Things

Disturbing and perturbing news.
 
The new Trump care to replace the ACA program is currently being debated.  So far it looks like a program to boost the profits of the insurers and their CEO’s.  Care for the patient doesn’t appear to be the prime prerequisite.  What should be simple is made complicated.  Perhaps it is designed to confuse.  There are existing proven healthcare programs used by other countries.  Why not copy a proven system?  I can only speculate why not.
 
Spying is another subject of concern.  It not only concerns leaks within our government, but also the invasion of our private lives.  German TV issued a warning about electronic eavesdropping.  Bugs have been implanted by some manufacturers in electronic devices including TV’s and I-phones.  Even with the TV or appliance is turned off eavesdropping can occur.   Best bet is to unplug the electronic device when not in use.  Stand-by status means it is still active.
 
It appears that promotions for faster, easier and more convenience is a ploy for intrusion.  We know that emails can be hacked.  Although many have applauded Wikileaks for exposing corruption, it has also been a detriment to our national security and placed people at risk.
 
Our education system has taken another hit.  “The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced Bill 610. This bill will effectively start the school voucher system to be used by children ages 5 to 17, and starts the de-funding process of public schools. The bill will eliminate the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) of 1965 which is the nation's educational law and provides equal opportunity in education…”
 
As for truth and lies.  “If one tells the truth, one is sure, sooner or later, to be found out.” ― Oscar Wilde 
 
With all the negativity, there are some bright spots.  On Wednesday, Woman’s Day was celebrated around the world.  Gisela is in the hospital and showed me a rose she received yesterday.  A man came to the hospital with a load of long-stemmed roses that he distributed to female patients and hospital personnel.  This was not sponsored by the hospital, but an act of love.  The license plate on his car was French.

It is a strange situation we find ourselves in now.  What to do?  WHO WOULD KNOW OR EVEN GUESS.

Check out D.K.'s musings for my take - I'm befuddled by it all - the brash lies and destruction of years of making things better for the nation and for future generations - just flushed down the toilet by Steve Bannon.  How can the nation stand for one man to wield such power over the President?  We have a dictatorship.  The Republicans are helpless in fear of losing their home elections.  They legislate by fear not experience and integrity - fear of losing their cushy jobs - with no integrity.

We all want to do the right job, but we have a moral compass.  I resigned when expectations on the job required what I considered dishonest actions on my part.  Legislators can appeal to their voters - they don't have to acquiesce to stupidity and destruction.

The Dutch held elections yesterday and the current President was re-instated.  The far-right idiot that was trying to emulate Trump lost. 

Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Trump at the Whitehouse today.  I had a mental image of Trump trying to grab her (by the .....) and she knocking him out.  I shared this vision with my wife and we had a good chuckle.

I picked up my wife from the hospital this morning and just arrived home.  She, along with other patients were released early due to a virus outbreak in the hospital.  I couldn't enter her room without donning a mask, a cover garment and gloves.  I don't know if she will be required to return at a later date, but she seems to be much better.  Me and the cats are pleased that she is home.

During one of my father's visits to hospital, he picked up a virus. He told the nursing staff: "I think you are trying to kill me." He recovered and is now in his ninety-second year. He's amazing and a living testament to the wonderful advances in modern medicine.

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I frequently hear horror stories of the treatment people receive in the hospital.  Some of it pertains to botched or unnecessary operations while others complain about the hospital staff.
My impressions are obtained from both US and German medical treatment.  Insurance plays a role especially with US hospitals and doctors.  Some of the treatment depends on insurance coverage and what the doctors/hospitals can charge.  The length of stay may be determined by what the insurance company will pay as well as the capability of the patient to pay the bill.  Incorporated hospitals are “for profit” entities.  Unfortunately, that influence affects the care one receives.  Whereas many patients place their trust in the doctor as someone who knows everything, patients with more exposure to doctor’s and hospitals question the treatment as they should.  Getting a second opinion can be life saving.
The release of my wife from the hospital yesterday morning was due to an outbreak of the Nova virus in the hospital.  In the UK it is known as a winter virus associated with vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps - it is very contagious.  Sanitary clean-up in rooms where a patient had the virus is all inclusive.  She will return for follow-up treatment when conditions change.  In Holland, when a person is admitted to the hospital (except for an emergency), they are placed in quarantine for 24 hours before being placed in a regular room with other patients. 
The reputation of hospitals and doctors become known by word-of-mouth.  It is not just the treatment by the doctor, but also the handling of the patient by the nursing staff.  The patient can feel if the staff cares about them or if they are just doing a job. 
I could give numerous examples, but that is not requested nor needed.  My comments are based on personal observations and on feed-back from those exposed to medical care. 
We are hearing debate about the proposed Trumpcare to replace the ACA.  Some call it the “Trump don’t care” program.   There are existing fully tested programs (Europe and Canada) that could be copied with minor adjustments.  These are programs that work and provide affordable coverage for everyone.  Why they are not considered is beyond my comprehension.
 
My comments above are simply my opinions.  There are no two situations exactly alike just as there are no two doctors/hospitals exactly alike. 

Today is Friday and my wife is back in the hospital.  She most likely was infected by the virus before leaving the hospital.  She was taken by an ambulance when the vomiting was severe and she could stand or walk.  She is now receiving round-the-clock care.  The doctor reviewed her medical history and said that with her Myasthenia, it could have been more severe and is concerned that she may get pneunomia.  The doctor was also upset that the ambulance personnel didn't inform her about the Myasthenia and that she was given medication that she is not supposed to have.  I had informed the ambulance personnel when they picked her up and sent along her records.  Now my son and I are hoping that we haven't contracted the virus.  If either one of us starts vomiting, we will get to the hospital without delay.  I'm hoping that our resistance is good enough to fight it.   I mention this only in case you don't hear from me within the next few days and understand why.

Sure hope all is well all around.  So aggravating to get a sickness from the hospital... but I also fear staph infections too.  I fought like the dickens to get my mom out when the hospital care was obviously making her worse not better.  Be well!  And a speedy recovery for your wife.

Abe,

Sure hope your wife is better fast and that you and your son get nothing.  I have always feared hospital infections.  Be careful.

DK & Alice,
My son and I went to the hospital when when we both developed the symptoms of the Norovirus.  We were both hospitalized and just now returned home.  My wife is still there as her condition was complicated due to the Myasthenia and will most likely remain for a few more days.
There is an outbreak of this virus in the region.  It is highly contagious and easily transmittled.  We are doing a thorough cleaning using strong disinfectants, drinking plenty of fluids, etc..

Viruses are nasty, Abe. You seem to be through the worst and, hopefully, Gisela will recover soon, too. Best wishes to you both and to Duane. Spring will be here soon to make you all feel better.

Thanks, Shelagh.  It is officially spring.  Now the wait for it to kick in.

3/21

                   Abe..

                          You, your Gisela, your son are in my prayers....

                                                      Cheers....Joe...

Thanks, Joe.

I'm excited.  Tomorrow my wife will come home from the hospital.  Thanks to all of you for your support and your prayers.

3/25

            Abe..

                     That's great news ! Enjoy each other's company, eat lots of Chocolates !
Have a glass of wine, sit outside and enjoy the birds.....

                                                                  Cheers...Joe....

It is clear that there are problems both nationally and internationally.  Solving problems is what leaders are paid to do.  The higher one advances in a corporate position, the greater the problems.  Trying for a “quick fix” – a short-term solution may exacerbate the problem.  With international issues, i.e., terrorism, there is a tendency to use bombs for a “quick fix” and the killing of innocents is written off as “collateral damage”.   This knee-jerk reaction reflects frustration on the part of the leader who feels the need to take some action.  A warning label of “Side effects” should be considered with all military actions.  The long-term solution, dealing with the cause of the problem requires time, patience and much effort.  Seeking peaceful solutions is the mark of a great leader.

Abe F. March wrote:

DK & Alice,
My son and I went to the hospital when when we both developed the symptoms of the Norovirus.  We were both hospitalized and just now returned home.  My wife is still there as her condition was complicated due to the Myasthenia and will most likely remain for a few more days.
There is an outbreak of this virus in the region.  It is highly contagious and easily transmittled.  We are doing a thorough cleaning using strong disinfectants, drinking plenty of fluids, etc..

Glad you are better.  That is a mean virus.
I was set back by it.