Cutting Medicaid?

 It's a terrible idea. 

Medicaid is being targeted because, well gee, we can't afford it with all those tax cuts. 

Ten Things to Know About Medicaid

Over 80 million Americans depend on Medicaid. A majority of the recipients of the aid go to children, the disabled and the elderly. But hey, the wealthy will be able to keep up with the Russian oligarchs.

BTW around 77 percent of Americans have a positive view of the Medicaid program. Cuts will be like hitting the hornet's nest with a stick.

This is from Kaiser Family Foundation

Percent who say they have very or somewhat favorable views of each of the following:

Total

77%

Party ID

Democrats 87%

Independents 81%

Republicans 63%

Race/Ethnicity

Black        86%

Hispanic  85%

White       73%

2024 vote choice

Harris voters   89%

Trump voters  62%

Household income

Less than $40,000   82%

$40,000-$89,999     81%

$90,000 or more      70%

Here's an idea. How about finding ways to tamp down fraud? A little more oversight and enforcement might work.  Punishing the recipients is wrong headed, Just follow the money.

Fraud against Medicaid is mostly committed by providers – to crack down on fraud, Congress and the Administration should follow the money. There are no reliable estimates of the amount of fraud against Medicaid, but there is one data source that provides visibility into who the bad actors are. Every year, DOJ and HHS-OIG publish a report on their efforts to hold to account bad actors in Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care programs. The December 2024 report lists examples of the different kinds of fraud against Medicaid (and Medicare) that the agencies have identified and prosecuted.  Among those convicted are ambulance service providers, durable medical equipment suppliers, diagnostic labs, nursing homes, pain clinics, pharmacies, physical therapists, physicians, and substance use treatment providers.  No beneficiaries are in the listing. (Georgetown University McCourt School)

The Tipping Point

Are we at the tipping point?

 As flawed as Thomas Jefferson may have been, he nailed it in the Declaration of Independence. 

"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" is a well-known phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump think we're reenacting Animal Farm, or The Lord of the Flies, where some are more equal than others. Clearly, it's exceptionalism. Exceptionalism is the perception or belief that a species, country, society, institution, movement, individual, or time period is "exceptional" (i.e., unusual or extraordinary). The term carries the implication, whether or not specified, that the referent is superior in some way. That's why Trump says, "I alone can fix this." 

His delusions are dangerous. If that weren't bad enough, he is taking away our unalienable rights, our livelihoods, based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnic background. I think I just described the aspirational goals of DEI. Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. 

One final note. Nowhere in here do these thoughts and ideas say anything about excluding white people.  

(I used a variety of online sources.)

DEI Declared Dead

Donald Trump told Fox News that DEI is dead. Why, exactly, did he kill it? Trumpians would have us believe there's no discrimination, that the system is totally fair, that all of us are treated equally. Then, why is there a wealth gap between women and men, between whites and people of color? Scratch beneath the surface, you will find fear, racism, sexism, and all the other ism schisms and phobias.

It's easier to throw out pejoratives if you don't really allow DEI to be fully defined. Maybe if I name them, you will pause for a moment and think about this. Let me shed light on what these words actually mean. 

(From Chally)

• Diversity: This is when people from all different backgrounds come together. It includes people of different races, genders, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, visible and invisible disabilities, class, or status.
• Equity: The understanding that providing equal treatment or resources doesn’t necessarily deliver equally matching results is the foundation of equity. While many people share the same goals and dreams,  show us who you really are. path isn’t always the same, and one might experience more hardship and obstacles than another.
• Inclusion: Celebrating diversity requires thoughtful inclusion. Everyone must be recognized and appreciated for their talents, be provided with opportunities to get involved, and have their perspectives valued and heard.
• Belonging: A sense of belonging ties diversity, equity, and inclusion together. Each group member is respected, valued, and cherished while being their authentic selves. Belonging is a feeling of a shared community.

Is DEI illegal because there are people who would like to bring about the best in us? Is it illegal because it builds community? 

As defined, these all seem to be positive terms, looking for the best in all of us. As a Christian, this is what it means to love one another.  

Instead of hiding behind a pejorative, why not come out and show us who you really are, and what you really represent? 

(Forgive me. I see somebody else got to this idea before I did with a meme on Facebook, but as this situation rapidly evolves, I thought I should add my voice.)

Trust

There are dark days ahead when it comes to trust.

Trust is the cement that binds relationships, keeping spouses together, business deals intact, and political systems stable. Without trust, marriages fails, voters become apathetic, and organizations flounder. Without trust, no company (or country) can ever hope for excellence.

Our democratic republic is built on trust, and a distrust of the King that ruled us all. That trust is ensured by a system of checks and balances that are supposed to hold our leaders to account. That system is eroding into one party rule, and that party is genuflecting to a would be oligarchs. That party used to talk about a smaller government with minimal government interference. Not anymore. The end game, a few will have power over the rest of us. There will be no one to represent us.

How to be trustworthy?

I found these factors at a veterinarian website. A successful vet succeeds if they exude trust.

 
Key indicators of trustworthiness:
Consistency: Do their actions align with what they say?

Accountability: Do they admit when they are wrong and take responsibility for their mistakes?

Honesty: Do they openly share information, even when it's difficult?

Reliability: Can you count on them to follow through on promises and commitments?

Integrity: Do they demonstrate strong moral principles and ethical behavior?

Respect for boundaries: Do they respect your personal space and decisions? 

We have none of this

We have toxic leadership.

Toxic leaders often display traits such as narcissism, manipulation, aggression, and a lack of empathy. They devalue people, stifle creativity, and breed a culture of fear, mistrust, and resentment. Toxic political leadership can have a range of negative effects including: decreased public trust in government, increased societal division, erosion of democratic institutions, reduced civic engagement, economic instability, and a decline in overall wellbeing due to heightened stress and anxiety within the population. (Variety of online sources)

The final questions, No matter your political leanings, why would you ever trust a liar? And, why does Elon Musk have control of our Treasury Department data, or anything else for that matter?

There is some seriously bad stuff going on. 

"Last time I checked, no one voted for Elon Musk. His “DOGE” was never actually authorized by Congress. He has not been confirmed by Congress. Democrats (and any Republicans with a spine) need to step in and stop this madness. Call your rep now (202) 224-3121"

Robert Reich 

The Truth Is Knocking. Let It In

You might as well answer the door, my child, the truth is furiously knocking.

- Lucille Clifton

What does holding power to account mean?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, to make someone accept that they are responsible for something and explain their actions or decisions: Holding those in power to account is the essence of democracy.

Power and Corruption

Here are two examples of abuse of power and the result of two recent investigations that hold power to account. Both are from an article in Slate, 

The Matt Gaetz Report Is a Reminder That Investigations Actually Matter

By Dahlia Lithwick

When the long-awaited House Ethics committee report on Matt Gaetz came out Monday morning, it offered a stark reminder of how vital it is to continue to carry out thorough investigations, especially as investigators are being increasingly vilified. Today we know much that we did not previously know about Gaetz’s fitness to hold public office. That is to the benefit of absolutely everyone. And anyone who thinks differently should have to explain why we should have remained in the dark.

Matt Gaetz

The committee’s findings were horrific. The 42-page document, which Gaetz tried unsuccessfully to suppress, found the former congressman had “violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.” (Gaetz has denied all of the allegations). Their investigation found that Donald Trump’s first pick for the chief law enforcement officer of the United States had, among other things, purchased drugs including cocaine and ecstasy on multiple occasions; accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts; paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex; lied to the State Department about the identity of one of these women so that she could get an American passport; and paid a 17-year-old girl—a high school junior. 

Justice Clarence Thomas

All of this brought to mind another recent investigation: the brand new 93-page report released by Democratic staff members of the Judiciary Committee, detailing yet more ethics violations committed by Justice Clarence Thomas. Amid the new revelations were two additional trips paid for by Thomas’ billionaire patron Harlan Crow that had not been disclosed, even as Thomas has scrambled to amend his various filings to keep up with journalism. The new trips came to light only because the committee had subpoenaed Crow.

Is It A Moot Point?

No charges have been brought, Republicans deny accountability, and attack the investigators, but the word is now out, and that matters. It matters because the truth is a way forward. Acquiescence to power ends our democracy. 

We now have the emergence of the very powerful Tech Brotherhood within the MAGA alliance. They are pro tech, pro capitalism, anti-regulation, and pro H-1B visa. They are causing a split in MAGA world over their stand on allowing certain people of color into our country. I am not comfortable with the new tech oligarchy ruling America. Will they feed the hungry? Will they house the homeless, including 155,000 children sleeping in the streets tonight? Will they make sure our health care system is affordable, and includes empathy and compassion unlike the algorithms that deny coverage to millions? I'm not optimistic. They are condescending to the MAGA base and to the rest of us. 

Push back is essential from the free press and from everyday citizens. Hold our elected representatives to account, or in a very short while we will hardly recognize our country. 

I Am Only One Person

First, you are not alone. You've heard, "Where two or three gather...?" That's the beginning of something much larger. Small groups grew into the civil rights movement.

We have power over our elected officials. Even in gerrymandered districts, it is possible to affect change. Representatives are chosen by the public to decide on its behalf the policies and actions to be pursued by a Government and are charged with acting in the best interests of his and her constituents. In doing so representatives are accountable to their constituents for their actions. 

-gao

Being There on Christmas

Offering Hope

Back before automation, back when we were actually spinning the disks, I had an experience that helped me understand the value of the personal interaction radio offers.

I often worked holiday shifts, filling in for staff who wanted time with their families. On one particular shift on Christmas Eve or Christmas Night, I got a call from somebody who was having difficulties. The holidays can easily amplify loneliness among individuals going through tough emotional times.

We spoke on the phone for about 20 minutes. I listened mostly. Finally, he said he was doing a little better, but asked if he could call back later that night. I assured him he could. 

After I got off the phone with him, I called my pastor. I asked him if he thought he might call back. He said, "probably not." Listening was going to be the best thing I could offer. I was a voice in the night. He was able to reach out and connect when he needed it.

 I’m not sure what happened to him.

Because we were not automated, we were there when he needed us to be. In a way the live presence eliminated a barrier between the listener and the station. I like to think that connection was valuable for both of us.

The song I was playing just before he called, "I'll Never Be the Same."

Dealing with Racism at the Table

 You're gathered around the table. Then, somebody says something racist. Perhaps it was meant as a joke. It's mean, not humor. Unfortunately, confronting the commenter head on may not work. 

The hard part is the comment is a personal affront to your values. A response that attacks the racist won't deescalate the issue. Their reaction will be defensive, and the confrontation could easily spiral out of control. Instead focus on the issue. 

I found some replies on WebMD that don't let the offensive remark slide, but offer some space before dealing with the issue more directly.

Health & Balance/Feature Stories

What to Say When Someone Says Something Racist

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, MS, DO on July 23, 2021Written by Candina Jordan

Listen

It can be hard to know how to respond when someone makes a racist comment, especially if they are close to you or in a position of power over you. There are several different responses to racist remarks that you can use. The response you choose when talking with family members or friends may be different from that you choose when talking with a work colleague. 

Plan Ahead

It can take courage to stand up to someone who makes a racist comment or joke. Resolving to be someone who speaks up for others might help you overcome any awkwardness you feel about confronting racism. It can also help if you decide ahead of time that you won't tolerate racial slurs or derogatory remarks. ‌

It's easy to get caught off guard when you hear a derogatory remark in a situation where you aren't expecting it. You may not be able to think of an appropriate thing to say quickly enough. Memorizing some responses may help you prepare for the next time you find yourself in that situation. Pick a few phrases, and practice saying them until it feels comfortable. ‌

Here are some simple phrases you can use as responses to racist remarks: 

That's not how we do things here. 

That's not funny to me.

That sounds racist. 

That was not necessary. 

Is the person’s race relevant to your story? 

I'm sorry, what?

I need a moment to process that. 

Let's be careful that our words are respectful of everyone. 

Racial jokes are not okay. 

That comment makes me uncomfortable. 

Maybe you don't realize the impact of your words. 

If these don't work, maybe a pie fight?

Just to be clear, all that racist rhetoric used by Trump and his surrogates was not okay. It still isn't.