Divisive and impassioned criticism seems pointless. What bothers me are the naysayers who pronounce the entire Obama administration’s legistlative efforts [the recovery act, bailouts, and health care reform] as fatal disasters facing all Americans.  Sure.  The problems inherited by the current administration were addressed in a crisis environment, and the quick fixes were certainly imperfect.  Yet, there seems to be no clear consensus from the naysayers as to what might work if the administration was back in the hands of the GOP.  Indeed, what political figures would emerge from a party that is experiencing its own inner debacles?

Current,  health care reform  is being attacked.  In fact, many have vehemently stated that they hope that Obama/Pelosi’s health care reform bill will not pass.  Frankly, I’m not sure if there is a sensible/feasible remedy for Americans in need of health care when our current system is so seriously flawed.  Yet, while I do not claim to have expertise to suggest what I believe might work, conventional wisdom tells me that reform is imperative to address the urgent and growing demands for adequate health care … now, rather than later.

So what is that answer to providing health care to American citizens in this economic climate?  Denis Cortese, President and CEO of the Mayo Clinic is among the experts whose ideas about health care reform I agree with.

Please click below, for an interview he had with CHARLIE ROSE in July.

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10496 

My point is that criticism is more legitimate if and when alternative solutions are suggested, and thus more compelling [to adopt].

True Grit,

In a response to an unfortunate comment I posted, you wrote, "Maizie….surely you have something more profound to say then to sling that worn out mud around?"

Thank you!  I appreciate your admonishment.  It was poor judgement on my part to post the comment [you are referencing], which the editors of wOw wisely removed.

Usually, when I visit wOw, discussions on hot topicshave already begun.  And, more-often, someone has [already] eloquently posted a reply that reflects sentiments or points of view similar to my political/social ideologies.  This is among the reasons I hesitate to post lengthy comments specific to controversial issues here on wOw.  Yet, the main reason is because invigorating debate and enlightening discussions often is sabotaged and leads to unconstructive criticism, personal attacks, and [as you have pointed out] mud slinging.  I am ashamed that I allowed myself to participate the latter.  It is in this context [I confess] that I lack the acumen, tact, and guts to  add ‘profound’ commentary in the midst of what invariably becomes heated and reckless arguments. 

Again, thank you for pointing out my blunder.

Maizie 

"

Evil Betty,

Too long.  Missed your point.

F Fox wrote:

"… would she have worn a ring through her nose … go barebreasted …?"

What an irresponsible statement for anyone who has a basic knowledge about the people of [modern] Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Um … I’m surprised that no one has mentioned having a milk man during the 70’s.  There was home delivery services in Phoenix when I was a young mother.  I had a milk man who delivered fresh milk in bottles.  And, I had the option of ordering eggs, butter, and bread with my milk delivery.  I also had diaper service as did many mothers in my neighborhood. 

When I was growing up in Philadelphia, Pa., my parents did not have a milk man.  But there were vendors [some with horse-drawn wagons] who sold fresh fish on Fridays in our neighborhood.  Also, there were vendors who sold fresh vegetables and other goods.  Most memorable was the paper boys who shouted, "INQUIRER … GET YOUR SUNDAY MORNING NEWSPAPER!"  Those where, indeed, the good days.

I remember I balked and was indignant when answering machines became ‘in vogue’.  For a long time, I simply hung up, rather than leave a message on a machine.  It felt far too ‘alien’ to me.  Yet, I eventually adapted … and wow!  I now enjoy today’s technology.  However, I’m discovering that technology is changing far faster than I can keep up.  I’m continualy faced with the challenge of learning a new feature when using my computer, or any appliance or tool that has a computer chip [high-tech appliances, navigation systems, and all electronics].  It’s often intimidating.  Yet, I’m amazed by how much I learn.  And, I don’t mind Facebook because I can keep updated with what’s happening in my sons lives by checking in frequently.  In fact today’s technology has changed the way I do everything.  For example, I now receive email messages and pictures of my grandchildren sent via iphones and Blackberrys.  Also, I like that I can sit and watch a segment of a classical concert [Mozart, Chopin, Mahler] on YouTube, or watch an old YouTube video of Ray Charles, or Ella Fitzgerald in concert.  I can also watch a missed television program online … whether it’s a favorite guest on Charlie Rose, or a clip from an old Art Linkletter program.  Indeed, today’s technology is a fascinating world, which seems the bridge the generations rather than divide it.

From The Rolling Stones: "You Can’t Always Get What You Want."

I was thinking exactly that.

Thanks, Frank for saying in one sentence what would have taken my a paragraph to explain.

"Those people are still living in the 10th century or earlier.  It’s a tribal situation much worse than Iraq. … Afghanistan is not called the graveyard of empires for nothing." - F P 

 Anyone understanding the complex history of Afghanistan will realize that peace can not be achieved in 5 years or 10.  Other posters have pointed out rational reasons for America’s presence in Afghanistan, yet at what cost of lives to try to insure peace in a region of the world that has never known stability.  I would wager that most veterans of Iraq would ask the question we all [must] ask, "Why are we there?"  And, according to some reports of military men and women who have already served a tour of duty in Afghanistan [witnesses of fallen comrades], many have become weary, questioning whether military intervention is the appropriate.

"Let’s see …"  followed by a long pause before making a comment, a decision, or answering a question.

I usually assume the person is either indecisive, or is contemplating dishonesty.

Cathy,

"But he is just the tip of the iceberg of the people I think should be tried for everything from treason to thief in this economy crisis we have been thrown into."

Great perspective.  I hope you watch Michael Moore’s new documentary, CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY.