The Week Magazine 9:424 - An excerpt of an excerpt on American health care reform as seen from the eyes of columnists and commentators outside of the U.S.
The trouble is, most Americans just don't care about the poor, said Christina Patterson in the London Independent. The have-nots are seen as "failed Americans, Americans who let the side down." That's why it's so hard for the U.S. to enact any kind of reform that might help the less fortunate. "Sure, America's got talent, but it's also got some of the most unpleasant, uncompassionate, unerringly ruthless people on the face of this planet."
I can't say that I disagree with that last statement. Throughout this health care debate, I keep hearing "What's in it for me?" Opponents fear "rationed" care. Open your eyes people, health care is already rationed to those with employment and those who can afford to pay. With the highest unemployment rates in the last 20 years, one would think that every American knows at least one family without health insurance. I held two hourly jobs for three years; neither employer offered me health insurance. I paid hundreds a month for the most basic of plans that had a high deductible and barely covered services beyond emergency care. I am not a failed American. My lifestyle choice meant that I didn't fit into a cookie cutter recipe for exempt employment with health care coverage, but I was working hard. Didn't I deserve to have decent health care? By the way, as a nursing student at one of the premier teaching hospitals in NY state, my student insurance currently covers visits with a nurse practitioner and emergencies only. Forget prescriptions or labs or specialists.
Americans don't care about the poor. Americans don't care about their neighbor either.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Friday, March 21, 2008
No Snow Globes
I visited Adam and Amy in Boston and then another Amy in NYC over this past weekend. My last day in NYC I had $20 cash. This is what I bought.
Lamb shawarma from the King of Falafel and Shawarma in Astoria.
Salty pretzel near 5th Ave.
Chai and a toasted almond donut from Doughnut Plant in the Lower East Side.
A quarter pound of tasty Vermont cheese from the awesome Essex Street Market.
Fish balls on a stick in Chinatown.
A giant apple pear to wash it all down.
And finally, a train ride to the airport.
Lamb shawarma from the King of Falafel and Shawarma in Astoria.
Salty pretzel near 5th Ave.
Chai and a toasted almond donut from Doughnut Plant in the Lower East Side.
A quarter pound of tasty Vermont cheese from the awesome Essex Street Market.
Fish balls on a stick in Chinatown.
A giant apple pear to wash it all down.
And finally, a train ride to the airport.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Toni Morrison's Letter to Barack Obama
Morrison's letter brought tears to my eyes. They were the kind of tears that well up when I feel pride for my country, for when she shows her full potential for having a positive impact on our world, our humanity.
I don't usually activate much in politics, but this election is different. We are at a pivotal point in history. Domestically, a mountain of woes has been piling, teetering; job loss, faltering education, health care - collapse of the middle class. Internationally, we have bridges to rebuild and new ones to found. This time the end result matters more, somehow. For a left-leaning independent, my only "choice" is for who the Democratic nominee will be. It's already been boiled down; Clinton or Obama?
I probably have more time on my hands than many to keep up with the news, read editorials, research candidate records, etc. I haven't. I read the headlines, scan articles, catch sound bytes. As far as I can tell, their positions on issues important to me are essentially the same. Their differences are details that I am not sophisticated enough to fully digest. Both want to change our world for the better. How do I know whom will better represent this country? I don't, but I have a feeling. A feeling that is getting stronger every day.
I read Obama's Audacity of Hope. He exuded integrity and empathy. His central message was clear. Every American shares the same core values, hopes, and dreams with his neighbor. When you dig to the core, we all want to feel safe, earn enough to support ourselves or a family,access to education, a fair chance at a decent, if simple, life. We must remember that we have common goals. Even if we disagree on how to achieve them, we can find a way to reach them together. There is such thing as common good, common ground, if both sides want it enough. And I do. I'm tired of being wrenched from side to side. Having just finished a tour of India, it was not lost on me that his message could carry across borders.
When I finished the book, I was hesitant to wave Obama's flag. Some of his rhetoric sounded too idealistic, naive. As much as I agreed with what he wrote, I wasn't convinced that the rest of America would. My cynic concluded that his ideas wouldn't work; politics would inevitably stall progress. If we lived in a perfect altruistic world, maybe, but we don't. One could only hope...and there it was...I picked up his flag. I am audacious enough to hope, to believe, to dream. If I'm not courageous enough to stand up for my hope, my dream, who will be?
Barack Obama '08
I don't usually activate much in politics, but this election is different. We are at a pivotal point in history. Domestically, a mountain of woes has been piling, teetering; job loss, faltering education, health care - collapse of the middle class. Internationally, we have bridges to rebuild and new ones to found. This time the end result matters more, somehow. For a left-leaning independent, my only "choice" is for who the Democratic nominee will be. It's already been boiled down; Clinton or Obama?
I probably have more time on my hands than many to keep up with the news, read editorials, research candidate records, etc. I haven't. I read the headlines, scan articles, catch sound bytes. As far as I can tell, their positions on issues important to me are essentially the same. Their differences are details that I am not sophisticated enough to fully digest. Both want to change our world for the better. How do I know whom will better represent this country? I don't, but I have a feeling. A feeling that is getting stronger every day.
I read Obama's Audacity of Hope. He exuded integrity and empathy. His central message was clear. Every American shares the same core values, hopes, and dreams with his neighbor. When you dig to the core, we all want to feel safe, earn enough to support ourselves or a family,access to education, a fair chance at a decent, if simple, life. We must remember that we have common goals. Even if we disagree on how to achieve them, we can find a way to reach them together. There is such thing as common good, common ground, if both sides want it enough. And I do. I'm tired of being wrenched from side to side. Having just finished a tour of India, it was not lost on me that his message could carry across borders.
When I finished the book, I was hesitant to wave Obama's flag. Some of his rhetoric sounded too idealistic, naive. As much as I agreed with what he wrote, I wasn't convinced that the rest of America would. My cynic concluded that his ideas wouldn't work; politics would inevitably stall progress. If we lived in a perfect altruistic world, maybe, but we don't. One could only hope...and there it was...I picked up his flag. I am audacious enough to hope, to believe, to dream. If I'm not courageous enough to stand up for my hope, my dream, who will be?
Barack Obama '08
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Backwaters and Beaches
Happy Holidays!!
I don't mean to boast, but I've been spending the last week either sleeping on a train, lazying on a house boat, or sunbathing on a beach. ;)
After leaving Chennai, Sai, Sundeep, and I went to Kerala to spend a day in its backwaters. Kerala is also known as God's Country. We rented a house boat for a whole day. Seriously, this thing had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The bathrooms were nicer than some of the hotels we've been staying in! The three of us and our three person crew floated along the canals and lagoons. There were always small houses tucked into the palm trees, precariously built on narrow man-made strips of land. The strips enclosed rice paddies that went on forever. The locals rely on ferries and canoes to get around. Just imagine having to get to school or the market in a canoe! The day we spent on the boat was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle and crowds of India. The scenery was beautiful; however, the signs of human contanimation were hard to ignore. This is something that has somewhat marred my impressions of India. The country truely is beautiful and elegant with its cities, temples, and natural wonders. But you have to be able to look past the garbage, waste, and stinky sewers. I think the in-your-face poverty would be easier to bear if India's waste management system were more effective and its people more aware. Then again...there are over one billion people here! I don't imagine it to be easy to change that many people's mindsets about environmental concerns when they're fighting just to feed themselves.
Sai and I spent Christmas eve and Christmas hanging out on the beach. Erase that picture of pristine secluded beach out of your mind. The beaches here are packed with food/drink shacks made of palm leaves and bamboo. Beach recliners and umbrellas take over the sand. On Christmas eve, the beach was lit up with partiers, diners, and revelers. Fireworks were launched only 100 meters away from where we were sitting. The dancing lights, candles, fireworks all on a backdrop of a full moon was pretty darn magical. Oh and the sand!! The softest sand my toes have ever felt!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
mmmMadras!
Greetings! Namaste.
Actually I haven't heard one person say "Namaste" yet. People usually waggle their heads from side to side. It's not a nod nor a shake. You can do it by trying to touch your ears to their respective shoulders. Side to side. I'm trying to emulate, but my body automatically nods instead of waggling.
Yesterday, I met the most famous auto-rickshaw driver in Chennai. Rama brought out greeting card after greeting card from happy customers. He showed me articles on him in Indian newspapers and even one from Switzerland! Most famous indeed! He has started a co-op of 30 drivers (out of 30,000) who are dedicated to providing nice, kind taxi services. See, Chennai's auto drivers are notorious for being rude and charging way more than they should to tourists and locals, alike. I think it's really awesome. He charged me about $1.50 to drive me around for three hours! So, I took him out to lunch and he showed me a trick to eating with your hands. That trick proved useful since I went to a wedding reception last night where there aren't any utensils in sight! I did pretty well thanks to Rama. And Bonus, I didn't look too bad in my snap-on sari either. ;)
The wedding was weird. I wish someone had told me that South Indians don't dance at weddings. The actual ceremony was today and it was held on a stage with auditorium seats. Hundreds of people attended but no one was paying attention to the ceremony at all! Everyone was talking and socializing and wandering about. I had no idea what was going on. The ladies looked gorgeous though! And food was excellent.
So, I'm in Chennai aka Madras. Signs that you are in a economically wealthier city: the presence of SUVs and bigger cars and TV ads for luxury hotels and luxury cars instead of super glue. Not much to do in this city. I've had my full of temples and churches for the time being. There is a nice beach. It's actually one of the longest city beaches in the world. The locals claim it is THE longest. Unfortunately, the crazy winds make for crazy waves and deter swimming in the Bay of Bengal.
On the upside, I have landed in the middle of the Chennai Dance and Music Festival! I have a classical dance show and a dance opera slated for tonight! I'm thrilled!
There are 10 lame pictures up on http://trixyone.smugmug.com I've found a USB cable, but I've not yet found a reliable computer with USB or fast enough connection. poo. Coming up...Kerala and a house boat trip through the backwaters. I have no idea what to expect here. We've rented a two-bedroom houseboat?! How big is thing going to be?? I'm hoping to meet with an astrologer while I'm there too!
Actually I haven't heard one person say "Namaste" yet. People usually waggle their heads from side to side. It's not a nod nor a shake. You can do it by trying to touch your ears to their respective shoulders. Side to side. I'm trying to emulate, but my body automatically nods instead of waggling.
Yesterday, I met the most famous auto-rickshaw driver in Chennai. Rama brought out greeting card after greeting card from happy customers. He showed me articles on him in Indian newspapers and even one from Switzerland! Most famous indeed! He has started a co-op of 30 drivers (out of 30,000) who are dedicated to providing nice, kind taxi services. See, Chennai's auto drivers are notorious for being rude and charging way more than they should to tourists and locals, alike. I think it's really awesome. He charged me about $1.50 to drive me around for three hours! So, I took him out to lunch and he showed me a trick to eating with your hands. That trick proved useful since I went to a wedding reception last night where there aren't any utensils in sight! I did pretty well thanks to Rama. And Bonus, I didn't look too bad in my snap-on sari either. ;)
The wedding was weird. I wish someone had told me that South Indians don't dance at weddings. The actual ceremony was today and it was held on a stage with auditorium seats. Hundreds of people attended but no one was paying attention to the ceremony at all! Everyone was talking and socializing and wandering about. I had no idea what was going on. The ladies looked gorgeous though! And food was excellent.
So, I'm in Chennai aka Madras. Signs that you are in a economically wealthier city: the presence of SUVs and bigger cars and TV ads for luxury hotels and luxury cars instead of super glue. Not much to do in this city. I've had my full of temples and churches for the time being. There is a nice beach. It's actually one of the longest city beaches in the world. The locals claim it is THE longest. Unfortunately, the crazy winds make for crazy waves and deter swimming in the Bay of Bengal.
On the upside, I have landed in the middle of the Chennai Dance and Music Festival! I have a classical dance show and a dance opera slated for tonight! I'm thrilled!
There are 10 lame pictures up on http://trixyone.smugmug.com I've found a USB cable, but I've not yet found a reliable computer with USB or fast enough connection. poo. Coming up...Kerala and a house boat trip through the backwaters. I have no idea what to expect here. We've rented a two-bedroom houseboat?! How big is thing going to be?? I'm hoping to meet with an astrologer while I'm there too!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
half of my india budget
for the special few who might actually understand and laugh at me for this.
so i was window shopping in delhi yesterday. i met an older gentleman who was probably in his mid-fifties along the way. he was eating an ice cream cone. anyway, he ended up leading me to a coffee house where locals hangout. but before we sat down for coffee, he said, "oh, let me show you this good kashmiri carpet place that is just around the corner." out of politeness, i went into the store which had rich carpets and silks hanging on the walls. the salesman started rolling out carpets and explaining the quality and history of kashmiri weaving.
whoosh, carpet, whoosh, carpet, whoosh.
i listened attentively and oohed at the appropriate times. i was enjoying the salesman's distinguished english and a kahava (a specialkashmiri drink) with cookies.
whoosh, carpet.
now, you all know what persian carpets are like. they were mostly in bright bold colors thatnever match anything in a house like cinnamon hot red, royal blue, forest green. and the patterns were equally gaudy.
whoosh, carpet.
he rolls out one in MY color!! an olivey-lime green, more olive than lime. it also has browns, golds, and a hint of orange. the pattern is interesting but not too obtrusive. it could match a lot of my furniture and my taste in decor. i loved it. i bought it. i spent more than half of my trip's budget for it. but it'll be shipped directly tomy door in chicago. and it's an investement that'll be passed down for generations right? besides, carpets go under a different budget heading - housewares/furniture. i left laughing at myself. only i would randomly meet a man on the street and end up spending more than$500.
so i was window shopping in delhi yesterday. i met an older gentleman who was probably in his mid-fifties along the way. he was eating an ice cream cone. anyway, he ended up leading me to a coffee house where locals hangout. but before we sat down for coffee, he said, "oh, let me show you this good kashmiri carpet place that is just around the corner." out of politeness, i went into the store which had rich carpets and silks hanging on the walls. the salesman started rolling out carpets and explaining the quality and history of kashmiri weaving.
whoosh, carpet, whoosh, carpet, whoosh.
i listened attentively and oohed at the appropriate times. i was enjoying the salesman's distinguished english and a kahava (a specialkashmiri drink) with cookies.
whoosh, carpet.
now, you all know what persian carpets are like. they were mostly in bright bold colors thatnever match anything in a house like cinnamon hot red, royal blue, forest green. and the patterns were equally gaudy.
whoosh, carpet.
he rolls out one in MY color!! an olivey-lime green, more olive than lime. it also has browns, golds, and a hint of orange. the pattern is interesting but not too obtrusive. it could match a lot of my furniture and my taste in decor. i loved it. i bought it. i spent more than half of my trip's budget for it. but it'll be shipped directly tomy door in chicago. and it's an investement that'll be passed down for generations right? besides, carpets go under a different budget heading - housewares/furniture. i left laughing at myself. only i would randomly meet a man on the street and end up spending more than$500.
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