tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54384823400482300412023-11-16T04:59:33.041-08:00Time to Try Something NewMyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-28508018580551861172012-12-18T17:13:00.000-08:002012-12-19T10:29:57.087-08:00My Turn To Release<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to sit down and write
as soon as I saw the first news notification about the tragic events last
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to yell, scream and
accuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to blame and I wanted
to defend certain existing beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have read, I have shared articles and writings that I have felt were important,
and I had one small rant about the media's irresponsible reporting around the
fact the shooter "may have autism" while on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I waited to have my full release in
my writing until the dust had somewhat settled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have made it through the weekend and have started a new week and now
I am able to release a little bit about my thoughts without running off of pure
emotion and irrational justifications that accuse and cause division rather than
love and heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time for me to
share, so thank you for listening.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many
public debates now starting to take place about lots of subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are the intense arguments about gun
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are conversations about
the mental health system in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a clarification about what Autism and Asperger’s really is from
a behavior and neurological perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a discussion about media's role in glorification of horror and
tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an opportunity if we
are able to step away from the anger and hate of this situation to grow as a
society on these subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an
opportunity to turn tragedy into a better world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These deaths do not have to be in vain if we
are able to work toward a better world than the one we currently live in
because of this tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one issue however,
I want to most address is the amount of statements being made implying that God
was not in Sandy Hook Elementary because we do not allow prayer in school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I have seen cartoons and comments about "Where was God?" and the response is we have taken Him out of schools....implying He was not there as evil destroyed innocence. This is WRONG!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I assert that
God was not absent from Sandy Hook at all but was FULLY present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the arms of teachers holding their
students in a closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the
actions of school personnel who sacrificed their lives in trying to stop the gunman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the legs of a teacher who moved to shield
her students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in the words
"I Love you" from teachers to their students so the last things their kids
heard were not gun shots and the sound of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was with every police officer and first
responder who rushed into the building at risk of his or her own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard every prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew every thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt every bit of pain. Finally, he was
there to meet every victim as they left this world of flesh and blood and
entered into a world of spirit and eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is ignorant to imply God was not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is wrong to imply you can even keep God
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand what these people are
trying to say but you lessen my God when you think PEOPLE can keep him away
with their laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You minimize an all-powerful
God when you think a government can keep him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You put a false focus on what God's expectation
is for us when you imply He was not there the day evil was unleashed on Sandy
Hook Elementary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE was there, He is
still there, and I praise Him for it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do not intend
for this to preach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not claim
to be a Christian I hope you can still find meaning in what I am going to say
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many associate 1 Corinthians 13
with weddings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This however is some what
out of context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul was writing to the
Corinthians about what it meant to be a part of the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it meant to be a part of the body of Christ as the church is referred to throughout his writings. He was writing them because they were
divided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Corinthians where arguing
about some who claimed to be a follower of Paul and others who said they were
followers of Apollos and others followers of Cephas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like American Christians battling over
whether they are republican or democrat or libertarian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What Paul ultimately says is Christ cannot be divided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That the issues they were arguing over
ultimately were trumped with Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
is 1 Corinthians 13:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Excellence of Love<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">13 If I speak with the tongues of
men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a
clanging cymbal. <sup>2 </sup>If I have <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the gift of</span> prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge;
and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am
nothing. <sup>3 </sup>And if I give all my possessions to feed <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the poor</span>, and if I surrender my body<sup> </sup>to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love
is patient, love is kind <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> is
not jealous; love does not brag <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span>
is not arrogant, <sup>5 </sup>does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek
its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">suffered</span>, <sup>6 </sup>does not
rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; <sup>7 </sup>bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love
never fails; but if <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">there are gifts of</span>
<sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>prophecy, they will be done
away; if <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">there are</span> tongues,
they will cease; if <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">there is</span>
knowledge, it will be done away. <sup>9 </sup>For we know in part and we
prophesy in part; <sup>10 </sup>but when the perfect comes, the partial
will be done away. <sup>11 </sup>When I was a child, I used to speak like
a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did
away with childish things. <sup>12 </sup>For now we see in a mirror dimly,
but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I
also have been fully known. <sup>13 </sup>But now faith, hope, love, abide
these three; but the greatest of these is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(New American Standard)</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God was in Newtown
, CT because LOVE was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still is
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will remain as long as LOVE
remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greeks had three words for
love and the type discussed here is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agape is unselfish love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind that characterizes a loving God who
would send his son to die for my sins though completely undeserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind of love that would shield a child
from bullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This love was present in
Sandy Hook Elementary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love showed
He was there that day...through the actions of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the purity and innocence of children,
it was felt by all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government
cannot keep God out of schools or anywhere else, only individuals can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individuals who fight for their
"rights" while ignoring the suffering of others. Individuals who put
their wants above the needs of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individuals who glorify politicians more than God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government will always fail you...God never
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Monday as I
dropped Tyler off to school he and I said a quick prayer before his aide swept him from the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed for his protection, the protection
of his peers, and all the employees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had never done that before I must admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears filled my eyes as I left him walking into the school smiling at his favorite
aide...waiving at kids getting off a bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent him into school with God....
no one could keep Him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teachers
and aids in his school love him so much and unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is in that school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may not be prayer taught there, but
there is Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see up until that
point I had never prayed with Tyler prior to school nor prayed for those who he
spends his day with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government had not
kept God out of his school...I had not put God <i>into</i> his school until that
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray I never forget to put Him in
there again. You see, government doesn't keep God out of school...individuals
do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I fail to pray. When I do not stop bullying if I see it. When I allow a joke that discriminates. When I do not give to a helping organization because I need the newest Apple product. When I fail to Love. May I constantly be reminded to love....not those who are easy to love....but those who need <i>agape. </i>Unconditional Love. Thanks
for letting me have my release.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-6569635014772983202012-10-16T19:16:00.002-07:002012-10-16T19:25:34.004-07:00Inspired by Everyday People<style>
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I am so torn!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
such hope and such despair at the exact same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it any wonder stress related illnesses are
up, suicide is at epidemic proportions with our military personnel, divorce
rates, child abuse, and tragedies fill our airways and permeate our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a society, we glorify that which we used
to call dysfunction (MTV's teenage mothers and Jersey Shore)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are enamored by the mental health issues
of others (Intervention and Hoarders)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We put into cartoon form cruelties and hatred and the things we at one
point wanted to hide our children from (South Park and Family Guy)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>News is driving politics from the extremes
(Fox News and MSNBC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the Vice
Presidential debates...there was no winner...but both sides are calling it
their victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so divided as a
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society spends most of its time
pointing out how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">different </i>we
are...not how much alike we are. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I am exhausted!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet...I have hope.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I just spent six weeks on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent significant time over those
weeks in Winnipeg MB, Charlottesville VA, Omaha NE, Anchorage AK, and Dowagiac
MI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have interacted with people in airports,
hotels, restaurants, in these cities as well as Minneapolis MN, Richmond VA, Detroit
MI, Seattle WA, Salt Lake City UT, and South Bend IN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many good people out
there!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who are just as tired as
I of the ugly politics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people give a needed smile, head nod,
and helping hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who want to make
a difference in others lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of
these people give of their time, some of them give of their money, some of them
have made it their careers whilst others choose a career that allows them the
resources to give and make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They love through their actions and their kind words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people are not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forced</i> but give freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
do not demand that the government make <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everyone
do their share...</i>THEY do THEIR share.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The vast majority of my last six weeks has been with amazing
people who care so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
teachers, social workers, mental health workers, nurses, therapists,
behaviorists, direct care workers, supervisors, and administrators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They work long hours, have low wages, deal
with challenging behaviors, are buried in red-tape, yet care <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deeply </i>about the people they support and
the people around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not blind
to ugliness folks...I do know that it is not all wonderful and that there are
those who do the minimums....those who are not so great...those who take
advantage of others under a position of responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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However, as long as the people I have spent my last six weeks
with are around I have HOPE. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not hope in
an individual who uses the word as a tag line to be elected but in everyday
ordinary people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in individuals who
spend BILLIONS of dollars on campaign adds but in the people who spend $25 for
a walk to raise awareness of how awesome a child with special needs really
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not in the people who are out in
front of cameras getting sound bites but in those who are taking someone less
fortunate on an appointment with no recognition or "photo op".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as people care for the comfort of strangers,
I will not give up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sad at all the
negativity from both sides of the political isle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope after all the politics ends that
people will turn off their hate and turn toward someone in need...they could
use your help...not your opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks to all those regular people who inspire me!!</div>
MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-36554577156913017582012-06-30T18:23:00.000-07:002012-07-01T08:53:49.875-07:00My Thoughts on Health Care and Personal Accountability<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, here it
goes. I have decided to try and tackle
the issue this week with the Supreme Court upholding Obama Care. Let me state my conclusions and then explain
my thoughts.... some of which will not be popular with my friends. After spending a couple days examining how I
feel about the issue I think that upholding the health care act was correct as
Justice John Roberts interpreted the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act. Before some of you adamantly
disagree let me explain some things first.
Just because I think that Justice Roberts is correct does not mean I am
necessary in support of the way the Health Care Act is written. I do feel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something
</i>had to happen. We NEED healthcare
reform. I do see some troubling pieces
in the legislation. But it is written as
a tax and Justice Roberts’s interpretation of it is correct
constitutionally. The Presidents selling
it to the US people as not a tax was deceptive.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are definitely good pieces to this legislation. Let me list the pros and cons as I see them:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">PROS:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patients
with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">College
students can stay on parents program until 26.
Means </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.6. million young adults were able to sign up for coverage
on their parents’ plans, including 3.1 million young adults who would have been
uninsured without the law.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Provides increase in preventative
care...much needed in our reactive based system.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Insurance companies can no longer
limit the amount of coverage you can receive in a lifetime. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preventive care --including
mammograms for women and wellness visits – are available at no charge for
everyone on Medicare.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patient care must make up 85% of
premiums limiting administrative charges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Improved Medicare Prescription Drug
Benefit for over 65 were drug cost kill the elderly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">People who retire prior to age of 65
will have fewer problems keeping health care.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Should reduce the premiums of people
who don't have employer based insurance.... probably will do nothing for
premiums of those who have employer based programs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">CONS:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Government
intrusion into health care. We already
spend more money then any other country on health care and are ranked 31st in
the world for services. I do not see
Government bureaucrats decreasing the cost.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Decision-making power is turned over
to bureaucrats, who pay no price for decisions that are costly or wrong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Benefits
insurance companies...large health care companies...drug companies...my medical
and drug stocks took a nice increase. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hurts
small start up health care business because of taxes. Many sold off the day after the Supreme Court
decision. Small business is the
countries backbone. No incentives to
start up a small company to create new health care advances.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congress
passed it as unfunded federally, which means a huge burden on state governments
already broke. Anyone in special
education knows that the government’s promises for funds should not be
believed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">People do not have a legal right to
"opt out". No body likes to be
controlled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wealthy retirees face a BIG hike in
Medicare premiums as much as $300-$700 a month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many employers will opt for
penalties over the high cost of providing health insurance, which will put more
into a government subsidized programs. Eventually
I see big business doing this as well.
Which means ultimately the government run program will control most
people's insurance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unemployment will rise.... once the
2014 mandate hits employers will need to cut cost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The healthy and young will now have
forced premiums to cover those with pre-existing and serious conditions</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Primary care physicians will have to
serve more customers, while facing decreasing reimbursements from both Medicaid
and Medicare. This will lead to poorer care and fewer doctors. We already are in a shortage. You think your waiting times have been long
now...just wait.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now for some more thoughts over the past couple days. I have seen many posts from people who I know
have struggled with medical bills against Obama care: Really?
Those who have bee saddled with large amounts of Dr. bills should know
how terrible navigating the waters of health care has been over the past few
years. We struggle and we have
insurance. We have worked out payment
agreements with several doctors over the years to pay a small amount each
month. When you walk out of the office
of any Dr., do you have any clue as to how much it will really cost? What other industry has this system. I go anywhere else I know what the costs are
the day service is provided. I go to the
Dr. and I have to wait and see. Having a
child with special needs, I like that an insurance company can not now deny us
because of Tyler's Fragile X...even though he cost no more at this point than
any other child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have also seen people posting against it whose parents
receive Medicare/Medicaid assistance.
Are you willing to give this up and pay for your parent bills? I am not.
My dad has received government assistance for many years now because of
his medical issues. Giving this up would
have meant certain death years ago and a large financial bill passed on to my
mother. It is still difficult but
without the government assistance he has received he would not be here and I
sure am glad he still is here with his family.
Should I deny this to anyone else?
I am a pro-lifer...consistently!
I cannot say I uphold the sanctity of life and then believe assistance
to the medically needy should be denied.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do think we are in trouble as a country and this topic
will either tear us apart or could be the necessary step to help bring us back
to the middle. I have already stated in
a previous blog how I believe we are being pulled so far to the right and the
left that the middle is missing. I pray
this moves our country to the center. I
see lots of hatred amongst the extremes but I think both sides are wrong. We do not need a repeal as the right is now
shouting for... we need to fix the parts of this plan that put our country at
risk. We need to figure out how to
relieve the stress on small businesses that this legislation will place. Can we honestly think that 27 different taxes
will not impact the middle class? The
left is shouting victory but everyone I ask to tell me what is in this
legislation cannot begin to tell me. Is
legislation good for the people when it takes two weeks to read and a group of
lawyers to interpret? This
administration is consistently deceptive with the legislation they pass. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ultimately, here is the problem as I see it. WE...yes, ALL of us...are failing in our
personal responsibilities. I recently
wrote the following for an ethics class that may best explain my feelings with
the problem of letting the government be the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">watchdogs </i>of our healthcare.
Government has a long list of corruption and failings when they are the
ones responsible to watch over an industry...how's the housing market? Remember any issues with businesses who the
government bodies failed to catch (Enron, Worldcom, Bernie Madoff...)? Many of the government watchdogs have been
investigated for fraud and corruption. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">What happens when the Watchdogs fail?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">Sadly it seems we are fast becoming
a society that wants to pass the buck and duck the blame. Personal
accountability and responsibility are buzz words about what people should do
but are hard to find in practice. We raise our kids to tell the truth and
when someone calls we do not wish to speak too we tell the children to <i>say I
am not here. </i> Justifying our behavior in every manner of
selfishness. We teach children to respect their elders and then talk bad
about our leaders and scream at the television about how <i>moronic </i>so and
so is. We have been told to work hard and save. Yet, the average
household in America is carrying $15,956.00 in credit card debt
(www.creditcards.com). Amazingly, as a society when the watchdogs fail we
are surprised to find they were in some manner looking out for their own
selfish interest. Why are we still shocked?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">I find
it interesting that the editors in my ethics book about frauds and scams
started the section on watchdogs with the quote "One feature that separates
developed from developing countries is the degree of corruption. Most
developed countries have institutional arrangements or government organizations
designed to identify or control the amount of fraud" (Matulich &
Currie, 2009, p. 263). What about the history of countries who have been
developed for a long period of time? It would seem that history has shown,
civilizations that reach their pinnacle start their demise when corruption
starts to set in and the watchdogs become involved with the very thing for
which they should protect society. This was the case with the Roman,
Russian, and British Empires. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">There is the moral of all human tales;<br />
’ Tis but the same rehearsal of the past,<br />
First Freedom, and then Glory—when that fails<br />
Wealth, Vice, Corruption—barbarism at last.<br />
And History, with all her volumes vast,<br />
Hath but <i>one</i> page—</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">—Lord Alfred Byron</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">Lord Byron's quote shows the tail of
corruption is the tail of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">developed</i>
societies. We have laws to govern what should be done when the watchdogs
fail. Restitution should be made and crimes accounted for within the scope
of the law of society. In all the examples of the ethics book on fraud and
scams, when failure was found it was stopped and those responsible paid the
price in some manner. It is the way of a civilized people. The
problem appears not to be what should be done but what does the growth in fraud
and scams prevalence indicates about our society in general. The 1975
essay by Edward Goldsmith shows how immoral and political decay led to the
fall of the Roman Empire. In his essay Goldsmith (1975) says the
following:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">Self-government is only possible
among a people displaying great discipline and whose cultural pattern ensures
the subordination of the aberrant interests of the individual to those of the
family and the society as a whole. Under such conditions, there is little need
for institutions and, as has frequently been pointed out, the only institution
that one finds among tribal peoples is that of the Council of Elders whose role
it is to interpret tribal tradition and ensure that it is carefully observed
and handed down as unchanged as possible to succeeding generations. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">(Goldsmith, 1975, p.1)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10pt;">What should be done when the
watchdogs are caught napping at the prevalence in recent years are we as a
people should examine what has gotten us to this point. We have become
selfish and gotten away from family and society as a whole. Institutions
and government have risen to take the place of personal responsibility and
accountability. We have focused on selfish ends and failed to hand down
traditional values to the past couple generations. It would seem we have
demoralized an entire generation who now turn to the media to glorify what used
to be considered dysfunction. The hope is that in recent years we have
started to see many businesses create corporate responsibility codes. They
are becoming more invested in <i>stakeholder ethics</i> and the understanding
that there are more then just <i>shareholders </i>(Freeman, Stewart, &
Moriarty, 2009). Reports also show a searching from our youth for jobs
that can make a meaningful difference rather then a load of money (Payment,
2008). The <i>millenials</i> have grown up watching corruption, crisis,
and chaos, and are hoping to figure out a way to not have it repeat. Let
us hope that the next generation does a better job in the role of <i>watchdog.</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wrote the piece just before the Supreme Court ruled to
uphold Obama Care but find my feelings to be the same. We must take care of those who cannot take
care of themselves but not in a way that enslaves people to the government. We
must be honest and that includes the government. This administrations way of bypassing
congress, passing legislation packaged as something it really isn't, leaking
information cannot be the way of our countries future. I hope our countries youth are not so busy
glorifying teenage pregnancy, Jersey Shore, deception to not get voted off the
island or out of the house, that they will see through the lies and get us back on the right
track. We need Americans...not
Republicans and Democrats. We need
parents to raise their children...not by videos but by example. We need to get back to loving our neighbors
and giving our extra to those in need.... not storing it in storage
containers. We need to turn off the TV
and read to our kids. We need to focus
on our own accountability before screaming about others wrong doings. We need to stop spending what we do not
have. Imagine if everyone spent what he
or she spends on their credit card payment as a donation to a non-profit organization,
which helps others. But we cannot afford
to give because we can't afford what we have.
We are paying for items we don't even have anymore. What if we had a nationwide yard sale? Cash only because we don't want to add the
debt issue.... all proceeds go to offset insurance for the poor? All items not sold given to the needy? Yeah, yeah...I know...we are all busy that
day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">References</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Freeman, R. E., Stewart, L., & Moriarty, B. (2009).
Teaching business ethics in the age </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of Madoff.<i> Change, 41</i>, 37-42.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goldsmith, E. (1975). The fall of the roman
empire. Retrieved from http://www.edwardgoldsmith.org/28/the-fall-of-the-roman-empire/</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matulich, S., & Currie, D. (Eds.). (2009). <i>Handbook
of frauds, scams, and swindles:</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">failures of ethics in leadership</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Payment, M. (2008) Millenials: The emerging work force. <i>Career
Planning & Adult</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Development Journal,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 24(3) 23-32. </span></div>
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<br /></div>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-87636442451504503512012-05-19T06:40:00.003-07:002012-05-19T07:00:09.737-07:00Riding in Tokyo<style>
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I thought I would write a blog as I sit in the back seat of
a car going from one airport to another in Tokyo, Japan. This week has been one of those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pinch me</i> weeks. Experiencing not hours but days of travel to
get from one destination to another I am reminded about just how small the
world really is though. Sitting on a
beach in Saipan and meeting a man from Spirit Lake, Iowa! Having a beer with a man from Bangladesh who
has a passion for immigrant workers on Saipan and a deep love for his three
daughters. The very same love I do for
my three sons. Enjoying the true family
atmosphere of the <span class="commentbody">Chamorro</span>
and Carolinian people. What a week of
experiences and…reminder of how much we at the heart of our humanity are the
same.</div>
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I fulfilled this week what I have longed to do for
years. As a young boy my grandfather
would come back from his trips with wonderful pictures and fabulous stories
from places in the world and I remember thinking I cannot wait to do
that!! I also remember attending
meetings of the travel group with Grandpa and hearing others tell their stories
about far off places and the people who lived there. When listening to the stories I was always
intrigued with the tales of the people and the cultures. Those stories were probably one of the
reasons I perused my undergraduate in Sociology. Then, in college studying sociology and
learning so much about peoples belief systems, families, and overall cultures.</div>
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I truly thank God for the opportunities I have had over the
past ten years traveling around the United States, Canada, and now abroad. He has opened my heart to a love of
people…His people…diverse and wonderful….fully created in His image. I can’t help but think how global we are becoming
as a community. I also sit and imagine
what the world would be like if we truly treated one another as Christ intended
us to treat each other. Not the Christ
who some believe founded the Republican National Committee. Not the Christ others would have us believe
lived a hippie life just hanging around preaching love without a moral
responsibility. But the Christ who cared
for the poor, developed twelve nobodies, wept when his friend died, and told a
woman who had been sleeping around to go and sin no more. The Christ my grandfather showed me in the
people he loved from the various corners of the world.</div>
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Today I appreciate the lessons growing up even more. I appreciate having had instilled in me a
desire to go out and see other people live.
I appreciate being taught to allow others to show their love through
their culture. I appreciate the people
from my training who opened themselves up to trust me and step outside some of
their cultural norms in the name of keeping people safe I appreciate working with people who feel the
same way as I do about people. Tonight
as I ride through Tokyo….I am simply filled with appreciation. </div>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-13992919893312865682012-03-08T15:19:00.000-08:002012-03-10T06:15:50.535-08:00DON’T LET THE WORD "FRAGILE" FOOL YOU!!<style>
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So, though I have homework to be doing at this very moment,
I have decided to first write a blog post.
Sometimes I write better at 30,000 feet.
Although, without Jammie proofing this it could be a mess! Remember, I am no writer. While the emotion is fresh, I want to share some activities and thoughts
about the last couple days I spent in Washington D.C.. Those who know me know I have three sons, Andrew, Tyler, and Austin. My son Tyler three years ago was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. Today he is five years old. As a professional in the field of special needs since 1987, special needs instantly went from a 50+ hour a week <i>job</i> to a lifetime <i>mission</i>. As Tyler's Dad, I attended the Ninth Annual Fragile X
Advocacy Day, 2012. On Tuesday I
attended training with around 150 others on what to expect, what our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">asks</i> were, and how to go about
navigating the democratic process. On
Wednesday we gathered on Capital Hill for a group picture and the day
began!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m5mx4Fo1tbirdlILFobCzGDnBs7SBvRkxPXdhAbvONKt7mxw0m2sOBWVXJqJNihRllHOkyR5zDOMkrlGYz33t5Bz9lpCcn7fv15wMFp8RF2VRUGtCgmzJz8qL90UCuPDDi1_v9fM_Ok/s1600/advocacy+day+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m5mx4Fo1tbirdlILFobCzGDnBs7SBvRkxPXdhAbvONKt7mxw0m2sOBWVXJqJNihRllHOkyR5zDOMkrlGYz33t5Bz9lpCcn7fv15wMFp8RF2VRUGtCgmzJz8qL90UCuPDDi1_v9fM_Ok/s320/advocacy+day+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the group picture, <a href="http://harper.house.gov/" target="_blank">Congressman Gregg Harper</a> (MS) whose
son Livingston (22) has Fragile X, treated us to a small tour of the
Capital. He and <a href="http://engel.house.gov/" target="_blank">Congressman Eliot Engel</a>
from New York, co-chair the Fragile X caucus in Washington and are our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">champions.</i> As a group we sat in the House of
Representatives while Congressman Harper thanked and motivated us. After our time with the congressman we
divided and conquered. Almost always in
groups, we visited members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. I was fortunate to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">travel</i> through the day with a person from my neighboring and home
state of Iowa who was on her forth year at Advocacy Day. It was nice to have the presence of a
veteran. She is a mom of four children,
all of whom have been diagnosed with Fragile X.
Pretty remarkable when the percentage is 50% for a carrier of passing on
the gene. By the way, for those who do
not know, 1 out of every 130 woman is a carrier.</div>
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We started out the morning delivering packets of information
to members of the house from Iowa whom where not in Teri Jo’s district. Handing them off to staffers, we asked that
they look things over and ask their bosses to sign our requests and support the
bills we were supporting. I will talk
more about those later. We walked. Then, we walked some more!! The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Democratic
Process</i> is a long one…literally. But
without complaining (at the time, I am complaining a bunch today about my feet
hurting) we forged onward. Teri Jo and I
attended a meeting with Jeffrey Cohen (NFXF Director of Government Affairs),
his son Josh who has Fragile X (made me think about Tyler when he gets older),
Brad Whitus (NFXF Board President), and Congressman Eliot Engels Senior Policy
Advisor, Heidi. The meeting was a good
look into the struggles facing not only Fragile X but also government in
general during an election year. It also
showed me just how sad partisan politics can be and how what one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wants</i> to do and what one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i> to do for party can conflict. It was the most eye opening and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sad</i> meeting I attended all day.</div>
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After that meeting Teri Jo and I headed to my first
officially scheduled meeting with <a href="http://noem.house.gov/" target="_blank">Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s</a> staffer,
Sam. For those of you whom are unaware,
most meetings in Washington are not with the Senators or Representatives but
with a young staffer. They are the ones
who must be respected because they are the ones who will fight or drop your
cause. The real work being done in our
Capital is by young people in their early 20’s but these young people are smart,
resourceful, and passionate. It was also
a lesson in that meetings may be in hallways, lunchrooms, or on the run. Our meeting with Sam was in the hallway and
it turned out to be a good thing. The
Congresswoman came walking up and stopped to ask us about our cause and
concerns. What we just shared with Sam
we got to share directly and…I got a photo opportunity!! It was pretty cool. It was also wonderful to learn that
Congresswoman Noem and already signed on as a co-sponsor of one of the bills,
the ABLE act. Feeling good about her representation. Meeting one down and in
the books! Success!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRcwRgqtMsf3Ft_q5G93p1Oeory6d2WZ9whdneI23apV48_Kg-2kSsGdjo7Uct52MsFPi8agHmOCglpLORl8xronkeHs6ym8LD2hYqafuIy_NLGtjxHN9k-5QcTzBfDTHgII-OhQmsI0/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRcwRgqtMsf3Ft_q5G93p1Oeory6d2WZ9whdneI23apV48_Kg-2kSsGdjo7Uct52MsFPi8agHmOCglpLORl8xronkeHs6ym8LD2hYqafuIy_NLGtjxHN9k-5QcTzBfDTHgII-OhQmsI0/s320/IMG_2578.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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Our next stop was a meeting with <a href="http://harkin.senate.gov/" target="_blank">Senator Harkin’s</a> staffers. This was Teri Jo’s meeting and we were joined
once again by Jeffrey Cohen and Josh Cohen.
Senator Harkin’s office had four members of the staff present and there
was not a real <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sale</i> necessary
here. Senator Harkin historically has
been the greatest advocate in our country for special needs issues. His office is also the author of the Keeping
Students Safe in School Act. This
meeting was a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thank you</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">please continue</i> meeting. Teri Jo was able to show and tell about how
important the funding we receive helped establishing the Fragile X clinic in
Iowa City which has tremendously helped her family. I was able to share that very clinic is where
we take Tyler as well…closest one to South Dakota. It was emotional and it was wonderful. Senator Harkin’s people <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">understand</i> the fight for special needs issues. Just a side note, Senator Harkin’s staff were
not young but rather seasoned veterans of the political process. </div>
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Next stop, Megan with <a href="http://www.johnson.senate.gov/public/" target="_blank">Senator Tim Johnson’s</a> office. Again this staffer was young, polite, smart,
and helpful. We again shared our stories
about our families and the challenges that come with children, which have
Fragile X. We also always shared the
joys and how those joys fuel our hopes.
Hopes that will no doubt need help from our government to achieve. As before, we wanted Senator Johnson’s office
to know we were not asking for more…just the same. We let them know we were not naive about
understanding the budget issues and the fact we are in an election year. We simply don’t want those facts to be a step
back for our kids and our families. </div>
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Teri Jo and I left the meeting with Megan and said our good
–byes. I had a meeting with <a href="http://www.thune.senate.gov/public/" target="_blank">Senator JohnThune</a> and his staffer Jane and Teri Jo was off to Senator Charles Grassley’s
office. Side note: Over the past nine years of advocacy day
<a href="http://www.grassley.senate.gov/" target="_blank">Senator Grassley</a> has not supported one Fragile X initiative in nine years…not one I could find. My Iowa peeps should possibly send an e-mail
or make a phone call to that office.
Though he may be doing good things for Iowa, he is not helping much with
persons impacted with Fragile X issues. My meeting with Jane was much the same as the
others. It was in the basement
lunch-room. No commitments and a lot of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we will have to explore that more </i>kind
of comments. Unfortunately, Senator
Thume’s mother had passed away that very morning and he was not able to make
the meeting, as he had to fly home. </div>
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The work for US is not done.
Yep, when I say US, I mean YOU also…not just those who were in DC. I am going to post some links to fact pages
on web sites regarding the issues. The
funding pieces are Fragile X specific but the bills are things that impact all
people with special needs and their families.
Funding first. We know over a
million people are effected with a Fragile X and associated issues in this
country. We know that there is a known
genetic link between Fragile X and Autism.
Around 50% of all people with Fragile X also are on the spectrum. Tyler qualifies. The drugs that are being tested for Fragile
X…testing that started out of the moneys we have and don’t want cut…are also
being tested with individuals with autism.
If we can find a cure for Fragile X we will be on our way for a better
understanding of the issues around Autism.
Twenty-five centers now exist…thanks to the moneys we don’t want cut…they
allow for better tracking, knowledge bases, testing centers, and support for
families impacted with Fragile X. We are
not asking for more. I am willing to
drive the 5.5 hours to Iowa City. Just
don’t cut so I have to drive further.</div>
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Now, turning to the bills.
The bills we want support and passage for are the ABLE act, the Keeping
Students Safe in Schools act, and the TEAM legislation. I will put a link at the end for all three so
you can better understand the issues.
The bottom line is there is no reason for these not to have bipartisan
support because they cover ALL special needs. The Keeping Students Safe in Schools act is
for ALL students’…not just special needs kids.
Senator Thune’s staffer was clear when talking about our funding issues
that the Senator doesn’t like to support any one or group of disabilities or
disease related groups because it isn’t fair to other groups. He wished he
could support them all. I can truly appreciate that. But these <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bills</i>
cover everyone, so politicians who do not want to fund disability specific
appropriations should NOT have a problem with these three bills, which cover
EVERYONE. </div>
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Back to the US part…thought I had forgotten? Here is what I will do. I will follow-up with thank you cards. I will follow up with e-mails and phone calls
asking my politicians to continue to look at and support my requests. I will promise to go back to Washington DC
and be back in their faces next year and every year after that as long as I am able and
can afford it. I will not stop. YOU, well you can first check out the links I
will provide. You can call or e-mail
your Representative and Senators asking for support for the ABLE act, Keeping
Students Safe in School act, and the TEAM legislation. Ask them to support Fragile X related
funding. Ask them to join the Fragile X
caucus…its free for them to join. You
could make a donation to the National Fragile X Foundation, which allows others
to continuously pursue quality of life issues for our families. Finally, if you do nothing else, continue to
pray. Pray for Tyler. Pray for my family. Pray for all families who are on the journey
of Fragile X. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray and understand one thing that I learned this week. Don’t be fooled by the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fragile! </i> It simply describes a piece of the X
chromosome not the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fragile X Community</i>. Don’t think for one minute that the tears I
witnessed this week signified <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">weakness</i>. Those tears were resolve and passion. Forged in the battles of lost dreams and
earned on the fields to keep our kids safe, happy, and healthy. Those tears are medals of honor. Don’t think that you have a year until <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fragile X Advocacy Day</i> roles around
again. Today, tomorrow, and every day
until next year is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">advocacy day</i>. In the X-Men series, Wolverine is filled
with Adamantium…the toughest substance known to mankind. The Fragile X community is loaded with
it!! Don’t let the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fragile</i> fool you Washington D.C.. We will stay very strong and just keep
getting stronger!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>LINKS:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fragilex.org/">http://www.fragilex.org/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Find your Representatives: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.congressweb.com/cweb2/index.cfm/siteid/NFXF" target="_blank">http://www.congressweb.com/cweb2/index.cfm/siteid/NFXF </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Budget Issues:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fragilex.org/2011/fragile-xtras/the-2012-federal-budget-what-it-means-for-fragile-x-programs-and-funding/">http://www.fragilex.org/2011/fragile-xtras/the-2012-federal-budget-what-it-means-for-fragile-x-programs-and-funding/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Keeping all Students Safe Act:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fragilex.org/2011/public-policy-and-legislative-advocacy/advocacy-day-posts/ad2012/introducing-the-keeping-all-students-safe-act/">http://www.fragilex.org/2011/public-policy-and-legislative-advocacy/advocacy-day-posts/ad2012/introducing-the-keeping-all-students-safe-act/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>ABLE Act:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fragilex.org/2011/public-policy-and-legislative-advocacy/advocacy-day-posts/ad2012/the-able-act-of-2011-112th-congress/">http://www.fragilex.org/2011/public-policy-and-legislative-advocacy/advocacy-day-posts/ad2012/the-able-act-of-2011-112th-congress/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>TEAM Legislation:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://thecpsd.org/2012/02/15/cpsd-senate-action-alert-on-team-legislation/">http://thecpsd.org/2012/02/15/cpsd-senate-action-alert-on-team-legislation/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Autism and Fragile X</b><br />
<a href="http://www.fragilex.org/fragile-x-associated-disorders/fragile-x-syndrome/autism-and-fragile-x-syndrome/" target="_blank">http://www.fragilex.org/fragile-x-associated-disorders/fragile-x-syndrome/autism-and-fragile-x-syndrome/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com5Dakota Dunes, Big Sioux, SD, USA42.4874948 -96.4864242.4757853 -96.506160999999992 42.4992043 -96.466679tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-50074557418044846982012-02-26T19:07:00.001-08:002012-02-26T19:07:03.441-08:00Rebel Without a Clue!!<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does it make you
a rebel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you “getting one over on
the man?” Or, are you simply an ass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These questions and several others cross my mind every time I fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The issue is around turning off your
electronic devices for take off and landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have we become so dependent to our electronics that the thought of it
being completely off as asked is so hard to comprehend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The reason that
the FAA wants passengers to turn off their electronic devices is because there
is a chance that certain devices could interfere with the communications of the
airplane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These communications are most
important at take off and landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
vast majority of problems occur during these two events with very few incidents
once at cruising altitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
against this will argue that there is no scientific proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will risk an entire plane full of people because there is no “proof”
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">insurance guy!!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son Tyler has a puzzle that makes animal
sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes off every time we turn
off the lights!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would guess that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">certain</i> devices could interfere, so turn
your dang phone off!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So if it’s
certain devices why to do all devices need to be turned off?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe because flight attendants don’t need to
try to figure out what device is what when they are preparing the cabin for
take off or landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quit giving them a
hard time by not following the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They do make exceptions for issues that involve health concerns but they
do not need you giving them a hard time so you can get in one more round of
Angry Birds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>READ something…look at the
Skye Mall catalogue…do something but quit trying to get one over on people who
do not make the rules.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">I understand that human
beings do not like to be told what to do…I get it. From a very early age kids
say “no” and “don’t tell me what to do”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But have we gotten to the point as a people that we are so above all
rules that we decide which ones are right for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if people do not agree they should
follow what is in place…in place for the safety of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you really think that the FAA is making up
rules to “control you”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2000,
congress could not fully come to a definitive answer to whether electronic
devices could interfere with take off or landing so they chose to regulate on
the side of safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People, turn off
your device and chat with a human being sitting next to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you will meet a new friend, meet
someone famous, or simply make somebody’s day with a kind word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If we continue to develop our technology without
wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Omar N.
Bradley)</span>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-42741580331700520572012-02-16T13:14:00.000-08:002012-02-16T14:12:46.626-08:00Not the Right..Not the Left...Who am I?<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay, blog
number one and I’m starting with politics.
So many options…Tyler’s success, Andrew’s growth into manhood, Austin’s
new words and skills…and I chose politics.
I think it is simply because nothing frustrates me more these days than
the division of our country. Can an
American still be in the middle? Is
there a middle to even stand on? Sometimes
I feel like both sides of the isle are tossing the ball over my head and I
don’t get to play. A ball called
liberty. Am I free to disagree with
either side? How about both?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me first
tell you how I am rejected by the Left.
I believe in a strong military. I feel private business will always
provide better services than the government. I believe that too many taxes stifle the
economy. I believe in gun ownership. I
believe that coming into a country illegally is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">illegal </i>and puts undue stress on the economy. I believe in a
woman’s choice to choose sex or no sex; Birth control or not. But once life is conceived it goes from
choice to responsibility. I love
meat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am rejected by
the Right also! At one point I was a
literal “card carrying” republican but have given up. I believe that the upper one percent of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">individual</i> wealth should contribute
more. I have failed in marriage. I have inhaled. I have very good friends whom are gay and
lesbian. I believe that there should be
a separation between church and state where religious choices are not
legislated. I believe that the
government is responsible to ensure the rights and lives of those with special
needs and mental health issues are given safety and quality. I call the President, “President Obama” not
Mr. Obama, out of respect for the office.
Come on Fox News…knock it off!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do not hold
ill feelings toward those who do not hold to the same beliefs. I am tired of the attacks from both sides and
the outrages accusations. Does the Left <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> feel that the right only cares
about fetuses and forgets the baby once its born? Does the Right <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> believe that the left is void of all morality? To the extremes I think the answer is
yes. Unfortunately, it is those extremes
that seem to be running our country…running it right off a cliff.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Tune to MSNBC and one would think that all
Republicans want to take poor kids out of school and put them into work
programs to earn more money for the wealthy.
Turn to Fox News and you would think that all Democrats want to give
kids weed and condoms. The extreme
arguments cloud the issue and close the door to healthy debate. Let me give an example, which was sparked by
a post on Facebook yesterday. On the Tea
Party sight they posted “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The average
price of a gallon of gas was $ 1.79 when President Obama took office. The
current average now is $ 3.51 per gallon. Is it any wonder the economy is so
bad?” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">This extreme statement is not a
logical argument! </span></div>
<h6>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h6>
<h6>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Let me explain
why. They give the following link: </span><a href="http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU000074714?data_tool=XGtable"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU000074714?data_tool=XGtable</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Going to that chart shows that at one point
gas prices were $4.09 under Bush in June of 2007. It makes their argument now look stupid. The argument should be that during the Bush
administration the average price for a gallon of gas was $2.16 verses President
Obama’s, which has averaged $2.88. Do
the math…I did. The average over time is
a better argument than random extreme numbers thrown out. The argument could be continued by showing
that the $.73 difference equates into major money for the average American. The average American household uses 1,100
gallons of gas a year. That $.73 equates
to $803 a year more we are spending on average under President Obama on gas
alone. </span></h6>
<h6>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h6>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, for those
on the left who argue Republicans are the reason for the rich getting richer
and the poor getting poorer. Look at the
facts. Lets start with going to <a href="http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/data/historical/household/">http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/data/historical/household/</a>
and clicking on chart H-3 which will give you the Mean (Shared average) income
for the 5 classes the census bureau looks at for wealth. It goes from 1967 through 2010. I looked at increase in average wealth and the percentage increase in wealth. I highlighted Republic presidential years and
Democrat presidential years. Looking at the
top 5 percent, middle income and lowest incomes, here is what I found:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;"> Top 5% Middle 5% Lowest 5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Nixon/Ford $21,239.00 or 42% $5,011.00 or 39% $1,346.00 or 42%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Carter $19,784.00 or 28% $5,010.00 or 28% $1,158.00 or 26% </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Reagan/Bush SR. $75,124.00 or 52% $12,930.00 or 42% $2,946.00 or 41%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Clinton $107,792.00 or 43% $11,602.00 or 27% $2,901.00 or 27%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Bush JR. $42,309.00 or 14% $7,899.00 or 16% $1,499.00 or 13%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-small;">Obama $-7,023.00 $-823.00 $-622.00</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the two years represented by President Obama wealth has actually been lost in all the classes! The largest discrepancy in wealth disparity actually occurred during the Clinton administration. During President Clinton's time in office the wealthy increased their wealth $107,792.00 or 42% while the lowest 5% only increased by 27%. The classes gap increased! It increased by 16% while Reagan and Bush Sr. combined increased it by 11%. The least amount of increase in the class gaps occurred with Bush Jr. but all anyone heard is how he was making the rich, richer and poor, poorer. According to our governments data that is not true. If you like I can send you my highlighted and noted spreadsheet?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe the saddest story presented that all classes have decreased in wealth since President Obama has taken office...ALL. The only other time that happened is in the beginning of President Bush Jr's presidency which included 9/11. He also was the first Republic president to <i>increase</i> government. Increasing government does not help the poor! The greatest increase to the average income for the lowest 5% in this country have been with Republican not Democrat presidents. The greatest gap between the rich and the poor happened with President Clinton...a Democrat. People just need to stop relying on what they hear from <i>their</i> party and the media and get out a dang calculator. I know the United States has fallen in their math scores but you can use a calculator for this assignment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where are the free thinking Americans? I really need someone to lead who can unite and understand what most Americans understand...stop spending and increase income. IT'S the ONLY way to not fall on economic hard times. Will there be a leader who recreates the middle or are my sons destined to take sides...maybe even against one another. We have been there before. History does have a way of repeating itself and that more than anything scares me! Thanks for letting me vent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438482340048230041.post-71675855920434014562012-02-15T17:40:00.000-08:002012-02-15T18:17:59.510-08:00Introductions to Get Things Going!I have decided to jump in and enter the world of blogging. I am not a writer! I have no idea how much I will actually write and how often I will be moved to post. I do feel that this will be a more appropriate place to share some of my thoughts and feelings about my life, politics, beliefs, etc. than simply posting random thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.<br />
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So, a little about myself! I am 43, married to Jammie, and father to Andrew (Andy), Tyler (TJ), and Austin (still waiting on a nickname). Andrew is my oldest son (19) and a freshman at George Mason in Fairfax, VA. He is an incredible song writer and musician. <a href="http://www.andygeels.com/" target="_blank">www.andygeels.com</a> He is also gifted at acting and has an amazing sense of humor. After my ex-wife remarried she and Andrew moved out to Virginia Beach, VA and I followed a year later. Eight years ago I remarried Jammie. Jammie and I were blessed with Tyler 5 years ago. After missing some of his developmental markers we brought him to a developmental pediatrician. Three years ago we found out Tyler has Fragile X Syndrome. I am sure I will have many posts in the months to come about that journey. He is such a great kid and a huge blessing in the lives of all he meets. Though he comes with some special needs he makes up for it and than some with such a special ability to make people smile. He is <i>pure</i> joy! Austin was born 19 months ago and is a neuro-typical child. NO delays there!! He forces Tyler to be a big brother. He also forces mom and dad to have to work out simply so we can keep up with him. We recently moved back to the mid-west where Jammie and I both were born and raised. We live in Dakota Dunes, SD.<br />
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A tad on my work history. I started working with individuals impacted by
Traumatic Brain Injury in 1987. I served adults with Traumatic Brain Injury for 14 years in the capacities of
direct care, manager, and administrator.
Since 2001 I have worked for The Mandt System, Inc. and serve as Director
of Operational Sustainability. I am a
sought after conference speaker, trainer, keynote presenter, and behavior
consultant. As a parent of a child with special needs,
as well as a professional in the field, I am able to bring a unique blend of personal
and professional insights into my presentations. Over the past decade I have traveled the United States and Canada with the main goal of helping to create and sustain safe working environments. When it comes to the history of caring for individuals with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, mental health concerns, and overall challenging behaviors, environments have been non-inclusive, coercive, and inhumane in many ways. Though in recent decades things have improved, they still have a long way to go. Little did I know when I started this journey so many years ago that it would become personal in a very real way. My goal is to make the world a better place for all people but my focus is on those who often lack their own voice to make that world a possibility. It's no longer about a professional duty...it is a personal calling.</div>
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Okay, that is about it for now. I am sure that I will be adding things in the days, weeks, and months to come! Please check back and see what I have to say. Did I mention I am not a writer?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Univers","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>MyThreeSonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545177512870539279noreply@blogger.com1