Healthcare reform and international politics

I really need to go curl up on the beach in the sun with a good book. But, I'm really in a mood to sit inside and sew. I really want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of coffee and do some needlework. I think my mind is just blown that it's December and yet it's beautiful and sunny out, and I CAN go an lay out on a beach. Seeing today's snap of my family's new place going up and knowing that snow is expected there, well, I guess I'm a bit homesick.

Ok. On to other topics.....

I totally do not get the American health care reform. There's loads of bits of junk from 'pundits,' but I can't find anything that states in simple language, "Here is what's in the bills on the table." Why is that so hard? I just don't get it.

Another bit about the healthcare reform....there's a bunch of talk about preventative mammography. That's all well and good, but what about AFTER the cancer is found? Will insurance have to pay for the reconstruction procedure of the woman's choice? Will insurance have to pay whom the woman chooses? Will insurance pay for the life time's worth of prosthetics she will need if she chooses not to have reconstruction? Not to mention, the special undergarments required to hold the prosthetics are VERY expensive for the average woman.

I don't think pundits (or little blogs like mine) should be answering these questions. Again, I just don't get it.....

On to international politics.....

http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation/story/1609682.html Found this article citing a poll that Americans are showing more isolationist tendencies, essentially. Read the article and see what you think. The reality is that America will become weaker in the eyes of the world if Americans don't get out there and get involved (and I DON'T mean with guns and shows of force). The article also discusses views on China and the U.S. It's a very interesting read. Ok, here is my pure opinion - not fact - pure opinion. Chinese goods are cheap. They are cheap for a reason. If the world only goes for cheap goods, then the folks that make the 'luxury' goods are gonna go under. But, why are the luxury goods so expensive? Are you paying for the name? Sometimes. But, many times (think big here like cars, large appliances, airplanes, factory equipment, oil rigs etc....I'm not talking handbags and shoes here but in some cases the situtation is the same) you are paying for well made, safe, gonna last you a long time kind of stuff. So which is better? Cheap throw it out in a year or so and buy another? Or more expensive, keep it for years and be confident knowing that what you have purchased is safe and has a reputable company backing it? For me, that's not a hard one to answer.

Folks, you gotta dream. If you don't, you might as well stop the ride and jump off. But as we dream, we need to hang on to our values and what's really important to us. I'm so grateful to have known all the dreamers that I have known. They help make this world tolerable.

Peace.