Eight Things I Have Learned About God and Jesus in the Last Five Years

1. The former Hebrew Christian God is now 100% American (naturalized citizen).

2. God is a Republican.

3. God favors the Far Right politically.

4 God favors the Religious Right as His chosen people.

5. God speaks directly to President Bush, Pat Robertson,

Jerry Falwell, and Tom DeLay. Occasionally, He tips

His hat to Anne Coulter.

6. God supports President Bush’s “culture of life” philosophy in

America and his “culture of death” philosophy in the war on

terrorism in Iraq, resulting in the killing of somewhere between

30,000 and 100,000 Iraqis, including many innocent women and

children.

7. God favors tax cuts for the wealthy and program cuts for

the poor, the sick, and the hungry. “What about that, Jesus?”

I asked. “What’s your view?” Jesus replied, “I identified with the

poor people of my day. I spent most of my public ministry with

people in the marketplace and streets, rubbing elbows with

sinners and the poor, seeking to liberate them from whatever

enslaved them.” “Well,” I said, “we are sorry, Jesus. This

administration favors the wealthy. So, Jesus, what will happen to all

these wealthy people?” Jesus replied, “It is easier for a camel to go

through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of

Heaven.” “Then,” I queried, “ isn’t the Bush Administration

jeopardizing the place in the Kingdom of Heaven of these rich people

by increasing their wealth even more with tax cuts?” “Indeed it is,”

answered Jesus.

8. Jesus said, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be

first.” I am sorry, Jesus,“ I cried. “Not in the kingdom of George I,

King of America. In his kingdom the few that are first shall always be

first ; and the many that are last shall always be last.”

And Jesus wept.

River City and Medicare’s New Drug Program

“There’s trouble in River City, folks.” Yes, there’s trouble in River City with a capital “T” that rhymes with “P” as in pharmaceuticals. “There’s trouble in River City.” If you have never heard that expression before, it is quite possible that you have not seen the 1962 film titled “The Music Man.”

“The Music Man” tells the story of Professor Harold Hill and his impact on the town of River City. This con artist arrives on July 4, 1912 with a plan to fleece the town's citizens by convincing them that their young boys are getting into trouble playing pool, using slang language and telling jokes -- he says they need guidance and discipline. He gets no argument from the preachy people of River City. Hill says he can teach their children to play in a marching band if they buy the instruments and uniforms he has for sale. He then plans on collecting the money and escaping without fulfilling his promises.

Even with nothing but the lowest of intentions, Professor Hill inadvertently brings joy into their lives and into his own life, as well. His best laid plans go wonderfully awry when he falls in love with the town librarian, Marian Paroo. Trapped by his love for Marian, Harold is literally forced to face the music when he is made to "conduct" his rag-tag orchestra. The "music" Harold ends up bringing into the town transforms its residents and himself.

The new Medicare drug program of the Bush Administration and the pharmaceutical industry, which we shall call the “The Medicine Man”, has some elements of “The Music Man” in it. Instead of the story of Harold Hill, it tells the story of how the “The Medicine Man” ( Bush Administration and the pharmaceutical industry) came to River City (our taxpayers and the elderly) and fleeced them by promising them, particularly the lower-income people, that his program would save them money on their prescriptions. All they had to do was buy in to his Medicare drug program.

What the good citizens of River City did not know was that, like Professor Harold Hill, the Bush Administration and the pharmaceutical industry had no intention of delivering on their promises, and after collecting the money, intended to take the first freight train out of town.

How was the Medicare program put together? Public Citizen, a public interest organization, found that 952 lobbyists spent a total of $141 million in 2003 making sure that Medicare money would benefit their companies. Apparently, they earned their keep, because for their $141 million their pharmaceutical companies stand to gross over $531 billion dollars. As you can see, if our Congress is made up of “whores”, they are cheap whores. Such a high return for such a small investment surely indicates that is true.

Since the Medicare drug program for seniors was patched together by our Congress with the help of the lobbyists of pharmaceutical companies, you can bet that the program was designed not to help the seniors, but to enrich the companies. And that is exactly what has happened. Some have called it a lobbyist’s dream and others an aging American’s nightmare.

Now some 43 million Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians are being besieged by pharmaceutical plans that few understand. The prescription plans generally fall into two categories--incomprehensible and unintelligible. Did the administration seriously believe that seniors were going to have the patience and wherewithal to sort out all the convoluted permutations, provisos and contingencies the rules present?

A recent survey published by AXcess News shows how the pharmaceutical industry intends to gross the $531 billion mentioned previously:

By Staff
(AXcess News) Washington - A survey released today found that drug prices under the new Medicare drug program will be considerably higher than the prices negotiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to the survey, the median price difference for the 20 drugs most frequently used by seniors is 48.2 percent.

The survey, released by the consumer health organization Families USA, found that prices under the new Medicare drug benefit will have a big impact on both the drug costs borne by senior citizens and on American taxpayers. Through premiums, deductibles, and copayments, seniors will bear approximately one-fourth of the new drug program's costs. Taxpayers will pay the remaining three-quarters.

When the Medicare drug benefit was under consideration, the Administration and congressional leaders promised that a program operated through many private plans would provide, through competition, low drug prices. The Families USA survey belies that assertion.

"The huge prices paid by seniors and taxpayers could have been avoided if Congress and the President had not caved in to the pressure of the drug lobby," said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA. "They prohibited Medicare from bargaining for cheaper prices and, to ensure that this would never change, they delegated the administration of the benefit to private plans, which have far less bargaining clout."
"As a result, many seniors will be burdened with unaffordable high drug costs, and America's taxpayers will be fleeced."

The survey found that the lowest VA price is much lower than the lowest Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) price for 19 of the 20 drugs.

Among the top seven drugs prescribed for seniors, the annual difference between the lowest VA prices and lowest Medicare drug plan prices are as follows:

- Plavix (75 mg., an anti-clotting agent): lowest VA price is $887.16; lowest Medicare plan price is $1,229.64 - a difference of $342.48, or 38.6 percent.

- Lipitor (10 mg., cholesterol lowering agent): lowest VA price is $497.16; lowest Medicare plan price is $717.84 - a difference of $220.68, or 44.4 percent.

- Fosamax (70 mg., osteoporosis treatment): lowest VA price is $493.32; lowest Medicare plan price is $709.68 - a difference of $216.36, or 43.9 percent.

- Norvasc (5 mg., calcium channel blocker): lowest VA price is $301.68; lowest Medicare plan price is $458.88 - a difference of $157.20, or 52.1 percent.

*****- Protonix (40 mg., gastrointestinal agent): lowest VA price is $253.32; lowest Medicare plan price is $1,080 - a difference of $826.68, or 326.3 percent.

- Celebrex (200 mg., anti-inflammatory agent): lowest VA price is $619.80; lowest Medicare plan price is $865.08 - a difference of $245.28, or 39.6 percent.

*****- Zocor (20 mg., cholesterol lowering agent): lowest VA price is $167.80; lowest Medicare plan price is $1,323.72 - a difference of $1,155.92, or 688.9 percent.

Some people are calling the new Medicare drug program the “ Katrina for Old Folks.” By this, they mean that there are so many bureaucratic snafus, that all you have left is a chaotic mess. Here is a report from a Washington Post staff writer:

Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2006; Page A01

Two weeks into the new Medicare prescription drug program, many of the nation's sickest and poorest elderly and disabled people are being turned away or overcharged at pharmacies, prompting more than a dozen states to declare health emergencies and pay for their life-saving medicines. Computer glitches, overloaded telephone lines and poorly trained pharmacists are being blamed for mix-ups that have resulted in the worst of unintended consequences: As many as 6.4 million low-income seniors, who until Dec. 31 received their medications free, suddenly find themselves navigating an insurance maze of large deductibles, co-payments and outright denial of coverage.

Interviews with two dozen people -- state officials, pharmacists, advocates for seniors, and Medicare clients -- revealed a host of problems. Many poor seniors were never enrolled or were enrolled in plans that do not cover their medications. Others received multiple insurance cards, creating confusion at the pharmacies. Some were charged the deductible and unaffordable co-payments. And some left empty-handed.

"For years I've had no problems, going to the same pharmacy," said a Queens, N.Y., woman with severe mental illness. "The pharmacist told me one drug was going to cost $198. I don’t have that kind of money.”

The states that have stepped in to help have already incurred several million dollars in unexpected drug costs. The state of California estimated it would have to spend an additional $150 million dollars to help seniors who, in some cases, have their lives endangered by not being able to afford life-saving drugs. Finally, on January 24th the Bush Administration said it would reimburse the states for the unexpected costs of the program.

As you can see, there are many parallels between River City of “The Music Man” and the new Medicare drug program of the “The Medicine Man.” There is, however, one significant difference:

There is a happy ending to”The Music Man”. Even though he had the lowest of intentions, Professor Hill inadvertently brought joy into the lives of River City. The new Medicare drug program of “The Medicine Man“, on the other hand, has brought nothing but misery and confusion to our nation’s aging population, while burdening the American taxpayer with an extra $250 billion to be spent on needlessly overpriced drugs.

Still More Fun With Blog Titles

A couple of weeks ago, I published two different posts of blog titles. They were so popular that I shall continue with more here. Again, please don’t be offended by my comments; they are all done in fun.

Iron Girl - Looking for a man of steel.

Mama Bear - Still waiting for her porridge to heat up.

My Whackadoodle Life - Needs less whacking and more doodling.

The Doodler- Needs less doodling and more whacking.

Outside the box - Hi Jack.

Echoes From The Tomb - Hello, down there. Hello--hello--hello.

We Are-I am: We are-I am think; therefore, we are-I am are and am.

et cetera - et al?

Wonder Mum - formerly, Wonder Woman.

Talking To Myself - And enjoying the conversation.

In Search of Me - Try Google.

Edgewise - What’s the word?

Skinny Girl in a Fat Suit - More comfortable than a fat girl in a skinny suit.

If only I had - If only I hadn’t.

Black and Blue - Another melancholy African-American.

theright’swrong,right? - thewrong’sright,wrong?

The Hopeless Poet - Welcome to the club.

My name is Ivy, Poison Ivy - Hello! My name is Ortho, Ortho Man. How about a date?

Black Sails Against a Midnight Sky - Just don’t get lost at sea.

Seven Sisters, What’s New? - A baby brother?

Thinking out Loud - Please! Not while I am reading.

I am Canadian - That’s all right. You can’t help it.

Post Office Torture - Standing in line for 25 minutes to mail a small package.

Mad Yankee Ranting - Not as loud as Mad Rebel Ranting.

Dumbing Up - Better than dumbing down.

Adventures of Fatman - Monday: Went to McDonalds and ate five Big Macs for dinner.

Do you recognize yourself? - Well, sometimes, when I look in the mirror in the early morning--No!

Diary of a fallen angel - You little devil!

I want to retire by age 35! Stop buying disposable diapers and invest the money.

The Fruit At The End Of The Limb - Will seldom be picked. Often falls to the ground and rots.

Christian Hiker - Remember to stay on the spiritual path.

Christian Hiker Rambles - Better stop rambling. Remember the gate is narrow and difficult is the way....” Hope you can stay on the path.

Are you saved? - No, I’m spent.

Counting Sheep - May I use a calculator?

Leaving My Mark - So does our neighbor’s cat.

Life Is Not One Big Joke - You’re right! It’s actually just a series of dumb little wisecracks.

Free from oil? - McDonald’s new fries?

Wisdom Or Something Like It! - Will you settle for Good Sense?

in my shoes - The new autobiography of Imelda Marcos.

Amor Crudo - Looking for Amor Refindo.

Great eats and no repeats - Eat there once, and you'll never go back?

Marriage, Sex, and Life - Another oxymoron.

mon petit monde moi - formerly, mon grand univers je.

Bill's Place - Competes with Pop's Place near Railroad Street

That’s Just My Opinion - Hey, welcome to Blogstream.

Managing Morons - Hey, welcome to Blogstream.

Fat Northern Bastard - Well, you can’t do much about the “bastard” part, but you can certainly do something about your obesity and location.

2006 has to be better - Posted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

strippersversusdvds - Better than strippers in BVD’s.

Elevated Consciousness - What are you smoking?

A-1 Blog Stalker - Time to get a court order.

The Watcha-ma-call-it Blog - formerly, the Thinga-ma-jig Blog.

In search for serendipity - I have news for you. You will never find serendipity by searching for it. You will sometimes find it when you are searching for something else.

Don’t believe everybody - Excellent advice.

Don't Trust Men with Facial Hair - "I've Got the Razor Blade Blues."

my brother the wind - My brother after eating a mess of green beans.

My Rational Rant - Hmmm. Interesting. A raving rationalist?

Acronym Associates Incorporated - What is the acronym for American Society Serving Humans On Leftover Egg Sandwiches?

Ask hot chicks about sex - All right. Why did the rooster cross the road? Who’s your daddy? Is it true what they say about the chicken feather?

Eye For An Eye

On Friday, January 13th the United States, in an attempt to kill terrorist al-Queda leaders, launched a merciless missile strike on a mountain village in Pakistan. At least 18 civilians died, including six children.

When questioned about the attack, which turned out to be based on faulty intelligence, President Bush said that since the terrorists are willing to kill innocent civilians, we must be prepared to follow suit in order to combat them. In other words, the evil terrorists deserve to die because they kill innocent civilians, and we must be willing to kill innocent civilians in order to kill the evil terrorists.

Makes sense, doesn’t it?

The Best And Worst Simple Lyrics To Songs I Love

Some people say that the lyric makes the song, while some others say that the music, the melodic line and/or the beat, is more important to the success of a song. Still others claim that the perfect song is a perfect match between the lyric and the music. I offer here one candidate each for the best and the worst simple lyrics of all time.

First, my candidate for the best simple lyric of all time:

Song: Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

D Bm G A-9
You say eether and I say eyether,

D Bm G A-9
You say neether and I say nyther;

D D7 G Gdim
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther -

F#m Bm7-5 Em7 A7
Let's call the whole thing off!

D Bm G A-9
You like potato and I like po-tah-to,

D Bm G A-9
You like tomato and I like to-mah-to;

D D7 G Gdim
Potato, po-tah-to, tomato, to-mah-to -

D A-9 A7 D
Let's call the whole thing off!

Bridge:

G#m F#m B7 E
But oh, if we call the whole thing off,

EM A D D7
Then we must part.

G#m F#m B7
And oh, if we ever part,

E Em A-9
Then that might break my heart.

D Bm G A-9
So, if you like pajamas and I like pa-jah-mas,

D Bm G A-9
I'll wear pajamas and give up pa-jah-mas.

D D7 G Gdim
For we know we need each other, so we

F#m G6 G B7
Better call the calling off off.

Em7 A-9 A7 D
Let's call the whole thing off!

D Bm G A-9
You say laughter and I say lawfter,

D Bm G A-9
You say after and I say awfter;

D D7 G Gdim
Laughter, lawfter, after, awfter -

F#m Bm7-5 Em7 A7
Let's call the whole thing off!

D Bm G A-9
You like Havana and I like Havahnah

D Bm G A-9
You eat bananas and I eat banahnahs

D D7 G Gdim
Havana, Havahnah, Bananas, banahnahs

D A-9 A7 D
Let's call the whole thing off!

Repeat Bridge:

D Bm G A-9
So, if you like oysters and I like ersters,

D Bm G A-9
I'll take oysters and give up ersters.

D D7 G Gdim
For we know we need each other, so we

F#m G6 G B7
Better call the calling off off.

Em7 A-9 A7 D
Let's call the whole thing off!

This is a perfect lyric, because in its simplicity we find unity, clarity, and coherence. If one removes the differences in pronunciation, all that is being revealed to us is that we have lovers who are considering breaking up. But they know that if their love affair ends, it will lead to heartbreak, because they love and need each other. That‘s it. That’s all there is to the lyric.

But a closer examination reveals that the lyric deals with much more than just the mere pronunciation of words. The pronunciation of the words is just a metaphor for all the differences that separate the lovers. Since we are all imperfect beings, the only way this love fest can blossom is for each person to compromise and understand that their love for each other is more important than their petty differences.

People don’t know what the thrust of the lyric is until they get to the first bridge. There they learn that we have a loving couple about to break up over inconsequential differences. But one of the lovers confesses that to do so would result in heartbreak. As a result, it is suggested that they should call the calling off off. At this point, it appears that only one of the lovers is willing to compromise, but we must hope that the other one is, too.

This lyric, which results in a perfect match with the music, also has a humorous aspect to it. It makes you smile when you listen to it, and it’s capped off with a clever ending “...so we better call the calling off off....”

Rob Reiner, the director of “When Harry Met Sally” chose “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” as one of the ten songs in the film. The storyline in the film follows the relationship of Harry and Sally who, in spite of all their differences, over a twelve-year period have a relationship that evolves from antipathy into friendship and, finally, into a mature form of love. The result is a perfect match between songs such as this one and the storyline of the film.

Next, my candidate for the worst simple lyric of all time:

Rolling Stones

Satisfaction (I Can't Get No)

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can't get no, I can't get no

When I'm drivin' in my car
And that man comes on the radio
He's tellin' me more and more
About some useless information
Supposed to fire my imagination
I can't get no, oh no no no
Hey hey hey, that's what I say

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can't get no, I can't get no

When I'm watchin' my TV
And that man comes on to tell me
How white my shirts can be
But he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke
The same cigarrettes as me
I can't get no, oh no no no
Hey hey hey, that's what I say

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no girl reaction
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can't get no, I can't get no

When I'm ridin' round the world
And I'm doin' this and I'm signing that
And I'm tryin' to make some girl
Who tells me baby better come back later next week
'Cause you see I'm on losing streak
I can't get no, oh no no no
Hey hey hey, that's what I say.

I can't get no, I can't get no
I can't get no satisfaction
No satisfaction, no satisfaction, no satisfaction

Although I love the music and the beat to this song, I find the lyric is trite, lacking in substance, and about a series of disconnected experiences. It doesn’t really tell a story; and if you stop and read the lyric, it lacks unity, clarity, and coherence.

Well, these are my candidates for best and worst simple lyrics. What are yours?