Stand By Me

To kick off our long-delayed honeymoon, which begins in approximately ten hours, I dedicate this song to my precious husband:

Belated Labor Day Posting

Because I’ve been busy preparing for my husband’s arrival, and our long-delayed honeymoon, as well as my son’s return to school after summer break, I didn’t manage to squeeze in time to write the Labor Day post that’s been brewing in my mind. My son is off to school now, but Hubby arrives tomorrow, and I still have lots to do in preparation. That being the case, I would like to point you toward an excellent piece written by one Hippie Professor:

Many people believe that the government should play at most a minimal role in social programs – that we should let the free market reign. Any additional social needs should be addressed through volunteerism and not through government programs.

It is often stated quite bluntly – like this: “I have worked hard and I deserve the money I have earned so why should I be forced by my government to give something back to other people?”

[...]

Because your society is partially responsible for your success.

Think about it a second. You have worked hard all of your life – in school, in your job, running your business. Yes – you deserve to be rewarded for that hard work. But none of that hard work would have meant anything if you didn’t live in a society in which hard work could actually pay off.

And how does our society pull this off – what does our society do to help you obtain success?

Please read the rest of Labor Day Reflections to learn the many ways that society contributes to our success, and why we all have a responsibility to give back, likewise contributing to the success of society as a whole.

Health Care Reform — Myths vs. Facts

When one in three Americans say someone in their family skipped pills, postponed or cut back on needed medical care due to the cost; when countless bankruptcies are related to medical expenses; when the number of uninsured approaches 50 million; when government spending on health programs rises so rapidly that it jeopardizes other priorities; and when employers struggle to pay for the costs of health care, the fact is, we can’t afford not to fix health care. — AARP

Please read Myths Vs Facts regarding health care reform. You can also help counter the fear mongering.