With so much hate and frustration in the country currently, I decided to bring my rant here rather than Facebook. First I will say there is no place on Earth I love more than the United States of America for more reasons than I care to mention and second, I think it's important to understand that I like a good debate- it educates me on the "other" side and other peoples views only help me both strengthen and reconsider mine. I prefer that no 2 people think exactly the same, and this is why our country is so beautiful.
I have served my country honorably for the last 9 years, doing a job most wouldn't - whether because they do not qualify or because they do not desire to be a part of the military... I find it extremely disrespectful for ANYONE who hasn't served to tell me and my brothers and sisters (military) to "get a better job." Why? Because I truly believe there is NOTHING better or more satisfying than what I have done by serving. In serving as a reservist, I am part of a group of people who are hit hard by the "government shutdown." A group of people who lost income, time at work, and sense of "worth" when we were told that we were basically "not mission essential" and could not report to work this weekend. Understand that reservists learn to wear multiple hats, most have civilian jobs, but for some (me) that is all we currently have. I am not just sad that I lost my income in this shutdown, but hurt that congress took my sense of worth from me.
The loss of income and worth isn't the hardest part to deal with though. The hate amongst the members of this country, the visible "divide" and the hostility I am witnessing is what hurts the most. This is a country that people beg to be a part of- and I am starting to question why? Our most recent argument is over the "Affordable Care Act" - a plan to help the uninsured be accountable for themselves- not a handout- not a "change what you already have" it's no secret that our healthcare system is a true joke (ranked 34th in the WORLD) and this is an attempt to "fix" it. Americans are so angry that "we" aren't willing to give it a chance to let it fail or succeed. Instead- we fight and blame one side or another.
While enjoying a beer at the beach with a friend yesterday (the day I was officially informed that my job was over until further notice) and had the "pleasure" of listening to 2 men share their opinion with us. comments like "that black bastard" and "democrats have the blood of 50,000 dead babies on their hands" were just the tip of their "intelligence." So much for our "good time" at the beach..
I feel you have a right to your opinion, but I also know there are acceptable and unacceptable things to say- maybe back 40 years ago, those things were "ok" to say in public, but it's not ok today and the lack of care for others is where our problems and hostility begin. Do I agree that healthcare workers should be frightened by ACA? Yes ABSOLUTELY. There isn't a strong enough PLAN in the ACA to fund them, staff them, and support the increase in patients that will need care. Do I feel it's solely up to healthcare providers to take care of people? NO- take care of yourself- most all the healthcare problems people have today are avoidable by healthier life choices.
We do not live in a perfect world, no country is perfect but we need to find ways to come together in times such as this to CARE about each other. Help each other out. Europe and Canada are just two places you rarely hear of on the news and both rank high on the healthcare charts--but- you know what their CHOICE in their healthcare system was? None.. They were told "This is how it will be", taxes were increased, ( example- in canada a pitcher of beer cost me $20.00) and people were taken care of. Some received better care than others- but the bottom line is- NO ONE person is left without SOME form of care..
Have your opinion but be respectful of others- who is right in the end? None of us- taking a chance is what our government is doing- ACA is a plan that has been in the "works" for the past 60 years- as a WHOLE, both sides are trying to come to a conclusion on what will work- finally, the current administration is taking a chance- a chance that has personally impacted MY livelihood- and I'm somewhat ok with that- if it'll help the greater good. If it doesn't, then we go back to the drawing board and come up with something new.
So today, I am sad that my value (worth) in the military was questioned, my income is gone, but mostly, that I was told to "get a better job" by a fellow American and am witnessing so much hate between the people of my country....
Also- I have been "accountable" for myself and my future. In addition to my service, I recently was awarded my Bachelors Degree in effort to better my life- I've spent the last two months interviewing for jobs---only to be told my "lack of experience" is risky for companies. My service and my degree are not really valued once again a question of my worth-- I don't let it anger me or make me quit- I allow this to motivate me more.. In the end- I'm accountable for me.
Now-- everyone go to your room until you have something nice to say.. You're grounded..
God Bless America....... (can I borrow $20 anyone?)