Life & Choice

From our earliest days of independence, our life is governed by the choices that we make.  These may relate to relationships, friendships, career plans, beliefs and a wide variety of personal commitments. 

Some of the choices are dramatic, life-altering events while many are subtle and barely remembered.  Some may be impulsive while others are made after an agonizing period of rumination.  Nevertheless, over time, they all define our life and determine both our level of satisfaction and our happiness.

It is late in life that our choices are most closely reviewed.  They can now be placed in the context of our overall life story and more clearly judged now that the consequences are known.  Regrets may surface but, by then, we have learned that they are an unavoidable component of the human condition.  It is our willingness to accept responsibility for our choices, however recent or long ago, that lets us bow out with grace.

Outdoor Reading Season

My favorite time of year has returned: Outdoor Reading Season.  The oppressive heat and humidity of summer have moved south, replaced by relatively cool air and less intense sunshine.  Great conditions for reading (and/or napping).

Those who can only read in silent rooms will find outdoor reading nearly impossible.  The nearby and distant whine of mowers and leaf blowers is, unfortunately, ever present.  Then there are the chatter of squirrels, the raucous calls of jays and crows and the softer but persistent yanks of nuthatches.

But the weather is perfect for absorbing a chapter or two or, better yet, a truly-short short story.  One has his or her limits and those are mine. 

Medicare for All

Call it socialism if you wish but, in my opinion, all Americans deserve access to quality medical care, regardless of their income.  A universal healthcare system is in order, modified by copays or secondary insurance depending on one's level of wealth.

Indeed, the wealthy will always have the opportunity to pay for concierge medicine, top-of-the-line research centers and limited access to new therapies should they choose to do so.  We need not absolutely mimic inefficient European systems but we must restore vital services to every American.

No doubt, objections will arise from the insurance industry and, of course, from those already comfortable with their level of healthcare.  But ignoring the injustice of our current system, especially egregious when Conservative Republicans are in charge, is inexcusable. 

Celebrity & Journalism

Freedom of the press is vital to the health of our Democracy, especially when an Administration attempts to restrict its reach.  Investigative journalists are at the heart of the press corps and their reports insure that we are kept aware of political, financial and corporate maneuvering, whether that activity is positive or negative, legal or illegal.

On the other hand, TV "journalists" are essentially broadcasters.  Some may have political or corporate backgrounds but they are now engaged primarily in commentary, interviews, news reporting and, increasingly it seems, entertainment.  Most willingly accept their celebrity role, many have written books and an increasing number host their own podcasts.  More disturbing is the recent use of viewer clubs and regional gatherings to market themselves and their programming; in essence, the public is invited to become active participants in the growth of their celebrity.

It is essential that Americans understand this distinction.  Our vote must be governed by facts, not by the opinions and convictions of on-air celebrities, however closely their pontifications may match our personal philosophy. 

An Offensive Gimmick

Yesterday morning, I tuned into College Game Day on ESPN just in time to watch a college student win one million dollars by kicking a field goal.  What an offensive gimmick, witnessed by football fans across the nation, many of whom work two jobs to pay their rent and feed their family, perhaps foregoing medical care to do so.

Corporate America, apparently including Disney (majority owner of ESPN), is insensitive to the outrageous economic disparity that characterizes this country.  A reward in the $100s would seem to be more appropriate.

Beyond this made-for-TV spectacle, such instant wealth encourages young people to pursue gambling, online stardom and other high risk ventures rather than more traditional and more satisfying routes to a successful career.  If Disney has money to burn, I suggest they take a more socially responsible approach to spending it.  

Weeds & Wildflowers

What is the difference between a "weed" and a wildflower?  I suspect it depends on the natural philosophy of the observer.

"Weeds" are generally described as noxious, invasive, alien plants that may be toxic and must be removed from our pristine lawns (most often with herbicides).  Then again, many of our beloved wildflowers are non-native, can be quite invasive and might be toxic if ingested.  Furthermore, both "weeds" and wildflowers are utilized by pollinators, are eaten by a wide variety of animals, from insects to humans (e.g. dandelions), and serve as carbon sinks, like all green plants.  Of course, the presence of attractive flowers tends to impact our classification.

I am inclined to avoid the use of the word "weed" (just ask my wife).  If it's green, let it live!

 

On Medical Privacy

Throughout our training, physicians are repeatedly reminded that we may not inform anyone of a patient's diagnosis, prognosis or treatment plan without their consent.  Of course, in emergency situations, especially when the patient is unable to communicate, immediate family members are generally an exception to that rule.  But even when informed by non-patients (e.g. friends or neighbors) of their medical problems, physicians are understandably reluctant to pass along such information to others.

Patients, on the other hand, vary widely in protecting their own confidentiality.  Some like to discuss their medical diagnoses with friends, family members and anyone who will listen.  We often encounter them in waiting rooms, relating their varied problems over the phone (sometimes in speaker mode) or to the person sitting next to them.

Unfortunately, these individuals are also inclined to ask others about the reason for their visit.  This is when patients need to understand their personal right to privacy and may choose to withhold that information.  Indeed, this may pertain to communication with friends and family members as well.  Medical confidentiality is a personal choice that must be respected. 

Living with our Past

We humans must live with choices that we make throughout our lives.  In a more collective sense, we must also deal with the consequences of decisions made by our families and our country.

Wanting to better understand the ongoing conflicts throughout the Middle East, I have been reading the Fifth Edition of A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield and Nicolas Pelham.  By doing so, it has become clear that European Colonialism and American opportunism have been the primary triggers for regional unrest.  However well-intentioned, especially with regard to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, their meddling has only exacerbated distrust.

Today, as the Trump Administration cuts ties with longtime allies and engages in military adventurism, we Americans must live with the consequences.  In like manner, the Administration's anti-science approach to medical care, environmentalism, education and research will have lasting negative effects. 

Flashback Post LXXIX

The rescue of two living victims of the disastrous Nepal mudslide, after 10 days within the rubble, has led broadcasters and other commentators to refer to their survival as miraculous.  I am more inclined to attribute this wonderful news to luck and to the courageous, persistent efforts of rescuers, a sentiment I expressed back in March of 2011.

See: Disasters & Miracles 

Corruption & Cruelty

The Trump Administration is built on corruption and cruelty.  The overriding principle is to honor the President's needs and demands while condoning his abhorrent behavior.  Unable to contradict or even question Trump's deranged opinions and ideas, his Cabinet members cannot provide guidance, even if they were qualified to do so (and most are not).

The primary focus of the Administration is to deport immigrants and to attack Trump's perceived enemies.  Both goals are met via cruel and often illegal tactics.  Unfortunately, the Republican Congress and the Supreme Court are complicit, ignoring the corruption that has brought exorbitant wealth to Trump and his family.

Meanwhile, Americans must deal with inflation, an unwise war, a lack of affordable healthcare, rising mortgage rates and reduced funding for medical research and vital social services.  Vote Democratic in November! 

The Glorious Fifties

During these difficult times, one often hears reference to the 1950s, the decade of my childhood, when our faith-based lives were simpler.

Back then, most women were housewives, families were larger, the "coloreds" knew their place and homosexuals were forced to stay in the closet.  Environmentalism had not yet threatened the profits of industry, we were blissfully unaware of child sexual abuse in the Church, Joseph McCarthy was ridding the country of "Commies" and the tragic events of Vietnam and the Middle East Wars lie in the future.  Finally, man-induced climate change would not become evident for several decades.

Over time, Progressives enlightened America and have been able to partly correct the injustices and misguided policies of the Fifties.  Conservatives, on the other hand, want us to return to that era.  Vote Democratic in November! 

A Fascinating Disaster

Evidence of our warming climate unfolds every day from locations across the globe.  Severe storms, flooding rains, prolonged droughts, destructive winds and, of course, warming seas, grab the headlines.  This environmental disaster, the product of our Industrial Revolution, will only get worse over the coming decades.

Yet, for those of us interested in the natural sciences, it is a fascinating process to observe.  While the climate's effects on weather patterns are most obvious, it also alters natural food sources, migration patterns, water resources and vegetation cycles, among less evident factors.  Indeed, it's what we don't yet understand that is the most worrisome aspect of global warming.

The prospect that humans will unite to reverse climate change seems unlikely, especially on this politically fractured planet.  Whether we can adapt and survive as a species is also in question.  No doubt, many species will outlast our own.

Biden's Fault

King Trump, his adoring Court and his do-nothing Republican Congress have ballooned our National Debt to 40 trillion dollars in just 19 months.  Of course, they insist it's Biden's Fault.

Never mind the tariffs, the massive tax cuts for the wealthy, Trump's grift and vanity projects, the deportation of trained, reliable workers, the exorbitant cost of the cruel Ice Program, the Federal Government's investment in private companies and Our Dear Leader's failed gamble in Iran.

Fortunately, our once-respected Treasury Secretary promises to tweak a few financial levers and solve our disastrous debt crisis.  If that doesn't work, he can always blame Biden.  The unwillingness to take responsibility for the consequences of one's actions (or inaction) is, in my opinion, among the most disturbing of human traits.  

Facing our Demise

By the time we humans reach our sixties, we begin to focus on our longevity and our likely cause of death.  For those who are already dealing with one or more chronic medical conditions, the answers seem more evident while others are inclined to glean probabilities from their family history.  Of course, neither assumption may prove to be valid.

Facing their mortality, many choose to slow or obscure their aging through the use of supplements, cosmetics and plastic surgery but the underlying truth is impossible to hide or deny.  A healthy diet and regular aerobic exercise help to maintain good function but, of course, aging brings an increasing risk of serious and potentially fatal disease.

Those who live into their seventies or eighties in relatively good health are fortunate indeed; too many succumb to illness or injury at a young age.  Nevertheless, the various side effects of aging cannot be ignored and preparations for the inevitable demise are often on our mind.  Enjoying life in the face of these challenges should be our primary goal.

Trump defunds National Parks

King Trump claims that his vanity projects, most notably his Ballroom, are paid for by himself and wealthy donors.  In his words, "taxpayers do not pay a dime."

Of course, like almost all of his proclamations, this is not true.  Indeed, much of the money is siphoned from other government programs and agencies (funded by taxpayers).  In other words, the Trump Administration has cut the budget for those programs, redirecting the previously designated funds to Trump's personal projects.

Among the victims of this scheme are the National Parks, beloved and heavily visited by American taxpayers.  Services, employment and, one strongly suspects, conservation programs have been significantly reduced.  This is of no surprise to those who understand Our Dear Leader's priorities: power, prestige and personal enrichment.  Protecting our National Parks does not even make his list (or cross his mind).

Trump cuts Vaccine Recommendations

In his latest Executive Order, King Trump, on the advice of his medically-naive HHS Secretary, has cut the recommended childhood vaccinations by a third.  Despite a total lack of scientific evidence that such a move is warranted, Trump relies on his gut (and his supreme narcissism) to make such far-reaching and potentially disastrous declarations.

No doubt, pediatricians across the country object to this order and, fortunately, will not change the recommendations that they offer to parents.  Even Senator Cassidy of Louisiana, a pediatrician who cleared RFK Jr.'s appointment, has voiced his dissent (a bit late in the game).

Trump is systematically dismantling American Healthcare.  Politics is placed above science and, in this case, children are the potential victims.  Impeachment is the only effective response.  

Agents of Carbon Capture

Even if (and it is a highly unlikely development ) all countries across the globe made sincere efforts to wean themselves from fossil fuel use, it would be decades before that would be accomplished and we could significantly reverse the ongoing climate change.  Of course, from an individual point of view, all we can do is limit our consumption of fossil fuels, minimize our overall energy use and install our own sources of green energy (e.g. solar panels).

But we can all be agents of carbon capture by maximizing the green plants on our property and by donating time and/or money to organizations that protect forests and strive to plant as many trees as possible.  Perhaps this simplistic approach does not impress many readers but doing nothing is not an option.

Cities and towns must be encouraged to take part in this "greening effort" and, in light of the tragic wildfire season, reforestation will be especially crucial.  As I have suggested in the past, the vast Great Plains could be used as a carbon sink by planting "snow fences" of drought tolerant trees wherever possible. 

Psychological Inheritance

We all inherit physical traits, talents, disease susceptibility and other genetic factors from our parents.  But we also receive psychological inheritance.

Beliefs and prejudices, instilled during our dependent years, must be dealt with.  As we mature, they demand compliance or rejection, often placing us at odds with our parents and siblings.  In some cases, they have been associated with abusive behavior, augmenting their power and diminishing our ability to dislodge them; counseling may be necessary.  If the beliefs are especially rigid or extreme, they tend to ignite a reactionary response, breaking ties with those who instilled them.

Eventually, this psychological baggage and how we approach it determines our personal philosophy and greatly influences how we raise our own children. 

Take your Average American

As this country struggles through the reign of King Trump, there is a great deal of discussion regarding who might return America to her previous glory, imperfect though it was.  I would suggest the average American will do.

Qualifications would include kindness, empathy, average intelligence, a sense of fairness and a willingness to consider varied points of view in a respectful manner.  A middle-aged individual (for the purposes of experience) would be best, as long as they have no history of political activity.  One would hope that such an individual would appoint Cabinet Members who are highly qualified in their area of service and would insure that both the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve are completely independent of the Executive Branch.

Perhaps this solution seems a bit too simplistic for many but we do not need another political-minded leader who seeks to control corporations, universities and law firms and whose focus is on their personal power and enrichment.  I would volunteer but I'm too old.  

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

Channeling a popular 1971 song by Five Man Electrical Band, King Donald has decreed that signs be placed outside the Smithsonian Museum to warn patrons that information found within is inaccurate.  Of course, he is protecting us from data that may reflect poorly on his kingdom.

Among these falsehoods are that science is the best path toward truth and that racism has always been part of American culture.  These signs will hopefully make us stop and think before we immerse ourselves in the liberal milieu of that National Institution.

There is only one problem with our Dear Leader's signs.  We cannot believe a word that he says or writes.