Monday what??? The word for the day. To save you the effort of looking up what pentagruelism means the definition is the habit of dealing with serious matters in a spirit of good and sometimes cynical good humor.
The word is an allusion to Rabelais' satirical novels Gargantua in 1584 and Pentagruel in 1532.
In keeping with the premise of Oscar Wilde's quote at the top of this Blog, I thought it would be amusing to take a look at some of the warnings on a few of today's products.
One hair dryer carries the label: "Do not use while sleeping." Would that be considered multi-tasking?
A contest on a bag of chips advertises: "You could be a winner. No purchase necessary. Details inside." Should we simply open the bag in the store aisle or does this mean I don't have to pay for it?
One popular bar of soap displays this instruction: "Directions. Use like regular soap."
A Tiramisu dessert package finds this disclaimer printed on the bottom: "Do not turn upside down."
Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding displays this warning: "Product will be hot after heating."
The packaging for one iron found in the big box stores warns: "Do not iron clothes on body."
Found on a children's cough medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
Another popular sleep aid medication, Nytol , displays this brilliant sentence: "Warning: May cause drowsiness."
A container of nuts found in the snack aisle of a supermarket helps to educate consumers. Its labeling reads: "Warning: Contains nuts."
But an all time favorite was spotted last Halloween on a child's Superman costume: It succinctly read: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
We can only speculate since the warnings were put there it might be an indication some people actually inspired them by doing what we are being warned about? Maybe its a good thing to think.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Few Thoughts About The Ancient Ones and Prophecies
About 1,400 years ago, long before Europeans explored North America, a group of people lived in the Four Corners region of the United States. Today they are called the Ancient Ones. Once referred to as the Anasazi, they are the Ancestral Pueblo people who designed and built spectacular cliff dwellings.
One summer season I was fortunate enough to be an interpretive guide and lead tourists around Mesa Verde National Park. The only National Park that was established due to the wealth of archeological sites. It now protects more than 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of these imaginative people.
While many folks dismiss the lore and stories of these Native Americans, I was struck by the similarities of their beliefs and how they seem to parallel so many of today's cultures or religions.
One of the most revered places in the Ancient Ones' communities was the kiva. Kiva is Hopi word meaning "ceremonial room." They were important gathering places in the life of the Ancient Puebloans - comparable to the churches, synagogues, temples and mosques of today. It appears that every clan had its own kiva for use during ceremonies and other social events. Every kiva built contains a small hole. This is the Sipapu, a Hopi word for "place of emergence." According to the Hopi oral tradition, this hole represents the place where the good Ancenstral Puebloan people emerged from the previous world to the next one.
A cute piece of legend? Since I am a proponent of thinking and wondering, let's examine this with some thought. The Sipapu is essentially a symbol, much like the cross for Christians or the Star of David for Jews.
I can imagine some of the more evangelical believers teetering on the verge of shouting blasphemy. But, let's go a step farther.
According to the Ancient Puebloans we are currently in the third world. Yes, that means two other worlds have been destroyed and the Sipapu was the portal for these people to enter the next world.
The first world, this civilzation believes, was destroyed by water. Could this have been around the time of the Christian belief in the story of Noah and the flood? The second world was destroyed by fire, according to their convictions. How about the story of Passover? The Jewish belief an angel of death spared only those whose dwellings were marked allowing the good to survive. That destruction, according to legend, was by fire.
For those who cherish a religious belief, could the Ancient People have been smiled upon by a god some say can only be accessed through some ritual of prayer?
While all the predictions of this centuries old culture do not go beyond the year 2000, they do have a prophecy for the end of the third world. They believed the third world would be destroyed by "bad air." Although, no one knows when or even if that may happen, our civilization seems well on the way to fueling this end. Be it through climate change, greed and disregard for nature or perhaps, even a nuclear event.
I am not advocating the somewhat popular conversation of wht may or may not occur in the year 2012, as has become vogue in many circles. I am simply stating One Person's Views that might ... just might get you to think and wonder beyond your comfort zone.
One summer season I was fortunate enough to be an interpretive guide and lead tourists around Mesa Verde National Park. The only National Park that was established due to the wealth of archeological sites. It now protects more than 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of these imaginative people.
While many folks dismiss the lore and stories of these Native Americans, I was struck by the similarities of their beliefs and how they seem to parallel so many of today's cultures or religions.
One of the most revered places in the Ancient Ones' communities was the kiva. Kiva is Hopi word meaning "ceremonial room." They were important gathering places in the life of the Ancient Puebloans - comparable to the churches, synagogues, temples and mosques of today. It appears that every clan had its own kiva for use during ceremonies and other social events. Every kiva built contains a small hole. This is the Sipapu, a Hopi word for "place of emergence." According to the Hopi oral tradition, this hole represents the place where the good Ancenstral Puebloan people emerged from the previous world to the next one.
A cute piece of legend? Since I am a proponent of thinking and wondering, let's examine this with some thought. The Sipapu is essentially a symbol, much like the cross for Christians or the Star of David for Jews.
I can imagine some of the more evangelical believers teetering on the verge of shouting blasphemy. But, let's go a step farther.
According to the Ancient Puebloans we are currently in the third world. Yes, that means two other worlds have been destroyed and the Sipapu was the portal for these people to enter the next world.
The first world, this civilzation believes, was destroyed by water. Could this have been around the time of the Christian belief in the story of Noah and the flood? The second world was destroyed by fire, according to their convictions. How about the story of Passover? The Jewish belief an angel of death spared only those whose dwellings were marked allowing the good to survive. That destruction, according to legend, was by fire.
For those who cherish a religious belief, could the Ancient People have been smiled upon by a god some say can only be accessed through some ritual of prayer?
While all the predictions of this centuries old culture do not go beyond the year 2000, they do have a prophecy for the end of the third world. They believed the third world would be destroyed by "bad air." Although, no one knows when or even if that may happen, our civilization seems well on the way to fueling this end. Be it through climate change, greed and disregard for nature or perhaps, even a nuclear event.
I am not advocating the somewhat popular conversation of wht may or may not occur in the year 2012, as has become vogue in many circles. I am simply stating One Person's Views that might ... just might get you to think and wonder beyond your comfort zone.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Perception vs. Reality
As an American I am sometimes in awe regarding what people believe or perceive and the actual reality of what the reality actually is.
Billions of dollars are spent every year for marketing research, public relations and advertising in an attempt to project an image. Among the definitions of the word image are: A mental picture of something not real or present and the opinion or concept of something that is held by the public.
Two examples might be political promises made during a presidential race and the way legislation is passed in Washington, D.C.
Every presidential candidate makes promises. They state how they will change the way things are done or they declare how they will make a difference.
We go to the polls and vote based on much of the rhetoric and the belief our presidential choice will do what they claim. Yet, the reality is that it is impossible for one member of the Executive Branch of our government to do that. In order for the promises to be fulfilled the Legislative Branch must pass the laws.
That is to say a majority of 535 men and women who hold the office of senator and congressman or congresswoman are the ones responsible for fulfilling the promises of the president. Perception ... the president has the power to accomplish the things he or she touts. Reality ... without the approval of Congress the president's powers are greatly limited regarding the ability to provide the sweeping changes thay all claim to bring to the White House.
The second example is the way Congress actually passes majority of the bills or laws.
During the 111th Congress, in 2009, there were more than 9,000 Bills or Resolutions introduced. Of these 119 became Public Laws. Or, 1.3% of those introduced. That is the reality according to The Capital.Net,, formerly known as the COngressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, a respected non-partisan firm for 30 years.
When we are in school we're taught how a bill is introduced and the process it goes through to become law. However, we are not taught the reality. A Bill that is introduced must be read on the floor of the respective body and it is published in the Congressional Record. Sometimes it is debated then votes cast. The next step is for the president to sign that bill into law.
BUT, and certainly a capital B U T, the reality is there are often riders attached to the bill. They do not have to be read or debated. The riders simply do as their name suggests, go along for the ride. Many times these riders are earmark pieces of legislation that inflate the proverbial pork barrel.
Some of the 2009 entries were:
$1.9 milllion for the Pleasure Beach water taxi service in Connecticut.
$1.8 million for swine odor and manure management research in Ames, Iowa.
$380,000 for a recreation center and fairgrounds area in Kotzebue, Alaska, population 3,237.
Several credible sources put this type of spending at some $19.6 billion in 2009.
It would be safe to presume more public laws are passed as riders than are ever read on the floor of the Congress.
As responsible citizens we must remember the difference between perception and reality which is defined as: The quality or state of being actual or true.
In this one person's view it is not un-American to question authority it is patriotic to demand reality.
Billions of dollars are spent every year for marketing research, public relations and advertising in an attempt to project an image. Among the definitions of the word image are: A mental picture of something not real or present and the opinion or concept of something that is held by the public.
Two examples might be political promises made during a presidential race and the way legislation is passed in Washington, D.C.
Every presidential candidate makes promises. They state how they will change the way things are done or they declare how they will make a difference.
We go to the polls and vote based on much of the rhetoric and the belief our presidential choice will do what they claim. Yet, the reality is that it is impossible for one member of the Executive Branch of our government to do that. In order for the promises to be fulfilled the Legislative Branch must pass the laws.
That is to say a majority of 535 men and women who hold the office of senator and congressman or congresswoman are the ones responsible for fulfilling the promises of the president. Perception ... the president has the power to accomplish the things he or she touts. Reality ... without the approval of Congress the president's powers are greatly limited regarding the ability to provide the sweeping changes thay all claim to bring to the White House.
The second example is the way Congress actually passes majority of the bills or laws.
During the 111th Congress, in 2009, there were more than 9,000 Bills or Resolutions introduced. Of these 119 became Public Laws. Or, 1.3% of those introduced. That is the reality according to The Capital.Net,, formerly known as the COngressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, a respected non-partisan firm for 30 years.
When we are in school we're taught how a bill is introduced and the process it goes through to become law. However, we are not taught the reality. A Bill that is introduced must be read on the floor of the respective body and it is published in the Congressional Record. Sometimes it is debated then votes cast. The next step is for the president to sign that bill into law.
BUT, and certainly a capital B U T, the reality is there are often riders attached to the bill. They do not have to be read or debated. The riders simply do as their name suggests, go along for the ride. Many times these riders are earmark pieces of legislation that inflate the proverbial pork barrel.
Some of the 2009 entries were:
$1.9 milllion for the Pleasure Beach water taxi service in Connecticut.
$1.8 million for swine odor and manure management research in Ames, Iowa.
$380,000 for a recreation center and fairgrounds area in Kotzebue, Alaska, population 3,237.
Several credible sources put this type of spending at some $19.6 billion in 2009.
It would be safe to presume more public laws are passed as riders than are ever read on the floor of the Congress.
As responsible citizens we must remember the difference between perception and reality which is defined as: The quality or state of being actual or true.
In this one person's view it is not un-American to question authority it is patriotic to demand reality.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Random Thoughts
Well its Monday and Mondays have always seem to carry some kind of dread, the weekend is over and so to is the fun for another week. That is a myth ... let the fun begin.
How many times have you heard someone say: "He's got to be crazy!" Perhaps you've even made that observation regarding someone on occasion. I am.
Once upon a time my wife and I lived the somewhat normal life. Then, we decided to get rid of the house, put everything in storage, buy an R.V. (recreational vehicle) and travel. Yeah, I one of those guys you cuss on a two lane road cause you can't pass me going up a hill. Now, I'm thinking of writing a book based on our experiences. I'm going to title it: "The Land of the Intellectually Challenged."
According the National Park Service nearly 2.3 million people visited that national treasure last year. They came to see the bison, elk, moose, bears, eagles and, of course, Old Faithful. The geyser that is somewhat predictable.
One summer season I worked in Yellowstone and it was great. But I was asked some strange questions though, like: "when do the Elk turn into moose?" Or, What time do they turn off Old Faithful?"
Of course questions like this demand to be answered right? So, I'd make up answers for these geniuses. "Oh, I'm not sure about this year but last year they turned into moose the first month after the full moon of the rutting season." What's really scary is they believed it.
At the visitors center near Old Faithful, the Ranger Station has all types of information about geysers. From stuff written for children to scientific papers explaining the phenomenon.
Now you simply have to picture this. Around the geyser basin are boardwalks. A favorite place to watch Old Faithful.
One afternoon two Rangers were working in the area. One ranger was in an area off limits to the general public but still within hearing distance. Now just before Old Faithful erupts there are usually a few spurts of steam and water. Those familiar with the geyser's patterns can usually judge when its going to go.
These guys had a great sense of timing. One ranger shouted to the other: "Ya ready?"
And the other bent over with is back to the crowd. "Okay, open it up." the one ranger yells and about that time Old Faithful erupts, water and steam rise nearly 100 feet in the air.
Then as it starts to fall off, the ranger yells again: "Shut it down." And the other ranger turns his imaginary valve. Its amazing, as the tourists are walking away to explore other park wonders I actually heard one telling his wife: "I told you Mildred, they had valves for that thing."
True story! But, would you believe the two rangers were reported and suspended. The government has no sense of humor. That is except for Congress and sometimes I believe reading the headlines about happenings in our nation's capital are better than the comic section of the newspaper.
Here's a quick thought ... the prefix pro means for and the prefix con means against. Like PROgress which means moving forward, doing something positive. Does that give you any clue for the definition of the word CONgress?
Another fun job was with a major airline. Now you'd think people who fly all the time are somewhat sophisticated. Not true!
One night I was making a reservation for a lady who knew exactly what she wanted including the flight times and flight numbers. After I made the seat assignment for her and informing her of the seat number she told me she could not sit there because it was next to a window. Of course, with the intensive training I received from the airline I began to question if she had a fear of heights or of flying. After several questions she finally told me: "I'm having my hair done the morning of my flight and I certainly don't want to sit next to a window."
Hmmmm ... lets see ... will the pilot open that window for fresh air at 35,000 feet while traveling at 300 miles an hour?
And let's not forget the wizards at home with their computers. Another stint I undertook was doing technical support for a major communications company.
A customer called in having internet problems. After trouble shooting for some time I had the individual change a few settings and it was necessary to lock in the changes. "Okay, now just hit any key and let me know what happens." I told them.
A few minutes went past and I inquired: "What is it doing?" I was not ready for the response. "I'm having a problem," they said. "I can't find the anykey."
And with that I will bid you a great week and leave with one final thought.
If you have 100 odds and ends on a shelf and remove 99 of them ... what is left? An odd or an end?
How many times have you heard someone say: "He's got to be crazy!" Perhaps you've even made that observation regarding someone on occasion. I am.
Once upon a time my wife and I lived the somewhat normal life. Then, we decided to get rid of the house, put everything in storage, buy an R.V. (recreational vehicle) and travel. Yeah, I one of those guys you cuss on a two lane road cause you can't pass me going up a hill. Now, I'm thinking of writing a book based on our experiences. I'm going to title it: "The Land of the Intellectually Challenged."
According the National Park Service nearly 2.3 million people visited that national treasure last year. They came to see the bison, elk, moose, bears, eagles and, of course, Old Faithful. The geyser that is somewhat predictable.
One summer season I worked in Yellowstone and it was great. But I was asked some strange questions though, like: "when do the Elk turn into moose?" Or, What time do they turn off Old Faithful?"
Of course questions like this demand to be answered right? So, I'd make up answers for these geniuses. "Oh, I'm not sure about this year but last year they turned into moose the first month after the full moon of the rutting season." What's really scary is they believed it.
At the visitors center near Old Faithful, the Ranger Station has all types of information about geysers. From stuff written for children to scientific papers explaining the phenomenon.
Now you simply have to picture this. Around the geyser basin are boardwalks. A favorite place to watch Old Faithful.
One afternoon two Rangers were working in the area. One ranger was in an area off limits to the general public but still within hearing distance. Now just before Old Faithful erupts there are usually a few spurts of steam and water. Those familiar with the geyser's patterns can usually judge when its going to go.
These guys had a great sense of timing. One ranger shouted to the other: "Ya ready?"
And the other bent over with is back to the crowd. "Okay, open it up." the one ranger yells and about that time Old Faithful erupts, water and steam rise nearly 100 feet in the air.
Then as it starts to fall off, the ranger yells again: "Shut it down." And the other ranger turns his imaginary valve. Its amazing, as the tourists are walking away to explore other park wonders I actually heard one telling his wife: "I told you Mildred, they had valves for that thing."
True story! But, would you believe the two rangers were reported and suspended. The government has no sense of humor. That is except for Congress and sometimes I believe reading the headlines about happenings in our nation's capital are better than the comic section of the newspaper.
Here's a quick thought ... the prefix pro means for and the prefix con means against. Like PROgress which means moving forward, doing something positive. Does that give you any clue for the definition of the word CONgress?
Another fun job was with a major airline. Now you'd think people who fly all the time are somewhat sophisticated. Not true!
One night I was making a reservation for a lady who knew exactly what she wanted including the flight times and flight numbers. After I made the seat assignment for her and informing her of the seat number she told me she could not sit there because it was next to a window. Of course, with the intensive training I received from the airline I began to question if she had a fear of heights or of flying. After several questions she finally told me: "I'm having my hair done the morning of my flight and I certainly don't want to sit next to a window."
Hmmmm ... lets see ... will the pilot open that window for fresh air at 35,000 feet while traveling at 300 miles an hour?
And let's not forget the wizards at home with their computers. Another stint I undertook was doing technical support for a major communications company.
A customer called in having internet problems. After trouble shooting for some time I had the individual change a few settings and it was necessary to lock in the changes. "Okay, now just hit any key and let me know what happens." I told them.
A few minutes went past and I inquired: "What is it doing?" I was not ready for the response. "I'm having a problem," they said. "I can't find the anykey."
And with that I will bid you a great week and leave with one final thought.
If you have 100 odds and ends on a shelf and remove 99 of them ... what is left? An odd or an end?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Nation's Disgrace
As a vet I am constantly appalled at the number of our former warriors living on the streets and, at times, eating out of dumpsters.
It is estimated that one-third of the homeless adults in the United States are our country's own veterans. It is difficult to fully account for the actual number of homeless (including veterans) in the U.S. Many sleeping their cars, in the woods or other hard to locate places.
What is known is America's homeless veterans have served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the military's anti-cultivation efforts in South America. Those without any place to call home include both male and female veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 131,000 vets are homeless on any given night. And approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Nearly a quarter of a million men and women who took an oath to defend this nation and were willing to give their lives sometime this year will be homeless. Some figures of more than a half a million have even been reported.
The base budgets for the Defense and Veterans Departments was a combine total of more than $609 billion in 2009. These figures are taken from the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet, we still have men and women who served our country living without a roof over their heads or basic necessities such as food and clothing.
Who are our homeless veterans?
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, here are the numbers:
23% of the homeless population are veterans
33% of the male homeless population are veterans
47% are Vietnam Era veterans
17% post-Vietnam
15% pre-Vietnam
67% served three or more years
33% stationed in a war zone
25% have used VA Homeless Services
85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans
89% received an Honorable Discharge
79% reside in central cities
16% reside in suburban areas
5% reside in rural areas
76% experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems
46% white males compared to 34% non-veterans
46% age 45 or older compared to 20% non-veterans
It is estimated 96% of our homeless veterans are male while 4% are female. And the numbers may be rising in today's economy.It is safe to presume with the increased number of foreclosures and unemployment more veterans will find themselves homeless.
A common sight across our great country is men and women standing by the roadside with crude, hand lettered signs reading: "Homeless Veteran ... Need Help" or, "Homeless Veteran ... Will Work For Food."
Our veterans deserve more than handouts. Our veterans deserve a hand up.
Majority of the help and inroads in providing services come from organizations either founded by or supported by veterans. And the budgets they have are based on contributions ... not from a part of the staggering billions the government allots to the Defense Department or VA.
You can help veterans in your community by volunteering at a shelter, being a mentor or legal aid, organizing or participating in a Stand Down program or veteran burial program. Check out the community based veterans organizations that need volunteers in your area.
You can also advocate for homeless veterans in your local government and community. Or, you can donate directly to organizations that provide assistance to our homeless warriors.
GET INVOLVED!!! Let's end the disgrace of having those who have served our nation be invisible to the very people they served ... the American people.
There are many groups and organizations whose goal it is to help our homeless veterans. I have included a few of them and their links so you can get involved. Don't just sit and read about their plight ... YOU can make a difference.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans can be reached at: http://www.nchv.org
Stand Down. Founded by a group of Vietnam Vets. They can be reached at: http://www.standdown.org/homeless.html
Disabled American Veterans at http://www.dav.org
It is estimated that one-third of the homeless adults in the United States are our country's own veterans. It is difficult to fully account for the actual number of homeless (including veterans) in the U.S. Many sleeping their cars, in the woods or other hard to locate places.
What is known is America's homeless veterans have served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the military's anti-cultivation efforts in South America. Those without any place to call home include both male and female veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 131,000 vets are homeless on any given night. And approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Nearly a quarter of a million men and women who took an oath to defend this nation and were willing to give their lives sometime this year will be homeless. Some figures of more than a half a million have even been reported.
The base budgets for the Defense and Veterans Departments was a combine total of more than $609 billion in 2009. These figures are taken from the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet, we still have men and women who served our country living without a roof over their heads or basic necessities such as food and clothing.
Who are our homeless veterans?
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, here are the numbers:
23% of the homeless population are veterans
33% of the male homeless population are veterans
47% are Vietnam Era veterans
17% post-Vietnam
15% pre-Vietnam
67% served three or more years
33% stationed in a war zone
25% have used VA Homeless Services
85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans
89% received an Honorable Discharge
79% reside in central cities
16% reside in suburban areas
5% reside in rural areas
76% experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems
46% white males compared to 34% non-veterans
46% age 45 or older compared to 20% non-veterans
It is estimated 96% of our homeless veterans are male while 4% are female. And the numbers may be rising in today's economy.It is safe to presume with the increased number of foreclosures and unemployment more veterans will find themselves homeless.
A common sight across our great country is men and women standing by the roadside with crude, hand lettered signs reading: "Homeless Veteran ... Need Help" or, "Homeless Veteran ... Will Work For Food."
Our veterans deserve more than handouts. Our veterans deserve a hand up.
Majority of the help and inroads in providing services come from organizations either founded by or supported by veterans. And the budgets they have are based on contributions ... not from a part of the staggering billions the government allots to the Defense Department or VA.
You can help veterans in your community by volunteering at a shelter, being a mentor or legal aid, organizing or participating in a Stand Down program or veteran burial program. Check out the community based veterans organizations that need volunteers in your area.
You can also advocate for homeless veterans in your local government and community. Or, you can donate directly to organizations that provide assistance to our homeless warriors.
GET INVOLVED!!! Let's end the disgrace of having those who have served our nation be invisible to the very people they served ... the American people.
There are many groups and organizations whose goal it is to help our homeless veterans. I have included a few of them and their links so you can get involved. Don't just sit and read about their plight ... YOU can make a difference.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans can be reached at: http://www.nchv.org
Stand Down. Founded by a group of Vietnam Vets. They can be reached at: http://www.standdown.org/homeless.html
Disabled American Veterans at http://www.dav.org
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Little Known Facts About The Health Insurance Industry
When I had the initial idea for delving the Health Insurance Industry my thoughts were not totally objective. I, like many, assumed their profits and profit margins were truly obscene. But hours of research using reputable and non-biased sources dispelled many erroneous beliefs.
Although the monetary figures are staggering, the health insurance industry does not even make it into the top 50 for the amount of profit they make. In fact, they are listed as number 86 out of the top 100 with an overall profit margin of 3.3%. This information was taken directly from Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan.
Another research source, The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania reported the following:
In 2007, national health care expenditures totaled $2.2 trillion. Health insurance profits of nearly $13 billion make up 0.6 percent of that. CEO compensation is a mere 0.005 percent of total spending.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that in 2008 half the improper payments made by the federal government came from Medicare and Medicaid. The Medicare fee-for-service program had an estimated $10.4 billion in improper payments, plus Medicare Advantage doled out $6.8 billion that it shouldn't have. Medicare's improper payments totaled $18.6 billion for the year. Those figures surpass the profits reaped by insurance companies and pay their CEOs took home.
While not a proponent of this industry, I do strive to be factual and attribute my findings. But, since this is a Blog I also have freedom to voice One Person's Views.
Aside from he financial aspects a few others come into play. Currently, the lawmakers in our nation's capital are tossing many possibilities around to reduce health care costs and bring about coverage for everyone in America.
Some say if health care insurance companies would able to cross state lines there would be greater competition thus forcing lower premiums and allowing more people to enroll in health care coverage. I have no doubt competition would indeed force changes. The one thought that keeps leaping into my mind is the not so simple fact of States Rights. Each state regulates the insurance industry in its state. The amount they charge, the fees associated and a myriad of other assorted things. Unless this system were universal it simply isn't feasible under the current way of doing business.
There are 535 members of Congress. It is difficult to have 50 of them agree on anything. Can we assume 50 governors with as many territorial interests would be any different?
One component critical to lowering the cost of health care is to provide comprehensive preventive care. To catch problems before they become major and costly. Most health care plans allow those covered to opt in for vision and dental care. Dental issues can lead to major systemic illnesses and poor vision is in a class by itself. Medicare does not address either of these.
Another factor I am compelled to raise is the interaction between doctors and patients and health insurance companies.
According to a survey from the National Library of Medicine, some individual physicians do practice different styles based on patient insurance, but the majority say they do not.
However, there seems to be one major barrier to patient care ... 58% of U.S. physicians report their patients often have difficulty paying for medications or other out-of-pocket costs. This is compared to between 5 and 37 percent in other countries. U.S. physicians are also four times as likely as their counterparts in Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden and the U.K. to report major problems with the time or their staff spend getting patients needed medication or treatment due to insurance coverage restrictions. About half (48%) of U.S. physicians say this is a major problem.
Given all the facts, it is a little easier to understand the complexity of the problem. Now, if somehow we can forge ahead and intelligently find ways to solve the problems our country will have indeed reached a historic milestone.
Although the monetary figures are staggering, the health insurance industry does not even make it into the top 50 for the amount of profit they make. In fact, they are listed as number 86 out of the top 100 with an overall profit margin of 3.3%. This information was taken directly from Dr. Mark J. Perry, a professor of economics and finance in the School of Management at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan.
Another research source, The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania reported the following:
In 2007, national health care expenditures totaled $2.2 trillion. Health insurance profits of nearly $13 billion make up 0.6 percent of that. CEO compensation is a mere 0.005 percent of total spending.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that in 2008 half the improper payments made by the federal government came from Medicare and Medicaid. The Medicare fee-for-service program had an estimated $10.4 billion in improper payments, plus Medicare Advantage doled out $6.8 billion that it shouldn't have. Medicare's improper payments totaled $18.6 billion for the year. Those figures surpass the profits reaped by insurance companies and pay their CEOs took home.
While not a proponent of this industry, I do strive to be factual and attribute my findings. But, since this is a Blog I also have freedom to voice One Person's Views.
Aside from he financial aspects a few others come into play. Currently, the lawmakers in our nation's capital are tossing many possibilities around to reduce health care costs and bring about coverage for everyone in America.
Some say if health care insurance companies would able to cross state lines there would be greater competition thus forcing lower premiums and allowing more people to enroll in health care coverage. I have no doubt competition would indeed force changes. The one thought that keeps leaping into my mind is the not so simple fact of States Rights. Each state regulates the insurance industry in its state. The amount they charge, the fees associated and a myriad of other assorted things. Unless this system were universal it simply isn't feasible under the current way of doing business.
There are 535 members of Congress. It is difficult to have 50 of them agree on anything. Can we assume 50 governors with as many territorial interests would be any different?
One component critical to lowering the cost of health care is to provide comprehensive preventive care. To catch problems before they become major and costly. Most health care plans allow those covered to opt in for vision and dental care. Dental issues can lead to major systemic illnesses and poor vision is in a class by itself. Medicare does not address either of these.
Another factor I am compelled to raise is the interaction between doctors and patients and health insurance companies.
According to a survey from the National Library of Medicine, some individual physicians do practice different styles based on patient insurance, but the majority say they do not.
However, there seems to be one major barrier to patient care ... 58% of U.S. physicians report their patients often have difficulty paying for medications or other out-of-pocket costs. This is compared to between 5 and 37 percent in other countries. U.S. physicians are also four times as likely as their counterparts in Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden and the U.K. to report major problems with the time or their staff spend getting patients needed medication or treatment due to insurance coverage restrictions. About half (48%) of U.S. physicians say this is a major problem.
Given all the facts, it is a little easier to understand the complexity of the problem. Now, if somehow we can forge ahead and intelligently find ways to solve the problems our country will have indeed reached a historic milestone.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A View of the Health Care Mess
Once upon a time HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) were seen as the saviors of exploding medical costs. A little over twenty years ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs on television. Thirty years ago the American Medical Association decided it was not unethical for doctors to advertise, reversing its stance held for decades.
One of the ways HMOs were going to reduce medical costs was to eliminate duplication of services. Instead of two competing medical facilities offering the same high cost service, one would offer one type of service while the other would offer a different type. Thus, keeping the overall costs down yet still providing patients and medical staff with comprehensive options.
Currently, I am in a small city with great medical facilities. All are vying for the dollar offering the same things. In theory, if one offered a specific service and allowed its competitor to offer another, the overhead would be dramatically reduced. Subsequently, there would be less the patient would be forced to pay for but, then the income would be reduced. And everyone knows the bottom line must show a decent or sometimes obscene profit.
According the the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it is reasonably well known that for some time the United States has spent more per capita on health care than other countries, including those whose system provides care to all its citizens. What may be less well known if that the United States has had one of the highest growth rates in per capita health care spending since 1980 among higher income countries. HMOs and direct pharmaceutical advertising just coincidentally all kicked in about that time.
In the U.S.A., the growth of the share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) devoted to health care has risen from 8.8% in 1980 to a rate that is projected to be nearly 20% in 2019 according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
So much for the saviors of reduced costs.
Since the advent of pharmaceutical companies being permitted direct-to-consumer TV campaigns, that industry has spent well in excess of $3 billion in the mass media. One result, outside of obscene profits, if the patient now tells their doctor what drug they want as opposed to the practitioner telling the patient what is best for them. Consequently, the average number of prescriptions written per patient has risen dramatically in the past few years. Care to investigate what their profits may be?
As for doctors advertising ... that's not a bad thing. It provides a choice for the public, they are better informed and it does help us be more proactive in our own own healthcare.
Healthcare reform??? Reduced costs??? These are only small examples of a broken system. Maybe tomorrow ... or Wednesday after giving my brain a rest ... the insurance industry can be the target of discussion.
One of the ways HMOs were going to reduce medical costs was to eliminate duplication of services. Instead of two competing medical facilities offering the same high cost service, one would offer one type of service while the other would offer a different type. Thus, keeping the overall costs down yet still providing patients and medical staff with comprehensive options.
Currently, I am in a small city with great medical facilities. All are vying for the dollar offering the same things. In theory, if one offered a specific service and allowed its competitor to offer another, the overhead would be dramatically reduced. Subsequently, there would be less the patient would be forced to pay for but, then the income would be reduced. And everyone knows the bottom line must show a decent or sometimes obscene profit.
According the the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it is reasonably well known that for some time the United States has spent more per capita on health care than other countries, including those whose system provides care to all its citizens. What may be less well known if that the United States has had one of the highest growth rates in per capita health care spending since 1980 among higher income countries. HMOs and direct pharmaceutical advertising just coincidentally all kicked in about that time.
In the U.S.A., the growth of the share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) devoted to health care has risen from 8.8% in 1980 to a rate that is projected to be nearly 20% in 2019 according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
So much for the saviors of reduced costs.
Since the advent of pharmaceutical companies being permitted direct-to-consumer TV campaigns, that industry has spent well in excess of $3 billion in the mass media. One result, outside of obscene profits, if the patient now tells their doctor what drug they want as opposed to the practitioner telling the patient what is best for them. Consequently, the average number of prescriptions written per patient has risen dramatically in the past few years. Care to investigate what their profits may be?
As for doctors advertising ... that's not a bad thing. It provides a choice for the public, they are better informed and it does help us be more proactive in our own own healthcare.
Healthcare reform??? Reduced costs??? These are only small examples of a broken system. Maybe tomorrow ... or Wednesday after giving my brain a rest ... the insurance industry can be the target of discussion.
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