Friday, August 28, 2009

Wise Words, Debate, and Music

I received an email yesterday with some constructive thoughts on the Health Care debate:

"I was fascinated by this analysis of the logic - or illogic* - of the health-care "debate". It reminded me so much of the research that underlies the Marriage Enrichment Weekend put on each year. "12 Hours to a Great Marriage" comes out of the PREP research by the team at the University of Denver.

In essence, what they found was that as long as our marriage arguments remain at the "heat" but no "light" stage, we destroy our oneness, piece by piece. It is only when we stop to hear each other; stop to listen intently; stop to learn the stories and convictions that underlie the intensity that we exhibit - only then - when we truly feel heard and understood do we have the sense of safety to seek a satisfactory solution.

When it comes to the health-care debate, obviously that is not going to happen for everyone, and the openness and honesty needed to make this happen will remain buried under the emotions.

However, the final paragraph in the article is right in line with the PREP research:

"I think strategically it's important that the Obama administration and advocates of a health care plan really pay attention to how people feel and the symbolism they are seeing, and not just the nuts and bolts of the policy," Perrin said. "People don't reason with pure facts and logic alone."

Now if we can just do that on a personal level when people speak about their fears - FEARS - about the OBAMA health-care proposal!"

Then, on my way to drop my boys at school this morning I heard this song, Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath.** It just seemed to fit the topic and mood that were on my mind:




*This article does give an example using a study of Republican's emotional response, but it does say that all of us, including Democrats, do the same thing. So, I hope I don't seem too biased.

**This link is for the official video, but I like the images in the fan made video better!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Prayer and Fasting

I wonder if the Robo Call I received on Friday was influenced by Wednesday's " star-studded “teletownhall” meeting to discuss health-care reform" that 350,000 people apparently listened in to. During this phone conference:
Michelle Bachmann repeated the myth, adopted early by Sarah Palin, that the health-care plans being debated in Congress would set up “death panels” to determine which old folks are entitled to health care. “Thank God that Sarah Palin said that,” she told the callers. “These are true.”

In response to a caller from Minnesota who wanted to know if there was a plan afoot in Washington to require all medical doctors to perform abortions, Bachmann didn’t exactly shoot the suggestion down.

“Unless we explicitly restrict these items, I think we can fully expect that these radical pro-abortion individuals could very likely make those decisions,” she told the caller. “All of us who have labored tirelessly in the pro-life cause for years and years and years, we know what these people are capable of. That’s why they have to be tied down by restrictions explicitly in law.”

....“That’s really where this battle will be won — on our knees in prayer and fasting,” she told the listeners. “Remember: faith without works is dead. So we’re asking you to do all of it: pray, fast, believe, trust the Lord, but also act.”

I really liked the comment after the article by:

Mill
Comment posted August 24, 2009 @ 7:32 pm

Praying so some Americans won’t get any health care insurance?

Does Mrs. Bachmann’s God accept such petitions?

It reminded me of a passage from Isiah:

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;

16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,

17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Trying to Converse about Health Care

I really think Jon Stewart's interview of Betsy McCaughey reflects the difficulty, or perhaps impossibility, of trying to have a conversation about Health care between those with opposing views.

No one is shouting or screaming in this interview, which is nice, but understanding remains scarily elusive. No matter which point of view you relate to I would love to hear any ideas you have about how we can fix our inability to effectively communicate.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Betsy McCaughey Extended Interview Pt. 1
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorHealthcare Protests




The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Betsy McCaughey Extended Interview Pt. 2
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show
Full Episodes
Political HumorHealthcare Protests


Of course we shouldn't forget Congressman Frank's entertaining response to illogical accusations!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Shocking Abortion Robo Call

It's been a while since I posted anything. Life has kept me pretty busy. I have considered writing something about the crazy Health Care "non-debate," but I really wasn't sure if I had anything new to say.

That changed when the phone rang this afternoon and a recorded male voice informed me that they were conducting a survey about Obama's health care plan. I like the idea of having my voice heard (obviously, why else would I blog ^_^) so I stayed on the line. I'm sure I'm a little off on the wording, but this is the main idea:

-----------------------------------

First I was asked if I was anti-abortion. I truthfully responded, "Yes," but then the voice stated something to the effect that Obama's health care would force all citizens and companies to pay for abortions! This shocked me, as I hadn't heard this argument before, and as I racked my brain for any facts I might know I was asked:
"Do you agree that Obama should not force the public to pay for abortions?" Or something to that effect - I wish I had a way to record it...
Of course I don't think the public should be forced to pay for abortions, but I'm pretty sure that's not part of the plan....

"You must respond Yes, No or Repeat!"
"Repeat..."

Ugh, my statistics teacher was right, surveys are easily manipulated.
The repetition comes to an end. What should I say? I can't argue with a machine... I pause for maybe 3 seconds...

"Thank you for your support!"

What?!?! I didn't say I support you!

"Do you agree that marriage should be between one man and one woman?"

What does this have to do with health care?

"Are you a man over 55?"

"No!"

"Have you ever donated to any campaign or religious organization?"

"Yes!"

"Would you be able to support our anti-abortion campaign?"

"No"

"Thank you for your time."
--------------------------------

So, does Obama's health plan propose that we all fund abortions?

Not according to FactCheck.org

"In fact, none of the health care overhaul measures that have made it through the committee level in Congress say that abortion will be covered, and one of them explicitly says that no public funds will be used to finance the procedure. Furthermore, none of the bills call explicitly for cuts in Medicare coverage, much less rationing, under a public plan."

I am so SICK of all the lies and distortions! This robo call twists their lie in a way that most likely has nothing to do with the survey, although I'm sure now my "voice" will be incorrectly reported as one of a "majority who oppose Obama's health plan." More scary to me is that now many people who got the call will truly believe that Obama wants us to fund abortions, like they think he wants to kill off Grandma, and take away our options. Why can't the truth spread as easily as the lies?