Obamacare and the blindly assumed relationship that doesn't really exist: Health Insurance = Health Care

Supporters of Obamacare proudly tell us that an estimated 30-50 million more people will be insured as of January 1, 2014; yet, according to all available data, there is no corresponding increase in the number of doctors, hospitals, or other medical care providers of any kind on the horizon. So, the obvious question is: who will treat these millions of newly insured Americans, who, by design, will be comprised of ill, poverty stricken, and previously not insurable people? Thus is exposed the most overlooked and incontrovertible issue in this entire 'Affordable' Care Act quagmire: a government mandated document proving you have medical 'insurance' does not guarantee, or even imply, that you will ever receive better medical 'care.' When the smoke finally clears and we examine the ashes, we will be able to deduce this: the Obama administration will have succeeded in establishing the most gloriously noble and gloriously expensive and gloriously pointless swampland of government bureaucracy in the last several decades.

Submitted with all due respect and no apologies,

Dick Keaton

In the Wake of the George Zimmerman Verdict

I posted the following on facebook after the Zimmerman verdict. I think it warrants a spot on this blog.

These were my comments a few minutes ago to a friend who lamented the acquittal of George Zimmerman, and advocated (although in jest), going 'Karazy' blowing him (Zimmerman) away and then using the 'stand my ground' defense. This person is a parent of a teenager, and I think that close identity with the Martin family added to the pain and fueled the comment. I was compelled to respond as follows. Responsible comments are welcome.

Apologies in advance for my comments, but I am compelled. I'm the father of 2 young men, and the grandfather of 3. It's a horrible tragedy whenever any 17 year old young man is killed in an act that most of us believe could have been avoided (possibly by either of the young men involved). The facts are this: none of us knows what happened that night. Our best (and probably only) chance at justice on this earth is trial by jury. That took place, and Zimmerman was acquitted. When we let our own personal agenda and theories about what happened (and what should happen) override the determination of the court, and then propose that the kind of violence you've suggested (even in jest) would be justified, we accomplish nothing but the proliferation of unrest, ideological conflict, and potentially, violence. That serves no one. If George Zimmerman is indeed a murderer, he will be subject to the judgment of a much higher court.

Respectfully,
Dick Keaton

The following added, July 15, 2013 - Dick Keaton

Shortly after I posted the above appeal for rational and critical thinking (that was truly my intent), two friends weighed in with their own observations. One of these leans considerably left and one considerably right; so, not surprisingly, they represented opposing perspectives regarding the actual occurrences of the tragic night in question, the proper roles of the media, the interpretation of Florida law, the moral responsibilities of all involved, and finally, the ultimate legal disposition of the defendant, George Zimmerman. I read their exchange with interest, and the hope that my posted appeal would give some pause for objective reflection and reasoned discussion. I was soon disappointed. Their exchange quickly deteriorated into the same kind of inane verbal jousting we have all been forced to observe since the beginning of this entire, tragic process. Each of these self-ordained litigants assumed the customary and non-productive tactic of proclaiming the other to be of 'less than average intelligence.' The chance for anything useful to result from their discussion was lost.

So, to end the banter before things became more heated, and potentially ugly and just plain stupid, I posted the following.

I implore all who read this. Please, do not engage in pointless 'Facebook' wars of clever, riveting aphorisms here! No one will win, and nothing productive or useful will result. Since I initiated this with my comment, I'd like to finish it with another observation and comment.

My heart breaks for Trayvon Martin and his family. It also breaks for the thousands of inter-city youths, black and white, who are killed every year in acts even more violent and senseless, and about which we never hear, because their tragedies don't provide polarizing, emotion-inducing, red hot news stories.

Regarding the Zimmerman trial.

1.  We weren't there the night of the shooting; so, in spite of what we think happened, or what we think should have happened, we DO NOT KNOW what happened.
2.  We weren't in the court room to hear the hundreds of hours of testimony from both sides; so for us to accurately judge the efficacy of either side's case is realistically impossible.
3.  We weren't sequestered in the deliberation room with the jury; so, for us to accurately judge the quality of their analysis of the testimony and evidence, and the logical validity of their decision, is also realistically impossible.

When we formulate our own positions on important issues, like this, based on emotional reactions, and the out-of-context snippets supplied by our news media of choice, we do ourselves and all involved a grave disservice.

I urge all of us to remember, the real tragedy here is Trayvon Martin's death, not George Zimmerman's acquittal. More pointless, hate-infused rhetoric will not change that, and it certainly will not ease anyone's pain.

God bless Trayvon and his family, and God bless all the young people in our country who continue to suffer similar and horrible tragedies every single hour of every single day.

Respectfully, and with a continued hope for critical thinking. It's what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Dick Keaton

The Gay Lobby's 'March to the Sea'

All that remains is to burn Atlanta to the ground with dancing pink flames!

Say Hallelujah! President Barack Obama continues to pave the way for the progressive and enlightened United States of America.

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/obama-welcomes-boy-scouts-decision-but-says-leadership-should-be-open-to-gays-too/politics/2013/05/24/67472

God bless you, President Obama (wait, invoking God might subject the 'non-Godly' to narrow minded, reprehensible discrimination, so let me rephrase that); bless you President Obama for providing the consummate example of progressive tolerance – something we Americans should expect from our president – the avowed and recognized leader of the free world. Forgive me, but I cannot find words to express my sense of American pride at the fine example you have provided. Since you and I are both fathers, I readily identify with your position and your decision that removing all remnants of backwards thinking sexual discrimination will lay the groundwork for the progressive re-tooling of our great, but somewhat outdated American culture. You are a visionary of inestimable proportions.  

All heartless discrimination against any American, based on his or her sexual preference, or declared sexual identity must be eliminated – this in the higher pursuit of progress and tolerance, no matter what the consequences.

Since you will decree it un-American, if not criminal, to discriminate against anyone, in any situation, on the basis of his or her sexuality, let me present just a small preview of the glorious and necessary picture, for the great unwashed, of your new, enlightened, progressive America.

Of course, the simple socio-cultural issue of public restrooms will need to be addressed. Here are some preliminary thoughts: Either the nation-wide implementation of unisex bathrooms, or the construction of entirely new sets of bathrooms in all public establishments – not sure of the number, but at least one additional for gay men, one for gay women, and who knows how many for the several varieties of trans-gendered people. I mean, it only makes sense.

I think budget constraints and practical logistics will dictate that the unisex bathroom is the best solution (you know, what with 'Sequestration' and all); and since you don't mind if my prepubescent, adolescent, or teenage sons share bathrooms with middle aged gay men (the undeniable outcome of your passionate, presidential plea for openly gay Boy Scout leaders), I'm sure you will agree that your daughters will feel equally comfortable sharing public restroom facilities with middle aged heterosexual men. What could possibly demonstrate more profoundly your complete ideological allegiance to the new and better, sexually enlightened America! And more importantly, how could anyone, even those right wing, Christian, gay-hating bigots, perceive any possible problems with this plan?

Submitted with all due respect and absolutely no apologies to anyone.

Dick Keaton

Tolerance anyone?

So it now appears that if you are gay, you are automatically and unequivocally wonderful; but if you are a Christian, you are automatically and unequivocally a hate mongering, homophobic beast. Further, if you are courageous enough to publicly announce your gayness, you are not only wonderful, you are heroic - likened to a national hero, and warranting a personal phone call from the President of the United States of America (I'm sure he has nothing more pressing on his agenda). Conversely, if you are so backwards and principled that you are mandated by your religious and moral conviction to maintain and publicize your Christian point of view regarding gay life, you are not only vilified as a homophobic Neanderthal, countless members of the illuminated, progressive, tolerant left will immediately demand your persecution and resignation. Considering this, it seems to me that making your Christian beliefs public demands a hell of a lot more courage than 'coming out' as a gay man in this age of cultural enlightenment.

You can read the following and make your own call. I ask only this: show me in the following where any 'hate' is advocated by the Christian, and show me where any tolerance is demonstrated by the left.


http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2013/04/29/ESPN-apologizes-Broussard?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter



Respectfully,

Dick Keaton (Christian)

A call to Reason and Civility . . .

I don't believe any reasonably well-informed American would deny that we live in a highly ideologically polarized social culture. As a result, many of us hold opinions and beliefs (political, theological, etc.) in diametric opposition to some of those close to us; and we may, frequently or occasionally, engage in dialog with those close to us, by which we seek to explain our position to them, with the tacit hope that our 'friend(s)' will somehow experience an ideological epiphany, and will thus see the inherent and obvious truth in what we believe. 

Amazingly, our friend(s) have an identical perspective and tacit hope from their 'perverted' point of view. 

So, I guess the real question is: how do we determine who is right?

I haven't a clue; but, in the interest of engendering productive dialog, I've learned a few things over the years. One of which is this: Any argument or discussion that begins with words similar to, "I don't know how you can be so fucking stupid!" is not likely to yield useful results.

I submit the following as a guideline for discussion, dialog, and debate. Employ it as you see fit. 

It is my fervent hope that any readers moved to comment on posts and opinions found on this blog will pay journalistic homage to the wisdom of Messrs. Novak and Niebuhr.

______________________________

From an essay by Michael Novak 

(one very sharp hombre - check him out).

. . . "In this new era of mutual respect, even passionate arguments should be conducted with civility. I urge all of you to argue clearly, to argue politely, and to argue with respect for those who most disagree with you.

Let us continue to reason together, not necessarily to end all disagreement, but at least to gain greater insight into the force of the argument of those with whom we disagree the most.

Let me close with the aphorism attributed by some to Reinhold Niebuhr: 'Always remember that there is some truth in your opponent's error, and some error in your own truth.'"

Non-sequitur of the day - January 23rd, 2013

Definition of NON SEQUITUR

1: an inference that does not follow from the premises; specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent

2: a statement (as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said 

Today's non-sequitur (provided with hope for a resurgence of nonpartisan, critical thinking in America)

Premise: Leaders of the NRA (National Rifle Association) are vocal and public advocates for the preservation of 2nd Amendment rights; and for responsible gun ownership.

Inference: Therefore, they are heartless harbingers of death, and don't care about the tragic slaughter of innocent children.

Note to the reader: This is not a contrived inference. It is based on an actual response from a self-proclaimed liberal (with a college education) the day after the horrific shooting in Newtown, Ct.

To be precise, this person's exact words were:

" . . . The gun lobby in the US is impervious to public mourning and public heartbreak.

The ghouls who preside over the National Rifle Association couldn't care less about the pile of tiny bodies in the Connecticut school.

Or in Columbine. Or in Aurora. Or in Portland. Or anywhere.

They are in the death business and must protect the franchise. . . ."

So, are we now clear on the need for critical thinking?

Additional Thoughts re: Gun Violence and Gun Control

Regarding the highly charged 'Gun' issues currently permeating the media - when you are ready to get past the baseless, misplaced emotional rhetoric emanating from every uninformed dip shit with a half-baked opinion, you might consider checking out the following. It is riddled with those non-negotiable things we call 'facts'; and readers on all sides should understand one fundamental truth: No one with in IQ above 70 who is not in league with Satan is an advocate for gun violence. That is not the issue; the issue is: what is the most effective way to stop gun violence? Answering that question correctly and understanding a way to implement a proven and immediate plan to do so is the real way to save the lives of innocent children. Ideological debate and impotent legislation will accomplish nothing.

http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/

An American Tragedy - What Can We Do?

I wrote the following the day after the carnage at Sandyhook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. It is an honest appeal for a discussion and a solution. All responsible comments are welcome. If your intent is accusation or hysterical name-calling, I implore you to find another place to advance your rhetoric. It will be ignored here.

Thanks for understanding - Dick Keaton
*********************************************  

Yesterday, December 14, 2012, an incomprehensible tragedy fell upon all Americans: 26 human beings, 20 of whom were children - some as young as six years old - were slaughtered in an unspeakable and shameful act of carnage, by a purportedly ‘mentally disturbed’ young man, with two semi-automatic pistols and an assault rifle. Many public figures, pundits, and members of the media, with expensive educations and impressive credentials, will articulate well-crafted comments, and pen syntactically perfect and emotionally compelling articles and blogs detailing their horrors and sadness, as well as the frightening implications of this horrific act. All of this, while ineffective in defusing the effects of this tragedy, is nonetheless necessary, and in some respects will provide a collective national catharsis which, over time, will allow most of us to return to our mundane, daily necessities, with a partially and pragmatically mitigated grief and some nebulous, half-hearted sense of purpose.

After time, this tragedy, like many others before it, while never exactly forgotten, will be placed in a compartment of our collective consciousness which we will not visit often (it interferes with our trips to the mall and the viewing of our favorite sporting events and reality TV shows). And, in time, another tragedy, just as horrific and unbelievable (or perhaps even worse) will be perpetrated, and the same impotent cycle of disbelief, anger, fear, sadness, attempted analysis, therapeutic dissertations, proposed solutions, and obtuse affirmations that corrective action is underway (all of which have failed to date) will repeat itself.

So, America, what can we, as humble citizens, do? Or, is there, in the final analysis, nothing to be done? Are we relegated to a societal disintegration that is inexorable and irreparable?

I am one simple, undistinguished, and moderately educated American citizen who believes there is something that can be done. I believe our actions must begin by acknowledging the existence of one critical and overarching problem: There exists in this country a rapidly expanding moral and ethical vacuum; and from this vacuum emanates a succession of baseless, unconscionable human actions which engender and guarantee the perpetuation of the kind of evil to which we all bore witness yesterday. Until the existence of this problem is accepted, understood, addressed, and resolved, I’m convinced we have nothing to anticipate except more occurrences of the same kinds of senseless tragedies.

History has taught us that symptomatic classification and treatment of these atrocities is marginally effective, at best; and a wasted and pointless effort, at worst. A litany of these types of approaches has included: enhanced technology, improved security, personnel screening, better education, applied psychology and psychotherapy, and - my personal favorite - more restrictive gun control legislation.  If we just open our eyes (and our minds), and review the facts, we are forced to conclude that these piecemeal attempts at solving the real problem have been ineffectual. The proof of this conclusion is patently obvious; we have tried all of these approaches (many times, and in many flavors) and yet, these heinous actions continue, and indeed, seem to accelerate at alarming rates.

There is no denying the perpetrators of these acts are the products of this vacuous moral generation. The solution to the problem is simple in theory, but massive in scope: re-sanctify the traditional, nearly forgotten Christian values of the American culture and the American family.
Parents, go to church with your children.
Husbands, remain faithful to your wives.
Wives and mothers, stay at home and raise your children with the love and nurture that God intended.
Children, honor and respect your parents and the rest of your family.

Sound ridiculous? Impossible? Unrealistic? Not really. We’ve managed to erode all these values over time simply by apathy, self-absorption, and neglect; I believe we can re-implement them with an understood, concentrated effort. But it must start now; we must re-establish hope for the future, and there can be no more delays and contrived obstacles.

What steps are necessary to begin this process? Here are some preliminary thoughts.

1. Re-tool American entertainment media. Stop teaching children and young people, via TV programming, that their aspirations and goals should be determined by the selfish and baseless activities of a plethora of self-absorbed, under-educated ‘beautiful people’ driven by nothing more meaningful than instant self gratification at all costs, and who can’t spell, much less understand, words like responsibility, accomplishment, commitment, morality, or, most importantly, God.
2. Rekindle the notion that sex is a God given joy designed for the procreation of the species, with the added bonus of a unique and wonderful intimacy to be shared as a demonstration of love between two committed adults - not a Saturday night, recreational activity, with as much meaning as a game of billiards.
3. Re-establish the sanctity of American religious and cultural institutions like the traditional definition of marriage. I apologize in advance to any member of the gay community who reads this, because I know how my position will be interpreted, and that is regrettable. I pray for and love gay people just like I pray for and love all people. I believe God also loves gay people, unconditionally, and without qualification. However, I also believe gay people have the same rights - no more and no less - as all other people, and that precludes the assignment of any transcendent right which allows the re-definition of the institution of marriage simply to suit their specific needs. 
4. Understand, and ratify the fundamental truth that life begins at the moment of conception, and that the conceived human being, be him or her no more than one second old, has all the age-appropriate rights afforded any other American.

There has already been at least one media appeal to implore those ‘whacked-out’ guns rights advocates to stop hiding behind the 2nd amendment and admit that improved (more restrictive) gun-control legislation will solve the problem. I submit that gun control legislation, liberal or restrictive, has nothing to do with this problem. There are a myriad of statistical analyses that support my position. They are easy to find; just set aside your personal agenda and look around with an open mind. If you can’t find them, email me and I’ll point you in the right direction. The facts are these: guns don’t kill people; disturbed and evil people kill people, with guns or anything else available. Any concerned American who truly wants to confront scum who hides behind the Constitution, should consider directing his or her energies toward the thousands of purveyors of Internet pornography and other similar filth (readily available to young, impressionable minds). This mass of sub-human maggotry has been hiding behind the 1st amendment for decades, and I have yet to hear any outrage from the ‘stop hiding behind he Constitution’ contingent. What kind of effects do you think their products have on developing young minds and their resultant sets of life values? Any chance this unfortunate reality might be contributing to the increase in ‘disturbed’ young people? Guns aren’t the problem my friends, the problem is disturbed people with guns. If you want to solve the problem, it’s simple; reverse the erosion in values and morality that has caused the proliferation of disturbed people.

Go ahead, progressive, enlightened thinkers; brand me as a homophobic, backwards cretin of times gone by who is out of touch with contemporary intellectual and cultural reality.

Go ahead, laugh at me, because I propose replacing trash like The Real Wives of bla bla bla with value-centered entertainment like Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven.

Go ahead and do nothing. Continue down today’s enlightened, sophisticated path and watch American society disintegrate before your eyes.

Look at the fruit of your methods to date.  If you’re pleased, I guess you need take no action. However, I am not pleased, and I propose we take immediate action - one of which will be to pray that your children and grandchildren, and mine, will not be the next targets of another sad and disturbed product of moral nothingness.

This is not an attack or an attempt to ridicule other points of view. For any real progress, we must all work past those kinds of motives. This is an honest and humble plea to all of us, and for all of us, to come together for a social and cultural reconciliation, to begin an all important discussion and a united, concerted effort to protect ourselves and our children, and help establish a genuine future of peace and hope in this great country of ours. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, and the center of my soul, that a resurrection of Christian values is the only hope for America. This is, after all, what made our country great in the first place.