In many ways the United States has made great strides against racial discrimination. It still has much to do however. I want to note a particular oddity in immigration that I have noticed time and again.
Cuba and Haiti are both island nations. Both have less than desirable governmental conditions. Many people in both nations have a desire to seek better lives in the States. Yet one is clearly shown more favor.
Both peoples make attempts to escape in vehicles of all sorts with varying degrees of success. Yet it is the Haitian people that are more likely to be turned back. Cubans if they make it to shore without being apprehended are protected by the wet feet dry feet policy. They can even later apply to be citizens. Haitians found in the States illegally are more likely to be summarily expelled.
Now it could be said that the Cuban community has a louder voice in politics and thus are courted more heavily. But there is this simple fact as well. Cubans in general are of a lighter hue and thus more desirable in Washington eyes. This is nothing new and Caribbean advocates have long been left wondering when the government will act in a more just manner.
I don't like pulling the race card. But the fact is Haiti is the poorest nation in the Americas. Cuba is in a position where it can offer free medical healthcare and low to no cost education to its inhabitants and other Caribbean nations. Why would we show less compassion to the neighbor in more need?
Note that I am specifically talking about immigration policy. The current humanitarian crisis and the corruption running through the Haitian government is a whole different ball of wax. But the inequity of immigration policy bears a looking into and the reasons thereof.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Insured but not so much
In the discussion of health insurance reform, there is a lot of talk about the uninsured and not so much about the barely covered. Those with Medicaid and Medicare often have to deal with long lines, shoddy service and limited recourse.
Those who serve clients of lesser means need to remember to respect the dignity of their patients. It doesn't take much for a change in your circumstances. "There but for the grace of GOD go I" is a saying that should come to mind.
All too often such facilities that will deign to serve Medicare/Medicaid clientele are dirty and crowded, helmed by surly staff. They tend to be overbooked and underserved. There is an assembly line philosophy to visits, get 'em in and out as fast as possible. Bland advice may be issued then the patient is shuttled out. And you probably don't want to know how much the government is charged for these cookie cutter visits.
I myself have seen offices which take care of Medicaid/Medicare patients that are presentable, warm and friendly. The doctors take time to accurately diagnose, explain and treat the clientele. And they follow up without prodding. This should be the norm nor the exception.
Lest those states that have turned their Medicaid/Medicare programs into HMOs and PPOs get smug, I find that the mentality is quite similar to those in plain Medicaid/Medicare. Specialists are hard to get into and often have a number of hoops you have to go through. Benefits are steadily decreasing and medications are played with on a regular basis.
People I am not saying that Medicaid/Medicare is useless. But what I am asking is that the powers that be treat those in these different programs with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Those who serve clients of lesser means need to remember to respect the dignity of their patients. It doesn't take much for a change in your circumstances. "There but for the grace of GOD go I" is a saying that should come to mind.
All too often such facilities that will deign to serve Medicare/Medicaid clientele are dirty and crowded, helmed by surly staff. They tend to be overbooked and underserved. There is an assembly line philosophy to visits, get 'em in and out as fast as possible. Bland advice may be issued then the patient is shuttled out. And you probably don't want to know how much the government is charged for these cookie cutter visits.
I myself have seen offices which take care of Medicaid/Medicare patients that are presentable, warm and friendly. The doctors take time to accurately diagnose, explain and treat the clientele. And they follow up without prodding. This should be the norm nor the exception.
Lest those states that have turned their Medicaid/Medicare programs into HMOs and PPOs get smug, I find that the mentality is quite similar to those in plain Medicaid/Medicare. Specialists are hard to get into and often have a number of hoops you have to go through. Benefits are steadily decreasing and medications are played with on a regular basis.
People I am not saying that Medicaid/Medicare is useless. But what I am asking is that the powers that be treat those in these different programs with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Anthony Trial
By now many of you have heard at least something about the Casey Anthony trial. It certainly has been on ad nauseum throughout many of the news stations. There are many polarizing views about this woman and whether she deserves to die.
I am not going to voice my view here frankly but I do want to bring up something. We are to wish that justice is done not that she gets what is coming to her so to speak. Our GOD is all about mercy let us remember. If she is guilty, than there are consquences for her actions, but we are not to wish her ill or rejoice in her downfall.
Proverbs 24:17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls, when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn HIS wrath away from him.
Now I am not saying that because people are gloating Casey will be declared innocent. What I am saying is that we are to be better than that. If anything we should be worried about the fate of her eternal soul rather than screaming for her death.
If I might suggest a plan of action it is this. Pray for GOD's perfect justice to be done. This will take place on the other side of the Veil even if it doesn't occur here. Pray for those involved in the trial. That they be motivated by justice with mercy and that malice have no part. And pray for the Anthonys. Regardless of whether Casey is innocent or not, that family needs the healing work of GOD present in their lives.
And people, turn off that trial now and then. There is indeed more to life than one courtroom drama. Go toss a ball with your kids, read a book, listen to music, or visit the museum. The trial will still be there for some time yet.
I am not going to voice my view here frankly but I do want to bring up something. We are to wish that justice is done not that she gets what is coming to her so to speak. Our GOD is all about mercy let us remember. If she is guilty, than there are consquences for her actions, but we are not to wish her ill or rejoice in her downfall.
Proverbs 24:17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls, when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn HIS wrath away from him.
Now I am not saying that because people are gloating Casey will be declared innocent. What I am saying is that we are to be better than that. If anything we should be worried about the fate of her eternal soul rather than screaming for her death.
If I might suggest a plan of action it is this. Pray for GOD's perfect justice to be done. This will take place on the other side of the Veil even if it doesn't occur here. Pray for those involved in the trial. That they be motivated by justice with mercy and that malice have no part. And pray for the Anthonys. Regardless of whether Casey is innocent or not, that family needs the healing work of GOD present in their lives.
And people, turn off that trial now and then. There is indeed more to life than one courtroom drama. Go toss a ball with your kids, read a book, listen to music, or visit the museum. The trial will still be there for some time yet.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dignity and Glorious Abandon
I'd like to touch on something today that can be a contentious amongst the denominations. How we worship is often as different as the people themselves. What should be present though is both dignity as well as what I like to call glorious abandon.
There should be a certain behavior when you enter into the presence of Almighty GOD. A reverence that fills both heart and mind. You should treat HIM with the respect HE deserves. Yes, HE is our Friend, our greatest Friend but keep in mind HE is also King and GOD.
But don't go so strict and formal that you lose the joy. David danced before GOD enthusiastically. This was the King of Israel yet he danced in front of his people, enjoying and praising his GOD in dance and song. He worshipped in glorious abandon, letting a beacon of his love reach the FATHER and be reflected back. True rejoicing fills us with the joy and love of our GOD. Observers watch and our amazed by what they see and want it for themselves.
So if your hand creeps up while you are singing his praises and your foot steps to the beat, don't restrain them. Embrace that. Every fiber of our bodies desires to rejoice in the One who made us. So without being disruptive, let every part of yourself praise HIM.
There should be a certain behavior when you enter into the presence of Almighty GOD. A reverence that fills both heart and mind. You should treat HIM with the respect HE deserves. Yes, HE is our Friend, our greatest Friend but keep in mind HE is also King and GOD.
But don't go so strict and formal that you lose the joy. David danced before GOD enthusiastically. This was the King of Israel yet he danced in front of his people, enjoying and praising his GOD in dance and song. He worshipped in glorious abandon, letting a beacon of his love reach the FATHER and be reflected back. True rejoicing fills us with the joy and love of our GOD. Observers watch and our amazed by what they see and want it for themselves.
So if your hand creeps up while you are singing his praises and your foot steps to the beat, don't restrain them. Embrace that. Every fiber of our bodies desires to rejoice in the One who made us. So without being disruptive, let every part of yourself praise HIM.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Why we remember
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Most people will take vacations, enjoy barbecues, swim at the beaches. Many do not even know what this day is all about.
It is a day of remembrance. A solemn day. It is a day that we honor those who fought, suffered, and died so that this country could be free.
The freedoms we have in this country didn't magically happen. They were paid for in blood. Men and women died to make sure that we could live as we do in this nation. That flag that so many disrespect, your right to fly it, honor it and sadly to burn it came from the suffering of men and women who felt called to serve. The right to disagree with your public officials came from lives spent.
The reason you have the safety in which you stand is because of those GOD still calls to serve. So pray for our soldiers. Treat them and their families with the courtesy that they not only deserve but have earned. Disagree with the wars if you wish but uphold the men and women that protect this land. Don't you dare disrespect those who pay for our freedoms in blood unless you are willing to take up a rifle and stand their posts.
May GOD Bless all those who serve this great nation and their families. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. --- Freedom's Scribe
It is a day of remembrance. A solemn day. It is a day that we honor those who fought, suffered, and died so that this country could be free.
The freedoms we have in this country didn't magically happen. They were paid for in blood. Men and women died to make sure that we could live as we do in this nation. That flag that so many disrespect, your right to fly it, honor it and sadly to burn it came from the suffering of men and women who felt called to serve. The right to disagree with your public officials came from lives spent.
The reason you have the safety in which you stand is because of those GOD still calls to serve. So pray for our soldiers. Treat them and their families with the courtesy that they not only deserve but have earned. Disagree with the wars if you wish but uphold the men and women that protect this land. Don't you dare disrespect those who pay for our freedoms in blood unless you are willing to take up a rifle and stand their posts.
May GOD Bless all those who serve this great nation and their families. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. --- Freedom's Scribe
Thursday, May 12, 2011
It may be your right but is it right?
I was disturbed today to hear of some gas stations charging more than they should. These stations' signs were located further away from the actual facilities than they should be and thus they are being cited. But the fact is they were out of line for more than just the signs being too far away.
Quite simply they took advantage. When the state average is just under $4 a gallon and you're charging just under $6 that's an outrage. In some places that's even called a crime known as price gouging.
GOD doesn't have a sense of humor about this. HE made some clear comments about wanting fair scales and a just coinage(Ez 45:10).
What it boils down to is this. Are you charging what is fair? I'm not saying don't make a profit. What I am saying is don't make it off another's suffering.
The world has gotten into this thing of wanting 100, 200, even 300% profit for everything. Governments blame companies, who in turn blame shareholders and so on. The fact is avarice is the name of the game. But this is not how it should be.
GOD gave you the responsibility to be a wise steward of your resources. Part of this is making sure to pay fair wages if you are an owner but another is not to charge $10 for a widget if the making of it cost you 50 cents. This especially holds true during times of public trial or suffering.
It may be your right to overcharge for your product or service, but is it right in GOD 's eyes. Not so much.
Quite simply they took advantage. When the state average is just under $4 a gallon and you're charging just under $6 that's an outrage. In some places that's even called a crime known as price gouging.
GOD doesn't have a sense of humor about this. HE made some clear comments about wanting fair scales and a just coinage(Ez 45:10).
What it boils down to is this. Are you charging what is fair? I'm not saying don't make a profit. What I am saying is don't make it off another's suffering.
The world has gotten into this thing of wanting 100, 200, even 300% profit for everything. Governments blame companies, who in turn blame shareholders and so on. The fact is avarice is the name of the game. But this is not how it should be.
GOD gave you the responsibility to be a wise steward of your resources. Part of this is making sure to pay fair wages if you are an owner but another is not to charge $10 for a widget if the making of it cost you 50 cents. This especially holds true during times of public trial or suffering.
It may be your right to overcharge for your product or service, but is it right in GOD 's eyes. Not so much.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Satisfaction
Our hearts are so often wandering. As time passes pleasure dulls, work numbs and possessions lose their luster. The fact is that no earthly object or person can hold our attention for long. The why is simple. We were created for more.
There is a GOD-shaped space in our hearts, people. Until we direct our attentions to HIM who created us and who can fulfill every need we will struggle to be satisfied. The simple fact is that GOD knows us intimately and desires what is best for us in work, play and every other part of our lives. So why does it surprise us that apart from HIM we can't find true joy or lasting fulfillment in any section of our lives.
Try this. Ask GOD for input about your plans and really wait for HIM to respond. The path HE points out may be rougher than you hoped for, but you'll know that very real satisfaction of fulfilling your purpose on this Earth.
There is a GOD-shaped space in our hearts, people. Until we direct our attentions to HIM who created us and who can fulfill every need we will struggle to be satisfied. The simple fact is that GOD knows us intimately and desires what is best for us in work, play and every other part of our lives. So why does it surprise us that apart from HIM we can't find true joy or lasting fulfillment in any section of our lives.
Try this. Ask GOD for input about your plans and really wait for HIM to respond. The path HE points out may be rougher than you hoped for, but you'll know that very real satisfaction of fulfilling your purpose on this Earth.
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