|
|
|
|
PLEASE NOTE: The Reality TV World Message Boards are filled with desperate
attention-seekers pretending to be one big happy PG/PG13-rated family. Don't
be fooled. Trying to get everyone to agree with you is like herding cats,
but intolerance for other viewpoints is NOT welcome and respect for other
posters IS required at all times. Jump in and play, and you'll soon find out
how easy it is to fit in, but save your drama for your mama. All members are
encouraged to read the
complete guidelines.
As entertainment critic Roger
Ebert once said, "If you disagree with something I write, tell me so, argue
with me, correct me--but don't tell me to shut up. That's not the American way."
|
|
|
"Healthcare Coverage"
 |
|
|
|
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 02:29 PM (EST)
 
   |
|
9. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
The link is already in the other thresd.Democrats in Congress off er a New Direction, putting the common good of all Americans first for a change, and will:MAKE HEALTH CARE MORE AFFORDABLE Fix the prescription drug program by putting people ahead of drug companies and HMOs, eliminating wasteful subsidies, negotiating lower drug prices and ensuring the program works for all seniors; invest in stem cell and other medical research. Under this Administration, the cost of family health insurance has risen more than 70%, or an average of $4,500 per family, and 6 million more Americans are uninsured. Meanwhile, the Majority has enacted a confusing and costly prescription drug benefit that prohibits Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices, has cut funding for medical research, and has prohibited federal funding of a real stem cell research program. This is a political proposal, not a statement of constitutional rights. 
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
And an adequate, affordable health care infrastructure is essential for any nation.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
mtopaz 2167 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Roller Coaster Inaugurator"
|
06-19-06, 02:46 PM (EST)
|
|
13. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Fix the prescription drug program by putting people ahead of drug companies and HMOs, eliminating wasteful subsidies, negotiating lower drug prices and ensuring the program works for all seniors; invest in stem cell and other medical researchBTW, my parents have been affected by the new Medicare Part D program, and not to their benefit. Thanks to this newly enacted program, they have the dubious fortune to now pay more for their prescription medication than before. My dad was recently prescribed some blood thinning medication because he had a transient stroke. It cost $100 per bottle. He got one fill, but he says he won't refill again, and is going to use baby aspirin. I say the drug companies shouldn't be allowed to write legislation for the American public, since they only write it to benefit themselves. And if the Democrats are serious about revamping Medicare Part D to make it an actual benefit to the senior citizens of this country, I'm all for that. Anyone else have elderly parents who now have to pay lots more for their prescriptions, thanks to Medicare Part D? If nothing else, can we just return to the prior system, because this has not been an improvement for anyone but the drug companies. 
Sig pic by JSlice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
geg6 14941 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 03:25 PM (EST)
|
|
20. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
I think this is what they really mean by "outsourcing."The Republican leadership has outsourced the drafting of their Medicare prescription "reform" legislation to the pharmaceutical and health insurance providers. The President, Vice President, and their staff in the Executive branch have outsourced the creation of our current national energy policy to the oil, coal, and electric companies. And they've outsourced medical research and the scientific ethics of it to the radical Christians. 
Goddess of the Steeler Nation
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Estee 57126 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 03:32 PM (EST)
|
|
21. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Don't forget the current civil rights program. The Phelps family has been hard at work on that for months.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Estee 57126 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 04:02 PM (EST)
|
|
37. "Your evil master plan fascinates me." |
I want to learn more. Can you send me a brochure about your organization as applies to its benefits for prospective stormtroopers?
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
AZ_Leo 3526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
|
06-19-06, 04:20 PM (EST)
|
|
42. "RE: Your evil master plan fascinates me." |
I'm afraid I can't take the credit. However, I'm sure if you contact Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Phelps, or any one of their cohorts, they would be happy to fill you in on all the details.Assuming, of course you are the "right" kind of american and the "right" kind of christian. (By the way, the sarcasm of the above is my venting about what some of the local candidates and politicians, as well as a few people IRL, have stated lately. I'm not on campus much in the summer so I don't have a lot of places I can state my opinion. If I've offended anyone here, my apologies.)
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Estee 57126 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 02:53 PM (EST)
|
|
14. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
LAST EDITED ON 06-19-06 AT 02:58 PM (EST)Amendment 27: 1. As it has been determined that the rich are inherently superior to the poor, and it is in our nation's best interests for them to live longer, healthier lives, all people making $1,000,000 a year or more shall enjoy free health care in all aspects of medicine. 2. Income requirements shall not apply as long as the recipient is over the $1,000,000 level. Racial, gender, and sexual orientation requirements shall not apply as long as the recipient is white, male, and straight. 2a. Coverage is extended to all plastic surgery, reconstructive, and enhancement procedures, because if the rich don't look good, this country doesn't look good. 3. The poor shall be taxed at an extra 40% of their income to pay for this program, leaving the rich more able to fund good works. 4. Congress shall have appropriate powers to not only enforce this by legislation, but find ways around it for themselves. 5. Neener-neener.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EMTBGRL 2514 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
|
06-19-06, 06:29 PM (EST)
|
|
53. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
or would
>you pay for their services
>when they show up at
>the emergency room door, or
>(the most economical choice, tis
>true) I beg to differ on that one. ER's are not cheap. They aren't free for anyone, either. Even charitable care for the uninsured still costs something. Ambulances are not free, either. (I don't make the rules.) The idea that the ER is the "cheapest" way to go? Is false. (A lot of people think this is true.) In addition, if you walk in on your own power? You are often (correctly or not) are NOT considered an "emergency." If you walk into an ER on your own power, and and were not referred by a clinic's physician (if you are uninsured) in some places/ states? You are looking at several hundred dollars just for walking in the door that one time. The cheapest thing to do is get health insurance, pay premiums and have a doctor. Get health insurance that covers things like prescription medications. (Yes, I know, it isn't cheap. It's cheap-er.) As an EMT, we cannot abandon anyone, or not treat anyone needing medical attention without their written refusal or without someone higher than us intercepting. One of the things we HAVE to get from a patient? A signature to bill their health insurance. If we don't get one? It's billed directly to the patient. (That's more.) shall we simply ignore
>them as they die in
>front of the hospital? One would hope not! I wouldn't. >Do you really think you are
>paying that much out of
>your tax dollar for health
>benefits for the uninsured? Some of health care from the uninsured comes from tax dollars. However, a lot of the charitable contributions from private donors and grants from corporations fund charity health care for the poor. Ambulance services rely on the last two.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 03:36 PM (EST)
|
|
22. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Wasn't Mrs. Clenis supposed to have taken care of this?
  
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 04:26 PM (EST)
|
|
106. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Well, maybe I don't remember the details, but it seemed like all she did was bash the pharmaceutical companies. Not much plan in that.
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
zipperhead 3442 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Car Show Celebrity"
|
06-19-06, 04:04 PM (EST)
|
|
39. "RE: Too easy." |
Don't look at me like that. I never have and almost certainly never will vote for someone from that family line, either.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
geg6 14941 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 04:02 PM (EST)
|
|
36. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Although this was a political disaster, I'm not sure your criticisms of her expertise or sincerity are entirely warranted. Do I think the Clintons, especially Hilary, are above the cynical use of a serious issue for political gain? Well, no, don't make me laugh. Of coure, they would.But I seem to remember that Hilary, as first lady of Arkansas and in her days as an attorney active in the advocacy and welfare of children, had an interest in this issue for many years. She is also quite intelligent, meaning she is able to research and understand the issues. And, in those days at least, sought the opinions of experts in the field. And, at least, she tried. That's more than I can say about most everyone at every level of our federal government with the sole exception of Ted Kennedy. Failure and political calculation do not cancel out the fact that she was brave enough to wade into that swamp.
Goddess of the Steeler Nation
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
Estee 57126 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 04:23 PM (EST)
|
|
46. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Lake, river, shooting people in the face, it's all the same when you're born fundamentally evil. You think I keep track of these things? I don't keep track of these things. That's PRE's job. Hey, PRE -- lake or river? Ooooh, I know! Swimming pool!
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 04:28 PM (EST)
|
|
107. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Hillary had healthcare qualifications?
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-21-06, 00:53 AM (EST)
|
|
121. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Yes, yes it was. But Babs is getting up there, some of the arteries have probably hardened and, you know, who knows, maybe the senility has set in. Darn shame, Granny Babs was the one and only Bush I ever had any respect for. She was a great First Granny.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 04:12 PM (EST)
|
|
41. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Yep, fun to just throw stones at Mrs. Clenis. Or skip rocks down a stream. Either one.
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 04:24 PM (EST)
|
|
47. "RE: Way too easy." |
Oh, you KNOW that was a set up.
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 05:35 PM (EST)
|
|
52. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Actually, I supported the idea of universal health coverage back then (still do), but it has to be done correctly not incorrectly. The problem with the way Hillary tried to tackle it back in '93 was it was just a bunch of lawyers in a room coming up with a bunch of legalezey gobbledygook.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Buggy 5089 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-19-06, 07:45 PM (EST)
|
|
56. "RE: A simple question" |
I guess no one has a simple answer for you Ice.I agree with your point. (Shhhh, or some may decide that education is only for the privledged as well) 
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 01:40 AM (EST)
|
|
60. "RE: A simple question" |
What Icey suggests is true in some countries, including the one where I currently live, Malaysia, as well as Singapore.Private, specialist-center health care facilities in Singapore and here in Malaysia are excellent, yet costs so much less than in the U.S. Equivalently inexpensive, too, is insurance. I pay $800 a year for blue-chip full-coverage health insurance for a family of four. And for the poor here in Malaysia, who can't afford to go to private specialist centers or private health care insurance? The Malaysian government (under the Ministry of Health) has large hospitals and clinics of its own (apart from the private ones), including in very remote areas, where rates are again far lower. And, if you are unemployed or under a certain income level, a hospital visit cost is 1 ringgit (about U.S. 28 cents). It's not quite as first-rate as the private hospitals/clinics, and you may end up being 4 to a large non-air-conditioned room, but it's available for those who need it. There is also a (legal) requirement that doctors and medical specialists serve in a government hospital for two years before being licensed to go into private practice or a partner with specialist centers. Noteably, malpractice suits are almost non-existent, and where genuine malpractice is found, the awards are within reasonable limits. Yes, it's sort of a two-tier system, and those who want to spend more can, but it also provides cheap and virtually free medical care for those who can't afford private medical care. I think the U.S. should consider a variation of this kind of health care system.
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
Same is true of the education system in Malaysia and Singapore - you can choose between universal-access public schools and optional private schools.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
EMTBGRL 2514 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Survivor-themed Cruise Spokesperson"
|
06-20-06, 10:04 PM (EST)
|
|
117. "RE: A simple question" |
>(Shhhh, or some may decide that
>education is only for the
>privledged as well) Ya know. I am someone that has toyed with the idea that education should be for the people who respect it. I think that might cut down on school violence, school budget problems, and No Child Left Behind. It also might straighten out the "need" for 'standardized testing.' This is also coming from the perspective of someone that knows a lot of people from other cultures, where their education is NOT "free." Their family decides WHO gets to go to school, it IS a privilege, and the family pays tuition for that student. The student doesn't do well? --G-d forbid Fails? Next child in line gets to go. First child can go back to sheep herding or watching for lions, or whatever family occupation or trade they either choose or get assigned. Do I believe this should really happen in the USA? Well, no. But, the idea of doing this for a year, and seeing what happens? Intriguing. -- If I knew that I was the "chosen one" from my family in high school? That school was a privilege, and not a protected right? I might have climbed that "school standing" numbers list. If my brother or sister got to go and I didn't? I might have had a real-world skill for working many years before I did. (This is an intellectual exercise only, before anyone waggles a finger at me.) I am a librul. I do not hate America, either. 
>
>
>
>
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Buggy 5089 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 10:59 AM (EST)
|
|
85. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Oh I got it, I just like to point out hypocrisy.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
nailbone 27263 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 04:32 PM (EST)
|
|
108. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Oh good grief.
Sig by Slice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
newsomewayne 9353 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 09:22 AM (EST)
|
|
65. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
LAST EDITED ON 06-20-06 AT 09:29 AM (EST)I wasn't trying to come off funny. I was wanting a thread where people could tell me why it is the government's duty to provide everyone with the best available health care. The acerbic tone of my post was deliberate, because I thought it would generate the most responses. Now that you know I wasn't making light of the situation, have I still offended you? It wasn't my intent. I've made people mad before (including you) and probably will again in the future. Unless it's my wife who's mad, I usually sleep pretty well. I'm sorry for your losses and that the system left them out. ETAdd: The comparisons I gave were to give people a point of reference to talk from. You said the cars and cell phones weren't fair, what about the lean beef? You're into kid's nutrition. Shouldn't every parent have the best available food products subsidized. None of that government cheese stuff, either. I want Kraft and Mayfield and 97% lean beef and Hormel bacon and fish and bottle Avian water and... The rich are not better than the poor, just better off. Guess what, perks come with money. "That's life, wear a f'n helmet" - Dennis Leary. "It is thus necessary that the individual should come to realize that his own ego is of no importance in comparison with the existence of his nation; that the position of the individual ego is conditioned solely by the interests of the nation as a whole ... that above all the unity of a nation's spirit and will are worth far more than the freedom of the spirit and will of an individual. .... This state of mind, which subordinates the interests of the ego to the conservation of the community, is really the first premise for every truly human culture .... we understand only the individual's capacity to make sacrifices for the community, for his fellow man."
Handcrafted by RollDdice
"We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society." Along with a New Direction, we may as well have a new name, The United Socialists of America
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
geg6 14941 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 09:55 AM (EST)
|
|
69. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
>"It is thus necessary that the
>individual should come to realize
>that his own ego is
>of no importance in comparison
>with the existence of his
>nation; that the position of
>the individual ego is conditioned
>solely by the interests of
>the nation as a whole
>... that above all the
>unity of a nation's spirit
>and will are worth far
>more than the freedom of
>the spirit and will of
>an individual. .... This state
>of mind, which subordinates the
>interests of the ego to
>the conservation of the community,
>is really the first premise
>for every truly human culture
>.... we understand only the
>individual's capacity to make sacrifices
>for the community, for his
>fellow man." >"We must stop thinking of the
>individual and start thinking about
>what is best for society."
>
>
>Along with a New Direction, we
>may as well have a
>new name, The United Socialists
>of America Nice bit of hyperbole, but your linking of Hitler, Hillary, and socialism doesn't wash as anything other than showing you can make anyone look linked to anyone else. I can go to the Bible and pick out dozens, perhaps hundreds, of quotes that would fit into that progression you purport above. It doesn't mean that Jesus and Hitler were soul mates. I just always find it so ironic that it is often those who most loudly proclaim their religious moralisms who are most intent on depriving the least of us basic human dignity. In reality, I equate most right wing Christian conservative political views more with the teachings of Malthus than with any of the teachings of Christ.
Goddess of the Steeler Nation
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
HistoryDetective 9516 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 10:26 AM (EST)
|
|
72. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
LAST EDITED ON 06-20-06 AT 10:27 AM (EST)1 John 3:17. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Luke 6:33ff. "And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive back the same." 2 Cor 9:7. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. Mt. 6:24. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Money." 1 Tim. 6:10. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang. Acts 2:44. All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began to sell their property and possessions, and share them with all, as anyone might have need. Acts 4:32-35. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need. Eph. 4:28. Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.    
Sigs by Seana and Syren. Bouncie by IceCat. One and Only WeinerGuy.edited because bible verses often cause emoticons
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
zipperhead 3442 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Car Show Celebrity"
|
06-20-06, 12:14 PM (EST)
|
|
89. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
1 John 3:17. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Hey, if it weren't for me holding on to the world's goods, then those poor people would be sinners by virtue of worshipping the wealth they have. So I'm doing them a favor by making them humble before the Lord.
Luke 6:33ff. "And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive back the same."
Then I just won't do good deeds at all. How 'bout that?
2 Cor 9:7. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
I'm cheerful. Why shouldn't I be cheerful when I give out loans to people at 22% interest?
Mt. 6:24. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Money."
I already told you how I serve God by making people poor and miserable so that they're ripe for evangilizing.
1 Tim. 6:10. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.
Yes, the love of money is evil. So stop asking me for more, you sinner!
Acts 2:44. All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began to sell their property and possessions, and share them with all, as anyone might have need.
I need a big-#####ed boat to see the glory of the Lord reflected in the Bahamas, so why don't you give it to me?
Acts 4:32-35. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them....
I don't see this passage in my Bible. You must be quoting from some unorthodox gay bible or something that was mistranslated.
Eph. 4:28. Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.
I never stole in the first place, so this doesn't apply to me.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Ante Bellum 3762 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
|
06-20-06, 12:56 PM (EST)
|
|
90. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Hmm, i found Acts 4:32 in the KJV and the NRSV (the only ones I have ready access to.) I also found this:http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Acts+4:32-37 Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Sounds like Christians are supposed to become seriously Socailist if they want to follow in the path of the apostles. 
Handcrafted by RollDdice Yes, I'm pretty sure you were kidding.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
newsomewayne 9353 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 01:23 PM (EST)
|
|
92. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Special note: italicized sections came from commentarries at BibleGateway.com.FWIW, in none of these did I see a command to give to the government and then let them redistribute.
Only the stuff I said about this first verse is kinda long. The rest are much shorter, so please keep reading.
Let's add 1 John 3:16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
>1 John 3:17. But whoever has
>the world's goods, and beholds
>his brother in need and
>closes his heart against him,
>how does the love of
>God abide in him?
>
And it is the voluntary self-giving of Jesus to others, in life and death, that constitutes the epitome of God's love (4:9-10). Not only do we see the fullness of God's love in Jesus' death, we see also the essence of love itself. With the statement This is how we know what love is, John points to two things important for us to remember. Jesus' voluntary giving of life is both an example for us to emulate and a revelation of the extent of God's love. As an example, Jesus shows us that true love is concrete and active, not merely felt or thought, but lived out. As a revelation of God's love, Jesus shows us that God was active in sending the Son so that we might know God, have life and live within the circle of love. Jesus' death and love creates the community of life and love. Those within that community ought to manifest a love for others that serves the end of nurturing community (v. 16). And one does not strengthen community by speech alone, but by actions and in truth. We may note at least four features of Jesus' self-giving love as we seek to implement truly sacrificial love in our relationships. Jesus voluntarily chose to lay down his life. He had a choice, and he could have chosen differently. Second, the results of his death are life-giving for others (Jn 10:11, 15, 17-18). Third, true love is always accompanied by truth and never by deception or lies (3:7-10). It lives fully in the light, and does not have to hide its actions. Fourth, we are to give out of our abundance, from what we have, to those who have not. Jesus gave the life he had from the Father to be our life: he gave from his strength to our weakness. Self-giving love gives out of what we are and have to the weakness or lack of others. Specifically, the Johannine Christians who have material possessions (echein ton bion tou kosmou) are instructed to give to those who are in need (echein chreian). Although this may seem far less demanding and heroic than the willingness to sacrifice one's life for another, it is surely difficult enough! It is sobering to be reminded that the average American church member gives about 2-3 percent of their annual in come to various charities and causes--including the church. The prin ciple of conduct John gives here is simple: we ought to be willing to give up what we have in order to enrich the lives of others. And while it is commendable when this is done out of a free and generous spirit, it is more important to do the right thing than to wait for the right motivation. Often willingness and motivation to do right can be nourished by the actual action of doing what is right. >Luke 6:33ff. "And if you do
>good to those who do
>good to you, what credit
>is that to you? For
>even sinners love those who
>love them. And if you
>lend to those from whom
>you expect to receive, what
>credit is that to you?
>Even sinners lend to sinners,
>in order to receive back
>the same."
So taking the context of this verse (Luke 6:27-36, Love your enemies), you're equating the poor or suffering with the enemy? As Hank says, Text without a context is just a pretext.
>
>2 Cor 9:7. Let each one
>do just as he has
>purposed in his heart; not
>grudgingly or under compulsion; for
>God loves a cheerful giver.
vs. 6-9, 6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. These verses are part of Paul's plea to have ready the offering they promised to help the poor and persecuted Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Paul uses the term generous (eulogia) again in verse 5--this time as a point of contrast to a grudging (pleonexia) contribution. The exact contrast is difficult to determine. Since Paul has just reminded the Corinthians that they had promised a generous contribution, it is unlikely that he would hammer away at its size (a large and not a stingy gift ). The sense of freely as opposed to grudgingly offered is a possibility (NIV), as is voluntarily and not forcibly extracted (TEV, Phillips, JB, RSV, NEB). The last option fits the broader context the best. The TEV's "It will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to" is an apt rendering. The term translated "grudgingly" (pleonexia) derives from a verb meaning "to take advantage of" or "to defraud" and is often used of someone who is greedy and grasping after what others have. Here the term denotes selfish, greedy people who give only because they are forced to do so and not because they want to
>
>
>Mt. 6:24. "No one can serve
>two masters; for either he
>will hate the one and
>love the other, or he
>will hold to one and
>despise the other. You cannot
>serve God and Money."
True.
>
>1 Tim. 6:10. For the love
>of money is a root
>of all sorts of evil,
>and some by longing for
>it have wandered away from
>the faith, and pierced themselves
>with many a pang. Also true.
>
>Acts 2:44. All those who had
>believed were together, and had
>all things in common; and
>they began to sell their
>property and possessions, and share
>them with all, as anyone
>might have need.
vs. 42-47, The Fellowship of the Believers
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. The conviction of sin that followed Peter's Spirit-filled preaching (2:37) was not momentary panic but a continuing uneasiness among those who had not yet received the word. The many wonders and miraculous signs done by God through the apostles served only to intensify this conviction. Whether the "signs and wonders" element be taken as normative for today (Wimber 1986:21) or as simply the authentication of a fresh stage of revelation (Stott 1974:13), clearly Luke is certain that the church's presence will have an impact on society.A Caring, Joyful, Transparent Fellowship (2:44-47) In expression of their Spirit-inspired togetherness, the believers pooled their resources. Individuals voluntarily sold property and goods, contributed the proceeds to a fund from which any Christian (and possibly non-Christians as well) could receive help, as he or she might have need. What a standard for today's church! Indeed, "what we do or do not do with our material possessions is an indicator of the Spirit's presence or absence"
My church does something I'm sure most churches do. Part of our budget is titled Benevolence Fund. Each week, a portion of the offerings go to this fund. People of the community come to us for help and we use this fund to help them. We buy food, pay bills, purchase gas, get professional help, fill perscriptions, pay medical needs, etc. All one has to do is present the need and we do what we can to help.
>
>Acts 4:32-35. And the congregation of
>those who believed were of
>one heart and soul; and
>not one of them claimed
>that anything belonging to him
>was his own, but all
>things were common property to
>them. And with great power
>the apostles were giving witness
>to the resurrection of the
>Lord Jesus, and abundant grace
>was upon them all. For
>there was not a needy
>person among them, for all
>who were owners of land
>or houses would sell them
>and bring the proceeds of
>the sales and lay them
>at the apostles' feet; and
>they would be distributed to
>each, as any had need.
>
A deeper look at what Luke described in Chapter 2. Question: Whom did the people trust with the proceeds from selling their posessions? Was it the Roman officials? Or was it someone else?
>
>Eph. 4:28. Let him who steals
>steal no longer; but rather
>let him labor, performing with
>his own hands what is
>good, in order that he
>may have something to share
>with him who has need.
Yes, one person sharing with another. Am I a selfish person? Yes I am. I frequently look to meet my own needs ahead of others. Try to spend my time the way I want to, instead of offering help when I know it is needed. It's something I need to work on. I've thought this in the past, but now I realize I need to give this up to God. I've given other sins up to God before, but this is one I've been holding onto. I can see that now. Thank you, OT, for helping me see this. At the risk of losing what I may have just gained, I do feel the need to say I think these passages show a need for community giving and individual willingness to help. Personally, I feel the U.S. government is too big and our population and territory to large to be capable of doing these things correctly. And that is my opinion, not me playing DA. 
Handcrafted by RollDdice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
geg6 14941 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 02:29 PM (EST)
|
|
101. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
It's all fine and dandy to parse some sort of anti-government anti-tax message because it doesn't specifically say anything about it in the Bible. But you and I both know and understand the message. It means that if you aspire to live by the principles Christ taught, you should be happy to help provide for those less fortunate. You should do it with a glad heart, with compassion and empathy, and you should not do it begrudgingly or for personal gain. And the reality is that, since we no longer live in small villages or tribes where it is relatively easy to take care of those in need, we need large institutions such as the federal government (which is, after all, responsible for the well being of its citizens) to do what we individuals cannot. I, too, give in my own community through service or monetary donations. But I also am perfectly happy to pay taxes so that the various levels of government can distribute that money to all who need it. I don't begrudge it one single bit. And I'm an agnostic. But I think my way of thinking more closely mirrors the teachings of Christ as I was always taught them.
Goddess of the Steeler Nation
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
Buggy 5089 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 10:21 AM (EST)
|
|
71. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Well if it wasn't intended to be funny, then it's just mean spirited.
You said the cars and cell phones weren't fair, what about the lean beef? You're into kid's nutrition.
Aren't you? Don't you think all children should be able to eat a decent meal in this country? How are they suppossed to learn without food? How are they soposed to contribute to society, and get decent jobs?
I ignored that part on purpose, because comparing food to cars is ridiculous. The government already subsidizes food for school children, and trust me it isn't the leanest ground beef, but it is a meal. I know in my small county that 25% of the kids are on some kind of assisted meal plan. For many of those kids the's the best meal they get all day, for some, it's the only meal they get all day.
Do I think every child is entitled to the best cell phone plan? No.
Do I think every child is entitled to a decent meal every fvcking day? Damn right, I do.
Do I think children should be entitled to basic medical care in this Country? Absolutely. I hope you are never in a position where you've been laid off from a job, without insurance benefits, and have to figure out how to pay for a doctor when your child is sick. Do you see some of the posts about what people pay for health insurance? People with jobs who have access to insurance? It's about having the same oppurtunity, and if kids don't have the same chance to grow up healthy and get a basic education, then this society has no chance for a future. Good to know that you are against Government subsidised meals for children though. And you can try to compare luxury cars and cell phones to meals and doctor care, all you want, it will never be the same thing.
Do I still find the tone in your original post to be offensive? Yes, pretty much.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 02:40 PM (EST)
|
|
102. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Anyway, thanks for swiping the momentum from my new direction thresd, congrats on generating your own. Given the choice between the side actually looking into doing something about a mounting crisis or the side collectively sticking their heads in the sand, I'll just be thankful that someone actually is paying attention to it.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 01:25 PM (EST)
|
|
93. "Devil's Advocate" |
Does the term 'Devil's Advocate' mean anything to you?Sure it does. Anyone who reads my posts knows that I sometimes use this technique to add clarity to the issue being debated. From wikipedia: In common parlance, devil's advocate has come to mean a person who argues a position for the sake of arguing but does not necessarily believe in the argument; or who presents a counterargument for a position they do believe in, to another debater. This process can be used to test the quality of the original argument and identify weaknesses in its structure. But being a devil's advocate is not easy to do well. In some cases, it's best to simply state from the beginning that you are playing the role of the devil's advocate. Often, I'll present a potentially valid counterargument or counterpoint in the form of a question to the original argument, as this gives the person presenting the original argument an open opportunity to ponder it and respond. Or, in presenting a counterargument, I'll present new facts or another viewpoint for the original argument while fully acknowledging the points that the original argument presented. My main interest is not so much to shout out my position on an issue, as it is to gain clarity on it through meaningful debate and discussion. I'm here to learn from other people who know things I don't know, who view things differently based on experiences they've had but I haven't, and who share a mutual interest in our learning from each other.
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
This is just one reason I participate in the OT deep-end thresds.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
Bobdechemist 3932 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
|
06-20-06, 01:48 PM (EST)
|
|
95. "Bob from Canada" |
Being born and raised in a country where universal health care is a right, the idea of people dying because they lack access to basic health care is very disturbing to me to say the least. It feels utterly barbaric and scary.My family was not rich and neither were my friends. These were good, hard working, moral people. If any of them went to church, I think the Right Wing would approve. They had mini fairs to raise money for the Red Cross, they brought cakes to funerals, they helped build houses, they looked after kids, they volunteered at schools and old folks homes, they fed the neighbours dogs, or chickens and fetched the mail. I don't think any of them could have afforded health care insurance. The idea that they would deserve to die from cancer in a country that can afford to treat it is vile. And, I would like to point out, Canada pays almost half what the USA does per capita on health care, has a longer life expectancies and everyone is insured. So stick that in your fiscal conservative pipe and smoke it.  
And we hold these truths to be self evident. That all men are created equal.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
AugustGirl 11534 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 02:14 PM (EST)
|
|
98. "RE: Bob from Canada" |
 
Yep. Only the rich should have high speed internet. And 93% lean beef. The poor should be happy with their slow-ass dial up and ground chuck, dagnabbit!
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
Buggy 5089 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 02:29 PM (EST)
|
|
100. "RE: Bob from Canada" |
Mine
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-21-06, 01:14 AM (EST)
|
|
124. "RE: Bob from Canada" |
*laugh* I was thinking exactly the same thing, almost word for word!
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-21-06, 01:12 AM (EST)
|
|
123. "RE: Bob from Canada" |
Thanks for posting that, Bob. What you say is true of many other countries as well, even some developing and third-world countries. And is it a right? United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25: (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-22-06, 05:00 AM (EST)
|
|
142. "RE: Bob from Canada" |
LAST EDITED ON 06-22-06 AT 07:10 AM (EST)Good question, and one with a lot of facets to it. Just thinking out loud here... From one perspective, UN UDHR article 25 states " Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family... including... medical care and necessary social services." The key word here is 'adequate', i.e., just enough to provide, without excess or waste, so that others may also may benefit. So, to answer one question, it seems that an 'adequate' level of medical care is a human right. The question remains, though, where we draw the line as to what is 'adequate' and what is not (in either direction). Given this ambiguity, how do we answer your question of whether or not someone who has neglected their health entirely is entitled to million dollar surgeries at the expense of the national government (taxpapers)? I've always taken the view that with every right comes a responsibility. Therefore, anyone who expects future medical care has a responsibility to take care of their own health, at least to a minimal extent. Someone wholly irresponsible for their own health should not be entitled to premium (more than adequate) health care at the expense of those who (at least attempt) take care of their own health. Although a system could be developed for evaluating this (through periodic checkups), evaluation is partly a judgement call and subject to error, and probably not workable. Even so, insurance companies do just this (often requiring an advance checkup) in evaluating their insurance risk and determining who/what to insure and for how much. In practicality, if the government provides an 'adequate' level of health care for everyone, then anyone who wants a 'premium' level of health care (single-bed deluxe rooms, no caps on surgery at premium facilities, etc.) should pay for it themselves. It goes back to sort of a two-tier system I mentioned earlier in post #60 - the government provides 'adequate' health care, free or cheap to those who can't afford it, available and affordable for everyone, and anyone who wants to enter into a private specialist center with premium facilities (and million-dollar surgeries) will have to pay for it (or buy insurance for it). If there is waste, it is an individual's waste of their own money, while the government can allocate scarce resources to a broader base who need it. Which brings us to the second part of your question, about whether funds spent on more-than-adequate health care (million dollar surgeries) would be better spent on those who need adequate health care (children with malaria). I've answered that within the national context, but what about the international context? It's here that governments determine their spending priorities, with national health care funds competing with international aid funds and all other funds. The simple fact is that some governments can not provide even minimal health care for much of their population, possibly through lack of resources, logistics, or simply (in some cases) ingrained corruption. So, as the U.S. or Canadian governments draw up their national budgets, part of it covering adequate health care for its own citizens, there is also an allocation for international aid, sometimes specifically earmarked for health care. The U.N. has done much to raise awareness in this (especially children's health care), but it doesn't have the funds to provide for it. Instead, such aid depends on donors - from government, non-profit organizations, and individuals combined. In summary, I think:
1. Citizens have a right to adequate health care. It is the responsibility of the government to provide for and/or ensure the availability of adequate health care for all of its citizens.
2. With this right to health care, each citizen also has the responsibility to take reasonable (primarily preventive) measures to care for their own health, based on health education provided by the government and/or the education system.
3. Anyone wanting premium health care, beyond what is considered adequate by the government, should pay for it.
4. Citizens of countries who enjoy adequate health care should actively encourage their governments to allocate funds to provide minimal health care for citizens of other countries. Governments should consider this as one their global responsibilities, within their means to do so.
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
ed. fixes & clarity
|
|
|
Top |
| |
zombiebaby 7356 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-20-06, 03:41 PM (EST)
|
|
103. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Don't even get me started on maternity/paternity/family leave. For a country that "promotes family values" the amount of paid time (nothing) to have a child or care for a sick family member we lag so far behind. I mean I guess I am greedy to think I have a right to spend some time with a newborn right? I am such.a.commie. 
Siggy conceived by Arkie, gestating done by Zombs Oh wait that is right...I should have a husband who makes enought to support me and the kids.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
mtopaz 2167 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Roller Coaster Inaugurator"
|
06-21-06, 02:39 PM (EST)
|
|
131. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Oh wait that is right...I should have a husband who makes enought to support me and the kid*ding, ding, ding!* We have a winner here! That is 100% right little lady. If you are going to get pregnant, you should have made sure to have a gainfully employed husband who earns enough to support himself, you and any children. Additionally, said husband should somehow work for an employer that provides good health coverage, with a relatively affordable co-payment, for the entire family. Those jobs are pretty easy to find, right? In fact, said hubbie should be earning enough so that you and he can privately fund your own retirement, because a) you shouldn't count on Social Security, and b) you shouldn't count on his employer to help fund it either. Now, does everyone understand how the game is played?
Sig pic by JSlice
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
geg6 14941 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-21-06, 04:56 PM (EST)
|
|
134. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
I rarely say this to our younger OTers, but I just have to say it here.UK, you are very, very young. You have not yet been out in the world and seen how things can go very badly very quickly. One of the ways this often happens is because someone gets ill. People lose their jobs over illnesses. Fewer and fewer jobs offer benefits or benefits that are affordable enough that the person and his/her family can afford food and housing. If the job is lost, even that can be lost. If it is a chronic illness, that person may not be able to work. Or that person may not be able to get a comparative position. Then, this person has to either pay cash for any health care they seek or do without. Did you know that most times, people who have no health insurance are charged higher rates for services than those who do? If you are chronically ill (say with diabetes), cannot afford health insurance or cannot get it due to your pre-exisiting condition, are unemployed or underemployed, and have a family to feed and shelter, then according to your position you are just out of luck. Tough for you. Die, go bankrupt, become homeless. When you have some more experience with our health care system and the vagaries of life, I can assure you that you won't be so sure that your view here is the right one. In fact, if you really decide you still want to ration health care, you will still probably change your mind about how to do it. Because, in reality, we save more money by providing preventive medicine (like prescriptions and office visits) than we do by not paying for it and waiting until an illness is so bad that it needs surgery or other drastic (and extremely expensive) measures.
Goddess of the Steeler Nation
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cahaya 19891 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-21-06, 02:07 PM (EST)
|
|
128. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Hey, UKR. It's kind of a complicated world out there.My son (age 18) just started college and he is not working (yet). I don't have a job (yet) and my wife just retired. I feel that I have an obligation as a parent to provide my family with health insurance, including my son. I bought health insurance for my son. It doesn't really matter who pays it, him or me, but I paid it because I have the money and he doesn't. I wouldn't let him go without health insurance because if he really does get sick or seriously injured, I want him to be able to get health care. If I don't get him health insurance, then either he wouldn't get the health care that he would need, or I would have to lose a lot (or all) of my life's savings that my wife and I need for our retirement years. To go without health insurance is very risky. Even though it is expensive, you and your family could lose everything you have if you or someone in your family gets critically ill.
An Arkie Asian creation, with Foo dog images by Bob.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
AZ_Leo 3526 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Thong Contest Judge"
|
06-21-06, 02:15 PM (EST)
|
|
130. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
In addition, if you do get an illness with long term chronic effects and you are not covered there is no guarantee you will ever get health insurance in the future. Companies can and will hang up on you rather than discuss coverage. Once you get covered never let it lapse.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
dabo 26942 desperate attention whore postings
DAW Level: "Playboy Centerfold"
|
06-22-06, 00:46 AM (EST)
|
|
141. "RE: Healthcare Coverage" |
Insurance companies pay what they are required to pay per the policy, and they'll even haggle over a bill if they think it unreasonable. What they don't pay is the responsibility of the policy holder, of course, and while I'm not a big fan of insurance companies in general they will very often do everything they can to challenge and reduce the debt carried by their clients.Government health insurance programs have a big advantage in this regard, it is illegal to charge the healthcare recipient to make up the difference in what their insurance doesn't pay in most cases. Thing is, what got the ball rolling on this healthcare crisis wasn't the pharmeceutical companies, it was the government health insurance programs slashing to the bone what they pay out to healthcare providers for the services received, increasing exponentially the amount of unrecoverable debt carried by healthcare providers throughout the country. That had to be passed on to those who could pay somehow, and it just escalated from there. Pretty much everyone involved in healthcare, except doctors and nurses who really aren't geared for it (they have other primary responsibilities), has been working dilligently to try to get things under control and keep things going ever since. And, really, I don't mind the work. But it would be nice if government would step up and help out where it can. Or at least get out the way when they're making things worse. We had a situation that went on for several years where we had to throw perfectly good trash baskets away every year. One regulatory agency would show up one year, say our trash baskets were the wrong kind we had to have this other kind, we'd get the other kind and throw away all the bad trash baskets, then the next year the other regulatory agency would show up and say we had the entirely wrong sort of trash baskets, tsk tsk tsk, we really ought to have the kind we used to have. That's just an example of the nonsense we are constantly having to deal with. Don't even get me started on the amount of perfectly usable products we are forced to dispose of every year.
|
|
|
Top |
| |
|
p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e - p l a c e h o l d e r t e x t g o e s h e r e -
|
|
Email this topic to a friend
Printer-friendly version of this topic
Bookmark this topic (Registered users only)
. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Seasons Greetings!
SMILES ARE FREE
