Children abducted in the night, carried off to be abused and forced into becoming militia soldiers? Trudging miles after mile, scared, hungry, and killed if they try to escape. Bad fiction?
In Uganda, this is apparently a very real fear for children. Stories from some who have lived to tell of their ordeal are now being heard by the United Nations. The UN doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to atrocities, but yeah, they’ve “issued a statement.” Oh, boy.
Wonder why we haven't heard more about this?
There is a group, or more accurately a movement, trying to get the word out and put an end to this injustice. You can learn more at InvisibleChildren.com. There are videos and news items to help you get informed. They plan to take to the streets of the capital June 22-23 and lobby US “leaders.”
This organization was recently featured on Oprah. It sounds promising (still, I urge everyone to research any organization thoroughly for themselves before joining or donating).
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stupid Government Tricks? Minting New Pennies
You’ve heard of Stupid Pet Tricks on Letterman. Well, at least those can be entertaining. Stupid government tricks aren’t generally that amusing.
I think Ron White said it best, “You can’t fix stupid.” While he may not have been talking about government, the sentiment certainly applies. With the economy in the crapper, the government in its infinite wisdom has decided we need new commemorative pennies.
Pennies. You know, the coins people complain about, or toss in little dishes near cash registers?
Well, apparently, there are four new designs to give tribute to old Honest Abe. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Abe Lincoln, but come on. We needed to spend God knows how much money to have little log cabins on the back of copper coins that some people actually throw in the trash? Coin collectors will probably enjoy them but damn (read more about the new designs at LA Times)...
What a fantastic way to spend our tax dollars, right?
Not so much, if you ask me.
But, hey, look something new and shiny! Just don't look at what's really going on in your world...
I think Ron White said it best, “You can’t fix stupid.” While he may not have been talking about government, the sentiment certainly applies. With the economy in the crapper, the government in its infinite wisdom has decided we need new commemorative pennies.
Pennies. You know, the coins people complain about, or toss in little dishes near cash registers?
Well, apparently, there are four new designs to give tribute to old Honest Abe. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Abe Lincoln, but come on. We needed to spend God knows how much money to have little log cabins on the back of copper coins that some people actually throw in the trash? Coin collectors will probably enjoy them but damn (read more about the new designs at LA Times)...
What a fantastic way to spend our tax dollars, right?
Not so much, if you ask me.
But, hey, look something new and shiny! Just don't look at what's really going on in your world...
Monday, April 13, 2009
One-sided Tolerance
Hmmm... One-sided tolerance. Well, that’s an oxymoron for sure but all too prevalent nonetheless. Tolerance basically means tolerating that with which one does not agree. So, how can it be one-sided? I guess it depends on who you are. Just like “redneck” jokes are fine and dandy, yet other jokes based on stereotype are politically incorrect.
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Yesterday was Easter. Sure, people did the egg hunt thing and the typical stuff, probably ate too much, and had some time to enjoy the family. Yet, some people were also celebrating the biggest holiday in regard to their beliefs. Jesus having died on the cross and risen from the grave, so that our sins could be forgiven. Obviously, a huge day for Christians.
Yet, while many people were being oh so careful not to offend those who don’t share those beliefs, some went out of their way to mock believers. Don't you love it when the ones who are the first to scream intolerance turn around and attack someone else? Some truly disgusting jokes and comments were made. When asked to tone it down, one person in a chat said, “It’s not disrespectful; it's just Christians.”
I guess that makes it okay. You know, since it’s only those people.
I’m not an easily offended type. I really don’t do politically correct. But, if you’re going to preach tolerance, then it’s probably a good idea to actually be tolerant… especially of those you don’t agree with... isn’t that the point?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Back away from the Pistachios
Not another one! It's scary to think that our food supply is so vulnerable...
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Not long ago it was peanuts; now it’s pistachios. Fortunately, in this case, it appears that those involved are working to react appropriately to potential contamination issues.
Risking Lives for Peanuts?
The peanut salmonella outbreak quickly caused outrage. It was alleged that serious sanitation issues were neglected and perhaps covered up, that products may have been knowingly sold despite contamination.
I can’t think of a punishment horrible enough for anyone (if proven) to have risked the lives of others just to make a buck.
Better Safe than Sorry
At this time, the source of possible salmonella contamination concerning pistachios is still being tracked. The FDA has advised all sources “not to sell or serve any pistachios or pistachio-containing products until the source of the pistachios can be determined.”
It may be best to avoid pistachio nuts or other products until more information is available, including previously purchased products.
While my faith in the FDA's ability to protect our food supply doesn't exactly make me rest easy, there is more information available at the FDA Website that may prove useful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
One Day at a Time
It doesn’t really matter from which source you have learned this principle, if you can learn to follow it. Live each day as it comes. Today is a good day.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
You woke up, didn’t you? Then it’s good.
This simple yet at the same time profound bit of wisdom can be found in many sources including the Bible and various 12 step programs for addiction. It’s just common sense. This isn’t to say go crazy each day living it like it’s your last, yet if we learned to focus more on the here and now, we’d be happier and more relaxed.
Of course, some planning for the future is required. Yet, when we spend all of our time worrying about tomorrow and next week and next year, today passes by without living it to its full potential.
Today is a good day.
It might not be perfect; in fact, there may be many not so good things going on in a single day. However, there is something good about this day and we’d all be better off if we spent more time enjoying the good parts of life instead of letting stress take over. Worrying about things doesn’t make problems go away, it only compounds them.
Live your life… today.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Government, Economy, Freedom
This article was inspired by a reader comment. Yes, our government has grown too big. It is not what the founders intended. At all.
The US Government was designed to defend the nation and to protect the people, specifically to protect the people’s rights. The Constitution clearly defines the appropriate roles of the federal government. All else is to be left to the states and to the people. Keep in mind that power corrupts.
Also note that a distant, cold, central government cannot meet the needs of the individual. It wasn’t designed to do so (FEMA anyone?). It also cannot meet the needs of those in far away places with very different lifestyles.
People in rural communities have very different needs than people who live in cities. Each community is different and that is why universal decisions, even those with the best intentions, tend to hurt more than they help. A state government, better yet a local one, is more in touch with its people. There is also the fact that the people can keep a much better eye on local politicians, keep them on their toes, or elect someone else.
That is the main point of this discussion. A reader asked what we can do about our government. The first, best thing we can do is stop electing the same types of politicians. We need statesmen. We need people who are willing to protect freedom. We need leaders.
As it stands right now, there is way too much back-scratching, far too many deals made. Rarely is the Constitution mentioned, much less used as the standard. We have lawmakers signing legislation that they have not even read, often just to get someone else to go along with their agendas. Corruption abounds, yet we turn a blind eye.
We must educate ourselves and become informed voters. Don’t listen to campaign speeches, press conferences, or promises. Check their voting records. Check their track records. Fire them when they fail.
Vote for only those that stand for personal freedom. It is what has always set this country apart from others, made us prosperous, and made so many risk their lives to defend it, and risk their lives to come here. Yet, here we are, throwing it all away.
It’s up to us to say enough.
The US Government was designed to defend the nation and to protect the people, specifically to protect the people’s rights. The Constitution clearly defines the appropriate roles of the federal government. All else is to be left to the states and to the people. Keep in mind that power corrupts.
Also note that a distant, cold, central government cannot meet the needs of the individual. It wasn’t designed to do so (FEMA anyone?). It also cannot meet the needs of those in far away places with very different lifestyles.
People in rural communities have very different needs than people who live in cities. Each community is different and that is why universal decisions, even those with the best intentions, tend to hurt more than they help. A state government, better yet a local one, is more in touch with its people. There is also the fact that the people can keep a much better eye on local politicians, keep them on their toes, or elect someone else.
That is the main point of this discussion. A reader asked what we can do about our government. The first, best thing we can do is stop electing the same types of politicians. We need statesmen. We need people who are willing to protect freedom. We need leaders.
As it stands right now, there is way too much back-scratching, far too many deals made. Rarely is the Constitution mentioned, much less used as the standard. We have lawmakers signing legislation that they have not even read, often just to get someone else to go along with their agendas. Corruption abounds, yet we turn a blind eye.
We must educate ourselves and become informed voters. Don’t listen to campaign speeches, press conferences, or promises. Check their voting records. Check their track records. Fire them when they fail.
Vote for only those that stand for personal freedom. It is what has always set this country apart from others, made us prosperous, and made so many risk their lives to defend it, and risk their lives to come here. Yet, here we are, throwing it all away.
It’s up to us to say enough.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Too many Children?
How many is too many, and who gets to decide?
If you live in the US, this is still a (semi) free country. You don’t get to tell other people how many children they can have.
I’ve heard much talk on this topic lately, but what set me off was the whole octuplet mom story. Leave her alone. Mind your own business. She isn’t telling you how many children to have, so what gives you the right to tell her?
Someone also mentioned the other day in a chat that everyone should be “fixed” at a young age and then be required to fill out a ton of paperwork and receive approval before they are allowed to have children. It was also stated that there should be no parental rights that the government should be in control of all children.
It sounded like a bad movie to me. A really bad one.
Who are these people and what makes them think they can tell other people what to do and how to live? They seem to see themselves on a higher plane where they can dictate to others...
To those people I say, get over yourself.
If you live in the US, this is still a (semi) free country. You don’t get to tell other people how many children they can have.
I’ve heard much talk on this topic lately, but what set me off was the whole octuplet mom story. Leave her alone. Mind your own business. She isn’t telling you how many children to have, so what gives you the right to tell her?
Someone also mentioned the other day in a chat that everyone should be “fixed” at a young age and then be required to fill out a ton of paperwork and receive approval before they are allowed to have children. It was also stated that there should be no parental rights that the government should be in control of all children.
It sounded like a bad movie to me. A really bad one.
Who are these people and what makes them think they can tell other people what to do and how to live? They seem to see themselves on a higher plane where they can dictate to others...
To those people I say, get over yourself.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Go, Go, Super Nanny
Super Nanny rocks. She doesn’t take any bull, but at the same time, she’s compassionate (and far more patient than I). I think it’s awesome how she tells parents to step up and instructs them in how to teach their children to behave appropriately.
I don’t mean to be judgmental. After all, I’m not a perfect parent either. Who is? However, when you see children hitting, kicking, biting, throwing things, screaming and swearing at their parents as well as others, well, it makes you think somebody’s not doing their job.
We’ve all seen these kinds of families. Maybe on TV or maybe in our own lives. You know the ones… if you saw them approaching your house you’d want to yell, “Hide! Pretend we’re not home!”
No one wants people to feel that way about their children.
Our Job
Bringing up children is a job, and not an easy one at that. But, we have to do our jobs. Kids don’t come with an owner’s manual and we all make mistakes. Yet, it’s completely irresponsible (Super Nanny even says lazy) to allow children to disrupt the household, the grocery store, restaurants, church, school, and other people’s homes and lives.
Parents simply cannot allow their children to violate other people’s rights with no consequences.
Consequences are a big issue. If behavior doesn’t have consequences, or in some cases rewards, there is no incentive to change that behavior. If a child gets his way every time he screams because his parents just want to shut him up, guess what? He’s going to keep screaming.
Follow Through
Parents have to be consistent.
“If you scream, you will not get anything. You will go to time out.”
Then, the parent has to follow through. Super Nanny has the parent silently return the child to time out, over and over, until the child gives in.
If the child is disruptive in public, give one warning that if the behavior continues you will stop what you’re doing and leave. I’ve found this to be very effective. If you actually have to leave, do it. Follow through.
Everyone will be happier
This isn’t about winning a power struggle so much as it’s about teaching children that we mean what we say. And, believe it or not, that’s what kids really want. They are not happy, clearly not happy, when they get their way all the time. They know they are not supposed to be in control. They feel insecure when they are. They want structure and boundaries and they want to know that their parents are in charge.
If you’re having trouble with your kids the best thing you can do is find an appropriate method and stick to it until it works. Things won’t change over night, but if you remain consistent, you’ll soon find life a lot less stressful and so will your kids (not to mention the people around you).
I don’t mean to be judgmental. After all, I’m not a perfect parent either. Who is? However, when you see children hitting, kicking, biting, throwing things, screaming and swearing at their parents as well as others, well, it makes you think somebody’s not doing their job.
We’ve all seen these kinds of families. Maybe on TV or maybe in our own lives. You know the ones… if you saw them approaching your house you’d want to yell, “Hide! Pretend we’re not home!”
No one wants people to feel that way about their children.
Our Job
Bringing up children is a job, and not an easy one at that. But, we have to do our jobs. Kids don’t come with an owner’s manual and we all make mistakes. Yet, it’s completely irresponsible (Super Nanny even says lazy) to allow children to disrupt the household, the grocery store, restaurants, church, school, and other people’s homes and lives.
Parents simply cannot allow their children to violate other people’s rights with no consequences.
Consequences are a big issue. If behavior doesn’t have consequences, or in some cases rewards, there is no incentive to change that behavior. If a child gets his way every time he screams because his parents just want to shut him up, guess what? He’s going to keep screaming.
Follow Through
Parents have to be consistent.
“If you scream, you will not get anything. You will go to time out.”
Then, the parent has to follow through. Super Nanny has the parent silently return the child to time out, over and over, until the child gives in.
If the child is disruptive in public, give one warning that if the behavior continues you will stop what you’re doing and leave. I’ve found this to be very effective. If you actually have to leave, do it. Follow through.
Everyone will be happier
This isn’t about winning a power struggle so much as it’s about teaching children that we mean what we say. And, believe it or not, that’s what kids really want. They are not happy, clearly not happy, when they get their way all the time. They know they are not supposed to be in control. They feel insecure when they are. They want structure and boundaries and they want to know that their parents are in charge.
If you’re having trouble with your kids the best thing you can do is find an appropriate method and stick to it until it works. Things won’t change over night, but if you remain consistent, you’ll soon find life a lot less stressful and so will your kids (not to mention the people around you).
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pediatric Dentistry: Not all Smiles
So, your child needs a dentist. The “regular” dentist doesn’t see children that young, so you’re referred to a pediatric dentist. You visit the office and find it to be a charming little wonderland for children. Colorful décor, balloons, and often children’s favorite characters or cute animals make up the theme.
No parents beyond this point!
It’s what lurks behind these colorful creations that can be a problem. Oh, but you’ll never see that side, at least not in some pediatric dentist’s offices. No, you’ll be told to wait in the waiting room.
You won’t know that your child is being restrained on a “papoose board,” unless you carefully read all the fine print on those documents you signed. Even if you’re aware of the procedure, you won’t see your precious son or daughter fighting against these restraints with terror-filled eyes, and you won’t hear your child’s screams.
Medicaid can mean Money
If your children have Medicaid, don’t be surprised if they need a lot of work done. See, Medicaid doesn’t pay as much as regular insurance and it doesn’t pay for all that high dollar cosmetic stuff. So, that means they need to find a way to insert more charges.
Some of these so called dentists are only concerned with making a buck and apparently have zero concern for children. There are documented cases of painful, intrusive, and unnecessary work being done and charged to Medicaid. Read the 20/20 story for more info...
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Ask lots of questions. Who cares if you’re viewed as “one of those parents”? I don’t care. They don’t have to like me.
Don’t let them intimidate you. I don’t give a damn if all the other parents quietly walk away (wringing their hands) and go sit in the waiting room.
If you’re told you’ll have to wait outside while the work is being done (you know, to limit your child’s anxiety), don’t automatically give in. Why are so many parents so easily pushed around? Stop it.
In some offices, persistent parents will be allowed to accompany their children. If not, then ask where the observation area is. Some offices have a two-way mirror or other set up so that parents can observe. I’d be much more comfortable with an office that isn’t afraid to let parents too see what’s going on. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. Document everything that made you uncomfortable.
I would also suggest asking other parents about their experiences with a particular pediatric dentist. It doesn’t hurt to seek a second opinion either. Not all pediatric dentists are bad, and I want to make that clear. I’m merely suggesting caution. Be over cautious. You don’t want your child to be the next one to suffer through sixteen baby roots canals -SIXTEEN- in one sitting, like one of the children in the 20/20 report.
Can we say scarred for life?
Do Something
If you have had problems with a pediatric dentist, report them. Think of all those little children who have no voice to speak out. We need to do what we can to help close down any dentist that runs such a torture chamber and gets rich from children’s unnecessary pain.
No parents beyond this point!
It’s what lurks behind these colorful creations that can be a problem. Oh, but you’ll never see that side, at least not in some pediatric dentist’s offices. No, you’ll be told to wait in the waiting room.
You won’t know that your child is being restrained on a “papoose board,” unless you carefully read all the fine print on those documents you signed. Even if you’re aware of the procedure, you won’t see your precious son or daughter fighting against these restraints with terror-filled eyes, and you won’t hear your child’s screams.
Medicaid can mean Money
If your children have Medicaid, don’t be surprised if they need a lot of work done. See, Medicaid doesn’t pay as much as regular insurance and it doesn’t pay for all that high dollar cosmetic stuff. So, that means they need to find a way to insert more charges.
Some of these so called dentists are only concerned with making a buck and apparently have zero concern for children. There are documented cases of painful, intrusive, and unnecessary work being done and charged to Medicaid. Read the 20/20 story for more info...
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Ask lots of questions. Who cares if you’re viewed as “one of those parents”? I don’t care. They don’t have to like me.
Don’t let them intimidate you. I don’t give a damn if all the other parents quietly walk away (wringing their hands) and go sit in the waiting room.
If you’re told you’ll have to wait outside while the work is being done (you know, to limit your child’s anxiety), don’t automatically give in. Why are so many parents so easily pushed around? Stop it.
In some offices, persistent parents will be allowed to accompany their children. If not, then ask where the observation area is. Some offices have a two-way mirror or other set up so that parents can observe. I’d be much more comfortable with an office that isn’t afraid to let parents too see what’s going on. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. Document everything that made you uncomfortable.
I would also suggest asking other parents about their experiences with a particular pediatric dentist. It doesn’t hurt to seek a second opinion either. Not all pediatric dentists are bad, and I want to make that clear. I’m merely suggesting caution. Be over cautious. You don’t want your child to be the next one to suffer through sixteen baby roots canals -SIXTEEN- in one sitting, like one of the children in the 20/20 report.
Can we say scarred for life?
Do Something
If you have had problems with a pediatric dentist, report them. Think of all those little children who have no voice to speak out. We need to do what we can to help close down any dentist that runs such a torture chamber and gets rich from children’s unnecessary pain.
Welcome
I’m glad you stopped by. Grab a cup of coffee or other caffeine infused beverage and join me on the soapbox.
A Little about Me
While I don’t completely subscribe to everything Dr. Phil has to say, I am of a similar “tell it like it is” mindset. I’m not exactly shy. I have a lot to say on a lot of different topics, and I hope you’ll add your two cents as well. Feel free to tell me like it is in the comments section.
Some of the People around Me
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. He’s a good man, a good father, and a good friend. My best friend. He is one of the smartest people I know, he makes me laugh (and yeah, bonus… he’s hot).
We have smart, beautiful, caring children. Four of them. So, I stay pretty busy.
First Topic
Okay, I’m ticked off. I saw a special report that validated my own concerns regarding pediatric dentistry and that will be my first topic. Any parent (or frankly, any person that even knows a child) will also likely be outraged.
And so our journey begins…
A Little about Me
While I don’t completely subscribe to everything Dr. Phil has to say, I am of a similar “tell it like it is” mindset. I’m not exactly shy. I have a lot to say on a lot of different topics, and I hope you’ll add your two cents as well. Feel free to tell me like it is in the comments section.
Some of the People around Me
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. He’s a good man, a good father, and a good friend. My best friend. He is one of the smartest people I know, he makes me laugh (and yeah, bonus… he’s hot).
We have smart, beautiful, caring children. Four of them. So, I stay pretty busy.
First Topic
Okay, I’m ticked off. I saw a special report that validated my own concerns regarding pediatric dentistry and that will be my first topic. Any parent (or frankly, any person that even knows a child) will also likely be outraged.
And so our journey begins…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
