GRRRR... FRUSTRATION!!!

Ok, so I've mentioned a few times now I'm doing this medical anthropology project on people's views on healthcare in an attempt to understand why people are against reform.... because I honestly didn't understand. I've gained a lot of insight... understand more of the economic consequences... still haven't changed my view on the matter - but ultimately have a better understanding of the opposition. I suggest all people take on this project for things they care about- it's been incredibly helpful and increased my understanding.

One thing I have learned while working this project is just how ridiculous the bipartisan divide has become. I feel like politicians, Republicans, Democrats, Tea Partiers... whoever you are... we are all arguing just for the sake of arguing and it is getting in the way. Honestly- even if you HATE Obama- do you REALLY think it's ok to deny someone who can AFFORD health insurance (and works hard for that money) coverage because they have a pre-existing condition??? Do you honestly think that's ok??? Do you honestly think that it's ok for insurance companies to put a limit on your coverage??? As in, once you get sick in a really big, bad expensive, way--- the reason you have insurance--- they can just drop you because you've reached the limit of what they will cover??? REALLY???

People have this manipulated view that we have the best healthcare in the world - but we are ranked 37th! 37TH!!!!. We have the best doctors and the best health related technology in the world, it's true - but we have a downright shitty way of delivering it to the public. According to the World Health Organization when ranking countries based on the FAIRNESS of their healthcare we rank 54th!!! So we are just ahead of Rwanda (a country recently ravaged by genocide) and just behind Bangladesh (a country that is known for its poverty and sweatshops). No on can deny that we need some kind of reform.

We live in the most amazing country in the world. Those statistics are ridiculous when you take into account the privileged lives we all lead. So you hate Obama? You hate big government? You think socialized medicine is evil? Good for you... come up with a better idea, then, instead of sitting there being negative and childish.

And for goodness sake... Obama is not like Hitler. Hitler was not thought of as a bad person because he wanted socialized medicine- he's bad because he happened to commit one of the most horrendous genocides ever seen... hate to break it to you.. but Obama's not into that, so your comparison is a little bit off. Also - there are big important people in Washington DC that probably took it upon themselves to make damn sure that Obama was born in the US before they let him take office. We have a pretty decent intelligence system, so yeah... I don't have anything more to say about that. AND ... how crazy is it that Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks had her career nearly ruined, was accused as a traitor and received DEATH THREATS for making a comment like, "We're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." ... but facebook groups that say, "Dear Lord, This year you took my favorite actor- Patrick Swayze, You took my favorite actress- Farah Fawcett, You took my favorite singer - Michael Jackson. I just wanted to let you know, my favorite president is Barack Obama. Amen." are ok??? SERIOUSLY???? Seriously?

Stop being childish and using the excuse that someone is a liberal, conservative, or whatever as a reason for hating them. Our country has some serious issues and all of us throwing insults and death threats back and forth BELIEVE IT OR NOT is quite unproductive. GRRRRR... FRUSTRATION!!!!

Perfect Day

Oh man. I've had a very interesting week filled with thoughts I've been meaning to write a blog on, but I will save such a heavy subject for another day.

Today was one of those perfect days you just want to keep talking about. It was a classic day in Salt Lake City- one that makes me love living here!

1. Woke up early to go snowboarding with father dear. It was our last day of the season (it closes tomorrow) so it was a little bittersweet. I always have fun with him, and hate to admit that my 62 year old father is totally kicking my ass at snowboarding. Today he told me about how he wants to start using words like "pow." Haha... I love it!

2. It was a beautiful day in the Salt Lake Valley (and mountains too). Total T-shirt weather and EVERYONE was out on their bikes enjoying the sunshine and the mood was generally cheery.

3. Finished up snowboarding with some soup made by my father dear that is positively delicious.

4. Had a great phone call with my mother dear.

5. Cleaned my apartment- which is never fun to do, but now it's oh so clean and oh so nice. And the weather is such that I can leave my windows open which always makes the air so happy and fresh.

6. Grabbed a salad with my bestie, Diana, and took a ride in her beautiful new car! HOLY COW SO EXCITED FOR HER!!!!! WOOH!

7. Went to my first Real Salt Lake Soccer Game with my buddy, Nina, and met some fellow Coloradoans, which I always love and cheered on all the Salt Lakers that went to the olympics at half time.

8. Coloradoans+Nina+ Me meet up with my lovely pal April for some cheese pull -aparts and a beer at the Pie.

9. Late night outdoor chat session with my ladies because the weather is that lovely.

I love Salt Lake, I love my friends, and I love my life... just a few more weeks of hardcore studying and then my dear Colorado besties Emily and Emma will be visiting SLC, my little sister finally turns 21, I'll be spending a month in Uganda, and having an all around awesomely fantastic summer!