As for best educated, this, too, is incorrect;  in many  countries, if one qualifies, a college education is free and guaranteed, which encourages those who are academic to thrive. Somehow, we’re mixing up patriotism with boastfulness and pride; look at the facts, and note the achievements of those educated abroad. There are major differences, not all to our US advantage. As for those subjects and skills not mentioned in that widereaching and misguided review of our comparative achievements, students in Japan and many other countries surpass US students in math and science; we use a spiral design in teaching, from elementary school to middle school and then high school, which means the same subjects are elaborated on for all the years of education,so often the first 2 years of a 4-year college program repeat what has been taught earlier, but not learned by college students. Why are so many remedial courses offered?

Ignoring the achievements of others in the world led us to a war in Iraq, because we had no understanding of history, culture, or politics in the region. Ignorance is not bliss, especially in education where our problems are very serious—-if one reads newspapers and observes graduation statistics, and serves in education, as I did on all levels.

 As for  getting people into the labor market earlier than graduation from college, that was possible years ago, but the economy, the labor unions, diminishing trades keep adolescents from working and acquiring necessary skills. It is true that not everyone requires college training, but some kind of training, whether on a job, in a training school, or in an apprentice program would give prospective workers opportunities to support themselves.

Universal health care can provide coverage for all; Medicare is based on that premise and works, though, of course, it has problems. Single payers face horrendous costs which increase; being part of a large group is beneficial to workers. Changing our attitude towards our culture and what it should provide for ALL, not only the priveleged & rich, would help devise a new medical coverage system. Money isn’t the issue; attitudes are.

I have family in Great Britain, and my brother-in-law who suffered from ulcers and other medical problems was often ill and treated by their health service, and though he had to wait for the appropriate surgery, his treatment and hospitalization, fully paid for, and post-surgery care were impressive, and surpassed what we  have receive here.

An American friend visiting Ireland fractured her leg told me that the immediate care and followup surprised her. No questions asked, they took care of the emergency. 

 My 2 nephews were born in London, and the delivery, hospitalization, followup care lasted 3 weeks with home visits to aid their mother.

Today, I’m purchasing T.R.Reid’s new book, "The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care." I’ve heard him speak of his experiences in 10 different countries, and how the US measures up in health care. 

It’s worth thinking about. We certainly don’t have the level of health care most industriialized countries have, and our infant mortality rate is high. And, in most cases, abroad everyone  is covered. Health care in the US varies considerably because of income, location, coverage, and other factors. And Part D in Medicare for drugs is a scandal, for we pay 3 times more  for drugs than under other plans. If you’re wealthy, you’re fine here, but if you are poor or middle class, watch out! Spending 1 day in the hospital after giving birth or after a mastectomy is not rational or recommended.

False pride about our country does not improve health care; it promotes indifference and poor care. Whatever your political inclinations are, do promote health care change in our country. I’ve had many emergencies at our local hospital, as well as elsewhere in the U.S., and were it not for Medicare, I’d be broke and disabled. And, if it weren’t for my doctor who is conservative about prescribing medications, I  would be doped up and treated with too many antibiotics, statins, painkillers which U.S. medical practitioners resort to as soon as they hear you cough! Isn’t it time for us to adopt universal care, and also focus on preventive care?  

When an adolescent I began reading Freud’s work,  the impact was profound, because much was familiar, and much informative. And, of course, I grew up in NYC where there were/are more analysts than in Vienna and other places. NYC was a "Freudian  town" in the 40s & 50s. Though I now differ on some subjects, such as women’s roles and therapies, my dreams are significant as metaphors, neural changes, clues, and often surprises which engage my interest. 

Also, noting patterns of events, people, and emotions in dreams alerts me to what I might have missed when awake; dreams are a crucial source of who I am, but I don’t dwell on them as though they will forecast the future or teach me a specific lesson. For me, remembering my dreams is like living in a multi level landscape with mountains, valleys, rivers, and sky. 

Using Allegra Huston’s statements as serious sources for conversation demonstrates a lack of judgment. I consider her rant pure drivel and wrote that in response. However great her father was as a director, his "witty" remark promotes nothing rational or thought provoking. Whimsy on murder is not entertainment. Can we move on to something more substantial? Thanks.  

Obama is 46, remember? He did not grow up listening to Walter Cronkite, and Obama is not a hypocrite; how could he do the Clinton song and dance? Comparing the former president with the present one is ridiculous. Clinton meshes emotion, personality, and brainpower, and he’s a Southern boy,  full of molasses and lots of sweet talk. And, Clinton’s ego is large, don’t forget that! He loves an audience.

As for Obama’s clinching his speech with the importance of authentic journalism, BRAVO, because nowadays it’s not that any more, except for a few, and they are being put out to pasture.  

P.S. Is there a chance that on this website the dialogue could be rational instead of accusative? Using liberal as though it’s a 4-letter word is juvenile! How about expanding one’s vocabulary so that there isn’t that ever-present dichotomy?  

I am aware of many chemicals used in food, but I also am concerned about the preservation of fresh food; as a grocer’s daughter, I often notice great carelessness in use of refrigeration, and many porous food sacks  placed on the ground or floor. Also, organic fresh foods spoil very quickly.

As for "going au naturel," I’ve lived in the tropics, and know that parasites and germs, as well as other organisms infiltrate foods and our intestines. Often, those who  live in such places are immune to some of these problems, but, long ago,  a family member warned me not to let the children squat on the ground, because they will get worms—not an old wives’ tale, but true.

 In Manhattan  organic foods are very expensive, sometimes  shriveled and in less than good condition, and the famous Farmers’ Market food will not keep long, and  must be used immediately. Many choices, many decisions!

And, as an English teacher and writer, I worry about usage: shouldn’t the question be "Is Organic Food Really More Healthful?  Grammatical pests abound, as well.

Rose, 

I understand what you wrote because it is familiar to me, and I am no femme fatale, dangerous to all, never was. When my husband & I split I told friends it was not a civl war and they didn’t have to choose sides. I anticipated that some couples would find it awkward at times, but I never anticipated this rigid protocol which prevails everywhere including places where there are retirees; women lunch together, and couples have dinner together, and never  the twain shall meet. I live in Manhattan, and old friends, the twosies, come for dinner and theater, but never have any of them invited me to join them, though they know that I always pay for myself, and don’t depend on transportation. I’ve known some since high school, some are former colleagues, and some are former neighbors. Sadly, I’ve finally accepted this awful  exclusion, but I still wonder why such rigid practices. After all, when married these folks had dinner at our place, and I never had an even number of guests.

This summer I took 2 suburban trains to attend an 80th birthday party and wedding anniversary of friends my husband and I knew for 50 years. Guess where I sat! Though there were former colleagues and friends, all couples sitting at the same tables, I was seated at a table near the awful band, and I knew no one there. I introduced myself, but no one responded. Eventually, I was introduced to a man, recently widowed, a former acquaintance who used to visit us, together with his wife and children, a long time ago, and the conversation was limited because he was still adapting to being single. When I returned home, I was devastated. My married friends never even thought of coming over to chat, and yet, if I now invite them to my place they would come running  because they enjoy my cooking and  conversation.

Two weeks ago, my children held birthday party for me, and told me to make up the guest list. For the first time, I decided not to invite several  couples, some of whom had attended the earlier party, because their manners are crude. However, my birthday celebration  was filled with laughter and joy, and my younger friends, family, former students, and their families and I enjoyed the evening without Mr. & Mrs.  

What is so strange about this hurtful practice is that inevitably every couple will  face the same loss, whether by death or divorce. But now, they can’t empathize  or recognize my worth—-or could it be that they are envious of my independence and spirit; more than 20 years ago when I announced our imminent divorce, several long married women told me,"I’ve thought of it, but don’t want to be alone." So, I suspect they anticipated I’d fall apart, but I haven’t. Instead, I have a good life, travel alone whenever I wish, try to find new, more compatible friends, and know that these smug former companions are now toxic. So be it. We older singles fend for ourselves, and know better. 

Don’t know how the word "bother" entered this dialogue!

Sura 

You’ve been very helpful, Amy. I knew what yogurt contained, but I didn’t know why it was agreeable.When my children were small, an Armenian neighbor taught me how to make it, and my children and I had it every day. Now, I eat less, so I don’t make it. My memories of sour cream are so sour that I hesitate going near it. Yogurt has been a gift, because it’s also very good for my digestion and intestines. Is feta cheese another boon? That, too, I can digest, bu not the French style, which is too creamy for me. My palate prefers sour/salty to sweet/creamy. Luckily, my 2 children and my 4 grandchildren have not inherited this problem. The young ones could live on macaroni & cheese, the American gift to childhood, but they never get it from Grandma/Bubbe.

 Thanks, again. 

bother.

Amy, 

Yes, you probably diagnosed it correctly though no one has ever mentioned it before, including doctors. I had a greater tolerance for coconut milk when younger, but now I hesitate using and eating it. It’s delicious fresh from the coconut, as well as in food. I may try it again. Ghee is actually an efficient preservative when there’s no refrigeration or cool storage, but not for me.

 South Indian food is delicious, and I tend to favor vegetables and fruits, but the idlis, dosas and other lovely dishes are greased with ghee.

As for spicy dishes, I prefer them, and if they’re not, I add achar and pickles. My  husband & I used to smear these relishes on bread like jam. I have a question: I discovered yogurt  in my twenties (sour cream was our Eastern European thingthing, but not mine), and  I can digest raita  without difficulty. What is that all about?