Island Hopping the San Juans Our first trip to the San Juan Islands

Enjoy.

Movie of the week: In the Valley of Elah

So now that a lot of the hoopla about “healthcare reform” has died down, can anyone explain to me in clear, concise terms, just what exactly this reform is? Yeah, that’s what I thought. We’ve all heard the talking points; 30 million uninsured now covered, no more pre-existing condition based denials, higher taxes for the rich, etc… I’ve heard a few reasonable attempts at it , but it seems there are still so many unfinished intentions in the bill, implementation will be questionable at best. And forget the “what”, let’s talk about the “when”. Some changes go into effect now, but most not for another three or four years?? And then depending on who’s in office between now and then, some things may get reverted? what kind of “reform” is that??

What…when…I’m not even going to touch the “How”. Let me just say this, COVERAGE IS NOT CARE. I assure you, healthcare reform is very important to me. I cast my vote in the last election based primarily on that singular issue. As a provider and recipient of the current system, I am the first to say it doesn’t work well, and it needs to change, for many reasons that I won’t bore you with. But the biggest failure I think of this new bill, and the thing that I think will ultimately make the emerging system worse than the current, is it’s equation of “coverage” with “care”. Yeah it sounds good to say you’ve “covered” everybody, but if you dont also provide the necessary infrastructure and supply to deal with the increased demand, well, that’s a recipe for disaster. Economics 101

There’s going to be more patients, sicker patients and less doctors (with lower reimbursements, higher student debt, higher liability costs and higher taxes..but that’s a whole different issue)

But I’m going to be optimistic, and hope that it works. Why? ‘Cos our lives and the lives of our loved ones depend on it. Literally.

Which brings me to my idea of true reform. It’s a reform that can’t be mandated or legislated. It comes from within, not without. It’s called Volunteer-ism.

I’ve been involved with several charitable/non-profit organizations that provide free healthcare to those who can’t access it anywhere else. I will confess it’s almost a selfish act; there’s no greater feeling than giving to another, something for which they cannot repay you. For the past few years I’ve been serving with Medical Teams International. An awesome group of people, committed to sharing love, compassion and health, where ever they can. I really believe that if we all spent more time thinking about helping others (and actually acting on those thoughts), a lot of our social injustices would vanish overnight, and frankly, politicians would be out of a job. But I know that will never happen (and that also, is an entirely different discussion). So in the meantime, please keep giving back to your communities, and when you think of reform, think of the man (or woman) in the mirror

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.) click to watch

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.) click to watch

Okay, so I know I have two listed this time, but I just happened to watch both of these within a few days of each other. They were both pretty good, and hit on similar themes, so here they are

Into the Wild: At first I thought this was going to be a showcase of the great outdoors. Yeah, there was a little of that, but it was mostly about the inner journey of a rebel soul, and all the lives he touched along the way. A lot of deep thoughts laced with a solid soundtrack

Up in the Air: I think there’s something about indie movies that bring out the best in good actors (emphasis on good. For bad actors it just makes ‘em worse). Clooney shines in this (as do all his co-stars). A similar, maybe more urban theme as Into the Wild , it traces the journeys (literally and figuratively) of a guy who thinks he can do it on his own, and that the point is “there is no point”. Ultimately we learn, “happiness is only real when shared”…the sad thing is often we spend our lives trying get something we already have (or had), and by the time we realize this, many times we’re just that…spent.

The fact that this film was witty, heartfelt, with plenty of aviation-related footage didn’t hurt my impression of it

So here’s to appreciating all we have now, may we never take life for granted, and may we never loose our realities chasing a dream.

Enjoy

Movie of the Week: Into the Wild/Up in the Air

Movie of the Week: Into the Wild/Up in the Air