Medicare/Medicaid

Is Medicare/Medicaid welfare? That was the debate on the 940 Breakfast Club this morning. Actually, it wasn't much of a debate as a single person was arguing that it wasn't welfare. I don't have the data, but one guy was saying that the lifetime contributions of a typical person would not even cover one procedure.

Since the dollars don't seem to balance, I'm glad people don't take advantage of the system.

Link: Guess what kind of medical coverage he had?

"He wanted an ambulance to take him seven blocks to the hospital. And that's with an able-bodied girlfriend and a functional minivan parked 10 feet from his front door. He actually had to walk around his ride to get to his ride."

Oops. Nevermind.

Brick Tablet

While I am thinking about becoming one of the cool kids, I am not following Uncle's lead on getting a tablet.

I was not tempted at all by the slightly cheaper, ad supported Kindle. I never thought $135 sounded like a lot in the first place - even for a single purpose device.

And despite some who believe it is killing America*, I ordered an iPad this week.

The wife wanted one for our daughter to play with on the way to the beach. I want to play with the Ham Radio apps. I'll be curious to see how much it replaces the laptop. I cannot imagine doing blog posts from it. I do see reading books, watching videos, and reviewing my ever growing RSS feed list. I will probably carry it to church - lots of people are already using their Blackberry and Android to read the Bible.

*From the article, a quote: "But there is no protection for jobs here in America to ensure that the American people are being put to work.” I must have skipped that section in the Constitution. (And apparently everything I see right now is through "Ayn Rand" colored glasses, because this sounds like it could be a line from the book.)

Wealth Inequality in America

The article: Wealth Inequality in America

"What this tells me is that Americans don’t understand the extent of disparity in the US, and that they (we) desire a more equitable society."

I disagree with the second part of that statement. The question (how should wealth be divided up) came with a condition - that you did not know which group you will find yourself a part of. That condition, I think, would encourage a reasonable person to hedge their bets.

We don't live in a perfect world. We are born into sin. Until the Revelation, there will be pain, suffering, and inequality. As TNJeff has told me on numerous occasions, in a perfect world, we'd all be democrats. But, it isn't a perfect world. Looters, get over it and quit wishing your life away. Be a producer.

Publix

Rumor has it that we are getting a Publix where the K-Mart used to be (near West Towne) and the current home of Duck Duck Goose.

Publix has been a treat for us when we go to the beach. I hope it doesn't become mundane once it is easily accessible.

Knoxville Force

Knoxville has pro soccer. Who knew? Despite loving the sport, I don't keep up with MLS, UEFA, or the Premiership. I guess that's why I've been to a roller derby bout, but had no idea about the Knoxville Force.

Towel Boy

If you read this post, you agree to be my towel boy. I'm sure this is legally binding unlike the confidentiality notices that are appended to e-mails.

Where do you draw the line?

I don't actually know where the line is, but I would think you could decide if you wanted people with guns in your home. I'm all for allowing people to own and carry guns, but this seems to step directly on another person's rights.

It is 8:12pm on April 19, 2011

Good news if you are reading this. Skynet is not taking over the world.

Ayn Rand - Separation of Economy and State

If you can't find the time to read the relatively short 1,000 page opus that is Atlas Shrugged (or even two hours for the movie), here is short video summary of her philosophy.



Thanks to TNJeff for pointing me to the video.

Game of Thrones

They've already been picked up for Season 2. Thanks to NotTNJeff for the heads-up. Also, a great summary of the major characters, locations, etc. is here.