The scariest part is that I never knew it was coming and then all of a sudden I came down with a terrible case of it...
13 May 2008
24 April 2008
Universal Health Care Rocks the Party that Rocks the Party
National health care is gearing up to be a big issue in the coming election. As someone who has experienced the health care systems in the States, France, and Japan, I can tell you without hesitation nor exaggeration that the Universal, Nationalized health care system is the best option. How that program is structured varies country to country, but ultimately the sense of security that guaranteed access to affordable health care that comes with nationalized health care is something whose value cannot be over-emphasized.
To get a more thorough (and more interesting) idea of what I'm talking about, check out PBS Frontline's series "Sick Around the World," which explores universal health care systems in five different countries (including Japan). Props to PBS for making the whole series available to watch online for free. Thanks, PBS!
Also, you've probably at least heard of Michael Moore's "Sicko." If you haven't seen it (and I was reluctant to - as much as I love his movies, they can a be a bit much), you absolutely must. The final part of the movie that takes place in Cuba is heart-wrenching and should put all Americans to shame. I cried tears of shame, sadness, and despair mixed with hope: Is there nothing that can help to change America's system for the better? Do so many Americans care so little for others that they don't see the value in providing sufficient basic health care for all of us? What about just covering the basics of those who need and/or deserve coverage the most: kids, veterans, and the elderly. What hope is there for any progress?
I know it's depressing, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a call to action and for change. Support universal health care measures.
And if you're a Californian, vote for any ballot initiative the Governator puts forward that will give people a taste of the benefits of universal coverage, even if it's just for kids. Once people have got a taste for it, they'll see the benefits.
Finally, Democrats Abroad Japan Secretary Linda Gould is in the process of organizing an information campaign that lets us Americans abroad share our real-life experiences with national health care with the Americans back home. Here's a video she did recently that will give you an idea of why I'm such a supporter of universal health care.
To get a more thorough (and more interesting) idea of what I'm talking about, check out PBS Frontline's series "Sick Around the World," which explores universal health care systems in five different countries (including Japan). Props to PBS for making the whole series available to watch online for free. Thanks, PBS!
Also, you've probably at least heard of Michael Moore's "Sicko." If you haven't seen it (and I was reluctant to - as much as I love his movies, they can a be a bit much), you absolutely must. The final part of the movie that takes place in Cuba is heart-wrenching and should put all Americans to shame. I cried tears of shame, sadness, and despair mixed with hope: Is there nothing that can help to change America's system for the better? Do so many Americans care so little for others that they don't see the value in providing sufficient basic health care for all of us? What about just covering the basics of those who need and/or deserve coverage the most: kids, veterans, and the elderly. What hope is there for any progress?
I know it's depressing, but it doesn't have to be. It can be a call to action and for change. Support universal health care measures.
And if you're a Californian, vote for any ballot initiative the Governator puts forward that will give people a taste of the benefits of universal coverage, even if it's just for kids. Once people have got a taste for it, they'll see the benefits.
Finally, Democrats Abroad Japan Secretary Linda Gould is in the process of organizing an information campaign that lets us Americans abroad share our real-life experiences with national health care with the Americans back home. Here's a video she did recently that will give you an idea of why I'm such a supporter of universal health care.
18 April 2008
Young Democrats Abroad of the World UNITE!
Quick notice to let you know that I've started a new Facebook group for those of us in countries who don't have a strong Young Dems group going yet. The Facebook group's name is "Young Democrats Abroad International." Stop by, say hi, join the group, spread the word, GET OUT THE VOTE!! That's the most important part. :)
11 April 2008
Yeah, well, Caucus you!
I'm in Vancouver right now, participating the Democrats Abroad Global Convention. Today is the Asia Pacific Regional Caucus, where I was running as a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention (to be held in August in Denver). Alas, I didn't win the post. But, it doesn't matter, I'm invigorated anyway. Sitting in on the Caucus meeting, hearing the statements of the other candidates was amazing and reassuring. The people who are involved in this process and who will be going to the Convention in August are the best of the best, the creamiest of the cream of the crop.
The American Democrat who lives abroad is a special breed. This breed requires creativity, tenacity, perseverance, and dedication. Imagine the effort it takes to get involved in politics at home, back in the States. People sometimes literally knock on your door to ask you to participate. Living abroad, we have to move beyond the usual effort it takes to register to vote on our way into the supermarket. We have to seek out, sometimes from a middle of nowhere sand island in the desert, how to exercise our right to vote and participate in the political process as American citizens.
I am going to find another way to get to Denver. As much as I would have loved to be the Asia Pacific representative at the National Convention, I wasn't going for that just as a means to go to the Convention. I support getting a Democrat in the White House in November. Period. Full stop. End of story. And, I want to be a WITNESS to that process. This year, this election, is historic, people! I wouldn't have chosen to be alive for any other election. This whole experience will be a story for the kids and the grandkids, for sure. And isn't that the measure of a good life story??
The American Democrat who lives abroad is a special breed. This breed requires creativity, tenacity, perseverance, and dedication. Imagine the effort it takes to get involved in politics at home, back in the States. People sometimes literally knock on your door to ask you to participate. Living abroad, we have to move beyond the usual effort it takes to register to vote on our way into the supermarket. We have to seek out, sometimes from a middle of nowhere sand island in the desert, how to exercise our right to vote and participate in the political process as American citizens.
I am going to find another way to get to Denver. As much as I would have loved to be the Asia Pacific representative at the National Convention, I wasn't going for that just as a means to go to the Convention. I support getting a Democrat in the White House in November. Period. Full stop. End of story. And, I want to be a WITNESS to that process. This year, this election, is historic, people! I wouldn't have chosen to be alive for any other election. This whole experience will be a story for the kids and the grandkids, for sure. And isn't that the measure of a good life story??
03 April 2008
An addiction that's GOOD for your brain and your soul
I found this site a few months ago and then forgot about it after a few hours of addicted play. I just found it again tonight and it's still addictive... www.FreeRice.com. You've probably heard about it already, but the gist of it is that you play a word game and for every correct answer, you're donating 10 grains of rice to the UN World Food Programme. You can read more about the website in this New York Times article.
I looked around on the internet and it seems that about 1000 grains of rice equals one serving. So, far, I've donated about 4 servings. Apparently the levels go up to 55. My highest is 45, though I've been hovering mainly around the 42/43 mark. I challenge all my fellow word geeks, former SAT teachers, and overall logophiliacs out there to help feed the world's hungry by feeding your addiction.
I looked around on the internet and it seems that about 1000 grains of rice equals one serving. So, far, I've donated about 4 servings. Apparently the levels go up to 55. My highest is 45, though I've been hovering mainly around the 42/43 mark. I challenge all my fellow word geeks, former SAT teachers, and overall logophiliacs out there to help feed the world's hungry by feeding your addiction.
Democrats Abroad Candidate
Heya! Long time, no post, huh?
So, been super busy with a work project (more on that in another post). But the big news is that I'm going to the Democrats Abroad Global Convention to throw my hat into the ring to become a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention!!! Check out my Candidate Statement on the DA website. I don't know if you have to register for the site to read the post. If you do, let me know, and I'll repost it here. Wish me luck!!
So, been super busy with a work project (more on that in another post). But the big news is that I'm going to the Democrats Abroad Global Convention to throw my hat into the ring to become a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention!!! Check out my Candidate Statement on the DA website. I don't know if you have to register for the site to read the post. If you do, let me know, and I'll repost it here. Wish me luck!!
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