CAN WOMEN CONTROL THEIR OWN BODY'S HEALTH?

The U. S. Supreme Court Dobbs vs Jackson pending legal case is one demanding significant attention.  This case decision will have profound consequences in our nation for women and men due to  ramifications for Roe vs Wade that legalized abortion in 1973.   

Reading CNN's  account of Politico that first published leaked Justice Alito's proposed 1st draft majority opinion (98 pgs)* suggests to me an ideologically obsessed Court.  The majority judges appear to have  gone to great lengths citing as a basis for their convolutional interpretation of our constitution justification to overturn a fifty-year precedent rule recognizing a woman has a right to decision-making about the health of her own body.   The Court's final decision is expected to be announced in late June or early July.

*(Note: click on emphasized content items to link with source.)

What I'm writing here is not about discussing the religious and moral question of abortion though those are signifiant issues individual women consider for themselves based on what they believe, also  in consultation with their health care provider(s)/physician.     Current reality and history through the ages is that some women will look for ways to end pregnancies as has always happened whatever one's belief and whatever the law.

NPR's fact checks include:  the majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in most or all cases; the rate of abortions has decreased since 1973; more than 60% who get abortions have a religious affiliation.  

The issue of abortion with questionable issues about life has been so politicized which is reprehensible since the matter is one that should be between a woman and her doctor much less have a court of law injected into the matter. But that's what has happened.

What is really at stake with this currently pending case decision is:                                                          does the U. S Constitution guarantee equality for women?

Abortion is the current issue chosen to answer this question. There may be even more issues introduced later with rights of privacy and other fundamental rights also threatened if Roe vs Wade is overturned.  

One such right to consider, a friend wrote me recently:  "...the right granted in HIPAA should apply to women's reproductive rights.  It's nobody's business but patient/doctor."

"HIPAA:  The health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge."  

"Abortions: Past, Present and Future" with an unsettling photo referencing Handmaid Tale-like laws is written by Jean you can view by clicking on her blog: "Misadventures of Widowhood".   She has advocated "keeping abortions safe, legal and rare."

"Handmaid's Tale" references Margaret Atwood's book to which she referred in a current Atlantic article.  She wrote: "I invented Gilead.  The Supreme Court is making it real.  I thought I was writing fiction".   She went on to write, should this Supreme Court adopt Judge Alito's majority opinion to overturn Roe vs Wade the United States would be "...turned into a theocratic dictatorship based on 17th-century NewEngland Puritan religious tenets and jurisprudence."  She asks, "Is this where we want to live?"

Margaret Atwood's 'Handmaid's Tale' Is Inspiring A New Generation

Some of you may recall Ronni Bennettt's blog, "Time Goes By" (TGB), you can still access by clicking on that link.  Some of what she wrote over the years is current even now as you will see.

(Ronni's writings with comments are still available on her internet site which she made significant effort to ensure would be available for a period after her expected death just as many fellow bloggers said they wanted.  Since her blog's continuation by a friend as Ronni wrote she had arranged has not occurred and no explanation after 2018 has been provided as to when or whether if ever will, I'm taking the liberty of linking for you to some of Ronni's blog posts to share here.)

Ronni hoped blog conversations would continue many timely topics she introduced that are not outdated today.  She documented what she wrote, identified thoughts as her opinions when she expressed them and sometimes offered suggestions about how to resolve some issues.  She often cited examples of the subjects about which she wrote to bring to others attention.   Ronni hoped other bloggers would also note examples they encountered in their lives writing about them, too, perhaps attracting additional bloggers to do the same since many doing so might influence desired change.  One such topic was Roe vs Wade and issues concerning a woman's health.

"The Supreme Court Abortion Decision" Ronni published first at Blogher, then on TGB in April 2007 questioned the Court's ruling on a case "...banning late-term abortion with no provision for the health of the mother".  In lieu of the strong words I think Ronni would be writing today I recommend you read what she wrote then that is still pertinent.  

Ronni felt so strongly about the matter that in her forthright honest manner she revealed in that article her own personal harrowing experience as an example of what women were and can be subjected to if Roe vs Wade is overturned by the Court.

Ronni also wrote:  Until a man is capable of giving birth and/or every man is forced by law to both financially support and participate in the gestation and raising of every child he fathers, and such law is enforced without exception (a permanent ankle tracking device for those who run comes to mind) no man has a right to discuss abortion, let alone to vote on it. 

In September 2018 Ronni shared in another post "The Penis Legislation Act" during now Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh's Senate hearings for that appointment. He was questioned about his views on a woman's right to choose.

Read Associated Press News for what Kavanaugh and other judges said in their nomination hearings about Roe to the Senate panel.  

Devorah Blachor's  satirical article, "Why Are Men Getting So Hysterical About the Penis Legislation Act?" prompted Ronni's post which is a must read.  Just imagine if men's bodies and sexual organ/function was subjected to legislation, much less judicial judgement as this "Act" describes.

The point of all this I want to make is the simplicity of the issue -- it's not complicated.   

Our Supreme Court's decision should affirm in the case before them now upholding the 50-year precedent Roe vs Wade rule ensuring women's right to make health decisions for their own bodies as the Piedtype blogger notes in "It's About Equality" with excerpts below:

"From  'America Is Not Ready for the End of Roe v. Wade' by the New York Times editorial board on May 6:

The principle is clear:

   Women and men should have equal control over their own bodies ...

Even more fundamental than our religious and/or unscientific differences about when human life begins is that simple statement:  Women and men should have equal control over their own bodies.  To deny women the right to abortion is to deny them equality with men.  Period.

Gender equality in the United States either is, or it isn't."  

Thousands gather for pro-abortion rights rally in Los Angeles and across the nation/ABC-TV 7

"TIME GOES BY" -- HAS TGB GONE ... BY ... BYE?

MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION

Memorial Day commemorates those whose lives were taken in defense of each of us and the United States.  I especially remember those who fought in WWII though few of that generation are still living -- the veterans themselves, other contemporaries.  I have written posts devoted specifically to honoring all those serving our country you may access in this blog's archives numerous years on this date.

HAS TIME GONE BY?

Others have commented here missing the "Time Goes By" community and reading Ronni Bennett's writing at her blog due to her death last year.  I was reminded last month we often celebrated her April 7th birthday with her.  I think we all knew what skills, experience and perspective with humor she brought to her blog were unique to her, not to be easily imitated or reproduced by another.  She expended considerable time and energy into promoting the goals she had for TGB's focus on aging and providing encouragement to elderbloggers.  

Like most who were influenced by or followed RB's blog we have looked forward to the blog continuing with a new writer.  We were delighted to read a close friend Ronni had encouraged decided to become TGB's blogger to be known as Autumn as she last told us in December  2020.

Since Autumn's December pronouncement TGB readers have awaited the next communique.  Some readers, including myself, wanted to support keeping the TGB community together.  We, independent of one another, tried to follow Ronni's dictum to "talk among yourselves" as she had encouraged on those few occasions in the past when she had little to write.  So, we generally referenced some topics about which she had previously written offering our new fresh commentary and encouraging others to add their thoughts, to select other of her blog post topics to comment on, or even introduce some new topics.  This was all done, hopefully to maintain interest, and TGB community followers until that unknown time when Autumn has been expected to begin writing there.

Whatever the plans for TGB they remain unknown.  In the past months comments have been closed on all of the TGB topics so keeping the blog active for reader community dialogue is obviously not part of the plan for the blog presently.  Or perhaps someone stopped the comments because too much moderating was needed for an increasing number of unacceptable comments, those seeking free advertising, trolls polluting the content.  Coincidentally, just before comments were closed, I had decided to discontinue commenting there further any way, on what I had come to see as a dormant TGB for new posts.

I don't presume to know what Ronni's thoughts were, but based on what I knew of her desire for her blog, I think she would be disappointed her blog has not been actively continued in some fashion with at least an occasional brief status update since that last December pronouncement. Possibly Autumn continues to be involved with resolving issues associated with RB's death, formulating her plans for TGB, securing her own continued anonymity if that is her preference, and many other explanations.   Everything is pure speculation so TGB followers apparently must be patient a while longer for the promised blog continuation.

I've looked forward to learning what the philosophy of TGB would be, the guidelines for posts and comments to be followed, if TGB will continue to be non-commercial as well as the blog's content focus.  I've looked forward to seeing if the blog will still be of interest to me as one of the older bloggers there.  RB was close to being a contemporary of mine though slightly younger, plus we had other shared interests.

Will matters pertaining to older bloggers be addressed as well as the focus wisely being primarily on Boomers and younger generations?  I realize as someone whose life as a child was during WWII that those of us still living are increasingly few in number, but I've appreciated encountering others like myself at TGB as well as reading of other generations experiences and point of view.  I don't know what sort of connection I may feel with another blogger or bloggers and the direction TGB may take if, in fact, TGB continues.  Unfortunately, many of the aging issues RB addressed continue to exist in our culture impacting all ages ultimately, so there are still many matters needing discussion for how to resolve.

Incidentally, quite by accident some months ago I came across an exchange of comments on another blog that has since become dormant, too.  That blogger expressed congratulations to her commenter for having decided to continue as TGB's blogger.   My clicking on that commenter's icon surprisingly to me linked to TGB though she was commenting from a different blog.  When queried about her relationship to TGB she responded such a link was an accident.  I did research that commenter's name who will remain unnamed in respect of her privacy.  I did not contact her and have no further information to share on this matter.

I don't know if or when TGB will resume with Autumn or someone else or others writing, or what is the intent for the blog's future focus and content. I'm as curious as you may be.  The December 2020 post Autumn wrote says she will be continuing with TGB, so only time will tell when a fresh post will be published, if ever.  Surely, if Autumn has since changed her mind, deciding to not assume blogging at TGB she or someone would say so.  Meanwhile, "Time Goes By".

 

REMEMBERING RONNI. ----- KWANZAA ----- NEW YEAR

                            HAPPY NEW YEAR ---- 2021  ! ! !    Friday

        "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas as this holiday weekend ends, we begin to celebrate Kwanzaa and we ready for New Year's Day.  Soon to follow are these significant countdown date facts augmented by my point of view .....

January 5, 2021:    Georgia runoff election for 2 seats determines U.S. Senate control.

January 6, 2021 at 1 p.m.:     U.S. Electoral College vote finalized,                                              certified in Congressional joint session -- if law and order prevails.

   ? ? ? ? ?                Current Lame Duck President exits the White House as he continues his desperate efforts to undermine our democracy, damaging this nation.

January 20, 2021 at noon:    President Biden is inaugurated.                                                                    

Another exciting week at my house as I continue to follow the Stay At Home admonition from health authorities as being necessary to limit Covid-19's spread and to avoid becoming infected.  

FaceTime proved to be the means by which our family virtual interaction was enjoyed Christmas Day with expanded participant contact expected in the week ahead, but probably on Zoom due to technical compatibility issues.  Additionally, I received videos of selected packages being opened to augment  the holiday fun.   Given the three hour time difference I could view the recorded action on a delayed basis allowing me to avoid having to arise at the young one's early-rising hour in their home.  

As this year comes to an end I have been reminded of how few holiday greeting cards with personal notes I wrote for mailing with equally few received.  I was made aware the already diminished number of friends and family decreased even further this year.    Additionally, I'm reminded of a virtual friend about whom I said no more than to announce her untimely departure when I learned of it several days after her death.

A tribute to this lady, Ronni Bennett, who created her "Time Goes By" blog is very much overdue.  For anyone reading this who is unfamiliar with her, I recommend you explore her blog.  Her writings, other features, can be accessed in the blog's archives under a variety of topics.  The blog will continue with her dear friend, Autumn, writing there.  

I recall with nostalgia my entry into the blogosphere years ago, first only reading, eventually cautiously commenting on TGB when I was simultaneously learning how to use a computer and discovered the Internet.  Ronni encouraged me in email correspondence to write, then later completely surprised me by asking me to be a TGB guest blogger on one occasion.  My response to her was one of incredulity, "You must be crazy!" as I did not perceive myself writing anything worthy of publication on her blog.  I did finally write  a piece for TGB, then ultimately started this blog, though my Internet blog launching was quite accidental.

I've shared Ronni's interest in presenting the life of elders as it really is.  I've enjoyed engaging in terminology discussions she fostered at TGB including our questioning the use of "senior" as applied to older people, but no one could come up with a better word.  She also wrote her somewhat controversial use of the word "elder" as meaning in the sense that it refers to those in generally older generations, whose years of experience can provide ideas worthy of being listened to by others, with respect.  She focused on overcoming the decades old practice of age discrimination which she had experienced first hand and persists today.  These are only a few issues she addressed.

Ronni's writing hallmark was truth and honesty.  She provided factual information supported by documentation on matters of vital importance, especially to those 50 years and older on topics including Medicare, Social Security and more.  Age discrimination, language used to characterize older people were issues of significant interest as she wanted to see that negative practice overcome, one to which she had been subjected.   

She pinpointed governmental actions, or lack thereof, that had bearing on elder generations, ultimately all citizens sooner or later -- everyone becomes old, if they live long enough.  She expressed her point of view on many topics, political and other.  Ronni clearly noted when what she wrote was her opinion versus a known fact as any responsible journalist would do.  She used an alter ego, Crabby Lady, on occasion to express her dissatisfaction, downright anger at any manner of injustice she perceived.  

Ronni entertained us with her good humor, sometimes stimulated our feelings of sadness as well as happiness, also arranged to provide some musical pleasure on her blog.  She demanded civility on TGB, did not allow comments designed to elicit free advertising and promotions, set a standard of quality influencing how others administered their blogs.  

I've hardly scratched the surface of what Ronni's "Time Goes By" blog, information provided there and commentary has contributed on the blogosphere and to all those who visited there.  Her influence went well beyond the blog with writings, media and technology conference appearances.   I haven't even touched on her professional career prior to starting this blog which can be sourced on TGB.

"Time Goes By" will continue, reincarnated by her dear friend, Autumn, as mentioned earlier, in whatever form she may choose which I will look forward to visiting.  I will miss Ronni Bennett, but will always remember her with high regard, respect and affection.  

                           H A P P Y    N E W     Y E A R   ! ! !

HEARING -- HARASSMENT -- HOPE

HEARING AIDS

As often happens beginning when I first encountered Ronni Bennett’s writing at her blog  “Time Goes By”  eleven or so years ago, her words often prompt me to think about the topic or associated matters introduced.  Her subject (11/13/17) discussing hearing loss and using hearing aids prompted me to make this comment though edited which I’m sharing here in case readers didn’t see it there.   

I’ve long believed aids to sensory system losses should be regarded as a fundamental health care need.  We are the information our brain receives through our senses -- just as the ability to communicate in some form or another is vital to our well-being, whatever our physical state.   Our priorities seem not to recognize these facts until we begin to lose these abilities  at any age, though the older we become the more prone to their functional decline we are.

What that means is — eye care, including glasses ..... ear care and hearing ..... are two  senses of critical importance to our retaining  a healthy mental — cognitive status.    Maintaining this state holds special significance as we age -- our bodies start to reflect the wear and tear of living -- and the ability to communicate — hearing and speaking to express our needs, wants and feelings — becomes increasingly vital.

For many years, at least in earlier generations, people disdained wearing glasses and were often the butt of disparaging jokes i.e. called “four eyes” and other terms, just as many others with various disabilities were subjected to put-downs.   We seem to have become more accepting of glasses use, but many people are still too proud to use hearing aids, or are in denial they have hearing loss — often blaming others for not speaking clearly or loudly  enough.

Also, many with hearing loss, or those who communicate with them, don’t use the techniques needed to best enable their hearing with what residual hearing they have.  As a Speech-Language-Hearing Pathologist (retired now)  I have additionally provided services for individuals with hearing loss, some with their family members, and others — to best maximize hearing aid use and benefits.

The first thing to understand is that not all hearing loss is amenable to correction simply by amplification.   Purchasing amplifying hearing aids would obviously be of little benefit for some in that case.   Having hearing evaluated by a licensed and certified American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Audiologist who is trained to identify not only hearing loss types,  but also possible medical issues requiring further medical assessment is recommended,  as opposed to hearing assessments provided by some businesses simply testing and  selling hearing aids.

My experience has been that too many people expect hearing aid(s) will return their hearing to be exactly as it was before the loss.  Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.  Numerous factors come into play, and the brain processing of information that the ear mechanism receives with the help of the aid(s) must be relearned in the brain. 

(Darlene’s description in her TGB blog comment describing the challenge she’s had appreciating music again is an example of that process, though speech sounds are processed in different brain areas and are more amenable to intelligible adaptation.)

For the brain to best adapt to the hearing aided sounds -- the individual needs to wear the hearing aids over time.   All too often when my services were requested the hearing aid(s) had been spending most of their time in the drawer as others report in their TGB comments.  Also, the individual with hearing loss did not know how to compensate for the aid(s) short-comings, or what they needed to educate their friends and family to understand about how to best communicate with them.   Or, those same caring family didn’t pay attention to what was needed and my patient’s hope was they might listen if they had a professional explain it to them.

Attenuation issues are a common complaint with hearing aids.   Our brain has the ability to selectively focus on one speaker in a crowd while somewhat tuning out some of the crowd noise, for example.   Amplification simply turns up the volume on all sounds.   Aid users must learn through use and practice how to accommodate and adapt to making their aid(s) work best for them in all situations.     Considering our individual unique perceiving skills, doing so will vary to some extent for users depending on how they respond to the differing hearing situations they’re in, their hearing loss and possibly the type aid they have.

I note from what users have written in comments at TGB that the hearing aids promoted as having attenuation capabilities leave much to be desired.  This should be a cautionary tale to explore their limitations  with a competent professional before purchasing.

All that said, using hearing aids can be a godsend for those with hearing loss and those with whom they interact.    Given the technological knowledge and skills in this nation, high quality inexpensive hearing aids should be available to everyone with hearing loss who needs them.

  

HARASSMENT

Me too!   That exclamation supports what far too many individuals around the world experience.  Here in the U.S., the courageous outpouring of individuals revealing the pain and mental suffering they’ve experienced -- afraid to protest against those who have harassed, molested or physically assaulted them at some time during their life time.  

Nothing angers me more than those whose ignorance causes them to condemn individuals finally feeling able to safely identify their perpetrators, sometimes from decades earlier in their life.  I hear the condemners of those who have been violated disparage them by saying, “Why didn’t they come forward to report it immediately after it happened?” – therefore, they make the erroneous assumption the act, whatever it was, did not occur.

I can personally vouch for the fact that revealing having been harassed, been aware of others harassed, molested or groomed for assault and naming the perpetrator is as authentic in reporting whether doing so occurs immediately afterward, 77 years later, or on any given day in between!  That does allow that some effort can be made to authenticate the report.

In my case, I only recently learned the perpetrator of one of my unsolicited events was convicted twenty years later following other persons experience.  He had ascended to a high position in a trusted life-saving caregiving position by that time.  I have wondered how many unrevealed others there were in the interim following me and before them?  

Thought to be a first time offender and such a credit to society in his work position, I think he may have been released.  That has led me to wonder how many more since then?   I’ve concluded given what his age must be now, he must surely have expired or is physically harmless. 

Lest you ask, he has lived across country from me and I don’t intend to invest my time or money into tracking him down now.  Had I  known about all this years ago I most certainly would have contacted authorities there then.

I won't describe a number of my additional experiences, or that of others I know to be fact,  but a startling though minor one to me at the time was the occasion years ago I was waiting at a crowded crosswalk on a famed street in San Francisco, California and received an unsolicited buttocks grope – supposedly to be interpreted by the groper as a compliment, I gather, much as I’m told routinely occurs in Italy, possibly other select European cities and cultures.  Knowing what is harmless and what is not isn't always easily determined and can be learned by some too late. 

HOPE

Our Offender-in-Chief has hardly modeled morally desired behavior for persons in power based on documented reports of numerous instances in his adult life as he self-described..   Though this was known before his election, a minority of this nation’s electorate still voted for him – some, reported to be of strict but hypocritical religious moral beliefs, ironically, continue to support him.

There may be hope that his supporters are decreasing in numbers.  Desperation, due to increasing threats to his credibility and legitimacy, has motivated him to resort to his standard playbook of instigating distraction, deflection and attack, as usual, in such circumstances. 

He has enlisted his partisan appointee Attorney General (shades of Nixon/Mitchell) to pursue questionable accusations involving a foundation associated with the candidate who opposed him in last year’s election.  I’m left to wonder if the Russians are coming and/or the kitchen is beginning to get a mite too warm for him given investigations of him and his family.  .  

BUSINESS DRAMA -- W.H. DRAMA -- THEATRE DRAMA

DRAMA, Drama ... everywhere – just can’t seem to escape drama whether at international, national or local level.   Several weeks ago I unexpectedly received a phone call one weekend afternoon.   I was advised my next hair appointment would be at a different location even closer to my home.   I had learned on my previous appointment that some long simmering intrigue the beauty shop’s hair dressers had with their colleague who owned the shop was coming to a head.   I knew something was eminent but hadn’t expected that the whole staff, except the owner, would be relocating -- but that’s what was happening I was told.    These ladies have all worked together for decades – mostly just part time now -- and qualify age-wise to be elders.

Allegedly, instead of managing the business to benefit all as had been promised -- when the group had supported their co-hair dresser assuming ownership a couple decades ago from another member now deceased -- she had focused mostly on her own self-interest.  Apparently, failure to effectively manage shop financial obligations, absence of disclosure, lack of truthfulness, secretive maneuvering had resulted in the business collapse with their suddenly being told she was closing the business and they had two weeks to vacate. 

   

A week later the owner had reportedly engaged in a sudden loud and emotional verbal outburst -- totally unprofessional when some customers were present -- upon discovering the staff was departing a week early for their own best interests.   One customer almost a century old became very upset, so when her next appointment got cancelled because she was in the hospital, speculation was rampant that the explosive incident to which she had been subjected might have been the precipitating cause.   She’s since returned home and continues appointments at the new location.  

Just as I adjusted to the idea all was normal in this new setting, I was apprised this past week that the group sensed some sort of change was in the works at the new place, but they were unable to determine what it was yet.   Never ending drama everywhere.

W.H. DRAMA

I can’t help thinking how aspects of this hairdresser’s business drama situation mirror what may be occurring in our nation’s White House.   This is especially ironic that this group whose misplaced trust in the person they chose to manage their business operation may well be further disillusioned if our national leader they avidly support also betrays them.  Guess they'll learn the hard way since, evidently, our leader continues to be more interested in just getting his way -- as with demanding revocation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA – Obamacare) – without consideration for the quality of any replacement healthcare plan. 

The drama of our leader arrogantly ratcheting up the juvenile tit for tat name-calling inciting North Korea’s blustering leader creates a literal world-threatening situation.   I’d like to lock the two of them in a cage together and leave the rest of us out of it. 

Thinking of the circumstances that lead our nation into the Iraq War, and now viewing the current PBS-TV Vietnam War series should give us reason for serious concern.   The latter program in Episode 4 features Sam Wilson, U.S. Army who makes a statement worthy of consideration today by those leading our nation:

   “It’s very very difficult to dispel ignorance if you retain arrogance.”     

THEATRE DRAMA

Reading about the importance of avoiding falls, especially for older people, that Ronni Bennett wrote about at “Time Goes By” recently, stimulated a number of my thoughts.   She described lots of effective measures and links to help us stay on our feet -- short of gluing them to the floor.     We do have to remember and then use those techniques for them to work which we may be careless about doing.   

I am reminded of an accidental fall I had 20 years ago – was in a cramped bedroom area, reaching up and twisting my body in some contorted way for an item on a shelf above the closet – I leaned slightly …but too far, I quickly realized.   I instantly knew I would be unable to regain my balance and instinctly determined to take a “stage fall”, which I did -- protecting my head and landed mostly on one side.  Coupled with the fact I fell on some objects I did end up for the first time ever with what I later figured must be deep tissue bruising.   Seemed to take weeks for that soreness and stiffness to go away.

I try to remember to use a “stage fall” if I’m going down – learned it in drama class in my young adult theatre “ham” years.   Basically, I just try complete body relaxation, allowing my knees and torso  to gradually fold down as my arms position to protect my head.   Keep in mind I am a lay person on this topic, so I’m not saying do as I do.   

For any oldsters -- with more brittle bones I don’t practice stage falls now as I did when young and certainly don’t recommend others do it either.    I simply try to remember those techniques I mentioned to use if and when I have a real accidental fall. 

I did find this wikiHow to Fall Safely link which does offer some good ideas about how to best try to position our bodies if we do accidentally fall.  You may find some good ideas to consider.   Discuss them with your doctor, a physical therapist if you have one, or other qualified orthopedic professionals. 

Move slowly -- don't turn too fast -- look where you're going -- stay on your feet -- and don't fall!

RONNI --- FAIRNESS -- AGING HUMOR

RONNI

Surgery successfully completed for Ronni Bennett who I mentioned in previous post…..her recovery in progress ….. updates are being provided by her good friend, Autumn, at “Time Goes By”.

FAIRNESS

Health care in the U.S. continues to be in a state of flux which to my way of thinking is nothing short of being criminal.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could know they would have necessary health care in this wealthy nation of ours

 – that a doctor would see them other than just in the E.R.,

 – that they wouldn’t have to worry about possibly being bankrupted from a catastrophic illness?  

Why shouldn’t American citizens be entitled to health care at least as equivalent to that which we generously pay in our taxes to provide our Congressional Representatives and Senators?

The reality is that most of those we've elected could easily pay out-of-pocket for all their medical care with little or no detrimental effect on their financial situation – not so true for most ordinary people -- not true at all for others.

Here's what fact-checker Snopes says is the current status of health insurance coverage members of Congress will receive if the Affordable Care Act (ACA aka Obama Care) is repealed:  "...members of Congress have a fallback plan. They would be able to return to the FEHBP. Twenty million other Americans won’t."

We might want to ask .....

.....what are the Trump Senate health care plan bill's provisions for members of Congress coverage?  

Why aren’t all Americans regardless of political affiliation …..

….. up in arms demanding fair health insurance coverage?

…..outraged that a foreign nation has attempted to interfere in our elections – and is expected to continue doing so in the future?

…..demanding accountability from our President and his administrators demonstrating that there is no conflict of interest between their personal business interests and actions taken as our government agents?

…..requiring actions to benefit ordinary citizens be given precedence over give--aways to the wealthy?

AGING HUMOR

Decades ago, a few years after we moved to Southern California, the Los Angles NBC-TV affiliate added a couple of new young broadcasters to their on-air talent roster.   The two separately and occasionally in tandem demonstrate some comic talents they often incorporate into their portions of the news programs which they both continue to deliver. 

One is a sportscaster, the other, a weatherman – Fritz Coleman, who has been a stand-up comedian even longer.  Here’s a short, less than 5 minutes, excerpt of Fritz’s humorous comments at a 2014 Conference on Aging in Pasadena. 

Hope you have a few laughs releasing those healing endorphins.

RONNI BENNETT ----------- GIFT CARD SAGA

RONNI BENNETT  at    "TIME GOES BY" 

 ......send positive thoughts her way as she undergoes surgery Tuesday June 20th.

We Elderbloggers have benefited from her guidance, encouragement and support as she continues to write about "what it's really like to get old" -- in addition to all the other information she provides.   

THANKS RONNI!     I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RETURN TO BLOGGING SOON.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

GIFT CARD SAGA has also been on my mind recently..........

Once upon a time …. this mother decided to surprise her daughter who was busy with working -- making plans to transport home her daughter  following University graduation, plus her  four years of accumulated belongings -- keeping their home in pristine “show” condition for prospective buyers until sold -- just to describe her primary preoccupations.   The home’s kitchen counter had been cleared of the older microwave so that quick clean cooking convenience was gone. 

Who knew how long enduring the home selling process would be necessary.   Wouldn’t being able to use  gift cards to  some favorite eating establishments, or tickets to a movie theater be nice, if you needed to exit the abode to allow  an open house or a showing…..or after unloading the car when home from University?   If I was on the opposite coast where they live, I’d be treating both of my “girls” to ease the stress.    Mother’s Day was approaching, so the gift could be especially timely, or could be saved for the weeks ahead I reasoned.   Once the house was sold there would be more packing, moving to the new residence with no less free time for either gals than before.  

           

So, I purchased gift cards I especially wanted to insert in a morale-boosting humorous greeting card -- commiserating with the harried state of their lives.  I could picture in my mind their laughing faces when the funny card and contents arrived.    Off to the post office – wisely deciding to insure the envelope’s contents – learning the card would arrive Saturday before Mother’s Day.   Perfect!   Won’t they be pleasantly surprised!    Better alert them to be certain to retrieve their mail that day from the curbside mailbox.

The surprise was mine – the suspense, then the disappointment theirs – the card did not arrive Saturday, the following Monday or any day thereafter.  Tracking on the computer reveals the envelope was never scanned after the initial scan at my post office, so showed to be always in transit, but not where.   A couple trips to my post office elicits clerk instructions to “wait a little longer”, after they check their computer verifying what I had told them.

Eventually, I phone a couple of the gift card businesses who report their cards had not been used.  Another check with the post office clerk – to be told I could file an insurance claim no sooner than 21 days after mailing.    So, after that deadline, back to the post office where this time I was told the clerk couldn’t help me when I requested an insurance claim form -- that I had to file a claim on the Internet.

When I’m told I must use the Internet, my hackles are raised as I wonder what the statistics say are the number of people without Internet usage – how do they submit a form ?   (I miss blogger Schmidley Scribblings , retired government statistician, who could shed some educated insight on the viability of this statistical  research)…. but here’s what Pew researchers said in May 2016 – 13% of adults don’t use the Internet.

I said, “What if I don’t have a computer?”  I eventually request to speak to the Supervisor who finally decides to print a copy of the form for me, then admonishes I must submit on the Internet.  I say, “Do you mean in order to submit it, I have to take it somewhere and pay to use their computer?”   She sorta shrugs, after a pause, reluctantly saying, “Bring it in” as she turns away, hurriedly closing the door to the inner sanctum behind her.   I simply wanted to find out what people without Internet connection do.  

Following that encounter, carrying my forms and receipts back and forth to the post office, I discover that my insurance receipt was now missing.   I check the car, areas where I was in the house, for the receipt, to no avail.  I thought, maybe the postal officials will accept all the other documentation I have as adequate.   Much to my surprise and relief, several days later I found the receipt hidden under the edge of my recliner.  

A week or so later, when completing the USPS insurance claim form, I note instructions on the back provide directions for mailing-- fortunate for the population I was concerned about which includes a considerable number of our older population.    I know we’ll all eventually be “connected” but there should be some provision for those who aren’t in the meantime – and having to do so, they  shouldn’t be made to feel “lesser than” for asking.  Also, computers die – power goes out – what then?  

Reminds me -- I love it when I phone my provider’s tech support number and get a recording instructing me to solve my problem on the internet -- “I can’t – I’ve lost the Internet connection!  That’s why I’m calling!!”

My final effort before mailing involves a trip to an office supply store to use their copy machine.  This results in a quite unbelievable complication – even sounds like “the dog ate my homework” excuse.  That disappearing, then reappearing insurance receipt went to extremes this time.  Placing all the paperwork on the top of the copy machine while I select purchase receipts to copy, suddenly the insurance receipt flutters away – downward -- landing on edge -- slipping into a hairline wide separation between the wall and the eight inch high baseboard – lingering briefly with one corner protruding before sliding away into some mysterious dimension before I could retrieve it.  

Two different store clerks came to explore some possible rescue, but  squinty-eye peering into the abyss through that sliver-of-an-opening evidences no sign of the white paper receipt.  Copying the rest of my documents, I am reconciled to sending what I have, in the hopes the postal service authorities will find the data sufficient to refund my gift cards value. 

The good news is I had been able to arrange for the largest card amounts to be reimbursed.   I earlier phoned each of the four businesses to verify a second time the cards had not been redeemed, then requested they be voided and the amount be reissued in some manner so I wouldn’t have to bother with the insurance.   Two businesses,  a restaurant and a coffee house), accommodated my request, but I had them send ecards as replacements.    

The movie theater had no mechanism for handling such a process for the card purchased at my supermarket – though that’s where the others had been bought and activated also.   The other card from a popular universal pizza company has a disclaimer in the small print I was told -- “cards lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or used without your permission will not be replaced nor their funds".  

So, the latter two smaller amounts, plus my postage are what I will be expecting the USPS to reimburse.   What I have learned will influence the type card purchases I might make in the future – also, whether or not I would want to send any of these cards through the mail which, as I knew  is just like putting cash in the envelope. 

I wonder about others experiences with gift cards, if they ever mail them, and if any delivery, redemption or replacement issues?    

2 rr's missing 3rd R

Our United States current Democratic Party administration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden learned with the rest of our citizenry last week who their primary opposition’s vice presidential candidate would be.

Given that this man has been a very visible U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, actively involved in offering very controversial budget proposals in the past year or more, I am constantly amazed when I keep hearing news reports that many in the general population have never heard of him.  I find this more than just troubling, since I am always interested in knowing what government leaders are doing, or not doing, on my behalf.

When I think of  what this nation, people in every little town and on every farm have endured during the days of Wall Street and the banking world’s upheaval – the challenges we continue to face – how could people not be aware of or concerned about individuals such as him who are potentially instrumental in formulating plans they claim are needed to extricate us from this maze?

During the approximately 11 weeks remaining until our November election, we have the opportunity to thoroughly acquaint ourselves and others with as much as we can learn about these candidates, their beliefs, past actions, and plans that will significantly affect our lives and that of our children, grandchildren, future generations.  

A most succinct fact presentation of pertinent issues with information about these  candidates has been provided at Ronni Bennett’s “Time Goes By” yesterday and the previous day (8/14 and 13.)  

Whatever ones views about how to resolve our nation’s budget crisis, or if one has no view yet, I strongly urge you to read and give serious consideration to the facts she presents about Social Security solvency, Medicare’s and Medicaid’s healthcare dismantling.  The radical surgery proposed for these programs may not only be unnecessary but if done, and this was a true medical procedure, could be considered malpractice.  

Following is a slightly edited comment I was motivated to leave at TGB on those subjects.   

There can be little doubt about the goals of Republican Party Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, now that he’s selected Paul Ryan as his Vice Presidential running mate I concluded independently before reading here (TGB.)   [Romney has since been trying to distance himself from Ryan’s positions to keep from losing support.] 

Clearly the 2 rr’s (Romney and Ryan) every effort is directed toward channeling citizen monies to those wonderful financiers on Wall St. who did so much to bring us the Great Recession. The financiers and bankers are doing fine, but the same cannot be said for too many Americans.

I think it's incredibly naive to think this nation would have recovered much better under an administration run by the 2 rr's, or would now with what they propose.

I agree with an approach of gradually reducing this nation's debt and not at the wholesale expense of reducing/eliminating support for those whose life experiences have necessitated their needing assistance as the 2 rr's budget would impose.
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I believe there is value in offering individuals a hand up to get back on their feet when circumstances have created such a need. After reading one comment, [possibly from a troll] I do have to wonder why anyone would assume their children and grandchildren would sit around and not work just because assistance was available to others in need?

I, too, recall family members stories that old folks feared going to the poor house before the creation of Social Security as a safety net.   They knew of those who despite  lives of hard work, had unexpected health, accident, or business upsets that destroyed their financial base leaving them destitute.

I know of individuals who suffered such life setbacks.  They would likely have ended in a poor house had it not been for the safety net of social security and/or disability with Medicaid insurance coverage.  Incredibly to me was that they continued to support  the political party and candidates who were the very ones persistently trying  to undermine those safety net programs.  Those  beneficiaries were intelligent reasonable people in other ways, though locked into their ideology, but were blind to life's realities -- their own reality, right in front of them. 

Were they living today they would probably vote for the 2 rr's who I think of as capable of readin' and 'riting but lacking a 3rd R in 'rithmetics higher functions -- those that combine mathematical complexities with practical reasoning through rational thought. 

I see nothing that the 2 rr's propose that hastens the creation of jobs and begins to return to prosperity a decimated middle class in this nation.

I believe the 2 rr’s will try to privatize portions of Social Security  -- this would be a disaster as we should have learned from the recent financial markets collapse.  

I do see the 2 rr’s power play $$$ grab to consolidate control of our government into the hands of the uppermost  % of the wealthiest citizens and corporations – however unintentionally, or intentionally.

We must ask ourselves if this is the American Dream we want to leave our children, grandchildren and future generations?

NEW YEAR NUGGETS

New Year goal setting requires considerably more time than I’m willing to devote to the activity. Instead, I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned through the years. I’ve also been wondering what I’ll be learning in 2012 since life’s lessons never end.

This is a not so subtle introduction to the first piece I ever wrote for blogosphere publication -- before I even considered having a blog of my own. These retrospective nuggets previously appeared on Ronni Bennett’s "Time Goes By” on Tuesday, 14 March 2006 (slightly edited here.)

“Some of What I’ve Learned Through the Years.....So Far”

I've been aging all my life. Now, here in Southern California, where I've lived for about half my life, I'm flirting with my seventh decade. I look forward to those unknown decades to come. Isn't that what makes life so interesting and exciting, that we don't know what's coming next?

I'm not ready to leave this planet yet, unless I could finagle a free ride on one of Branson's or Ruttan's commercial space flights. (Last I read, ticket prices were just a bit steep.) Haven't yet traveled all over the world as I wanted, so this way I could just do it all in one grand trip. If for some reason I didn't make it back, well, what a way to go!

I learned long ago there's no way to predict the future. I planned as best I could. Some plans worked out. Some didn't.

I learned I didn't know as much as I thought I did at times. I learned I knew more than I thought I did at other times.

I learned to not waste my time and energy blaming others for something that didn't go right, even though they may have deserved it. Doesn't mean I haven't and don't still try to rectify what I perceive as a few injustices along the way, just means I can do that and keep my life moving ahead at the same time.

I learned there are only so many self-help books you can read, then at some point I learned I just had to get on with life. Then, I wondered why I wasted so much time reading those books. Well, I might have gotten a nugget or two from a couple of them.

I learned that everybody has problems of one kind or another, at one time or another, in their life. I learned that somewhere, someone else has had the same problems I had.

I learned that when it comes to problem solving, one size does not fit all. The same problem experienced by two different people may require entirely different solutions.

I learned it takes such little effort to smile and be pleasant to people 'cause you never know what might be going on in that person's life. They might really need that kind gesture. I've hoped others would give me the same consideration.

I learned to enjoy quiet and solitude, to value time alone without feeling lonely.

I learned to treasure time with friends and family as they may not always be present in my life.

I learned to love others just as they are; to value our differences.

I learned something from every job I ever had and I learned how to enjoy my time at every job I ever had. Doesn't mean there weren't some difficult experiences along the way.

I learned that learning is forever. I still take classwork. I still learn from people of all ages.

I learned that every job and the person who performs it is entitled to be treated with respect. I hope I'll be treated that way, too.

I learned that music, theatre, art, books, travel, nature, good food, pets can bring genuine pleasure though this is an incomplete list and not in hierarchical order.

I learned that viewing life as a glass half full is healthier than an attitude that the glass is half empty.

I learned that laughter is truly the best medicine. Science has finally proven it with all those endorphins we release when we laugh.

If you haven't laughed for a while, I strongly recommend you do so now. I know there are a lot of really humorous blogs to tickle your and my funny bone, to suit each of our tastes, written by people of all ages. I keep trying to find time to explore all those blogs, but can't do that when I'm doing this.