Senior But Not Senile

Civil Liberties??????

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:54:00 +0000

The attack on our civil liberities continues. In Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is trying, and will probably succeed, to pass a bill that makes it illegal to form a group of four or more in a public place. You wll need a permit to protest, then the group will be responsible for paying for the police presence, clean up and any other expense incurred.

In Michigan Gov. Rich Snyder has arbitrarily gone into cities and taken over their municipal government. He places an Emergency Manager of HIS choice in office and essentially throws out all union contract not to his liking, fires the duly elected City Council including the Mayor, and then proceeds to put his own people in place. So far this has happened in a handful of Michigan cities, including Flint which regardless of what you hear on the "news" has been making a wonderful economic comeback with various unions help.

In Detroit, with the Republican Mayor, the situation is getting worse. Mayor Bing is laying off up to 1500 police and fireman in the coming days. Just what Detroit needs less police and fireman on the streets. I like Detroit, it is a fascinating city with lots of things to do, but being a suburanite I doubt very much if I will be going down there anymore. Businesses are already closing due to these cuts and I can't blame them.

This Emergency Manager law is suspect. The cities he is sending his people into are all largely middle class, union cities.

Now this happens: This week, the United States Senate passed S. 1867 also known as the National Defense Authorization Act including sections 1031 and 1032 which authorize the military to arrest and indefinitely detain American citizens without trial or charge.

I am ashamed to say this has been co-sponsored by our own Senator Levin and voted on by Debbie Stabenow. Both I had great respect for, but with this I am reassessing. How is it justified to arrest American citizens and detain them in a Guantanamo like setting by the military adhering to our Constitution?

I don't want terriost any more the right wing nutjobs, I am all for arresting known American terriost and detaining them, but there are laws already in place. We are not a military state.

The Wall Street movement is growing despite efforts by both Republicans and Democratic electroates going in with Police in riot gear breaking up peaceful demonstators. We have a right to protest, it is in the constitution, if you don't know it then you are as stupid as the mayors whose cities have been on the news. I believe the right has something to do with FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FREEDOM TO ASSEMBLE! Look it up!

If the Tea Party, NRA, and all the other wacko's out there and spout their nonsense then so can the working class of this country. What example are we sending to the rest of the world when they see on the news police in riot gear spraying our citizens with tear gas, beating on them and all the other atrocities that until now we only saw in Syria, Egypt, Iran, and some other middle eastern countries, that we come out against. What is the difference?

I am not an activist. I love this country very much and am thankful for all it has given me, but we have let fear take over and it is making us a third world country.

Great Idea!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:19:00 +0000

A friend just emailed me this, I thought it was timely!

Holiday season 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

    As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
    gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
    merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
    year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
    concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
    giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
    there is!

    It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
    a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
    Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
    from your local American hair salon or barber?

    Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
    health improvement.

    Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
    detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
    book of gift certificates.

    Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
    the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
    receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
    driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

    There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
    certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
    a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
    isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
    Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

    How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
    motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

    Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
    local cleaning lady for a day.

    My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
    struggling to get his repair business up and running.

    OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
    their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
    and beautiful wooden boxes.

    Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
    your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
    your hometown theatre.

    Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

    Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
    lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
    fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
    burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

    You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
    China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
    US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
    their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
    communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
    THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
    Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
    groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
    your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
    and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,
    and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Health Care Reform

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:38:00 +0000

I have a question for my conservative friends. Why are you so afraid of Obama and the Health Care reform that he initiated?

Are you against people who cannot afford health care for themselves or their families? Why are they not entitled to the same health care that you have. Or do you view it as government interfering with your choice? If you ask me, which I know you are not, this plan will give individuals more choice.

I just don’t understand it. We are supposed to be a Christian country and yet there are those in our society who will deny health care to the poorest individual. Is this the new Christian attitude? It sure isn’t the one I was brought with. Is it about the cost? We are paying for these individuals now! Every time someone without health care goes in for treatment in a hospital emergency room we pay through our premiums. Every time a child is unable to get his or her vaccinations on time, then our children suffer. Without good health care children are more likely to not do well in school. I can think of a dozen reasons why there should be health care for all. I know some states already have in place programs where individuals can get health care, but the majority of states do not.

And lets face it…whether want to believe it or not…there is a choice in this program. There is no mandate for health care for those who don’t want it. You don’t have to participate, the Supreme Court said that. If you don’t want it, then go without it. If you like your employer health care then keep it. But there should be an option for those who don’t have a choice.

This is a program that is long overdue; it is not perfect nor does it go as far as I would like, but it is something for the American people to get behind. This should not be a Republican issue nor a Democrat issue but a national issue.

All right...you don’t like Obama, I get that. But if your insurance premiums go up, it has nothing to do with Health Care Reform bill passed under this President. And no it was not jammed through Congress through the back door. It was done in the open with committees meeting behind closed doors to work out the details. The same way bills have been passed since the start of our country.

I know my conservative readers and friends will not change their minds with this simple post. They are too entrenched in Fox News and their hatred for all things Democrat, Liberal, and of course Obama. I gotta wonder and I know there will be denials is it because he won the election by an overwhelming majority of American People or is it because he is Black?

I gotta wonder. And you should ask yourself the same question, because if it is the latter then you need to look at yourself. Oh..and just one thing before I stop..it is not called “Obamacare” it is “Health Care Reform.” If you truly want to know more about what this covers then you should visit here and read the facts: http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/health_reform_factsheets/

One Womans Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Unbelieveable

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:14:00 +0000

So...I came back from a wonderful vacation to the same old crap!

The good news is that Occupy Wall Street is going on. I know for my more conservative readers this is an abomination, an attack on their high levels of fairness, an abscess on their behind, terrorists, slackers, and what have you.

I for one say "About Time!". People are fed up can't the Republicans see this. Boehner (nickname Boner), says they are listening to the American People. Hey...Boehner listen to the people on Wall Street and throughout the country, they are the American People. Not your golfing buddies who can afford to take a day off to play golf.

I have a question for the Republicans and two Democrats who voted down the Presidents job plan...Are ya' listening to anyone? Do you need hearing aids? They are available through your government paid health care. Use them.

I also have a question for the constituents of these idiots...what were you thinking? What are you thinking? Unless you are a multi-millionaire these people don't care about you. You have nothing for them except your misguided vote, which they will pander too. Oh come election time they talk the talk you want to hear, smile for the cameras, lots of promises (on both sides of the aisle), but when push comes to shove your wants and needs don't count.

So conservatives I hope you are happy. Are you losing your home yet? How is the job going? Had your hours cut? How about your wages? Are you able to eat? Do you still have health care? If you are doing good in all of these, then great, keep thinking only of yourself and not of your neighbor, after all that is the Conservative Christian motto isn't it.

Not sure how your representative (and I do use the word very loosely) voted on the bill check this out:

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00160

Friends Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:06:00 +0000

I have a friend, yes hard to imagine, but who knew? Anyway she has the wackiest sense of humor and is always telling these short stories. They are not long enough for a complete article, so I decided to save some up and post them all at once. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have...

"A highly dangerous virus called weekly overload recreational killer,(WORK) is
currently going around. If you come in contact with this work virus, you
should immediatly go to the nearest" Biological anxiety relief " (BAR) center to
take antidotes know as "WORK ISOLATING NEUTRALIZER EXTRACT " (wine)
" RADIOACTIVE UNWORK MEDICINE" (RUM), "BOTHERSOME EMPLOYER ELIMINATION REBOOTER" (BEER) or " VACCINO OFFICIO DEPRESION KILLING ANTIGEN" (VODKA). dont worry most of you are immune!!!!"
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"A father went to the local store to purchase a present for his daughter. The Astronaut Barbie is $19.95 and Divorced Barbie for $265.95. The amazed father asks: It's what?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only $19.95?The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs, and answers: 'Sir.. Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken's Car, Ken's House, Ken's Boat, Ken's Furniture, Ken's Computer,and one of Ken's Friends"
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The things your Mom taught you!

My Mom taught me:
Religion ........ "You better pray that comes out of the carpet"
Logic ............."Because I said so, that's why"
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"You should remember that well behaved women rarely make history! Its true, ya know!"
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"Wizard of OZ is 71 years old.. Today, if Dorothy were to encounter men with No brains, No heart and No courage, she wouldn't be in OZ, she'd be in Washington!"
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"What's the point of doors that have signs on them saying "Please keep closed at all times" Doesn't that technically make it a wall?"
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"Father & son went hunting together for the first time. father said "Stay here and be VERY QUIET. I'll be across the field". A few minutes later the father heard a blood curdling scream & ran back to his son asking "What's wrong? I told you quiet". The son answered "Look, I was quiet when the snake slithered across my feet. I was quiet when the bear breathed down my neck but when the 2 chipmunks crawled up my pant legs & said "Should we eat them here or take them with us?" I panicked!"
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Chocolate Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0000

No...I did not misspell Sunday. I meant the day of the week.

Every Sunday morning I treat myself to a Boston Cream Donut and a chocolate milk. It has become my chocolate fix for the week as I am desperately trying to lose weight and watch my cholesterol.

So it was a happy moment when I woke yesterday morning to the reminder that it was Sunday. Chocolate Sunday! Wow was I happy. After a hectic week of my son moving out into his own apartment (joy-joy!), shopping for our trip to Germany at the end of September, my husbands complaining about anything and everything (he's the one that needs the chocolate), and just a week from hell! I was looking forward to my alone time with my two favorite chocolate treats.

After taking my shower and loading my dog into the car (he gets a treat too) I head out to Tim Hortons. For those of you who don't know Tim Hortons, they are a chain out of Canada that make without a doubt the best fresh Boston Cream donut on the planet. Pull up to drive salivating, the chocolate is so close I can taste it. Place my order: One Boston Cream and one chocolate milk, please. "All right" came the response, "pull up to the window please for your total." Happily drive up and WHAM! drive thru guy tells me they are out of Boston Cream would I like another donut! I gave him my shocked pitiful face. I mean really I had drool coming out of my mouth I was so looking forward to this. But it wasn't the poor kids fault his manager didn't make enough Boston Creams on the weekend! So I said sure give me a Glazed. Not chocolate but it has enough sugar to get me through, and at least I will get my chocolate milk. "That will be .80". Wait I ordered chocolate milk also..."Sorry we are out of that also". By now I am in total shock. It is a weekend, 9 in the morning and they are out of both? Fine just give me the donut.

I like Tim Hortons. They usually have wonderful donuts. However, that "Old Fashioned Glazed Donut" tasted like paste! Awful!

So pulling out of the drive through chewing on the paste, I thought Dunkin' Donuts is just a few miles away I will go there. Driving down a two lane road to my chocolate destination a car stops dead in the middle of the road, with the car behind me slamming on his brakes, along with me. No reason I could see. So I give the guy a hands up jester (nothing dirty) just a what the heck are you doing type of jester..and he gives me the finger. He stopped for a squirrel on the side of the road! Damn thing wasn't even in the road.

Chocolate is only a 1/2 mile away...

Pull into the drive thru at Dunkin', order my two items, pull up to the window..and yes they have both items! Yippee! Dog and I are happy because they even have a treat for the dog..did I mention Tim's didn't have any treats either like they usually do? Pull out into the parking area to savor the chocolate..and the donut was stale.

At this point I didn't care anymore, I drank the milk to wash the taste of the pasty donut out of my mouth, and ate the stale donut.

So how was your Sunday?

Hot Dogs...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:58:00 +0000

That is of course a play on words and probably in bad taste. But considering the actions of the New York Senator will let it go, this time.

I have a problem with out news media, both cable and national, this Weiner story is not news in my opinion. It is a horrible incident in this man's life, but it is not news worthy for a 24/7 weeklong reporting. It is a burp in the cycle of life. Something he needs to live with and try and make his wife, family and God forgive him. He does not owe me any further apology or explanation.

Calling for his resignation, which he should not do, is absurd. You have people in Congress now who have been caught using their cell phones to call for prostitutes from the house floor. The mans name slipped my mind, but he is from Louisiana, Republican, and there was never any outcry from Republicans or Democrats for him to resign, just the opposite in fact. And he is not the only one.

Rachel Maddow has done a good job of reporting on this. She has not condoned what Anthony did, nor has she condemned him like so many others in the news media. Lawrence O'Donnell the same. Both have done an excellent job in reporting on the story.

I personally like Anthony Weiner. I don't like this incident. But it in no way takes away the good he has done for the American People. His constituents love him, I like him.

There is a saying that in essence says if you can look in the mirror and say you never made a mistake or lied, then you can criticize. Can the critics of Anthony's actions, which by the way were done on his own computer and cell phone, not the governments unlike some of the critics have done, say the same?

Look to yourself first, and if you are without fault then you have a right to criticize, but I know of no one, especially in Congress, who has not lied about an affair, or something stupid.

And most importantly move on. This is no longer a news story. Over done with. He will have to face the ethics committee of his peers and the voters. Let it lie.

There is so much happening in this world and country that is important to all of us. A twitter or Facebook post is not important to the unemployed, the sick, the homeless, the starving. While we focus on this non-story Wisconsin, Michigan and a host of other states citizens are getting screwed. Those are the stories I would like to see headlined.

Vermont...Here I come!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:02:00 +0000

Why is it some states seem to get it right for its citizens, while others can't seem to get their heads out of their.....ground. I bet you thought I was going to say something else, huh? I try and keep this blog clean.

Vermont just put into effect a single payer health care system for its citizens, much like Massachusetts did under Romney. What kinda of name is "Mitt" anyway...off subject. I like seeing government put the people who elected them first instead of big corporations. It is refreshing. Plus they have Bernie Sanders. Now who can't like that guy. A Democratic Socialist..his description of himself. And what is wrong with that I ask you?

Here is Michigan, like so many of the states under Republican rule, we are fighting to keep our schools from going broke, Unions intact, seniors off the poverty rolls, and all the while our elected officials in Lansing are giving tax breaks to large businesses. I have no qualms about giving tax breaks to small business owners, they need it in this economy. But when a business such as Lear (we have all heard of Lear, I hope) is given a large tax break here in Michigan, and schools have their budgets cut, seniors are asked to pay more, not to mention the taking over of our cities and towns by "Financial Managers". Then it is time to do something about it and speak up! Recall the idiots!

Just a word about Detroit's Financial Manager. Detroit Schools were in a financial disaster when Mr. Bob came in and took over, no question about that. In the years he has been here they have gotten worse. Now the Detroit Teachers Union got together and came up with a plan that involved concessions on their part to save the district around $400,000 a year. Not only was it not accepted, but they were never allowed to present it to Mr. Bob. The Detroit Public Schools now are in so much debt from his "Financial Managing" that I doubt if it will ever fully recover. The ones that lose are the children. Schools are being closed, class sizes are going up to around 60 kids a class, teachers are being let go..it is criminal what has happened there. And before you say "Well that is Detroit, everyone knows how crooked their government is" you are partially right. But the teachers have stepped up to the plate to help the kids and those two groups are now getting the boot in the A**!

I am so outraged by what is going on in this state that for the first time in my life, instead of bitching about it to my friends, I and my husband are taking an active roll in getting people to start thinking about the consequences of not voting. We have become politically active! Who would have thought that the free thinkers from the 60's would have to do it all over again!

A Year Gone By-Already!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:35:00 +0000

I admit it...I haven't posted in ages. There has been so much going on at home and the world that it boggles my mind.

I have had a wedding, job layoffs (with my sons), kids moving back home, daughter transferred to Germany for three years. This is minor compared to what is going on in the world. I mean really what was with all the fuss about a birth certificate. I mean the guys mother was an American Citizen, which I believe makes the child an American Citizen. Hawaii became a state in 1959 he was born in 1961. Enough all ready! There are important issues to report on.

We still have massive unemployment (my boys finally got back to work, one moved out another moved in), two wars (hooray Bin Ladin is gone finally), fighting in Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Florida and about a dozen other states that haven't made the news, the Red Wings didn't win the Stanley Cup again, Union busting, bad mouthing teachers.

Just a short thought on how I feel about the last two: If you are not in favor of a 40 hours work week, safe working conditions, minimum wage, 2 weeks vacations, paid overtime, employer provided health care, (which by the way I feel we should have a one payer system in this country), and all the other little benefits you take for granted, the yes lets do away with Unions and go back to the early 1900's where a large majority of employers treated their employees like slave labor. You can go, I like it where I am.

Teachers, God Bless Them! They take our unruly kids off our hands for 6 hours a day and try to get them to behave, because we can't. While we go about our daily activities they babysit our kids. They try and teach our kids manners, which we should be doing at home, along with arithmetic, spelling, reading, writing, social studies all under enormous pressure of having overcrowded classrooms, government mandates on what the child should be learning, testing by the states and stress. At the end of the day they are told they are paid too much. I'm sorry I just don't see it that way. I am grateful and honored to have had the teachers take my four kids and teach them something. With their help I have four responsible adults.

Should I mention Medicare and the Paul Ryan plan? I have an idea Paul, lets put all the Republicans on Medicare and then give them a voucher to pay for medical care. I think $6000 should be enough to cover your medical expenses. Idiots! Why don't they stop the mandate that was passed under Republican rule that states that any medication that Medicare has to purchase has to be purchase at retail prices. So if my Lovastatin is $10.00 a pill (which is outrageous) then Medicare has to pay $10 a pill rather than the wholesale price of $1.50 a pill. That would cut costs wouldn't it. Who pays retail prices these days? OH that's right the government!

Well that should about cover it for now. Keep a lookout for a new blog I am developing it is going to be about Gardening...something us old folks know something about:-)

I Know What It Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:02:00 +0000

"I know what it is like to struggle pay
I know what it is like to look your children in the eye and say “We can’t”
I know what it is like to not be able to keep promises
I know what it is like to have people not understand
I know what it is like to feel you have no where to turn for help
I know what it is to love someone who is not always capable of loving you back
I know what it is to love someone who loves his or her drink more
I know what it is to save and to have to the savings disappear in a heartbeat
I know what it is to watch those we have committed our life to slowly kill themselves with drink
I know what it is to have families say, “just leave, he’s a bum”
I know what it is to have family ignore you and your children
I know what it is to not have understanding
I know what it is to have a feeling of aloneness
I know what it is to feeling I have no where to turn
I know what it is to have all these feelings and so many more that can’t be named or expressed out of shame, hopelessness.
I know because I have lived with them for a majority of my life, but I also know that it only takes one friend to reach out a hand to help and understand."

I wrote this several years ago when I finally recognized my husbands’ alcoholism. It was an exercise I did for a therapy group that I had become involved with. Of course some of their solutions to our problems were for me to leave him. My husband is not a mean drunk, he is an unhappy one; and I have loved him for over 40 years. He never missed a day of work, always provided for his family in monetary terms. He was rarely there for his children or me in terms of doing anything with them; drink and television always came first. I had to step in and be both mother and father to three boys and a girl. It wasn’t easy and to this day I feel my children, especially the boys, harbor some resentment because he wasn’t there. They love him, and when he is sober, which is 85% of the time now, he is fun to be around. I learned to become independent, and in a sense I was a single parent without the worry of money coming in. I took care of everything, bills, house, children, yard work, I mean everything. Some therapist will tell you that I am an “enabler”. In a sense they are right, but if I hadn’t taken care of all of this it would not have gotten done ever. We would not now have a house instead of a run down trailer, we would not now have a comfortable retirement, and because I took a lawyers advice years ago and got my own bank account and never told him about it, I have a small nest-egg…not much but a dollar here a dollar there adds up over time. He still doesn’t know about the account after 40 years.

If you are married to an alcoholic, there is no one that can tell you what to do. This is something you have to figure out for yourself and your family. But I will tell you that there are people who care and understand…you are not alone.

Talking Heads and the Conservative Movement

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0000

The title really has very little to do with the article, but...well you figure it out for yourself.

When did it become "Socialist" to help your neighbor? When did it become "Socialist" to help those in need? I thought those were Christian values.

People say they are Conservative Christians. What does that mean? Does it mean as a Conservative, you no longer care about your fellow man? As a Christian aren't you suppose to care? So being a Conservative Christian is an oxymoron..or just a moron.

This is what is baffling to me with this Health Care Reform. I heard on one of the talking heads that we are going to have to pay $1500 a year extra to cover the new bill. This is to be taken out of our checks each week. Thats $1500 divided by 12 months=1500 roughly $125.00 per month. That is pretty cheap health insurance. This particular talking head said it was over $250 a month taken out...hmmmm $250 x 12=$3000.

For myself I don't mind paying for a better health care system for all. I feel it is everyones right to quality health care and that the Insurance companies and some politicians have gouged this country enough. I also know that for some $125 a month is a lot of money, but aren't you paying that anyway in higher insurance premiums? It is predicted with this bill your premiums will go down. I think this is why there is so much outrage in Congress over the bill, who wants to lose their golden egg in re-election contributions.

I was speechless (a rarity for me) when I read how much money some of these politicians are getting from the health insurance industry. No wonder they don't want this bill. They lose their money! Hits them where it hurts the most. I wish I could say "I'm sorry" they can't go on all those vacations, get that tan, or have that big house, or buy those foreign cars, that will break down on them. I wish I could say that, but I can't. When a child cannot get the medical help they need because their parents have to choose between feeding them or providing housing, then I can't feel sorrow for the fat cats.

I got a little off my original topic of "Conservative Christian". I was brought up in a strict Catholic home. I was taught by my parents that we are all the same in the end. We are all born the same way and we will all die the same. It is what we do in between that will determine whether we lived a good life or a useless one.

Advocating lies about our President and Health Care, advocating violence through your words, causing harm to another through your words and actions, is not Christian. So therefore I have to believe that the "Conservative Christian" movement is nothing but a bunch of right wing thugs who want to destroy our country. They are the true terriorists in my opinon and I only hope they have to go to an Emergency room with no money or insurance.

So in my view of the world a Conservative is someone who opposes anything that interferes with his or her life, or makes them uncomfortable in some way such as a person of another race, creed, color, or sexual preference; and for heavens sake the world will come to an end if one becomes a person of some importance. A Christian is someone who reads the Bible daily, and interprets the Bible according to his or her wishes. And then tries to impose those screwed beliefs onto other people and judges people as unworthy when they don't join in with those beliefs, plus when something happens to someone who rejects these beliefs it is deemed as "God's" will. Like they are the only ones who know what His will is.

The original Bible is nothing like we read today, I am sure. After all Christ was born in a time when reading and writing were forbidden by someone of his rank. Only scribes were able to read and write. So in the Medieval times the monks wrote the Bible from stories passed down through generations of "Christians". Then over time it was re-written again and again by Monks who were translating from ancient texts. Who knew if they really new anything about the ancient languages? It is highly doubtful. It was then translated into how many languages throughout the Christian world?

Sorry almost started on another "rant". I will end this by saying:
that no two people can read the same passage or article and come to the same conclusion of its meaning.(hence, so many different interpretations of the Bible) That is because God in His infinite wisdom gave us a mind and free choice. Too bad the "Conservative Christians" didn't get the message.

Health Care Rhetoric

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:44:00 +0000

I don't know about you but after a year of listening to both sides argument for and against health care, I am relieved finally that a bill got passed last night.

It is not the type of health care reform I would have liked to have seen passed as it does not do enough to reign in insurance companies or health care agencies. It does insure that health care coverage is now available to all Americans, not just those that can afford it. No more exclusions on "pre-existing" conditions. Did you know something as simple as a gall bladder removal years back could be considered pre-existing and you could be denied health care coverage...no more.

It puts into place immediately health care for some of those who most need it. Those who are unemployed or under-employed. I can only hope the governors of certain states do not mess it up for their constituents. I am talking about the Republican governors who are already saying they will not implement health care for everyone.

I am not naive enough to believe that this is a cure all and that everyone is going to be happy now. Not everyone will be happy with the changes that are taking place. Some will mislead, heck they already are using those tactics. Scare Tactics I call them. As far as I have seen and read so far, there is nothing in the bill that will make you purchase health care through the Federal Government. You are free to purchase health care anywhere you please, it is an open market. All you have to do is read the bill yourself, don't take my word for it or your representatives word for it. There is a lot of lobbying and misinformation being passed around, if you want to be led around like a sheep to slaughter, your choice; me I like to make up my own mind.

I am not even naive enough to believe that certain Politicians will stop their attach on Obama's agenda. According to Boehner of Ohio, the state of VA is already planning on suing the Federal Government over this health care bill. For those of you who didn't watch it I would like to point out that the "Deem and Pass" was not implemented in last nights vote..it was a straight count and the Dem's won. Of course not one Republican wants true health care reform as it might hurt the bottom line of the health care industry. Maybe just for the heck of it you should look up on the Internet exactly how much funding for their campaigns each Republican and Democrat took from the big health insurance companies.

Just remember, Obama and the Democratic party ran on a platform of change, they won by an overwhelming majority of votes..the largest ever seen..what did you expect.

We want change, we need change. The status quo and Reagan Economics have ruined this country. For the past 30 years we have been steadily declining in the middle class. Also I would like to point out that Clinton ( and I like the guy) did us no good when he signed NAFTA.

But that is another rant.

Donut Holes

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:10:00 +0000

I like donuts..I particularly like the little donut holes when sprinkled in powdered sugar, or when they have a jelly filling put in them. Ummmmm.

But I am not talking about that particular favorite in this piece.

Recently we had to go to a funeral of one of my husbands aunts. She was 89, had a wonderful sense of humor, and a loving heart. We met up with my husbands brother who is 6-8 years older than my husband and is not in good health. He retired from Ford Motor company after 45 years of service with a full retirement package. That package included health care.

When Ford started having all the problems a few years ago, they stopped his health care putting him in a position of having to purchase his own. He was in his late 60's at that time, and his health starting to go down, so you can imagine what his premiums were.

After a time, he switched his main coverage to Medicare/Medicaid because of costs. This is where the donut comes in. Medicaid which covers his medication (at least I think it is) has a policy that they cover up to so much in prescriptions, then the patient has to pay $4000 out of pocket before they will resume covering prescriptions. This is called a "donut hole". He recently went in to get his one prescription refilled, one he absolutely has to have, and the cost for that one prescription was $1500 for a 30 day supply. Now I don't know what the drug was or what it does, I was too shocked to ask, but the fact that he had to pay out that amount of money (which thankfully he could afford now) is outrageous!

Now the Republicans put this in the Medicaid bill some time ago. They see nothing wrong with charging someone that kind of money for medicine they have to have to survive. My thought is what about the senior citizens who cannot afford up to $4000 before coverage kicks in again. If they can never meet those numbers, then they go without their medication, making their illness worse causing possible death. There is your "Death Panel" Mrs. Palin!

President Obama has announced an end to this donut hole. Let us hope and pray he keeps his promise on this one.

Stimulus

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:25:00 +0000

We can all use a little stimulus, both in life and a job. But most of us are up front about needing help once in a while, and if that help is given by someone who we are "politically" opposed to do we say that it is wrong and then accept the help?

This is a blog I recently found that should give you some idea as to what I am talking about:

http://thinkprogress.org/touting-recovery-opposed/

Senior Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Yes, this is inspirational and I will continue my efforts to accomplish this laudable goal even before I retire.

As we get older we sometimes begin to doubt our ability to "make a difference" in the world. It is at these times that our hopes are boosted by the remarkable achievements of other "seniors" who have found the courage to take on challenges that would make many of us wither. Harold Sclumberg is such a person.

VERY INSPIRING!

I've often been asked, 'What do you old folks do now that you're retired'? Well..I'm fortunate to have a chemical engineering background, and one of the things I enjoy most is turning beer, wine, Scotch, and margaritas into urine. And I'm pretty damn good at it, too!!

Harold should be an inspiration to all of us.

The Will Of The American People

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:22:00 +0000

I just saw an ad on Facebook for the new Senator from Massachusetts. The ad wants people to sign a petition to seat Scott Brown Now..stating that The Democrats can no longer ignore the will of the American People.

I found it ironic that this type of rhetoric would be posted by anyone who has paid any attention in the last eight-nine years. Since when has any politician, Democrat or Republican paid attention to the will of the American People?

An overwhelming majority of Americans want better health care. Instead the politicians give us a bill designed in favor of the health care industry. As it is now written more money will go into the hands of the politicians and health care industry.

An overwhelming majority of Americans would like a job...I don't see that happening. According to what I have been hearing from one side of the aisle, there are jobs, we are just too lazy to find them. Wait...the Unions are at fault for the outsourcing of our jobs to other countries. The Unions are to blame for companies taking their plants to other countries. Little known fact: The largest Union in this country is the government workers. Look it up. Are they going to outsource our government...wait..they are already doing it.

I like many Americans was very excited when the Democrats took charge. I had high hopes for President Obama to be different...All I see is more of the same.

Next November, the Republicans will once again be in power. Mainly because they know how to spread the bull**** so people actually believe it.

My View of 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:43:00 +0000

It has been a while since I wrote anything to do with political rhetoric here on this blog. I wanted to wait and form some opinions on Obama's first year in office and here is what I have observed:

The Democrats:

Forget bi-partisanship with the Republicans and Joe Lieberman they want no part of any reform in this country.

Stop thinking of only your state when it comes to major issues like Health Care and start thinking of the lives you are playing with (this goes for Republicans also)

The lady from Louisiana, can't remember her name, you should switch to Republican you sound just like one. You aren't helping the ones in your state who are suffering. How much money did you get?

Ben Nelson...you are soooo self centered. You need to think what you will say to the man above when he asks how many people you hurt with this legislation. As a matter of fact the whole Congress needs to come up with a good answer.

What happened to Health Care for everyone with a program run by the Federal Government? Why not Medicare for anyone who cannot afford health coverage? Take it out of taxes or better yet let the fat cats on Wall Street who just go huge bonuses pay for it.

Harry Reid...Get the insurance industry out of your pocket. It doesn't belong there. That goes for a lot of Republicans too who don't want health care reform.

Taxing the "Cadillac" plans:

I happen to have a "Cadillac" plan according to the guidelines set down by Congress. First off why the term "Cadillac"? By calling it this a lot of people here in Michigan feel it is a direct hit on the UAW and middle class auto workers. Let's us call it the "Wall Street" plan.

Now from what I have heard and read the "Wall Street" plan will tax our health care benefits. By "our" I mean those of us who worked, retired, gave up wages to pay for our health care when we retired under union contracts, and are now being penalized by having to pay more taxes. Something most of us union retirees cannot afford.

Paying for this health care plan:

Individuals will have to purchase plans from the big insurance companies with a subsidy for reimbursement at the end of the year on our taxes. What do you see wrong with this?

I see a couple of problems here:

1. If you cannot afford another monthly payment now, what makes them think you can afford it when the plan goes into effect?

2. Laid off workers cannot afford over $300 a month to pay for health care out of unemployment benefits. Heck! Some get less than that a week! They still have to pay for housing, transportation, food, and GOD better help them if they have kids. Where is this money coming from weekly to pay for the health care coverage they have to buy or be fined? And where will they get the money to pay for the fine?

3. The individual person cannot wait until the end of the year when they file taxes to get a portion of the money back. And you know it will not be the full amount, only a portion.

Mr. Obama:

You were elected because of the promises you made. You are not keeping them. If we wanted more of the same we would have voted for McCain (hey! that rhymes)

You need to be stronger with Congress and not sign this bill. This bill is not the answer. I am sick and tired of hearing "well it is better than nothing". NO, nothing is better than this bill. This is not why we voted you into office.

You have done reasonably well with International affairs, but domestic affairs you got a D- from me.

Our manufacturing sector is not working. Too many people are still losing their homes, their jobs, going bankrupt.

I remember a speech you made where you said that the Pell grant was going to be open to unemployed workers to get retrained for better jobs. Let me tell you something...my son who has been unemployed for a year now and cannot find work anywhere in the manufacturing sector tried to get a Pell grant to go back to school and was denied. They said he made too much money last year (2008) and couldn't he pay for it himself. According to you, Mr. President, income was not to be a factor in the Pell grants for the unemployed.

All in all you do not deserve a B+ but a D- in domestic affairs.

The Republicans and the Conservatives Right Wing

During the last eight years we have gone from a well respected country throughout the world to one who is seen as a war mongering nation.

You controlled Congress and the White House. Your grade would be an F

Stop right now. You lost the White House and Congress for a reason. People on main street are sick and tired of the fear mongering that comes out of your mouths.

Religion has no place in the halls of Congress. Did you know that our Constitution does not permit it. At one time prayer was not even allowed in the halls of Congress. Some Republican way back changed that.

Muslims are not our enemy. Right wing Christians who are so narrow minded in their beliefs are. Those who believe in the "Rapture" and want to do everything they can to make it happen are our enemy. I don't hate anyone for their religion or beliefs. We are all going to the same place when we die anyway. There is only one God and he is called by many names.

People are calling out for unspeakable happenings in this country. These people are doing it in the name of their religion. What is wrong with you people! Do you really want the end of the world? Do you want your children to suffer, and they will!

People like Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck from Fox2, and the other "newsmen and women" from Fox2 need to be censored. What they spew out of their mouth is tantamount to treason. At least it was for eight years when the Democrats even critized the Bush Administration.

To all Republicans if you want to lead this country then show some responsibility and lead. Not act like a bunch of two years olds because things aren't going your way.

Lastly, at least for now, most of the Democrats in Congress did not get us in this financial mess. It started in 2006 under a Republican President and a Republican Congress.

The health care issue, the unemployment issue, the housing crisis, the banking fiasco, these are not democrat or republican issues by American issues. Stop the party bickering and work together for heavens sake. If you were my kids you would all be in time out! The Republicans especially are a bunch of whining babies.

Of course someone once said if you say it often enough everyone will start to believe it. I begin to think this country is made up of a lot of stupid people who like being led by their noses to the bridge so they can jump off!

Men..You gotta love 'em

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Well..you don't have to love 'em, but in my case I live in a house full of testosterone. I am surrounded by men who know everything about everything.

Case in point:

We have two refrigerators. One we bought over 25 years ago and has been at home in the garage for the last couple of years. It's use is primarily as a backup or overflow fridge. It comes in very useful during the holiday season. The fridge part no longer works right, it has a tendency to freeze everything..so primarily I use just the freezer portion.

When we bought the new refrigerator a couple of years ago my husband wanted to put this old one down in the basement. I told him at the time that it would not fit down the stairs. You see there are not one but two 90 degree turns on the stairs. A problem arises when you have a 28 cubic foot side by side refrigerator trying to fit into a space of 3 feet wide. Trust me it wouldn't fit.

But what do I know, I am only a woman. A fact which to some men means stupidity. Although they would never admit to feeling this way to me which would result in great pain to them.

So after three years it has been decided that it needs to be moved downstairs and sure it will fit. It didn't fit three years ago, but somehow it has shrunk apparently and it will fit now.

I am sitting in the computer room because I can't watch. The husband and two of my sons are even now trying to get that monstrosity down the stairs. It is stuck on the first landing trying to make the first 90 degree turn. A lot of banging is going on and the wall is getting all marked up and it is now blocking the stairs to our basement, as they can't make the first turn (which I told them three years ago but what do I know)

A lot of grunting and swearing is going on out there. But I still know nothing. Something just fell, I hope it didn't hurt anyone.

I just took a quick look, they are all staring at the fridge stuck on the first landing. None of them will admit that I might have been right. Oh no they are talking of taking out a wall.

This would be really funny if it weren't actually happening in my home.

Santa's Bad Day... The Birth of a Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:13:00 +0000

One particular Christmas season a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip, but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress.
Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys.

So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom. Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"

Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

So much to do...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:51:00 +0000

so little time. How many times have we heard that in this lifetime? Too many to my way of thinking.

It has been some time since I posted and for my readers I am sorry, but after taking the dementia quiz, well let us say that I flunked it. Not the first time I flunked a quiz, I think?

I have had a busy fall. I spent a couple of days in Pennsylvania with my sister and daughter. How a great time. We hit all the outlet malls, and believe me when I say that my sister knows them all intimately! You want a pair of boots, the woman is relentless and non-stop until you find the boots you are looking for. Self preservation after a while, and just buy a pair of damn boots!

Here is my thought on shopping day after day, store after store: DON'T!

My sister and daughter live to shop, I like to sit and enjoy a nice beer, and people watch. But all in all I had a great time. It was fun watching the two of them haggle over a sweater, and if it would look good on me. For some reason they both think I don't buy clothes. Just because my closet isn't overflowing, doesn't mean I don't like nice clothes, or that I don't enjoy wearing them. This I pointed out over a beer in the Irish Pub. I think I had something to eat there too, but not sure what. After a day of outlet malls, I needed the beer more.

There was one place we went to that I have been looking forward to my whole life. I was brought up in PA outside of Pittsburgh, and never realized I was so close to Frank Lloyd Wrights Falling Waters home. Set in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania it is without a doubt the highlight of this trip (except for the excellent beer).

To think this home was built in the mid 1930's is amazing. The man was a absolute genius, no doubt in my mind. A little egocentric, but a genius. If you get a chance to go, do so. It was a beautiful drive to the house, and once there was worth every penny to get in.

And you know, I didn't even need the beer after going there :)

Dementia Quiz

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:02:00 +0000

It is time once again to make sure all my readers are of sound mind...well at least have a mind, maybe not so sound as they are reading this blog. :)

Dementia Quiz: (Answers are at the bottom)

First Question :

You are a participant in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?

Second Question :
If you overtake the last person, then you are...?

Third Question :
Very tricky arithmetic! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator.
Try it.

Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000 Now add 30 . Add another 1000 . Now add 20 . Now add another 1000. Now add 10 . What is the total?

Fourth Question:

Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono, and ??? What is the name of the fifth daughter

Okay, now the Bonus round,
I.e., a final chance to
Redeem yourself:

A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done.
Next, a blind man comes into the shop who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses; how does HE indicate what he wants?

Answers:
1. If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely WRONG! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, YOU are in second place!

Try not to screw up next time. Now answer the second question, but don't take as much time as you took for the first question, OK?

2. Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are.....
WRONG again. Tell me Sunshine, how can you overtake the LAST person??

You're not very good at this, are you?

3. Did you get 5000 ?
The correct answer is actually 4100 ..
If you don't believe it, check it with a calculator!
Today is definitely not your day, is it ?
Maybe you'll get the last question right... Maybe...

4. Did you Answer Nunu? NO! Of course it isn't.
Her name is Mary ! Read the question again!

Bonus Question: It's really very simple
He opens his mouth and ask for it...

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Clean Jokes For the Twisted Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:11:00 +0000

I am on a diet/exercise program. I am always talking about it. I think some of my buddies are tired of hearing about how I lost this much weight or so many inches off my stomach and hips. So when my friend sent this to me I was a little unsure how to take it. But knowing his sense of humor and how well he knows mine...I thought it very funny.

Fall In Michigan Means

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Kraska) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The leaves are starting to change in some areas of Michigan. Apple orchards are making their cider, apple picking is everywhere. The air is cooler, ideal weather actually. The kids are back in school, so the neighborhood is quieter during the day, but also lonely. Summer plants are starting to wilt and die, which mean more yard work. Why do we plant them in the spring, nurture them through the summer, only to have to pull them out or cut them back and then repeat the cycle next year...it is a mystery.

This part of the Midwest has another tradition though that starts now: RED WING HOCKEY!!!!!!!!!!

Oh sure, the Tigers are still playing and they are doing well, The Pistons will continue to do well, The Lions....well not much to say there as you know. But the RED WINGS! I just love to watch them play. And who doesn't want Stanley! I mean come on...WE LOVE STANLEY...except when we lose it to non flying birds :)

Now there is a "bug" in the broadcasting this year that is totally messing me up. We have Direct TV and always got the games either on Fox Sports Detroit or Versus. Now Comcast who owns Versus has upped their rates so Direct TV no longer broadcasts them. Now do I complain to Direct TV for not upping our rates to meet the demands of Comcast (who I don't like, lousy programming in this area) or should I write to the NHL who won't care that a handful of fans can't watch all the games.

There is also the option of Channel 9 out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada which is right across the Detroit River from us and by those of us in this part of Michigan we consider it a local channel. But the Canadian government will not sign a contract with Direct TV so they can broadcast it, they let Comcast broadcast it. So should I complain to the Canadian Government who if anything like ours, won't care.

It is a conundrum (good word) all right!