Following the health care debate, et cetera, and I have to say, as a person that works with (and within) the system that is Medicaid, it is all the legislators' fault. Yes, politicians. This has been nicely outlined by each little whittling-down by each little interest group. Somehow, we have gone from 'affordable health care for all', to '...except for abortion coverage, and - by the way - women can't purchase abortion with their own money on the public option', to 'this bill is worse than the system we have right now'.
Yes, you read correctly. The bill, as it stands, is worse than useless. Put it this way - quit pandering to special interests (i.e. anti-choice activists, insurance corporations and Big Pharma), and make your primary concern....YOUR CONSTITUENTS. Heaven forbid you, the legislators, senators, representatives, politicians, actually DO YOUR JOB, and represent your constituents. Not just your constituents, but their best interests, both expressed and not. Forget any political agenda. Forget the next election season and lining your own coffers for that 'rainy day campaign fund'. Leave the side-groups out of it, and focus on the problem - and a probable solution to it.
And if I have to start quoting Medicaid Policy to prove my point, I will. But first, I'd like to see some actual results out of the people my tax dollars pay to come up with this bullshit that they dare to tag as 'health care reform'.
End rant.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
On Optimism
For I have dipt into the future,
Far as Human eye could see;
Saw the Vision of the World,
And all the wonder that would be...
Far as Human eye could see;
Saw the Vision of the World,
And all the wonder that would be...
Monday, March 9, 2009
On Professionalism
So, I work for a company that, for the time being, shall remain nameless. It is a fairly widespread company (in Alaska), and as part of my job description, I perform phlebotomy.
I have been called into the office on a number of occasions for my lack of professionalism. At least, that's what it's being called. However, whenever I give my supervisors feedback, they go on the defensive, almost without fail. Professionalism? At this point, the meeting becomes less and less about what is professional, and degenerates quickly into the game of 'Who's Right'. In spite of any rational argument or point of view I may put forth, all I get from them is 'you're not professional', or 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Accountability is a favorite word these days. Sometimes I'm unsure that my supervisors know what that means.
In regard to professionalism, I handle myself with every bit of the integrity that I handled myself with when I was working as a student officer at UAF. That my supervisor's orders are not clarified to the point that I cannot execute the desired tasks without asking them two or three times what, exactly, did they mean, is not my problem. And yet, all I hear from them is 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Where, may I ask, is the way out of this impasse? If I am asking for clarification of work requests in order that I don't screw up, how is that not being accountable for my actions? In fact, one may argue that I'm not only holding myself accountable for my actions, but for the actions and requests of my supervisors, as well. I guess the expression 'shit rolls downhill' is very true, in this case.
In any case, I am leaving. I have been putting in for jobs throughout the region, and my employment record speaks for itself. Eventually, I'll find a position that I am at ease with, and supervisors that aren't looking for excuses to fire me. That is all.
I have been called into the office on a number of occasions for my lack of professionalism. At least, that's what it's being called. However, whenever I give my supervisors feedback, they go on the defensive, almost without fail. Professionalism? At this point, the meeting becomes less and less about what is professional, and degenerates quickly into the game of 'Who's Right'. In spite of any rational argument or point of view I may put forth, all I get from them is 'you're not professional', or 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Accountability is a favorite word these days. Sometimes I'm unsure that my supervisors know what that means.
In regard to professionalism, I handle myself with every bit of the integrity that I handled myself with when I was working as a student officer at UAF. That my supervisor's orders are not clarified to the point that I cannot execute the desired tasks without asking them two or three times what, exactly, did they mean, is not my problem. And yet, all I hear from them is 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Where, may I ask, is the way out of this impasse? If I am asking for clarification of work requests in order that I don't screw up, how is that not being accountable for my actions? In fact, one may argue that I'm not only holding myself accountable for my actions, but for the actions and requests of my supervisors, as well. I guess the expression 'shit rolls downhill' is very true, in this case.
In any case, I am leaving. I have been putting in for jobs throughout the region, and my employment record speaks for itself. Eventually, I'll find a position that I am at ease with, and supervisors that aren't looking for excuses to fire me. That is all.
Friday, December 12, 2008
On Schizophrenia
I am what is called a secondary custodian for my sister, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was about sixteen years old. This means that, should anything happen to my mother, I am put in the difficult position of trying to take care of my own affairs, plus the ever-advancing complexity of my sister's (thanks, in large part, to our illustrious government). Why am I writing this? Because it needs to be said.
I am putting this out for discussion, or perhaps just to make myself feel better, because I have come to realize that people with differing ethnicities or/and sexual orientations, et cetera, are not the only people discriminated against. They are not the only ones used as a political gaming chip.
I see stickers, magnetic ribbons, everywhere that say things like 'support our troops', 'support autism awareness', 'stop domestic violence', and a number of other simple and equally powerful statements and one-liners. On the other hand, I see stickers that say 'I hear voices, and they don't like you'. While I think it would be funny if they were actually being sported by somebody who had come to terms with their diagnosis and was able to joke about it, I get awfully sick of seeing people with diagnoses similar (because they are rarely 'like') to my sister's demonized on shows such as Law and Order one minute and made fun of the next. For these people, it is often a frightening - or sometimes just annoying - reality. I also get sick of hearing 'those poor people', as though they don't have a brain of their own. Nine times out of ten, individuals with schizophrenia are at least on the same level, if not above it, as your average educated individual.
These are people with minds of their own, however different they may be. They do not need to be locked into closets - either physical or metaphorical - they do not need to be medicated to the point they simply sit and drool on themselves. They need compassion, they need to have their cases researched, they need progressive research done, and they need to not be used as test bunnies for the latest, shakily-approved antipsychotic that the FDA is pushing this year.
What really pisses me off is that it's not talked about. You say the word schizophrenia, and suddenly every jackass who has had a PSYCH101 class is an expert, spouting generalizations and blanket terms and sometimes things that are only true in a tiny percentile of cases as though it were the Sermon on the Mount. However, reverse the situation, put it or any of the schizoid or schizo-affective disorders on the table for discussion in the political arena, and the topic gets changed in an awkward segue, or is simply ignored. I for one have yet to see or hear of anyone important outside of (one of the many of that abbreviation) the APA address this issue. Are we blind? These people need our caring, compassion, and willingness to help in any way we can, up to and including willing to stay out of the way.
Does this mean give 'crazy people' free reign? No. However, contrary to popular belief, very few schizophrenic individuals are actually - if at all - violent. If you're going to be 'an expert', do some god-damned research! I would recommend 'Surviving Schizophrenia', for starters. This is Drakona, signing off.
I am putting this out for discussion, or perhaps just to make myself feel better, because I have come to realize that people with differing ethnicities or/and sexual orientations, et cetera, are not the only people discriminated against. They are not the only ones used as a political gaming chip.
I see stickers, magnetic ribbons, everywhere that say things like 'support our troops', 'support autism awareness', 'stop domestic violence', and a number of other simple and equally powerful statements and one-liners. On the other hand, I see stickers that say 'I hear voices, and they don't like you'. While I think it would be funny if they were actually being sported by somebody who had come to terms with their diagnosis and was able to joke about it, I get awfully sick of seeing people with diagnoses similar (because they are rarely 'like') to my sister's demonized on shows such as Law and Order one minute and made fun of the next. For these people, it is often a frightening - or sometimes just annoying - reality. I also get sick of hearing 'those poor people', as though they don't have a brain of their own. Nine times out of ten, individuals with schizophrenia are at least on the same level, if not above it, as your average educated individual.
These are people with minds of their own, however different they may be. They do not need to be locked into closets - either physical or metaphorical - they do not need to be medicated to the point they simply sit and drool on themselves. They need compassion, they need to have their cases researched, they need progressive research done, and they need to not be used as test bunnies for the latest, shakily-approved antipsychotic that the FDA is pushing this year.
What really pisses me off is that it's not talked about. You say the word schizophrenia, and suddenly every jackass who has had a PSYCH101 class is an expert, spouting generalizations and blanket terms and sometimes things that are only true in a tiny percentile of cases as though it were the Sermon on the Mount. However, reverse the situation, put it or any of the schizoid or schizo-affective disorders on the table for discussion in the political arena, and the topic gets changed in an awkward segue, or is simply ignored. I for one have yet to see or hear of anyone important outside of (one of the many of that abbreviation) the APA address this issue. Are we blind? These people need our caring, compassion, and willingness to help in any way we can, up to and including willing to stay out of the way.
Does this mean give 'crazy people' free reign? No. However, contrary to popular belief, very few schizophrenic individuals are actually - if at all - violent. If you're going to be 'an expert', do some god-damned research! I would recommend 'Surviving Schizophrenia', for starters. This is Drakona, signing off.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Politics? FACTS!
So, it has come to my attention that we are - yet again - in an election year. Oh, perhaps that's the wrong turn of phrase? It has been shoved down my throat, every second of every day, that we are now in an election year. Better.
For the politicians out there, particularly the ones clamoring to be elected to a seat or office of the wonderful locale that is Alaska: STOP SMEARING EACH OTHER! I'm tired of hearing it, everyone else is tired of hearing it. There are many of us who take great civic pride in actually making our voices heard (not that it actually counts, these days...re-count, anyone?) that are looking forward to Election Day - not to vote, but to get the damned infomercials to STOP. NRA this, ANWR that...hot button issues and your little clubhouses aside, what are you actually going to DO? Where is your political resume? I wish to see your track record. Screw all the strong emotions shit. That's what got us into the mess we're in now! Proud to be an American? Not with the not-so-recent turn of events. Not these days.
Cut the hype about The War, Gun Issues, Gay Issues (we're tired of being used as a political gaming chip, anyway), Abortion, Choice vs. Life, and all the other bourgeoisie bull. I'm tired of hearing 'He did this', 'She did that', or the ever more popular 'Well, that's a good idea, and I'll improve on it by...'. And CHANGE? Please. I'm not seeing change. I'm seeing more and more of the same. How about THIS:
Separate Church from State. For real, this time. No more faith-based initiatives, no more using your religious moral conscience to say what's right and wrong. How about actual, non-deity-based ETHICS? If you need help figuring this out, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks offers a wonderful course called Ethics and Society (PS300X). I urge you to look it up and challenge your way of thinking. This goes for you, too, Obama. I like ya, I'll probably vote for ya, but only 'cause you're the lesser of two evils. As far as your 'gay marriage' proposal, not impressed. Equal rights mean EQUAL RIGHTS. So, either knock out marriage altogether, for everyone, and create a new equal, across-the-board status of civil union, or allow those that are not heterosexually inclined to get married. It's just a word, an idea (once a trade system for possession of riches and land), a concept. It is and should not be the 'carrot' for joining the Clubhouse of the Morally Righteous.
Soapbox ended, for now. I leave you with this:
We pray to so many lithic gods -
What happens when we cease?
The rich defy their principles,
Their minds and bellies at ease.
Holiness, O Holiness -
Why hath Thou forsaken me?
I live as well as I know how...
What is this suffering done unto me?
I would believe...would I believe,
Could I believe justice be done.
But the Many pay while the Few play -
This war be far from won.
Change, change, all speak of this -
Aspiring leaders, religious preachers.
But change, naught but a slogan,
A chant shouted from the bleachers.
---work in progress (c) C.Swartz 13.10.2008
For the politicians out there, particularly the ones clamoring to be elected to a seat or office of the wonderful locale that is Alaska: STOP SMEARING EACH OTHER! I'm tired of hearing it, everyone else is tired of hearing it. There are many of us who take great civic pride in actually making our voices heard (not that it actually counts, these days...re-count, anyone?) that are looking forward to Election Day - not to vote, but to get the damned infomercials to STOP. NRA this, ANWR that...hot button issues and your little clubhouses aside, what are you actually going to DO? Where is your political resume? I wish to see your track record. Screw all the strong emotions shit. That's what got us into the mess we're in now! Proud to be an American? Not with the not-so-recent turn of events. Not these days.
Cut the hype about The War, Gun Issues, Gay Issues (we're tired of being used as a political gaming chip, anyway), Abortion, Choice vs. Life, and all the other bourgeoisie bull. I'm tired of hearing 'He did this', 'She did that', or the ever more popular 'Well, that's a good idea, and I'll improve on it by...'. And CHANGE? Please. I'm not seeing change. I'm seeing more and more of the same. How about THIS:
Separate Church from State. For real, this time. No more faith-based initiatives, no more using your religious moral conscience to say what's right and wrong. How about actual, non-deity-based ETHICS? If you need help figuring this out, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks offers a wonderful course called Ethics and Society (PS300X). I urge you to look it up and challenge your way of thinking. This goes for you, too, Obama. I like ya, I'll probably vote for ya, but only 'cause you're the lesser of two evils. As far as your 'gay marriage' proposal, not impressed. Equal rights mean EQUAL RIGHTS. So, either knock out marriage altogether, for everyone, and create a new equal, across-the-board status of civil union, or allow those that are not heterosexually inclined to get married. It's just a word, an idea (once a trade system for possession of riches and land), a concept. It is and should not be the 'carrot' for joining the Clubhouse of the Morally Righteous.
Soapbox ended, for now. I leave you with this:
We pray to so many lithic gods -
What happens when we cease?
The rich defy their principles,
Their minds and bellies at ease.
Holiness, O Holiness -
Why hath Thou forsaken me?
I live as well as I know how...
What is this suffering done unto me?
I would believe...would I believe,
Could I believe justice be done.
But the Many pay while the Few play -
This war be far from won.
Change, change, all speak of this -
Aspiring leaders, religious preachers.
But change, naught but a slogan,
A chant shouted from the bleachers.
---work in progress (c) C.Swartz 13.10.2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Goats!
The Fair is here in Squarebanks...which means livestock shows. I know that I should wait until I am settled and have my own little slice of acreage to put animals on, but I want milk goats sooooo badly! They're my favorite livestock animal. That's right, folks; not horses, cows, pigs, chickens or sheep. Goats!
So, I am avoiding the Fair until my partner gets back in town, so I don't do something foolish like BUY a goat. That, I think, would be an awfully hard pet to keep. My landlady has goats. Perhaps she'll allow me to help out from time to time to get my 'goat fix'. They're such cute, useful, smart little critters. Goats!
Someone has advised me against ever buying Netherlands Pygmy goats, as they "have hooves like suction cups and can get out of just about any enclosure you can build". This I must see. Perhaps not experience firsthand, but I would like to see it. I would also like to get goats that have hair long enough to spin into wool. Ah, my craft-y side is coming out these days. I should just settle down and become a farmer out in the boonies. Heh.
GOATS!
So, I am avoiding the Fair until my partner gets back in town, so I don't do something foolish like BUY a goat. That, I think, would be an awfully hard pet to keep. My landlady has goats. Perhaps she'll allow me to help out from time to time to get my 'goat fix'. They're such cute, useful, smart little critters. Goats!
Someone has advised me against ever buying Netherlands Pygmy goats, as they "have hooves like suction cups and can get out of just about any enclosure you can build". This I must see. Perhaps not experience firsthand, but I would like to see it. I would also like to get goats that have hair long enough to spin into wool. Ah, my craft-y side is coming out these days. I should just settle down and become a farmer out in the boonies. Heh.
GOATS!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Screwed. Period.
To the person that skipped out and left me with the remainder of packing, cleaning, and garbage disposal of a cabin that you trashed, thanks. After giving you a break on the rent - completely - and later, the bills, this is how you repay me and what you term my 'decency'. I understand needing or wanting sex NOW, and I understand being busy and car-less (your bike is still there, btw, if you want to pick it up), but after biking 50 miles a day to get to and from a full, biohazard-filled workday, plus errands, I still manage to make sure my responsibilities (sealing the foundation on a house, fixing a bike, a head gasket on a car, to name the big ones) are taken care of. ESPECIALLY when someone else is counting on them. And I still manage to go out and have the occasional beer whenever I have the time.
As to the excuse that I'm strong enough to pull all that off, physically, and you are not, because of this condition and that condition...I understand having life hard, but when I look at you, I see someone physically strong and capable, if you would only allow yourself to remove the mental lock on your abilities and see yourself for what your amazing potential can achieve. I wasn't born an athlete...I played sports, ran races, conditioned, and continue to ride my bike to and from whenever I can. Like mathematics or the consecutive study of anything, it builds on itself. You don't just 'get there' overnight. It takes time, effort, hard work, and above all, patience and follow-through.
You're a good person, but you have the nasty habit of thoughtlessly burning bridges. This one is about to collapse under its own charred, gutted-by-fire weight. I hate to do this, but until I receive, at very least, a sincere apology from you, preferably accompanied by some help with the deposit, I do not want to hear from you. Not that I'm putting a price tag on friendship, but financially, you essentially passed on the destitution that your ex-spouse left you with in the divorce this spring. I will help you, and I will care for you until the end of time, but I tolerate being used in the fashion that you have abused me and my trust, from absolutely no one. Life is too short. Do not ask me for help unless one or both of the above happen. I currently am without the resources.
As to the excuse that I'm strong enough to pull all that off, physically, and you are not, because of this condition and that condition...I understand having life hard, but when I look at you, I see someone physically strong and capable, if you would only allow yourself to remove the mental lock on your abilities and see yourself for what your amazing potential can achieve. I wasn't born an athlete...I played sports, ran races, conditioned, and continue to ride my bike to and from whenever I can. Like mathematics or the consecutive study of anything, it builds on itself. You don't just 'get there' overnight. It takes time, effort, hard work, and above all, patience and follow-through.
You're a good person, but you have the nasty habit of thoughtlessly burning bridges. This one is about to collapse under its own charred, gutted-by-fire weight. I hate to do this, but until I receive, at very least, a sincere apology from you, preferably accompanied by some help with the deposit, I do not want to hear from you. Not that I'm putting a price tag on friendship, but financially, you essentially passed on the destitution that your ex-spouse left you with in the divorce this spring. I will help you, and I will care for you until the end of time, but I tolerate being used in the fashion that you have abused me and my trust, from absolutely no one. Life is too short. Do not ask me for help unless one or both of the above happen. I currently am without the resources.
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