What this means is that, while I had the intellect that got me into the National Honor Society at the end of 9th grade, I didn't have the maturity to handle the additional responsibilities of being in high school. I had always been smart enough to make mostly A's, along with a B or two, just from the information I absorbed in class. I almost never had to crack a book. The problem with this was that I never learned how to study. By the time I hit the second half of my Junior year, I realized I was in trouble because most of my teachers were teaching "college style"...in other words, they only provided about half of the information in class and expected the students to fill in the gaps by completing outside assignments. My last three semesters were also when Real Life slapped me in the face and I was confronted for the first time with people in power (teachers) who let personal opinion and prejudices color the grades they gave me instead of going solely by my scores on assignments and tests. By Christmas break 1978, I was looking at repeating the 12th grade as a serious possibility. I didn't know it at the time, but I've since found out that I was suffering from depression I didn't know how to handle during my Senior year.
Next time, Thank You for Being a Friend! Until then, best regards...
* A Little Night Music and Send in the Clowns © Copyright Little Night Music Ltd, 2009
© James P. Rice 2009
31 July 2009
30 Years and Counting, Pt. 7 - S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Gonna keep on dancin' to the rock and roll
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
Dancin' to the rhythm in our heart and soul
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
- from Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers*
Seven bottles of water, a plate full of Texas-quality barbeque, and an earful of hot news later, it was time to get ready for the big dinner at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. After another admonishment from Bo about wearing a tie, in which he used the word "scissors" a couple more times, I decided to go for 'artist casual' and wore black slacks and a Columbia blue pocket T. Unfortunately, the dress shoes I'd worn the night before had aggravated a problem in my Achilles tendon, so I had to wear my hiking boots in order to have the support I needed to walk.
When I arrived at the former Union Depot in downtown Tulsa, I noticed quite a few sports jackets and ties (when will I learn not to take fashion advice from Bo?!?) There were also more than a few people in 'business casual'...tieless with open collars...so I didn't really feel out of place.
At the risk of being redundant, the food was wonderful and the company exquisite! I continued catching up with classmates whom I'd either only exchanged a quick "Hi!" with or had completely missed at the other gatherings. I also got to know some of my classmates' spouses better. Kelly, Clel, Patrick, and Justine have all married some wonderful people.
After dinner, we were entertained by a singing trio called, The G-notes. They were very versatile and entertaining...using canned accompaniment to sing the hits of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Couples immediately began to hit the dance floor…Sheri was as enthusiastic as she had been 30 years ago. After their first set, we all adjourned outside to have a group photo take under the Depression-era Art Deco facade of the restored Union Depot. Afterward, it was back inside for more chatting and dancing. Diane even got me out on the dance floor once...hiking boots and all. All in all, a fabulous time was had by all. It was incredible seeing how much people like Patrick, Brian, Janet, and Clel had changed over the years…but more stunning was how many like Betsy, Justine, Diane, Mike, Gordon, and Dana look as if the only thing that had changed was their hair styles. I don’t think any of us wanted that night to end…but as has been said many times before, all good things must come to an end.
As people began to filter out, there was a lot more hugging, promises to keep in touch, and more than a few tears. For most people, Sunday was going to be a day of travel back to their homes. That had been my original plan, but one more last minute gathering had been planned for Sunday…a reunion of Memorial’s drama club, the Masque & Gavel.
Next time, Send in the Clowns. Until then, best regards…
* Saturday Night © Bell/Arista Records 1974, 2004
© James P. Rice 2009
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Gonna keep on dancin' to the rock and roll
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
Dancin' to the rhythm in our heart and soul
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
- from Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers*
Seven bottles of water, a plate full of Texas-quality barbeque, and an earful of hot news later, it was time to get ready for the big dinner at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. After another admonishment from Bo about wearing a tie, in which he used the word "scissors" a couple more times, I decided to go for 'artist casual' and wore black slacks and a Columbia blue pocket T. Unfortunately, the dress shoes I'd worn the night before had aggravated a problem in my Achilles tendon, so I had to wear my hiking boots in order to have the support I needed to walk.
When I arrived at the former Union Depot in downtown Tulsa, I noticed quite a few sports jackets and ties (when will I learn not to take fashion advice from Bo?!?) There were also more than a few people in 'business casual'...tieless with open collars...so I didn't really feel out of place.
At the risk of being redundant, the food was wonderful and the company exquisite! I continued catching up with classmates whom I'd either only exchanged a quick "Hi!" with or had completely missed at the other gatherings. I also got to know some of my classmates' spouses better. Kelly, Clel, Patrick, and Justine have all married some wonderful people.
After dinner, we were entertained by a singing trio called, The G-notes. They were very versatile and entertaining...using canned accompaniment to sing the hits of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Couples immediately began to hit the dance floor…Sheri was as enthusiastic as she had been 30 years ago. After their first set, we all adjourned outside to have a group photo take under the Depression-era Art Deco facade of the restored Union Depot. Afterward, it was back inside for more chatting and dancing. Diane even got me out on the dance floor once...hiking boots and all. All in all, a fabulous time was had by all. It was incredible seeing how much people like Patrick, Brian, Janet, and Clel had changed over the years…but more stunning was how many like Betsy, Justine, Diane, Mike, Gordon, and Dana look as if the only thing that had changed was their hair styles. I don’t think any of us wanted that night to end…but as has been said many times before, all good things must come to an end.
As people began to filter out, there was a lot more hugging, promises to keep in touch, and more than a few tears. For most people, Sunday was going to be a day of travel back to their homes. That had been my original plan, but one more last minute gathering had been planned for Sunday…a reunion of Memorial’s drama club, the Masque & Gavel.
Next time, Send in the Clowns. Until then, best regards…
* Saturday Night © Bell/Arista Records 1974, 2004
© James P. Rice 2009
28 July 2009
The Sixth Part of 30 Years and Counting: Some Like It Hot
Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on.
Some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on.
Some like it hot, but you can't tell how hot 'til you try.
Some like it hot, so let's turn up the heat 'til we fry.
- from Some Like It Hot by The Power Station*
Justine's hug pretty much launched a stellar night for me. As with Thursday night, it was wonderful having the opportunity to renew old friendships and to turn casual acquaintances into new friendships. One of the highlights of the new friendships I made was when I discovered that Patrick, with whom I'd had a casual acquaintance in high school, was one of the people I consider the true heroes of the United States. It seems that after high school, he decided his first college major just wasn't working for him, so he managed to earn an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated in 1985 and earned his Commission. He is currently the highly-decorated Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser.
The rest of the night was much the same; a blur of hugs, smiles, laughter, and amazement as I learned how far so many of my classmates had come since our days on South Hudson Avenue. I didn't even think once about 'Captain Paranoia.'
Saturday dawned, promising to be hot, humid, and sunny. Our first event of the day was a Class Picnic that some of the locals had put together at the last minute. My sense of duty wouldn't let me arrive empty-handed, so I stopped at SAM's and grabbed a case of bottled water. Its a good thing I did.
To be fair, living in the Austin area has me acclimated to summer days when the temperature and the humidity are both in the high 90's. I've learned that, as long as I have a hat, a source of water, and either shade or a good supply of SPF 50, a fun time can be had. So I showed up at LaFortune Park with my "workin' in the yard" hat, a case of bottled water, and a heavy-duty camp chair. After stashing the water with the rest and grabbing an already-chilled bottle, I let my memory continue its jogging.
Alan, Gary, Eddie, and all the rest did a fantastic job. The barbeque served was actually prepared by my classmates and it was delicious! But the big surprise from this event was that I discovered that at least a couple of my classmates had been receiving some extra-special tutoring from a couple of teachers. There had always been rumors and innuendos, but it was still entertaining to find out the truth. Hot summer day, hot food, and hot news. Gotta love it!
Next time, S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Until then, best regards...
* Some Like It Hot © Capitol/EMI 1985, 2005
© James P. Rice 2009
Some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on.
Some like it hot, but you can't tell how hot 'til you try.
Some like it hot, so let's turn up the heat 'til we fry.
- from Some Like It Hot by The Power Station*
Justine's hug pretty much launched a stellar night for me. As with Thursday night, it was wonderful having the opportunity to renew old friendships and to turn casual acquaintances into new friendships. One of the highlights of the new friendships I made was when I discovered that Patrick, with whom I'd had a casual acquaintance in high school, was one of the people I consider the true heroes of the United States. It seems that after high school, he decided his first college major just wasn't working for him, so he managed to earn an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated in 1985 and earned his Commission. He is currently the highly-decorated Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser.
The rest of the night was much the same; a blur of hugs, smiles, laughter, and amazement as I learned how far so many of my classmates had come since our days on South Hudson Avenue. I didn't even think once about 'Captain Paranoia.'
Saturday dawned, promising to be hot, humid, and sunny. Our first event of the day was a Class Picnic that some of the locals had put together at the last minute. My sense of duty wouldn't let me arrive empty-handed, so I stopped at SAM's and grabbed a case of bottled water. Its a good thing I did.
To be fair, living in the Austin area has me acclimated to summer days when the temperature and the humidity are both in the high 90's. I've learned that, as long as I have a hat, a source of water, and either shade or a good supply of SPF 50, a fun time can be had. So I showed up at LaFortune Park with my "workin' in the yard" hat, a case of bottled water, and a heavy-duty camp chair. After stashing the water with the rest and grabbing an already-chilled bottle, I let my memory continue its jogging.
Alan, Gary, Eddie, and all the rest did a fantastic job. The barbeque served was actually prepared by my classmates and it was delicious! But the big surprise from this event was that I discovered that at least a couple of my classmates had been receiving some extra-special tutoring from a couple of teachers. There had always been rumors and innuendos, but it was still entertaining to find out the truth. Hot summer day, hot food, and hot news. Gotta love it!
Next time, S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Until then, best regards...
* Some Like It Hot © Capitol/EMI 1985, 2005
© James P. Rice 2009
26 July 2009
A Fifth of 30 Years and Counting -or- Take Me Back to Tulsa
Hurry, don't be late, I can hardly wait.
I said to myself, "when we're old
We'll go dancing in the dark,
Walking through the park, and reminiscing."
- excerpt from Reminiscing by the Little River Band*
Friday morning, after a few hours sleep on Dad's sofa and a late breakfast, I took off to tour Tulsa and do some reminiscing. This was my first time back to town since I'd moved away in 1984 that wasn't stuffed full of family commitments and scheduled events. I wanted to look around my birthplace and see for myself the changes I'd heard about. So I headed for the places that were a big part of my teen years: Sheridan Lanes...the Bowman Twin...Don's Restaurant...Bells...Driller Park...St. Michael's Alley. Okay, in some cases I visited the spot where the place used to be.
I also took the time to find the venues for the Reunion. While downtown checking on parking for the Jazz Depot, I saw the new BOk Center and the pit at First and Frankfort I'm told will be the Drillers' new stadium. It was strange seeing some of the old landmarks hidden amongst new construction. Finally, it was time to get ready for the Meet-n-Greet at the Stokely Event Center, so I headed back to my Dad's place to clean up.
Somewhere along the way, I'd missed the note in the schedule that said 'casual attire,' so I wore a tie to Friday night's event. As soon as I arrived, I knew I was over-dressed. After a few choice words from Bo (which included 'scissors'), the tie came off and I began mingling. . I saw many of the same faces I'd seen at the Sunset Grill, but I have to say the highlight of the night was when I was finally able to get a moment with Justine.
In high school, Justine and I were casual friends. We were in different clubs and orgs...she was in Surfs, STUCO, and the NHS, while I was in Wind Ensemble, Masque & Gavel, and barely graduated...but we had a couple of classes together. The thing I most remember about Justine is that she always had a smile for me. When I began connecting with classmates in Facebook, she was one of the first I 'Friended.' Over the months, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mom/banker/entrepreneur into which she had blossomed. The better I got to know her, the more I came to value her opinions and input...even when I did not agree with them.
When I spied her Friday night conversing with three of our classmates, I moved over near her and patiently waited for her to finish, all the while trying not to eaves drop. When she noticed me, though, she immediately paused and came over to greet me.
Now, I have to say that the best non-Maternal hug I've ever received in my life was from my darling wife, Marilyn. But I have to admit that the best non-spousal hug I've ever received was that Friday night from Justine. It was an embrace between old, dear friends...so full of warmth and kindness that the last of my misgivings fled. I received many warm hugs that weekend, but I have to be honest; none could approach Justine's hug. I only hope she got half as much out of it as I did.
In the next installment, Some Like It Hot. Until then, best regards...
* Reminiscing © EMI Music Australia Pty Limited 2002
© James P. Rice 2009
I said to myself, "when we're old
We'll go dancing in the dark,
Walking through the park, and reminiscing."
- excerpt from Reminiscing by the Little River Band*
Friday morning, after a few hours sleep on Dad's sofa and a late breakfast, I took off to tour Tulsa and do some reminiscing. This was my first time back to town since I'd moved away in 1984 that wasn't stuffed full of family commitments and scheduled events. I wanted to look around my birthplace and see for myself the changes I'd heard about. So I headed for the places that were a big part of my teen years: Sheridan Lanes...the Bowman Twin...Don's Restaurant...Bells...Driller Park...St. Michael's Alley. Okay, in some cases I visited the spot where the place used to be.
I also took the time to find the venues for the Reunion. While downtown checking on parking for the Jazz Depot, I saw the new BOk Center and the pit at First and Frankfort I'm told will be the Drillers' new stadium. It was strange seeing some of the old landmarks hidden amongst new construction. Finally, it was time to get ready for the Meet-n-Greet at the Stokely Event Center, so I headed back to my Dad's place to clean up.
Somewhere along the way, I'd missed the note in the schedule that said 'casual attire,' so I wore a tie to Friday night's event. As soon as I arrived, I knew I was over-dressed. After a few choice words from Bo (which included 'scissors'), the tie came off and I began mingling. . I saw many of the same faces I'd seen at the Sunset Grill, but I have to say the highlight of the night was when I was finally able to get a moment with Justine.
In high school, Justine and I were casual friends. We were in different clubs and orgs...she was in Surfs, STUCO, and the NHS, while I was in Wind Ensemble, Masque & Gavel, and barely graduated...but we had a couple of classes together. The thing I most remember about Justine is that she always had a smile for me. When I began connecting with classmates in Facebook, she was one of the first I 'Friended.' Over the months, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mom/banker/entrepreneur into which she had blossomed. The better I got to know her, the more I came to value her opinions and input...even when I did not agree with them.
When I spied her Friday night conversing with three of our classmates, I moved over near her and patiently waited for her to finish, all the while trying not to eaves drop. When she noticed me, though, she immediately paused and came over to greet me.
Now, I have to say that the best non-Maternal hug I've ever received in my life was from my darling wife, Marilyn. But I have to admit that the best non-spousal hug I've ever received was that Friday night from Justine. It was an embrace between old, dear friends...so full of warmth and kindness that the last of my misgivings fled. I received many warm hugs that weekend, but I have to be honest; none could approach Justine's hug. I only hope she got half as much out of it as I did.
In the next installment, Some Like It Hot. Until then, best regards...
* Reminiscing © EMI Music Australia Pty Limited 2002
© James P. Rice 2009
24 July 2009
A Quart of 30 Years and Counting -or- Memories: They aren't just for Cats!
"Memory - all alone in the moonlight.
I can smile at the old days,
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again."
- excerpt from "Memory" from the musical, Cats*
First night in Tulsa and I felt as if I'd returned home. Great music, cold Guinness, and a wonderfully warm welcome by old friends...and some classmates who had only been casual acquaintances. Even though it was an unofficial event, everyone attending Jaimie's concert at the Sunset Grill had a great time. It turns out this was to be a precursor of the theme for the whole Reunion: great venue, excellent company, and a wonderful time had by all.
One of the best parts of that first night is that my memory took up jogging. After all the "its great to see you agains," nearly every conversation became a mix of catching up and reminiscing. Even now, my memory is playing tricks with me and I'm certain I missed mentioning someone who greeted me Thursday night. Let me assure you that it isn't intentional...a combination of the stresses I've experienced over the last few years and the pain management meds doctors have prescribed for me have wreaked havoc with my memory...especially short term. This is one of the reasons I decided to blog about the Reunion...to help keep my memory jogging.
Walking around the Sunset Grill...chatting with everyone...I found myself suddenly remembering more and more. In some cases, it was an expression on a somewhat familiar face...a turn of phrase...or even one reminiscence simply leading to another. The curtains gradually parted on the stage of the past and, one by one, my memories began to step into the spotlight and take a bow. Have I mixed enough metaphors yet?
I went back to my dad's apartment that night, the evening a cyclone in my mind. Before going to bed, I logged into Facebook and and sent 'friend' invitations to many of the people I re-met at the club. I began making notes, hoping they would help me organize my thoughts and ensure I would remember as much as possible.
Next time, the Hug of the Century and Take Me Back to Tulsa.
Until then, best regards...
* Cats © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. 1981
© James P. Rice 2009
I can smile at the old days,
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again."
- excerpt from "Memory" from the musical, Cats*
First night in Tulsa and I felt as if I'd returned home. Great music, cold Guinness, and a wonderfully warm welcome by old friends...and some classmates who had only been casual acquaintances. Even though it was an unofficial event, everyone attending Jaimie's concert at the Sunset Grill had a great time. It turns out this was to be a precursor of the theme for the whole Reunion: great venue, excellent company, and a wonderful time had by all.
One of the best parts of that first night is that my memory took up jogging. After all the "its great to see you agains," nearly every conversation became a mix of catching up and reminiscing. Even now, my memory is playing tricks with me and I'm certain I missed mentioning someone who greeted me Thursday night. Let me assure you that it isn't intentional...a combination of the stresses I've experienced over the last few years and the pain management meds doctors have prescribed for me have wreaked havoc with my memory...especially short term. This is one of the reasons I decided to blog about the Reunion...to help keep my memory jogging.
Walking around the Sunset Grill...chatting with everyone...I found myself suddenly remembering more and more. In some cases, it was an expression on a somewhat familiar face...a turn of phrase...or even one reminiscence simply leading to another. The curtains gradually parted on the stage of the past and, one by one, my memories began to step into the spotlight and take a bow. Have I mixed enough metaphors yet?
I went back to my dad's apartment that night, the evening a cyclone in my mind. Before going to bed, I logged into Facebook and and sent 'friend' invitations to many of the people I re-met at the club. I began making notes, hoping they would help me organize my thoughts and ensure I would remember as much as possible.
Next time, the Hug of the Century and Take Me Back to Tulsa.
Until then, best regards...
* Cats © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. 1981
© James P. Rice 2009
22 July 2009
30 Years and Counting III; Once More into the Breach...
Previously, in 30 Years and Counting...
(I can almost hear Taurean Blacque* reading that line as a voice-over)
I laid out the issues troubling me about the upcoming Reunion and opened up a can of good old-fashioned Texas Whoop-ass on my insecurities. With Captain Paranoia's attempts at reprobation muffled to indistinct muttering, I loaded up the minivan and headed to Tulsa.
At this time in my life, I'm fortunate that I'm no longer chained to a time clock. Having more flexibility than I used to, I was able to head north a day earlier than planned so that I could attend the club gig of Jaimie Muehlhausen...one of my classmates who is a professional musician. Between a minor mechanical problem and Oklahoma's tendency to place nearly every major highway in the state under construction at the same time, I arrived in T-town a bit later than I'd planned. After I got settled at my dad's place (and tried once again to convince him that the purpose of this visit was the Reunion and not to spend every waking moment with him), I arrived at the Sunset Grill about an hour and a half late...well into Jaimie's performance.
I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the club. As I got out of the van, I could hear a couple of women sitting at an outdoor table speculating on whether or not it really was Jim Rice getting out of the van. I smiled, said, "Hi!", assured them it was I, then headed into the club. Almost immediately, my insecurities began to dissolve. To a faint chorus of "I'm Mellltinngggg!" from the Captain, I was warmly greeted with smiles and hugs by Bo, Diane, and Cheryl. After grabbing a Guinness at the bar, I was warmly greeted by Sheilah, Brian, and Rob...all to a background of "Roots Rockin' Swamp/Blues/Americana/Southern/Country/Soul" by Jaimie, Tom, Kathy, and Liz. I was surrounded by warmth and acceptance. In spite of what Thomas Wolfe once wrote, I felt like I'd come home.
Next time...Memories; they aren't just for Cats!...
Until then, best regards...
*Think: Hill Street Blues.
© 2009 James P. Rice
(I can almost hear Taurean Blacque* reading that line as a voice-over)
I laid out the issues troubling me about the upcoming Reunion and opened up a can of good old-fashioned Texas Whoop-ass on my insecurities. With Captain Paranoia's attempts at reprobation muffled to indistinct muttering, I loaded up the minivan and headed to Tulsa.
At this time in my life, I'm fortunate that I'm no longer chained to a time clock. Having more flexibility than I used to, I was able to head north a day earlier than planned so that I could attend the club gig of Jaimie Muehlhausen...one of my classmates who is a professional musician. Between a minor mechanical problem and Oklahoma's tendency to place nearly every major highway in the state under construction at the same time, I arrived in T-town a bit later than I'd planned. After I got settled at my dad's place (and tried once again to convince him that the purpose of this visit was the Reunion and not to spend every waking moment with him), I arrived at the Sunset Grill about an hour and a half late...well into Jaimie's performance.
I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the club. As I got out of the van, I could hear a couple of women sitting at an outdoor table speculating on whether or not it really was Jim Rice getting out of the van. I smiled, said, "Hi!", assured them it was I, then headed into the club. Almost immediately, my insecurities began to dissolve. To a faint chorus of "I'm Mellltinngggg!" from the Captain, I was warmly greeted with smiles and hugs by Bo, Diane, and Cheryl. After grabbing a Guinness at the bar, I was warmly greeted by Sheilah, Brian, and Rob...all to a background of "Roots Rockin' Swamp/Blues/Americana/Southern/Country/Soul" by Jaimie, Tom, Kathy, and Liz. I was surrounded by warmth and acceptance. In spite of what Thomas Wolfe once wrote, I felt like I'd come home.
Next time...Memories; they aren't just for Cats!...
Until then, best regards...
*Think: Hill Street Blues.
© 2009 James P. Rice
20 July 2009
30 Years and Counting; Pt. 2...
As I previously mentioned, I approached my 30-year Reunion with a bit of trepidation. One of my greatest regrets in life has been that I lost contact with my closest friends from high school, so I was anxious...even eager...to attend the Reunion and see my old friends. On the other hand, I was concerned that my memories of those years had grown foggy and been mellowed by time. Did I remember those relationships correctly? Will those people remember me as fondly as I remember them? Will they remember me at all? Will those classmates with whom I made hormone-driven teen-aged mistakes even want to see me again?
They say we are each our own worst critic. Not only am I living proof of that, but in my case it can be expanded to read, "we are each our own hardest taskmaster." Early in life, I developed a strong foundation of principles by which I've always tried to live my life. While I've always believed myself to be an open-minded individual, willing to listen to any and all points of views, it has always taken overwhelming factual proof for me to make any modifications to the bedrock of my beliefs. Being Human, I've not always lived up to my Principles. And this is where I'm not only the hardest on myself, but also the most unforgiving. Because of this, I projected my own disappointment with myself into my former classmates, convinced they would see me the way I do. Way back in the dark recesses of my mind, the little voice I once heard referred to as 'Captain Paranoia' was whispering to me: "Hypocrite! Mr. High-and-mighty! No one wants to see this great big bag of wasted potential again!"
Right about now, a certain classmate with a PhD in Psychology is wishing she'd known about this when I was still in Tulsa. :)
Finally, I decided to face my demons. So I mentally duct-taped Captain Paranoia to a chair and bought my tickets for the Reunion. Come Hell or high water, I was going to get reacquainted with my old classmates...consequences be damned!
Next time...Once More into the Breach...
Until then, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
They say we are each our own worst critic. Not only am I living proof of that, but in my case it can be expanded to read, "we are each our own hardest taskmaster." Early in life, I developed a strong foundation of principles by which I've always tried to live my life. While I've always believed myself to be an open-minded individual, willing to listen to any and all points of views, it has always taken overwhelming factual proof for me to make any modifications to the bedrock of my beliefs. Being Human, I've not always lived up to my Principles. And this is where I'm not only the hardest on myself, but also the most unforgiving. Because of this, I projected my own disappointment with myself into my former classmates, convinced they would see me the way I do. Way back in the dark recesses of my mind, the little voice I once heard referred to as 'Captain Paranoia' was whispering to me: "Hypocrite! Mr. High-and-mighty! No one wants to see this great big bag of wasted potential again!"
Right about now, a certain classmate with a PhD in Psychology is wishing she'd known about this when I was still in Tulsa. :)
Finally, I decided to face my demons. So I mentally duct-taped Captain Paranoia to a chair and bought my tickets for the Reunion. Come Hell or high water, I was going to get reacquainted with my old classmates...consequences be damned!
Next time...Once More into the Breach...
Until then, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
18 July 2009
30 Years and Counting...
> A University New Student Orientation Administrator
> A Hair Colorist
> An Investment Banker and Entrepreneur
> A Legal Assistant
> An Insurance Broker
> A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
> The Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser
> The tallest woman to ever appear in Playboy
> An Investment Counselor
> An Oil and Gas Management Executive
> A retired Marine
> An Elementary School Teacher
> A CPA
> A Pilot
> The Chief of Staff for a U.S. Congressman
> A Medical Student
What do all these people have in common? They are just a few of my classmates from the Tulsa Memorial Senior High School graduating class of 1979. Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with many of them at the Reunion held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our graduation from high school.
Originally scheduled for the 10th and 11th of July, two unofficial events were added to the mix; a concert at a local club by one of our classmates on the evening of 9 July, and a corollary reunion of the Tulsa Memorial High School Masque & Gavel...our Drama Club...on 12 July.
I have to admit that I approached the Reunion with a certain amount of ambivalence. For one thing, I hadn't attended any of the other Reunions of my graduating class...partially because I never found out about them until after the fact, but also because I felt I hadn't lived up to my potential since graduation. But with the 30th coming up, I was determined to attend, in spite of my trepidations, and be satisfied with the paths I'd chosen.
As a side bar here, I'd like to say to anyone planning any sort of reunion for themselves, Facebook has been invaluable. I probably would not have heard about our 30th Reunion if it hadn't been for Facebook. If you are planning something...whether it be a class reunion, family reunion, fan convention, or whatever...get on Facebook and create a user group page for your event. Its a great way to scoop up people you might otherwise miss.
I think this will be all for now. When next I post, I'll talk about the difference between anticipating the reactions of people you haven't seen in 30 years, and their actual reactions to seeing you again.
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
> A Hair Colorist
> An Investment Banker and Entrepreneur
> A Legal Assistant
> An Insurance Broker
> A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
> The Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser
> The tallest woman to ever appear in Playboy
> An Investment Counselor
> An Oil and Gas Management Executive
> A retired Marine
> An Elementary School Teacher
> A CPA
> A Pilot
> The Chief of Staff for a U.S. Congressman
> A Medical Student
What do all these people have in common? They are just a few of my classmates from the Tulsa Memorial Senior High School graduating class of 1979. Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with many of them at the Reunion held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our graduation from high school.
Originally scheduled for the 10th and 11th of July, two unofficial events were added to the mix; a concert at a local club by one of our classmates on the evening of 9 July, and a corollary reunion of the Tulsa Memorial High School Masque & Gavel...our Drama Club...on 12 July.
I have to admit that I approached the Reunion with a certain amount of ambivalence. For one thing, I hadn't attended any of the other Reunions of my graduating class...partially because I never found out about them until after the fact, but also because I felt I hadn't lived up to my potential since graduation. But with the 30th coming up, I was determined to attend, in spite of my trepidations, and be satisfied with the paths I'd chosen.
As a side bar here, I'd like to say to anyone planning any sort of reunion for themselves, Facebook has been invaluable. I probably would not have heard about our 30th Reunion if it hadn't been for Facebook. If you are planning something...whether it be a class reunion, family reunion, fan convention, or whatever...get on Facebook and create a user group page for your event. Its a great way to scoop up people you might otherwise miss.
I think this will be all for now. When next I post, I'll talk about the difference between anticipating the reactions of people you haven't seen in 30 years, and their actual reactions to seeing you again.
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
17 July 2009
I Live, I Learn
Hello again, family and friends!
Last 'extended' weekend (9 - 13 July), I celebrated the 30th anniversary of (barely) graduating from high school, my 48th birthday, and my grandson's 2nd birthday. As one can imagine, it was a whirlwind of activity, emotions, and memories...and I'm still trying to assimilate it all and recover. One very important thing that happened was that I had the opportunity to sit down with one of my classmates from the Class of '79 and discuss a number of things with her. One of the topics we discussed was blogging.
Justine is one of the people whom I admire. She's a successful investment banker, entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor, and experienced blogger. I don't think I'm speaking in hyperbole when I say I am truly blessed and honored to count Justine among my friends and that I put great store in any advice or input she offers. During our conversation last weekend, she provided me with great input about this blog. She told me that, while she liked my topics and the way I expressed my opinions, I needed to work on making the posts shorter...only 300 - 400 words each. Until this point, I had been treating the posts to this blog as 'human interest' articles one might find in a newspaper. When I first started teaching myself journalism, I learned that the average length for an article of this nature is 1000 - 1500 words...and that is the standard I had used for my posts. Apparently, our post-MTV soundbite-driven culture no longer has the attention span for articles of this length.
Starting immediately, I will be implementing Justine's suggestion. Over the next couple of weeks, you will be seeing posts from me on topics ranging from our recent 30-year Reunion to the American Healthcare system to racism in the U.S. For those topics that can't be covered in the print version of a 'soundbite,' I will serialize them...breaking those articles into multiple posts, each post not exceeding 400 words in length.
So, my friends, I will ask you to stay tuned and sign out for now. After all, this post (with signature and copyright) is 374 words long. Until next time...
Best regards,
Jim
© 2009 James P. Rice
Last 'extended' weekend (9 - 13 July), I celebrated the 30th anniversary of (barely) graduating from high school, my 48th birthday, and my grandson's 2nd birthday. As one can imagine, it was a whirlwind of activity, emotions, and memories...and I'm still trying to assimilate it all and recover. One very important thing that happened was that I had the opportunity to sit down with one of my classmates from the Class of '79 and discuss a number of things with her. One of the topics we discussed was blogging.
Justine is one of the people whom I admire. She's a successful investment banker, entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor, and experienced blogger. I don't think I'm speaking in hyperbole when I say I am truly blessed and honored to count Justine among my friends and that I put great store in any advice or input she offers. During our conversation last weekend, she provided me with great input about this blog. She told me that, while she liked my topics and the way I expressed my opinions, I needed to work on making the posts shorter...only 300 - 400 words each. Until this point, I had been treating the posts to this blog as 'human interest' articles one might find in a newspaper. When I first started teaching myself journalism, I learned that the average length for an article of this nature is 1000 - 1500 words...and that is the standard I had used for my posts. Apparently, our post-MTV soundbite-driven culture no longer has the attention span for articles of this length.
Starting immediately, I will be implementing Justine's suggestion. Over the next couple of weeks, you will be seeing posts from me on topics ranging from our recent 30-year Reunion to the American Healthcare system to racism in the U.S. For those topics that can't be covered in the print version of a 'soundbite,' I will serialize them...breaking those articles into multiple posts, each post not exceeding 400 words in length.
So, my friends, I will ask you to stay tuned and sign out for now. After all, this post (with signature and copyright) is 374 words long. Until next time...
Best regards,
Jim
© 2009 James P. Rice
07 July 2009
Remembrance of a Grand Master
Hello, Family and Friends!
Those of you who know me know that one of my most enduring (and not necessarily endearing) traits is that I'm a voracious reader. To me, reading is almost an addiction. At any given time, I am usually reading three or four books...not at the same time, just at different times of the day. I usually have my 'car' book that I keep in the glove box of my primary mode of transportation, my 'meal' book that I only read at mealtimes, and my 'bed' book that I use to help me get to sleep. In addition to these three, there is usually a fourth 'work' book that I take with me so I have something to read during down times at whatever job I'm pursuing. And I don't stick to any particular genre. As I sit here typing, I am surrounded at my desk by works of fantasy, philosophy, religion, current events, biography, history, and social commentary. On the shelves across the room from my desk, I can see works by Victor Hugo, Ellery Queen, Stephen R. Donaldson, C. J. Cherryh, Charles Dickens, Alexander Hamilton, Amity Shlaes, James Madison, Piers Anthony, John Jay, Isaac Asimov, Glenn Beck, Alexander Dumas, Arthur C. Clark, E. E. Cummings, and, well, you get the idea. I'm well-read.
But of everything I've read throughout my life...out of every genre and style...there has been one author that has had the most profound impact on my life. I didn't mention him in the previous list of authors because, as anyone who has ever visited the den of chaos that is my home can probably tell you, there is at least one of this author's works on every bookcase, shelf, and desk I use throughout the house. This man became the voice for my thoughts and beliefs before I honed the skills and gained the confidence that now allow me to organize them into written form myself. Right about now, my immediate family is seriously considering moving on to something else, thinking to themselves, "Oh, God! He's going on about him again, isn't he!" Yes, ladies, this post is about Robert Anson Heinlein.
At this point, I think its only fair in the interest of full disclosure to let you know that I am a regular member of The Heinlein Society. Between Wikipedia and the Society's own extensive biography on Mr. Heinlein located at http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/biographies.html , his life has been thoroughly chronicled, so I won't go into any great detail on his 'speeds and feeds', but here are some of the highlights...
At the time of his birth on 7 July 1907, Robert's family was living with his maternal grandfather, Dr. Alva Lyle, in Butler, MO. A few months later, his family moved to Kansas City, MO where Robert lived until he was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1925. In 1929, Midshipman First Class Heinlein graduated 20th in a class of 243 and was commissioned with the rank of Ensign. While at Annapolis, Robert was one of the top-ranked fencers in the U.S., as well as an excellent student. In fact, he actually stood 5th in academics in his class, but disciplinary issues brought his overall rank down to 20th. Unfortunately, Heinlein's Naval career was cut short when he was retired in August 1934 as "Medically Unfit for Service - Totally and Permanently Disabled." After serving three years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington, Heinlein was assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Roper. Because the smaller Roper was less stable and constantly rolling, Ensign Heinlein developed chronic seasickness. Within a year, his weakened condition resulted in him contracting pulmonary tuberculosis, thus ending his Naval career.
I mentioned his home and his discharge because these two things would go on to color nearly all his writings over the years. If his first choice of career, the Navy, hadn't been denied him, he probably would never have started writing. But once he did start writing, his mid-American 'Bible Belt' upbringing is reflected in most of his major characters. Additionally, the character of Dr. Ira Johnson, the maternal grandfather of one of his most popular characters, Lazarus Long nee Woodrow Wilson Smith, bore a strong resemblance to his own maternal grandfather, Dr. Alva Lyle; and it is generally accepted that most of his strongest female characters were based on a woman he may never have met if he had continued in active duty with the Navy, and who became the great love of his life...his third wife, Virginia Gerstenfeld Heinlein.
My first exposure to Robert Heinlein was in 1978 when I picked up a copy of The Past Through Tomorrow at a used book sale. The cover caught my eye...an old man in a primitive-looking space suit, sitting on the helmet, apparently on the Moon, looking fondly at the Earth. That, plus it only cost a Quarter. When I started reading it, I was blown away. The Past Through Tomorrow was a collection of Heinlein's short stories and novellas that make up what John Campbell once termed "Heinlein's Future History." Campbell had organized them in chronological order based on where they occur on this fictional time line rather than the order in which they were written. I was swept up in the richness of the universe Heinlein had created. Every single story in this collection was a blend of social commentary, speculative fiction, and science fantasy. Heinlein had taken very plausible situations, dropped in characters the reader could care about, and placed them in a futuristic setting so that he could turn the situation about and examine it from all directions. It was brilliant! There was even a short story called The Roads Must Roll that anticipated the creation of the Interstate Highway System and could have been a metaphor for the 1974 long haul truckers' strike, even though it had been written 1940.
After finishing The Past Through Tomorrow, I was hungry to read more of Heinlein's works. I quickly went through Red Planet, Starship Troopers, and Glory Road. The more I read, the more I found that Heinlein seemed to possess an uncanny ability to see 'the big picture' when it came to the effects a new technology would have on civilization. He didn't just stop at the obvious 'primary' and 'secondary' effects, but drilled down to and examined the corollary effects that most 'experts' never even considered. For example:
The Automated Assembly Line process allowed Henry Ford to mass-produce inexpensive automobiles >>> The widespread use of inexpensive, mass-produced automobiles led to the disappearance of the horse as a common sight in America >>> Most Americans now have almost no real experience with horses and do not have even basic knowledge and skills that were considered commonplace just a single generation before mine >>> The widespread use of the automobile also makes society more 'mobile', allowing people to travel further distances in a shorter period of time >>> Social mores begin to loosen up as people realize that the automobile allows them to get away from those who would gossip about their behavior >>> Families begin to spread out around the country as the automobile makes it easier for them to return home for visits more often where previous generations almost never traveled more than twenty miles from their home over their entire lifetimes >>> 'Urban sprawl' begins as people begin to realize they no longer have to live and work in the same neighborhood, but instead can 'commute' to work.
This is just one example of how Heinlein examined in his works the way a single technological advance had effects that branched out and spread through several generations. Other topics he foresaw and examined while they were barely beyond the theoretical stage included (but weren't limited to) the safe generation of nuclear power, the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction that would proliferate during the Cold War, and the intellectual and cultural gap that could (and most likely will) occur between the early settlers of extraterrestrial colonies (such as the Moon or Mars) and the 'groundhogs' who remain behind, just to name a few. His insights into the workings of society as it related to its environment and the technologies used were almost prophetic.
However, no matter how prophetic his insights may have seemed, Heinlein was first and foremost an engineer, by both temperament and training. His engineering skills led him to either postulate or even invent mechanical devices such as 'waldoes' and the waterbed in his stories. In fact, because Heinlein had described waterbeds in detail in three different stories (Beyond This Horizon, Double Star, and Stranger in a Strange Land) decades before, an application submitted by Charles Hall in 1968 for a patent for the water bed was denied. Heinlein even commented on the waterbed in his 1980 story collection, Expanded Universe:
"I designed the waterbed during years as a bed patient in the middle thirties; a pump to control water level, side supports to permit one to float rather than simply lying on a not very soft water filled mattress. Thermostatic control of temperature, safety interfaces to avoid all possibility of electric shock, waterproof box to make a leak no more important than a leaky hot water bottle rather than a domestic disaster, calculation of floor loads (important!), internal rubber mattress and lighting, reading, and eating arrangements—an attempt to design the perfect hospital bed by one who had spent too damn much time in hospital beds."
Robert and Ginny Heinlein didn't limit their social activism to fiction. As I was immersing myself in his writings, I found a 1958 newspaper article at the library written by the Heinleins and entitled, "Who are the Heirs of Patrick Henry?", in response to a full-page ad placed by the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy (a sub-committee of the American Socialist Party) calling for the U.S. to unilaterally end nuclear testing. What became known as the "Patrick Henry Campaign" was rooted in the outrage they felt at what they believed to be an irresponsible policy blunder at the height of the Cold War. It was refreshing to see an opinion that I had felt but could not vocalize so succinctly put into words. I began to see a kindred spirit in Heinlein. Philosophically and politically, he became my mentor.
As I got to know the man behind the tales, I came to see a passionate, dedicated man who was deeply in love with his soul mate, and for whom words such as 'duty,' 'honor,' and 'integrity' were more than a passing fad. I saw a gifted man who, even though he had been a Socialist in his youth, was open-minded and intelligent enough to allow his beliefs to grow and evolve as he gained life experience and identified the morally-bankrupt fallacies of the socialist philosophy. Heinlein helped to cement within me a love of the United States as created by our Founders and a sense of wonder at the natural beauty of our world and the Universe in general. He also helped me to learn to keep an open mind and view things from all different angles, and not just through a narrow tunnel of dogma created by the demagogues in power. Above all, he provided the mortar for the foundation laid by my parents, the foundation of principles by which I live my life to this day. At the end of the day, Heinlein made it cool in an era of moral relativism to believe, "...that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..."
So, on this, the 102nd anniversary of his birth, I felt moved to share with you, my friends and family, the reason I sometimes seem obsessed with Robert A. Heinlein. In my humble opinion, Heinlein's keen intelligence, prophetic insight, easy way of communicating with his readers, and his belief in something larger than himself make him the greatest author of the Twentieth Century. If you have never read Heinlein, then I encourage you to pick up a copy of either The Past Through Tomorrow or Expanded Universe and introduce yourself to him. As you read, look beyond the gadgets, the fantastic settings, and the technical jargon. Allow yourself to experience the plot and the characters. If you do, I feel confident that you will find the joy in his writings that I always have.
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
Those of you who know me know that one of my most enduring (and not necessarily endearing) traits is that I'm a voracious reader. To me, reading is almost an addiction. At any given time, I am usually reading three or four books...not at the same time, just at different times of the day. I usually have my 'car' book that I keep in the glove box of my primary mode of transportation, my 'meal' book that I only read at mealtimes, and my 'bed' book that I use to help me get to sleep. In addition to these three, there is usually a fourth 'work' book that I take with me so I have something to read during down times at whatever job I'm pursuing. And I don't stick to any particular genre. As I sit here typing, I am surrounded at my desk by works of fantasy, philosophy, religion, current events, biography, history, and social commentary. On the shelves across the room from my desk, I can see works by Victor Hugo, Ellery Queen, Stephen R. Donaldson, C. J. Cherryh, Charles Dickens, Alexander Hamilton, Amity Shlaes, James Madison, Piers Anthony, John Jay, Isaac Asimov, Glenn Beck, Alexander Dumas, Arthur C. Clark, E. E. Cummings, and, well, you get the idea. I'm well-read.
But of everything I've read throughout my life...out of every genre and style...there has been one author that has had the most profound impact on my life. I didn't mention him in the previous list of authors because, as anyone who has ever visited the den of chaos that is my home can probably tell you, there is at least one of this author's works on every bookcase, shelf, and desk I use throughout the house. This man became the voice for my thoughts and beliefs before I honed the skills and gained the confidence that now allow me to organize them into written form myself. Right about now, my immediate family is seriously considering moving on to something else, thinking to themselves, "Oh, God! He's going on about him again, isn't he!" Yes, ladies, this post is about Robert Anson Heinlein.
At this point, I think its only fair in the interest of full disclosure to let you know that I am a regular member of The Heinlein Society. Between Wikipedia and the Society's own extensive biography on Mr. Heinlein located at http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/biographies.html , his life has been thoroughly chronicled, so I won't go into any great detail on his 'speeds and feeds', but here are some of the highlights...
At the time of his birth on 7 July 1907, Robert's family was living with his maternal grandfather, Dr. Alva Lyle, in Butler, MO. A few months later, his family moved to Kansas City, MO where Robert lived until he was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1925. In 1929, Midshipman First Class Heinlein graduated 20th in a class of 243 and was commissioned with the rank of Ensign. While at Annapolis, Robert was one of the top-ranked fencers in the U.S., as well as an excellent student. In fact, he actually stood 5th in academics in his class, but disciplinary issues brought his overall rank down to 20th. Unfortunately, Heinlein's Naval career was cut short when he was retired in August 1934 as "Medically Unfit for Service - Totally and Permanently Disabled." After serving three years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington, Heinlein was assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Roper. Because the smaller Roper was less stable and constantly rolling, Ensign Heinlein developed chronic seasickness. Within a year, his weakened condition resulted in him contracting pulmonary tuberculosis, thus ending his Naval career.
I mentioned his home and his discharge because these two things would go on to color nearly all his writings over the years. If his first choice of career, the Navy, hadn't been denied him, he probably would never have started writing. But once he did start writing, his mid-American 'Bible Belt' upbringing is reflected in most of his major characters. Additionally, the character of Dr. Ira Johnson, the maternal grandfather of one of his most popular characters, Lazarus Long nee Woodrow Wilson Smith, bore a strong resemblance to his own maternal grandfather, Dr. Alva Lyle; and it is generally accepted that most of his strongest female characters were based on a woman he may never have met if he had continued in active duty with the Navy, and who became the great love of his life...his third wife, Virginia Gerstenfeld Heinlein.
My first exposure to Robert Heinlein was in 1978 when I picked up a copy of The Past Through Tomorrow at a used book sale. The cover caught my eye...an old man in a primitive-looking space suit, sitting on the helmet, apparently on the Moon, looking fondly at the Earth. That, plus it only cost a Quarter. When I started reading it, I was blown away. The Past Through Tomorrow was a collection of Heinlein's short stories and novellas that make up what John Campbell once termed "Heinlein's Future History." Campbell had organized them in chronological order based on where they occur on this fictional time line rather than the order in which they were written. I was swept up in the richness of the universe Heinlein had created. Every single story in this collection was a blend of social commentary, speculative fiction, and science fantasy. Heinlein had taken very plausible situations, dropped in characters the reader could care about, and placed them in a futuristic setting so that he could turn the situation about and examine it from all directions. It was brilliant! There was even a short story called The Roads Must Roll that anticipated the creation of the Interstate Highway System and could have been a metaphor for the 1974 long haul truckers' strike, even though it had been written 1940.
After finishing The Past Through Tomorrow, I was hungry to read more of Heinlein's works. I quickly went through Red Planet, Starship Troopers, and Glory Road. The more I read, the more I found that Heinlein seemed to possess an uncanny ability to see 'the big picture' when it came to the effects a new technology would have on civilization. He didn't just stop at the obvious 'primary' and 'secondary' effects, but drilled down to and examined the corollary effects that most 'experts' never even considered. For example:
The Automated Assembly Line process allowed Henry Ford to mass-produce inexpensive automobiles >>> The widespread use of inexpensive, mass-produced automobiles led to the disappearance of the horse as a common sight in America >>> Most Americans now have almost no real experience with horses and do not have even basic knowledge and skills that were considered commonplace just a single generation before mine >>> The widespread use of the automobile also makes society more 'mobile', allowing people to travel further distances in a shorter period of time >>> Social mores begin to loosen up as people realize that the automobile allows them to get away from those who would gossip about their behavior >>> Families begin to spread out around the country as the automobile makes it easier for them to return home for visits more often where previous generations almost never traveled more than twenty miles from their home over their entire lifetimes >>> 'Urban sprawl' begins as people begin to realize they no longer have to live and work in the same neighborhood, but instead can 'commute' to work.
This is just one example of how Heinlein examined in his works the way a single technological advance had effects that branched out and spread through several generations. Other topics he foresaw and examined while they were barely beyond the theoretical stage included (but weren't limited to) the safe generation of nuclear power, the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction that would proliferate during the Cold War, and the intellectual and cultural gap that could (and most likely will) occur between the early settlers of extraterrestrial colonies (such as the Moon or Mars) and the 'groundhogs' who remain behind, just to name a few. His insights into the workings of society as it related to its environment and the technologies used were almost prophetic.
However, no matter how prophetic his insights may have seemed, Heinlein was first and foremost an engineer, by both temperament and training. His engineering skills led him to either postulate or even invent mechanical devices such as 'waldoes' and the waterbed in his stories. In fact, because Heinlein had described waterbeds in detail in three different stories (Beyond This Horizon, Double Star, and Stranger in a Strange Land) decades before, an application submitted by Charles Hall in 1968 for a patent for the water bed was denied. Heinlein even commented on the waterbed in his 1980 story collection, Expanded Universe:
"I designed the waterbed during years as a bed patient in the middle thirties; a pump to control water level, side supports to permit one to float rather than simply lying on a not very soft water filled mattress. Thermostatic control of temperature, safety interfaces to avoid all possibility of electric shock, waterproof box to make a leak no more important than a leaky hot water bottle rather than a domestic disaster, calculation of floor loads (important!), internal rubber mattress and lighting, reading, and eating arrangements—an attempt to design the perfect hospital bed by one who had spent too damn much time in hospital beds."
Robert and Ginny Heinlein didn't limit their social activism to fiction. As I was immersing myself in his writings, I found a 1958 newspaper article at the library written by the Heinleins and entitled, "Who are the Heirs of Patrick Henry?", in response to a full-page ad placed by the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy (a sub-committee of the American Socialist Party) calling for the U.S. to unilaterally end nuclear testing. What became known as the "Patrick Henry Campaign" was rooted in the outrage they felt at what they believed to be an irresponsible policy blunder at the height of the Cold War. It was refreshing to see an opinion that I had felt but could not vocalize so succinctly put into words. I began to see a kindred spirit in Heinlein. Philosophically and politically, he became my mentor.
As I got to know the man behind the tales, I came to see a passionate, dedicated man who was deeply in love with his soul mate, and for whom words such as 'duty,' 'honor,' and 'integrity' were more than a passing fad. I saw a gifted man who, even though he had been a Socialist in his youth, was open-minded and intelligent enough to allow his beliefs to grow and evolve as he gained life experience and identified the morally-bankrupt fallacies of the socialist philosophy. Heinlein helped to cement within me a love of the United States as created by our Founders and a sense of wonder at the natural beauty of our world and the Universe in general. He also helped me to learn to keep an open mind and view things from all different angles, and not just through a narrow tunnel of dogma created by the demagogues in power. Above all, he provided the mortar for the foundation laid by my parents, the foundation of principles by which I live my life to this day. At the end of the day, Heinlein made it cool in an era of moral relativism to believe, "...that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..."
So, on this, the 102nd anniversary of his birth, I felt moved to share with you, my friends and family, the reason I sometimes seem obsessed with Robert A. Heinlein. In my humble opinion, Heinlein's keen intelligence, prophetic insight, easy way of communicating with his readers, and his belief in something larger than himself make him the greatest author of the Twentieth Century. If you have never read Heinlein, then I encourage you to pick up a copy of either The Past Through Tomorrow or Expanded Universe and introduce yourself to him. As you read, look beyond the gadgets, the fantastic settings, and the technical jargon. Allow yourself to experience the plot and the characters. If you do, I feel confident that you will find the joy in his writings that I always have.
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
29 June 2009
An Open Letter to My Better Half...
Its sometimes amazing how one event can change your life. For me, that event was the day I first met my wife, Marilyn.
At the time, Marilyn was dating a friend of mine. When he introduced her to me, it was as if I had just experienced the first sunrise of my life. Something inside me came alive and whispered, “that is the woman with whom you will spend the rest of your life.” However, even at 19 years old, I was already a very honorable, loyal, noble individual. My personal code of honor precluded me from ‘making a move’ on a woman a friend was dating. So, I waited. That voice inside me said her relationship with my friend would not last. Just over two months later, they broke up.
I waited some more. I wanted to give my friend some time to get over Marilyn and move on before I asked her out. I also didn’t want to just be the ‘rebound boyfriend.’ Finally, my friend had moved on and was dating someone else. Still considerate of his feelings, I asked him if he would mind if I asked Marilyn out. He said it wouldn’t, so I called her up. Twenty-eight years ago today, Marilyn and I went on our first date.
On Monday, 29 June 1981, I took Marilyn to dinner at the restaurant owned by my late cousin, Don Willis, and then took her to see Blade Runner. What’s really strange about this is that, based on our schedules and things that happened in our lives around this day, Marilyn and I are both 100% positive that this was in 1981. According to the Internet Movie Database, Blade Runner was released on 25 June 1982. I guess our date that night included passage back and forth through some sort of temporal anomaly.
A great man once wrote that men are more sentimental than women. I guess that’s true because, seven and a half years later when I finally convinced her to marry me and we were planning our wedding, I insisted that we get married on the anniversary of that first date. However, since June 29th fell on a Thursday in 1989 and the following weekend was basically the Independence Day weekend, we decided to move the date up to Saturday, 24 June 1989. It may not have been the exact day, but we honored the spirit of that first date.
Today marks the twenty-eighth anniversary of that first date. Don’t get me wrong…we aren’t living in a Disney movie, so our life together has been a roller coaster ride. But our love and commitment to each other, as well as the time we took to get to know each other before we wed, have all worked together to make certain that our union is a little bit stronger every day.
Happy 28th (First Date) Anniversary, my darling Princess! I love you more today than I did then, but no where near as much as I will tomorrow.
With all my love…
© 2009 James P. Rice
At the time, Marilyn was dating a friend of mine. When he introduced her to me, it was as if I had just experienced the first sunrise of my life. Something inside me came alive and whispered, “that is the woman with whom you will spend the rest of your life.” However, even at 19 years old, I was already a very honorable, loyal, noble individual. My personal code of honor precluded me from ‘making a move’ on a woman a friend was dating. So, I waited. That voice inside me said her relationship with my friend would not last. Just over two months later, they broke up.
I waited some more. I wanted to give my friend some time to get over Marilyn and move on before I asked her out. I also didn’t want to just be the ‘rebound boyfriend.’ Finally, my friend had moved on and was dating someone else. Still considerate of his feelings, I asked him if he would mind if I asked Marilyn out. He said it wouldn’t, so I called her up. Twenty-eight years ago today, Marilyn and I went on our first date.
On Monday, 29 June 1981, I took Marilyn to dinner at the restaurant owned by my late cousin, Don Willis, and then took her to see Blade Runner. What’s really strange about this is that, based on our schedules and things that happened in our lives around this day, Marilyn and I are both 100% positive that this was in 1981. According to the Internet Movie Database, Blade Runner was released on 25 June 1982. I guess our date that night included passage back and forth through some sort of temporal anomaly.
A great man once wrote that men are more sentimental than women. I guess that’s true because, seven and a half years later when I finally convinced her to marry me and we were planning our wedding, I insisted that we get married on the anniversary of that first date. However, since June 29th fell on a Thursday in 1989 and the following weekend was basically the Independence Day weekend, we decided to move the date up to Saturday, 24 June 1989. It may not have been the exact day, but we honored the spirit of that first date.
Today marks the twenty-eighth anniversary of that first date. Don’t get me wrong…we aren’t living in a Disney movie, so our life together has been a roller coaster ride. But our love and commitment to each other, as well as the time we took to get to know each other before we wed, have all worked together to make certain that our union is a little bit stronger every day.
Happy 28th (First Date) Anniversary, my darling Princess! I love you more today than I did then, but no where near as much as I will tomorrow.
With all my love…
© 2009 James P. Rice
25 June 2009
Book Review: "Atlas Shrugged"
Good day, friends and family!
In between some of my ranting and raving, I thought I'd share my thoughts on some of the reading material that passes across my desk. So, here we go...
Recently, I re-read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." This novel is incredibly relevant for the times in which we are living and should be required reading for every high school Junior in the country. Even though it was originally published in 1957, it could almost have been written today.
For those of you who haven't read it, this novel is basically the struggle of the protagonists, Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, against the U.S. government and the snobbish, elitist intelligentsia that controls the political power in the the system. Dagny and Hank represent the last of the intellectually honest, creative minds of industry who are the driving force of the 'motor of the world,' while the key antagonists such as Dagny's brother James, Hank's brother, Phillip, and political appointee Wesley Mouch, represent the morally bankrupt, parasitic, incompetent 'looters' who are the sand in the cogs of that same motor. The protagonists of the book represent the 'prime movers' who embody the very principles upon which the U.S. was founded: the Inalienable Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property. The 'looters' are proponents of an all-powerful central government, 'progressive' taxation, industry controlled by the trinity of government ownership/big labor/and oppressive regulation, and the redistribution of wealth from those who create it to those who demand it. While Dagny and Hank try to find the creator of a cutting-edge new motor and answer the question, "Who is John Galt?", the looters reign over the collapse of an economy overburdened with fascist over-regulation, confiscatory taxes, and the methodical destruction of the nation's industrial infrastructure by incompetent fools who don't think it's 'fair' that one company should be more successful than the others just because the successful company was 'lucky' enough to reliably offer better products or services.
For a more thorough synopsis and discussion on the philosophy of the book, I encourage you to visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_Shrugged .
The relevance of the book was best summarized recently by Yaron Brook, Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute, in an article published in The Wall Street Journal on 15 March 2009:
"In Atlas Shrugged, Rand tells the story of the U.S. economy crumbling under the weight of crushing government interventions and regulations. Meanwhile, blaming greed and the free market, Washington responds with more controls that only deepen the crisis. Sound familiar?"
While it is a work of fiction, and even contains a few elements of science fiction, I honestly believe that Atlas Shrugged is one of several publications critical to mentally preparing ourselves against being doomed to repeat history. Many people over the last couple of years have been looking for an "Archduke Ferdinand" moment...an incident that politicos would use to trigger a popular uprising against the established system. Personally, I think the cowardly terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 were, en toto, that moment and that we are now on the verge of a "John Galt" moment.
My friends, 'Atlas' is about to shrug. When he does, will you be part of the burden of which he is relieving himself, or will you be one of those brushing the parasites off your shoulders?
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
In between some of my ranting and raving, I thought I'd share my thoughts on some of the reading material that passes across my desk. So, here we go...
Recently, I re-read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." This novel is incredibly relevant for the times in which we are living and should be required reading for every high school Junior in the country. Even though it was originally published in 1957, it could almost have been written today.
For those of you who haven't read it, this novel is basically the struggle of the protagonists, Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden, against the U.S. government and the snobbish, elitist intelligentsia that controls the political power in the the system. Dagny and Hank represent the last of the intellectually honest, creative minds of industry who are the driving force of the 'motor of the world,' while the key antagonists such as Dagny's brother James, Hank's brother, Phillip, and political appointee Wesley Mouch, represent the morally bankrupt, parasitic, incompetent 'looters' who are the sand in the cogs of that same motor. The protagonists of the book represent the 'prime movers' who embody the very principles upon which the U.S. was founded: the Inalienable Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property. The 'looters' are proponents of an all-powerful central government, 'progressive' taxation, industry controlled by the trinity of government ownership/big labor/and oppressive regulation, and the redistribution of wealth from those who create it to those who demand it. While Dagny and Hank try to find the creator of a cutting-edge new motor and answer the question, "Who is John Galt?", the looters reign over the collapse of an economy overburdened with fascist over-regulation, confiscatory taxes, and the methodical destruction of the nation's industrial infrastructure by incompetent fools who don't think it's 'fair' that one company should be more successful than the others just because the successful company was 'lucky' enough to reliably offer better products or services.
For a more thorough synopsis and discussion on the philosophy of the book, I encourage you to visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_Shrugged .
The relevance of the book was best summarized recently by Yaron Brook, Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute, in an article published in The Wall Street Journal on 15 March 2009:
"In Atlas Shrugged, Rand tells the story of the U.S. economy crumbling under the weight of crushing government interventions and regulations. Meanwhile, blaming greed and the free market, Washington responds with more controls that only deepen the crisis. Sound familiar?"
While it is a work of fiction, and even contains a few elements of science fiction, I honestly believe that Atlas Shrugged is one of several publications critical to mentally preparing ourselves against being doomed to repeat history. Many people over the last couple of years have been looking for an "Archduke Ferdinand" moment...an incident that politicos would use to trigger a popular uprising against the established system. Personally, I think the cowardly terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 were, en toto, that moment and that we are now on the verge of a "John Galt" moment.
My friends, 'Atlas' is about to shrug. When he does, will you be part of the burden of which he is relieving himself, or will you be one of those brushing the parasites off your shoulders?
Until next time, best regards...
© 2009 James P. Rice
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