Come and sing a simple song of freedom.....damned if what you're feeling isn't change.....alone in the world was poor little anne......dream lover where are you......beyond the sea, waitin' for me....up a lazy river with me, throw away your troubles baby dream a dream with me.....just a jack-knife has old mack heath babe......
Once upon a Time, very long ago....around 1958, a limo pulled up in front of a neighbors house. I never met this young man. (But I bought his records). Our paths took a curious twist over time. Revelations in his life and mine enhanced my understanding of how he felt. He knew he had limited time here, and he did what he could to try to entertain the world, and try to change the world. His song Change, sung by Kevin Spacey in the film "Beyond the Sea" has actually haunted me for the last few weeks. (Great job on that film Kevin - Bob would be very proud). Carpe Deum, Tempes Fugit (pardon any errors here),....I'll be 65 shortly and I'm am the luckiest guy on the planet. Almost left this place 10 times (I mean very, very close to "well it was a nice run").
Many people said Bob was arrogant...driven is the truth, the guy who had too little time, and he knew it. Maybe if we all realized how close we are to not being here, we might live each day a little better, and help other people, be more civil to each other.
"By myself alone,... I'll build a world my own"...maybe we could all build a better world.
"Change...Whatever you've done it's all over, ....yesterdays gone forever"'
Example - Tim Hardin was a friend of a friend of mine in college. (Go get his 1st album - Tim Hardin - go download it now...I'll wait till you come back..... thanks....), so my friend told me about this album, and I listened. Tim was an ex-marine. An amazingly gifted writer and touching performer. He died if s drug overdose much too young. Bob recorded many of Tim's songs from demos he heard - Tim got pissed off when he heard them on the radio. They both got the word out to people and passed through much to quickly.
What they have in common other than a similar sensibility was pain. Two souls in pain. Luckily they shared their gifts with us. Go grab the time you have and use it for good, get politicians, and foolish pundits to listen that CHANGE is really needed. No one can change time and bring these guys back, they live on to warn us how little time we have to clean up our own time. The present doesn't exist but for a glint in an eye between the past and the future - grab the future. I hope my best is yet to come. I put some dreams aside, took paths other than some amazing other paths I had to choose from - sliding doors. The only constant is CHANGE -
lets fix things in a civil manner; support our people who put their lives on the line every day for us; prayers if you got 'em , say 'em. .I ain't goin' your way, get out of my way (Lazy River)....to those who don't get it keep up your Charade.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Health Care.
It's simple. Whoopi Goldberg said on the view - "give me what you've got" to congress. Then Elizabeth jumped in and said their program was a private program Wrong Elizabeth! It is a program similar to what I have.
I have Tricare Prime run by Humana Healthcare South, but managed by the US Army. (It is a program for the military, active duty and retired). You pay an annual fee and have small co-pays. Pharmacy - outstanding. Very, very well run program. Mostly administered by Humana, but with government guidelines. Now this is the military, I lost three men in my platoon the day I was almost killed in Viet Nam. I had a person I met a couple of months ago, an insurance agent, question me on my right to have Tricare Prime because we don't pay enough for the coverage, and she didn't think that was fair. She told me she was a very Conservative Republican. Well I was polite and not in a position to argue with her at the time, so I let it be.
To all of you Conservatives that have any issue with any Veterans getting Tricare coverage - you go to war, you get shot, wounded for life, or get PTSD and then we can talk. What crap.I think Sen. Johm McCain would have something to say to you people.
Health care for all can be done. Richard Nixon wanted to do it, and the Democrats dropped the ball. The Clinton administration tried hard. So here we are again - everyone says rethink. Maybe a little - back room deals get people very angry - rightfully so - it's not Change. I worked for Change.
Simple - take a look at Tricare and how it works - modify it for all people - payment would be staggered, and if a person couldn't afford the coverage - Medicaid is there as a net.
I had private health care when I worked at a couple of corporations, which were both sold. I had Cobra after these companies laid us all off, and when I wanted to change from Cobra to full coverage, the insurer wanted to double my payments...due to pre-existing conditions. (Back then the Army used Champus which was secondary to my main health care, (and the Army hospitals in my area were still open) - when I had a heart attack I went straight to an Army hospital - they saved my life and transferred me to a private hospital for specialized care.
So what you might say. Well the warning is there...if your employer does not provide health care, as most of mine here in Florida have not; or you have health care, don't feel so secure. The vast corporate changes will catch up with many people at some time. Loose your job...go through Cobra, and then pray. I worked for a health benefits provider for one month during the evening this last year. Scariest stories I have heard in a long time... from some very scared people whose Cobra was ending and they wanted a solution...lot's of luck. Medical discount cards, rubbish. High deductible policies, rubbish. Unless you are wealthy or have planned very, very well...pray that the President gets what he wants for you! Yes it needs some fixing and fine tuning.
I do not understand how some people on Social Security, and Medicare can possibly complain about the government. Medicare fraud is being addressed in Florida very aggressively here in Florida. If you didn't like FDR or LBJ, good we'll pull your programs right now. Is the government system broken - yes - I've been at it with four government departments over the last few months. I have worked with two of them to make some possible system fixes - one person can make a difference. (See Penny Ronning - go Penny).
One leads by example, not with a tea bag.
PS
A few years ago my wife had to be seen by 23 separate doctors in a years time - (If you are Diabetic be very careful, and be well) - now you sort of get the picture - it can get complicated. Most of the doctors I know prefer government programs, they can plan better - insurance companies drive them insane.
I have Tricare Prime run by Humana Healthcare South, but managed by the US Army. (It is a program for the military, active duty and retired). You pay an annual fee and have small co-pays. Pharmacy - outstanding. Very, very well run program. Mostly administered by Humana, but with government guidelines. Now this is the military, I lost three men in my platoon the day I was almost killed in Viet Nam. I had a person I met a couple of months ago, an insurance agent, question me on my right to have Tricare Prime because we don't pay enough for the coverage, and she didn't think that was fair. She told me she was a very Conservative Republican. Well I was polite and not in a position to argue with her at the time, so I let it be.
To all of you Conservatives that have any issue with any Veterans getting Tricare coverage - you go to war, you get shot, wounded for life, or get PTSD and then we can talk. What crap.I think Sen. Johm McCain would have something to say to you people.
Health care for all can be done. Richard Nixon wanted to do it, and the Democrats dropped the ball. The Clinton administration tried hard. So here we are again - everyone says rethink. Maybe a little - back room deals get people very angry - rightfully so - it's not Change. I worked for Change.
Simple - take a look at Tricare and how it works - modify it for all people - payment would be staggered, and if a person couldn't afford the coverage - Medicaid is there as a net.
I had private health care when I worked at a couple of corporations, which were both sold. I had Cobra after these companies laid us all off, and when I wanted to change from Cobra to full coverage, the insurer wanted to double my payments...due to pre-existing conditions. (Back then the Army used Champus which was secondary to my main health care, (and the Army hospitals in my area were still open) - when I had a heart attack I went straight to an Army hospital - they saved my life and transferred me to a private hospital for specialized care.
So what you might say. Well the warning is there...if your employer does not provide health care, as most of mine here in Florida have not; or you have health care, don't feel so secure. The vast corporate changes will catch up with many people at some time. Loose your job...go through Cobra, and then pray. I worked for a health benefits provider for one month during the evening this last year. Scariest stories I have heard in a long time... from some very scared people whose Cobra was ending and they wanted a solution...lot's of luck. Medical discount cards, rubbish. High deductible policies, rubbish. Unless you are wealthy or have planned very, very well...pray that the President gets what he wants for you! Yes it needs some fixing and fine tuning.
I do not understand how some people on Social Security, and Medicare can possibly complain about the government. Medicare fraud is being addressed in Florida very aggressively here in Florida. If you didn't like FDR or LBJ, good we'll pull your programs right now. Is the government system broken - yes - I've been at it with four government departments over the last few months. I have worked with two of them to make some possible system fixes - one person can make a difference. (See Penny Ronning - go Penny).
One leads by example, not with a tea bag.
PS
A few years ago my wife had to be seen by 23 separate doctors in a years time - (If you are Diabetic be very careful, and be well) - now you sort of get the picture - it can get complicated. Most of the doctors I know prefer government programs, they can plan better - insurance companies drive them insane.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Lower Casualties, but local sadness. (In Memory of Herb Saffir)
Thanks to all who have helped with Haitian relief efforts. I was at church tonight and said a prayer for the people and their country. This one hit very close to home. My sympathy to all who have suffered losses. Some of the missionaries from a local university are missing. I don't know what you see outside of Florida, or even out of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale metro - but each hour or two we hear about more and more family members missing or found dead. Now we have looting, mass graves, ...luckily our building codes are tougher here than almost anywhere else. I worked with one of the Hurricane Code writers, the late Herb Saffir - as I have said before he wrote the codes stronger than they really had to be - but he always knew there would be worse storms, and events that would hit us. Hindsight for Haiti, a warning for us. I once asked Herb if he ever thought about how many lives he may have saved by his categorizing hurricanes and their damage - he said not really. That was his job - he was cited by congress for his great work. We must do as President Obama has said, our infrastructure is fragile in many areas - we need another national public / private effort to protect this country - now. Thank you Herb for our ten + years of friendship, and the lessons I learned from a quieit decent genius who really care about people. .As Herb and Mr. Simpson developed the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale, maybe we will find better ways to predict when a major quake might hit. Building codes must be upgraded here in our country - Florida and California are doing well, but there is a long wat to go.
Haiti and Politics and religion - Act Now!
I am appalled at Rush Limbaugh - he has lost his mind and any perspective he may have ever had. I would like to hear Gov. Mike Huckabee address Rush's ridiculous disatribe today, also Newt, Sarah, Mr. O'Reilly - I don't always agree with all of you, but you are decent people. Rush is not - he is an oozing sore on the face of American decency.
Pat Robertson - the devil did not do this to Haiti, geology did this to Haiti, non-existent building codes did this to Haiti. My wife's relatives back in 1624 left Plymouth, Mass. and helped found Salem, Mass. You sounded today like the people in Salem during the witch trials. I will not debate the devil, or pacts with the devil - just too out there for me, sorry. Especially when a Roman Catholic Church collapsed killing the leading church leaders - were they devil worshipers Pat. I am pleased that your organization is sending aid to Haiti. If I had Kathy lee Gifford's number I'd have her call you and have a talk with you. I remember Kathy Lee Epstein on the 700 Club many years back. I used to like you - you're losing it sir.
Pat Robertson - the devil did not do this to Haiti, geology did this to Haiti, non-existent building codes did this to Haiti. My wife's relatives back in 1624 left Plymouth, Mass. and helped found Salem, Mass. You sounded today like the people in Salem during the witch trials. I will not debate the devil, or pacts with the devil - just too out there for me, sorry. Especially when a Roman Catholic Church collapsed killing the leading church leaders - were they devil worshipers Pat. I am pleased that your organization is sending aid to Haiti. If I had Kathy lee Gifford's number I'd have her call you and have a talk with you. I remember Kathy Lee Epstein on the 700 Club many years back. I used to like you - you're losing it sir.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Elvis Presley Jan. 8th, 2010
Happy Birthday! Got posted late). Almost 33 years ago a meteor that came out of Memphis returned home ti his place in the great unknown. For his good deeds and kindness I hope he has had the chance to speak with Jesus.
In his short life he radically changed the world. How could an entertainer do this. Grace, belief, generosity of spirit and caring about those who cared about him. He redefined music, but always paid homage to his roots. (If a black writer did not get his royalties, if an idol of his was ill - Elvis privately stepped in to help).
He opened doors that others would not open. He began pounding on that door and hopefully people will listen for a long time. Please see the film "The Express" - there is a great underlying reality defined by the soundtrack - whoever put the soundtrack together knew Elvis quite well in spirit the. The film defines how hard change comes all over our country. The song "A Mess of Blues" grabs you and makes your eyes pop open, after having heard all the great "Race" music, R + B artists played in the film to that point, (most of them later recorded by Elvis), suddenly a white singer, rocks the race boat. This was the mellower post-Army Elvis yelling out.
This is to be another year of "Elvis" - listen to the great Gospel music. Don't look at the bad jokes, the cruel comments - think of life without Elvis. Thanks Sam Phillips for having the foresight to know what would happen when he left this young man loose. Very few people like Elvis visit us.
See Ann Margaret's interview with Larry King on You Tube and you certainly feel his impact.
Elvis always said he was not the King - Jesus was the King, he meant it! I'm Jewish and I love Gospel music, without Elvis I never might have opened that door.
(There will be) Peace in the Valley for me, oh, oh, oh yeah!
Thanks, I'm sorry I didn't come to meet you when I was invited, thanks to Elvis for so much.
In his short life he radically changed the world. How could an entertainer do this. Grace, belief, generosity of spirit and caring about those who cared about him. He redefined music, but always paid homage to his roots. (If a black writer did not get his royalties, if an idol of his was ill - Elvis privately stepped in to help).
He opened doors that others would not open. He began pounding on that door and hopefully people will listen for a long time. Please see the film "The Express" - there is a great underlying reality defined by the soundtrack - whoever put the soundtrack together knew Elvis quite well in spirit the. The film defines how hard change comes all over our country. The song "A Mess of Blues" grabs you and makes your eyes pop open, after having heard all the great "Race" music, R + B artists played in the film to that point, (most of them later recorded by Elvis), suddenly a white singer, rocks the race boat. This was the mellower post-Army Elvis yelling out.
This is to be another year of "Elvis" - listen to the great Gospel music. Don't look at the bad jokes, the cruel comments - think of life without Elvis. Thanks Sam Phillips for having the foresight to know what would happen when he left this young man loose. Very few people like Elvis visit us.
See Ann Margaret's interview with Larry King on You Tube and you certainly feel his impact.
Elvis always said he was not the King - Jesus was the King, he meant it! I'm Jewish and I love Gospel music, without Elvis I never might have opened that door.
(There will be) Peace in the Valley for me, oh, oh, oh yeah!
Thanks, I'm sorry I didn't come to meet you when I was invited, thanks to Elvis for so much.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Patience and Time Well Spent Mr. President I'm Proud!
Just quickly...I am very Liberal, fairly Socialistic being a military veteran and coming from that system - ask Sec. Gates about that. Onward toward the war in Afghanistan. You all, on both sides, cannot have it both ways - conservatives quibble about the Presidents' taking to much time - wake up and look back at Presidents Bush's declaration of defeating the Taliban. Thoughtful caring was and still is the order of the day. All my anti-war friends, and I was one of you until very recently... the real danger here is to let the Taliban expand further, and then get into control in Pakistan. Now why has everyone but the President and his talented staff, and some wise Generals seem to have forgotten the target - as Oliver North noted during the Iran Contra hearings - Osama Bin Laden may be the most evil man on the planet. 9/11 - wake up time, this is reality. VP Gore missed this when Col. North brought it up; President Clinton warned President Bush after the incidents he presided over, Don Rumsfeld let Osama Bin Laden out after he was cornered in Tora Bora. OK no more of passing the ball - I have full confidence that President Obama understands these issues more than anyone in the house or senate - and with Hillary Clinton and Bob Gates to give him advice - the mission will be achieved. Time limit, get off it - we're setting a goal that is conditional. Any military person knows this.
You set goals and move forward.
I would like answers on Blackwater involvement and too many tour rotations. Bring home as many troops from Iraq as feasible; pull troops out of "safe areas" around the globe. Get ready to send aid to Africa - we need a major Peace Corp type of effort to train the people to help themselves, President Clinton said one of his biggest regrets was noy listening to Hillary about Africa - how much can one person do. A lot if you are as bright and caring as President Obama.
We wasted so much in Iraq, our brave soldiers have hopefully stabilized and given them a chance. (Oh, let's make sure the population benefits from the oil revenue, not Mr. Bin Ladens supporters or our coporations.
Peace in our time...since when was it wrong to think carefully and plan before sending of people into harms way. The last administration dropped the 9/11 ball...let;s prevent the next major mistake.
You set goals and move forward.
I would like answers on Blackwater involvement and too many tour rotations. Bring home as many troops from Iraq as feasible; pull troops out of "safe areas" around the globe. Get ready to send aid to Africa - we need a major Peace Corp type of effort to train the people to help themselves, President Clinton said one of his biggest regrets was noy listening to Hillary about Africa - how much can one person do. A lot if you are as bright and caring as President Obama.
We wasted so much in Iraq, our brave soldiers have hopefully stabilized and given them a chance. (Oh, let's make sure the population benefits from the oil revenue, not Mr. Bin Ladens supporters or our coporations.
Peace in our time...since when was it wrong to think carefully and plan before sending of people into harms way. The last administration dropped the 9/11 ball...let;s prevent the next major mistake.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Green Village Pages - creation
Simply put, Green Village pages was created as a book of Poetry started in 1966, in lovely Green Village, NJ, and completed in 1971. Portions of the book were used in a multimedia show, Midway, in 1971. The show was created and performed in 1971. (Maybe 72). The performances were at The Barn Theatre, in Rumson, NJ. At some point I will list more about the people and the creation that was Midway. Way before it's time - I worked with a group of the most creative people I have ever known. Their individual stories are amazing. I'll get to that some time soon.
In 1971 I wrote the following for Midway -
"Money is not the root of all evil, it's the whole god damned forest" d.r. sterling / Dale Shack 1971
(Sorry for any sacrilege, to my many faithful friends - I did not mean this as an anti-religious quote or reference, just an angry reaction from a soldier frustrated by waste of money and lives at the time.)
And here we are in 2009 watching our own greed, our banks greed, our corporate greed and we are all fighting about how not to help people with health care. Politicians fight over health care, while taking huge contributions from the health insurance companies. Both parties -shame. People are dying and were quibbling about the money - bull....!
Love and Joy to anyone who read this. Help Penny Ronning - do something that will make you feel good.
In 1971 I wrote the following for Midway -
"Money is not the root of all evil, it's the whole god damned forest" d.r. sterling / Dale Shack 1971
(Sorry for any sacrilege, to my many faithful friends - I did not mean this as an anti-religious quote or reference, just an angry reaction from a soldier frustrated by waste of money and lives at the time.)
And here we are in 2009 watching our own greed, our banks greed, our corporate greed and we are all fighting about how not to help people with health care. Politicians fight over health care, while taking huge contributions from the health insurance companies. Both parties -shame. People are dying and were quibbling about the money - bull....!
Love and Joy to anyone who read this. Help Penny Ronning - do something that will make you feel good.
Friday, September 4, 2009
FIND JOy 2
Please go to these sites - look, get exasperated, sign the petition, get angry (without malice), PLEASE!
Find Joy
Very simple...FIND JOY....for Penny...for peace of mind...for sanity...to make sure we can continue to get more people to work to save animals...for humanity!
Health care...we HAVE to be our brothers keeper...sanity and decency demands it...anyone with a heart and any shread of religious belief cannot turn their back...let's talk! Politics aside this is about humane treatment for people at a horrible time brought about by...does it matter when people are suffering.
FIND JOY.
Watch Jeff Bridges in "A Dog Year" on HBO. It's a simple beginning, decency and understanding.
Look into your hearts...I hope you find JOY, Joy is somewhere in Texas. Get her home to Montana.
In the last few months I've come face tp face with the health care system's victims - the stories I heard in a one month period would make the most rigid anti-Government health program protesters think twice.
For you "Birthers" - FIND JOY, come back to reality and decency. We're a team, this country has a solid foundation of working together - FIND JOY, literally, and for your own good as well.
Find a dog in Texas, and I promise you will be rewarded by God for your good deed.
Go to Penny Ronning's site listed below and start reading.
Health care...we HAVE to be our brothers keeper...sanity and decency demands it...anyone with a heart and any shread of religious belief cannot turn their back...let's talk! Politics aside this is about humane treatment for people at a horrible time brought about by...does it matter when people are suffering.
FIND JOY.
Watch Jeff Bridges in "A Dog Year" on HBO. It's a simple beginning, decency and understanding.
Look into your hearts...I hope you find JOY, Joy is somewhere in Texas. Get her home to Montana.
In the last few months I've come face tp face with the health care system's victims - the stories I heard in a one month period would make the most rigid anti-Government health program protesters think twice.
For you "Birthers" - FIND JOY, come back to reality and decency. We're a team, this country has a solid foundation of working together - FIND JOY, literally, and for your own good as well.
Find a dog in Texas, and I promise you will be rewarded by God for your good deed.
Go to Penny Ronning's site listed below and start reading.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Strange Days
Just a quick note - see the Obama campaign material on this mish- mash of a blog - I and my friends will support the President fully - but ....
Pass The Kennedy Health Bill .... it MUST be like Medicare for all that have no other option. What makes my Conservative friends think that their current heath programs will always be there - and be affordable. Be realistic - some things are Socialistic for all the good of the people. Portability is crucial - if you'd have heard what I've heard in the last two months from people in search of health care - because Cobra was two expensive, they lost their coverage when they lost their job, they can't afford ....you name it. Is medicare perfect - no, but all those Conservatives with it, remember it's a Social plan.
Don't backpeddle a bit.
On the environment "Save the Wolves" or if their are legitimate issues, figure out a humane fix. If the planned Wolf kills in Idaho and Montana are just backed by rich ranchers...work with them.
Honor Senator Kennedy by truly working together. Many prominent Republicans worked closely with him for many years. (Thank you Senator Hatch for being a deceny man, and I'm glad you noted that it was ted Kennedy who came to your defense - class act! Sen. Hatch.)
I guess I wanted to honor Senator Kennedy and send my codolences to the Kennedy family by pointing out clearly - this is not the time for the Obama Administration to become more Bush (or should I say Cheyney/Rove) like every day.
In memory of Congressman JimHoward, of NJ, who was friends with Ted Kennedy, and got me more involved in politics...
In memory and praise of Senator Ted Kennedy, he will be missed. I had a friend standing by Robert Kennedy when he was killed, I was shocked by JFK's assasination - at least Ted got to fulfill many of their dreams. Our country owes this family a great deal of thanks.
Pass The Kennedy Health Bill .... it MUST be like Medicare for all that have no other option. What makes my Conservative friends think that their current heath programs will always be there - and be affordable. Be realistic - some things are Socialistic for all the good of the people. Portability is crucial - if you'd have heard what I've heard in the last two months from people in search of health care - because Cobra was two expensive, they lost their coverage when they lost their job, they can't afford ....you name it. Is medicare perfect - no, but all those Conservatives with it, remember it's a Social plan.
Don't backpeddle a bit.
On the environment "Save the Wolves" or if their are legitimate issues, figure out a humane fix. If the planned Wolf kills in Idaho and Montana are just backed by rich ranchers...work with them.
Honor Senator Kennedy by truly working together. Many prominent Republicans worked closely with him for many years. (Thank you Senator Hatch for being a deceny man, and I'm glad you noted that it was ted Kennedy who came to your defense - class act! Sen. Hatch.)
I guess I wanted to honor Senator Kennedy and send my codolences to the Kennedy family by pointing out clearly - this is not the time for the Obama Administration to become more Bush (or should I say Cheyney/Rove) like every day.
In memory of Congressman JimHoward, of NJ, who was friends with Ted Kennedy, and got me more involved in politics...
In memory and praise of Senator Ted Kennedy, he will be missed. I had a friend standing by Robert Kennedy when he was killed, I was shocked by JFK's assasination - at least Ted got to fulfill many of their dreams. Our country owes this family a great deal of thanks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
