From My Perspective - - -
In these rapidly changing and serious times, one would think that Legislators at all levels of Government would be focused on the primary issues that impact the greatest number of citizens. In today’s Drudge Report, the lead items are: (1) “Massachusetts in Suit Over Cost of Universal Care”, The gist of the article pertains to: “A hospital that serves thousands of indigent Massachusetts residents sued the state on Wednesday, charging that its costly universal health care law is forcing the hospital to cover too much of the expense of caring for the poor. The hospital, Boston Medical Center, faces a $38 million deficit for the fiscal year ending in September, its first loss in 5 years. The hospital will lose more than $100 million next year because the state has lowered Medicaid reimbursement rates and stopped paying…‘reasonable costs’ for treating other poor patients. ‘We filed this suit more in sorrow than in anger,’ said…the hospital’s chief executive.” And, (2) “Terrifying 57% Tax Looms For Biggest Earners In NYC”. The gist of this item is: “Congressional plans to fund a massive health-care overhaul could have a job-killing effect on New York, creating a tax rate of nearly 60 percent for the state's top earners and possibly pressuring small-business owners to shed workers….The top rate in New York City, home to many of the state's wealthiest people, would be 58.68 percent, the Washington-based Tax Foundation said in a report yesterday.
One would have to admit that the above represents serious issues in those locales that could easily spread elsewhere in our nation. Therefore, it is of passing interest to note: A Blog from North Carolina – Capital Beat by Mark Binker – where the Blog’s purpose is: “What Our Local Officials Are Up To At The State Capital And How State Government Is Affecting Folks…”, the following was posted in the News-Record, Greensboro, North Carolina - Clothesline Bill Hung Out To Dry. “…a Greensboro Democrat, got a little bill (H 1353) through the House that would prohibit cities and counties from adopting blanket prohibitions on clotheslines. The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers)…Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines…I…think we ought to let cities and counties to elect local ordinances that govern these types of things, I don’t think the state should have an umbrella ordinance for clotheslines…we just can’t legislate everything,” said Sen. Malcolm Graham.” And then it began to get frivolous: “Is there any kind of a dress code required when you’re hanging out your clothes,” asked a Senator. The question was a sideswipe at what was being whispered around the committee table: who wants to see their neighbors’ unmentionables?...After one outburst of laughter, Committee Chairman R.C. Soles said, ‘Alright, this is serious business,’ tapping his gavel on the table. That got more chuckles and prompted at least one committee member to remark, ‘Oh, yeah, this is serious business.’ The bill was voted down on a voice vote…The Bill’s sponsor said: “It’s been a real problem for folks who feel pretty adamantly they want to use clotheslines…It’s their small step that they can take toward global warming issues.”
In Luke 6:24-26, when the Pharisees objected to the Disciples gathering grain on the Sabbath, Jesus stated a series of woes upon them: "But woe to you who are rich…Woe to you who are well fed now…Woe To You Who Laugh Now, For You Will Mourn And Weep…” Jesus did not look kindly on those given to frivolity, ridicule, judgment and oppression. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, there is a series of ”There is a time for…” phrases: “There is a time for everything…under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…A Time To Weep And A Time To Laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…a time to be silent and a time to speak…a time for war and a time for peace.” We are living in serious and dreadful times. The issue is not so much partisan politics – but – whatever happened to basic and common sense. We cannot afford frivolous, reckless and meaningless debate. When there is an impending wreck, one would be wise to apply the brakes and stop! However, some might think of it as a time to discuss and fund the building of wider roads with substantial barriers in the medians. Setting as a priority: “How Dry I Am” and if or what one hangs on a clothesline. Distorted and Frivolous Priorities for sure! Consider these things with me!
In these rapidly changing and serious times, one would think that Legislators at all levels of Government would be focused on the primary issues that impact the greatest number of citizens. In today’s Drudge Report, the lead items are: (1) “Massachusetts in Suit Over Cost of Universal Care”, The gist of the article pertains to: “A hospital that serves thousands of indigent Massachusetts residents sued the state on Wednesday, charging that its costly universal health care law is forcing the hospital to cover too much of the expense of caring for the poor. The hospital, Boston Medical Center, faces a $38 million deficit for the fiscal year ending in September, its first loss in 5 years. The hospital will lose more than $100 million next year because the state has lowered Medicaid reimbursement rates and stopped paying…‘reasonable costs’ for treating other poor patients. ‘We filed this suit more in sorrow than in anger,’ said…the hospital’s chief executive.” And, (2) “Terrifying 57% Tax Looms For Biggest Earners In NYC”. The gist of this item is: “Congressional plans to fund a massive health-care overhaul could have a job-killing effect on New York, creating a tax rate of nearly 60 percent for the state's top earners and possibly pressuring small-business owners to shed workers….The top rate in New York City, home to many of the state's wealthiest people, would be 58.68 percent, the Washington-based Tax Foundation said in a report yesterday.
One would have to admit that the above represents serious issues in those locales that could easily spread elsewhere in our nation. Therefore, it is of passing interest to note: A Blog from North Carolina – Capital Beat by Mark Binker – where the Blog’s purpose is: “What Our Local Officials Are Up To At The State Capital And How State Government Is Affecting Folks…”, the following was posted in the News-Record, Greensboro, North Carolina - Clothesline Bill Hung Out To Dry. “…a Greensboro Democrat, got a little bill (H 1353) through the House that would prohibit cities and counties from adopting blanket prohibitions on clotheslines. The idea, according to Harrison, is to allow people who want to save energy by hanging out their laundry (rather than use their dryers)…Originally, the bill started out as an effort to keep homeowners associations from adopting restrictive covenants prohibiting clotheslines…I…think we ought to let cities and counties to elect local ordinances that govern these types of things, I don’t think the state should have an umbrella ordinance for clotheslines…we just can’t legislate everything,” said Sen. Malcolm Graham.” And then it began to get frivolous: “Is there any kind of a dress code required when you’re hanging out your clothes,” asked a Senator. The question was a sideswipe at what was being whispered around the committee table: who wants to see their neighbors’ unmentionables?...After one outburst of laughter, Committee Chairman R.C. Soles said, ‘Alright, this is serious business,’ tapping his gavel on the table. That got more chuckles and prompted at least one committee member to remark, ‘Oh, yeah, this is serious business.’ The bill was voted down on a voice vote…The Bill’s sponsor said: “It’s been a real problem for folks who feel pretty adamantly they want to use clotheslines…It’s their small step that they can take toward global warming issues.”
In Luke 6:24-26, when the Pharisees objected to the Disciples gathering grain on the Sabbath, Jesus stated a series of woes upon them: "But woe to you who are rich…Woe to you who are well fed now…Woe To You Who Laugh Now, For You Will Mourn And Weep…” Jesus did not look kindly on those given to frivolity, ridicule, judgment and oppression. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, there is a series of ”There is a time for…” phrases: “There is a time for everything…under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…A Time To Weep And A Time To Laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…a time to be silent and a time to speak…a time for war and a time for peace.” We are living in serious and dreadful times. The issue is not so much partisan politics – but – whatever happened to basic and common sense. We cannot afford frivolous, reckless and meaningless debate. When there is an impending wreck, one would be wise to apply the brakes and stop! However, some might think of it as a time to discuss and fund the building of wider roads with substantial barriers in the medians. Setting as a priority: “How Dry I Am” and if or what one hangs on a clothesline. Distorted and Frivolous Priorities for sure! Consider these things with me!
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