Author: Betsy L Angert

I am a being that believes . . . "thinking is the best way to travel!"

Humans, Self-Destructive and Comfortable With What Comes ©


Ashley Meehan shields his eyes from wind driven sand from Hurricane Wilma on a beach in Miami, Florida October 24, 2005.
Reuters Press. Photograph taken by Brian Snyder

The look of despair can appear when confronted by a natural catastrophe or when devastated by a man-made disaster.  The sense of surrender can be stronger than any external storm.

This topic is of inordinate interest to me.  As I watch my babies, mammals that are not human, I am fascinated by their ability to thrive.  They are curious, concerned; they are scientists.  They love to learn.  They rarely, if ever, engage in the self-destructive behaviors that humans do.  I will write more on this topic later.  For now, I want to share what inspired me to re-visit this contemplation and why I am sharing it with you, dear reader.

I wrote and published two treatises on hurricane Wilma and the after affects of this storm. 

People posted their thoughts, experiences, and observations.  Many mused that those living in Florida must accept what is.  Some stated that it is not that bad.  Some shared stories; they spoke of where they live, and of how they were living.  Others mentioned it could be worse.  Then one novel thought appeared.  A comment suggested the parallel between life after “massive layoffs in Flint, Michigan” and existence in post storm ravaged Florida.

This analysis took me by surprise.  It was so pertinent, so relevant, so real, and simply elegant.  It was astute, accurate, and sadly, another indication that apathy persists, even when we appear so active.  The remark reminded me of my own life and observations.

In response to the eloquence of libnewsie, I offered this. 

Dear All . . .

The last few comments take me to a sorrowful place, the acceptance of apathy.  In my own life there were many times when I lived in squalor, I made my surroundings livable, and to my liking, at least, to a point.  However, I could only do so much with the limited resources I had, or so I chose to believe.  I acted on my truths.

I lived with mold, mayhem, and misery. Yet, I was comfortable, even happy.  For me, life was good, or was it the phrase that causes me much distress when I hear others say it?  Life was “as good as could be expected.”

I became insensitive to the unpleasantness of the neighborhood, or so it seemed.  I chose to be, not consciously, but for the sake of my sanity.  Though in many avenues of my life I am and was an activist, in my locality and circumstances, I felt powerless.  Possibly, probably, I never bothered to take the power.  I resigned myself to my situation. Actually, I never considered that it could be different.

The thought of moving seemed overwhelming, impossible, and even unnecessary.  When I read of what is accepted as standard in Florida, in Michigan, and elsewhere, I wonder.  Do we allow aspects of life to happen to us? 

We write our letters, we protest, we complain aloud, we want better; however, we accept less.  We may work well to improve some areas of our life and not others.  Is it human nature to accept what we believe we cannot fully change?  Might it be it laziness?  Do we not know that we are worth more, even the best? Could there be another theory that satisfies the question, why do we do, as we do, accept what we do not want?  I wonder.

I am curious; what do you think?  I thank you for caring and sharing.  My hope is we will all work to change what we know is not as it could be.  Let us join together and create the best of worlds.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

I would also like to express my gratitude to Corvidae, chantedor, incertus, NOdiaspora, LtdEdishn, akeitz, LtdEdishn, PatsBard, jayatRI, demnomore, maybeeso in Michigan, Brian Boru, and joynow, all of whom helped me to think beyond what was seemingly on the surface. 

Wilma, as Katrina, provided us with an opportunity to reflect, to look at ourselves, and to see how easily we can become comfortable with what is, even if it is unhealthy, unwise, and hugely self-destructive.  May we all be cognizant; what we can and do live with is often, not the best.  Nature brings storms; however, what man brings upon himself is much more turbulent.

References for your review.

Wilma Wreckage Causes Weeping Well into the New Year ©

It is January 8, 2006.  I posted my last missive on Daily Kos days ago.  The focus of that treatise was Wilma, “W”, Jeb, and the media.  I discussed the mid-October storm and how it related to the powers that be.  I expressed my own perception; there was a joint decision to ignore the woes that this storm created.

Most people commenting on my words were from Florida.  Some stated that though they reside elsewhere, they have friends or family living in this fair weather state.  While those that wrote saw much of the devastation first-hand, live-and-in-person, and others received friendly photographs, there were people that saw very little of what was, or what still is.  Yes, people read the newspapers and watched the television news; however, many saw only what the press chose to show, not much.

Yet, there was a lot. 
A month after the whirlwind named Wilma struck, local reporters revealed that two years worth of brush and debris had been cleared from the curbs. Nevertheless, there was more to dispose of.  There was so much rubble, so much rubbish, and a need to replace what once was.

Now, eleven weeks have passed.  One would think there was nothing left to see, to do, or to think about in respect to Wilma.  All must be well again, tidy, calm, and back to normal.  It is not. The clean up continues.

Without searching for damage, I found plenty.  I offer a few photographs that I took as I walked from my car to a near by building.  I hope these images will help solidify a sense of what is seen daily on the streets of South Florida.  Possibly, a picture or two may be worth more than a thousand words.

* a barrier no more . . .

* a tree torn from its foundation . . .

* a fence falls . . .

* windows blown out with the wind  . . .

* in a myriad of places . . .

* trees tumbled to their death, roots ripped from the ground . . .

. . . and words from the “Wizard of Wellness,” Jeb Bush. 

Governor Jeb Bush’s “End of Hurricane Season 2005″ Address”, Wednesday, November 30, 2005.

Feel free to peruse an article on the storm clean up.  Come to your own conclusion.  In this writing, my intent is to advance awareness, nothing more.

* Four dead, clean up begins as Wilma departs, By Martin Merzer, Wanda J. DeMarzo and Tere Figureas Negrete. Miami Herald

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Baby Bush Hides Florida Devastation and Crocodile Tears ©

On Monday, November 14, 2005, I was on a plane, heading for South East Florida; I was in the process moving to this fair weather state.  You laugh.  Yes, in recent years, Florida has become known for its hurricane action; it hardly represents the calm one might call fair. Nevertheless, in Florida, the terms fair and weather are used concurrently.  The two are the topics of daily conversation, at least they have been since
Wilma hit.

In this state when speaking of weather, people ponder.  What of justice, evenhandedness, and equality, are these void?  Was hurricane Wilma just or was it merely indiscriminate in its destruction?  Was there a reason for this tempest?  Was nature taking its vengeance on this small and innocent province or was the administration to blame?  Has the ignorance and denial of global warming taken its toll?  Why did Wilma hit some parts of Florida twice?  Could meteorologists have better predicted the direction and force of the storm?  Could they have more accurately assessed what was to come?

There is reason for all this reflection.  I saw it everywhere after I landed. Wilma whipped through the region weeks before my arrival; nevertheless, the devastation seemed fresh.  I was stunned.  I never imagined the damage would be as bad as it was.  The President did not speak of it; the media did not mention it to any great degree; yet here it was.  Ruin was rampant.

Massive and ancient trees were not down, they were uprooted.  Sidewalks were not cracked; they were pulled away from their foundations.  Buildings were without faces, roofs, windows, or frames.  The waste was strewn about.

For out-of-towners, a trip to the stores reveals damage similar to what is found within many homes.  Doors were jammed; windows cracked, stains covered the surface of the inner most sanctuaries.  Now, as I write weeks later all is as it was when I arrived.  There is so much work to be done, and supplies are few.  Bricks, mortar, wood, and nails are in short supply and have been since the storms of 2004.

Many have been waiting for repairs since the storms of 2004. Homes and offices ravaged a year hence still were sitting in ruin.  Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan may be no more than a memory for those in other parts of the country.  However, for those in Florida, the memory lingers. Some left homeless in the prior year are still without a house to call their own. Wilma swelled these numbers.

Post Wilma, numerous hotels were closed; there was too much damage.  They could not remain open.  Those that did survive were packed; as I write this in December, many of these still are.  Lodgings are and were booked through the month of November 2005; they are and were occupied with local residents.  Throughout the end of October and into November, most were without telephone service; many suffered a loss of electricity.  Even now, more than a month hence, there are still those without.  

When I first arrived in Southern Florida, precautions were being taken.  Residents throughout the area were told to boil water for safety reasons.  Gas pumps were still not working.  As time wears on, some stations are not yet serviceable.

Fractured signs, fallen trees, crushed glass, mangled metal; all are still present in late December.  Individuals and industry are told it will be another eight months before repairs can be scheduled.  This reality is accepted as true.  After all, how long ago were the affects of Charley felt?  These too have yet to be attended to.

I knew only a fraction of this when I first came to this area.

I had been living in California; at the time of the last tempest I was paying attention to the reports of the hurricane, for I was planning a permanent move to Florida.  Therefore, the events in this fair weather state were of great and intense interest to me.

I listened on the news; I read the papers.  I saw and heard a blurb here and there, and then it was gone.  All the reporting on Wilma ceased; however, the repercussions did not.  I was in contact with many in South Florida and I heard their stories.  Still, I had no idea.  Now, as I reflect, I realize people rarely communicate their deepest pain; they have their reasons.

My father, who accompanied me on my travel, concluded the same.  Though he lives in Chicago; he too was interested in the storms and was working to be informed.  Yet, he felt as I did; we did not know what really happened.  We wondered aloud.  We asked others, those here and away. We discovered that those in town lived what was real.  Yet.  When speaking with friends and relatives living afar, citizens, natives of the Treasure Coast realized there was no coverage.  They wondered why this might be.  So too did I. Those whose story was untold, were disgusted.

Please, let me contemplate aloud.

In the last two years Florida has been hit hard.  In 2004 Jeanne, Frances, and Charley cut through homes and businesses. In 2005 the sands and seas of Florida have been torn asunder. The Southeastern region of this country has experienced turbulence that is unprecedented.  Twenty-six tropical storms were named in this last year alone; many of these were significant enough to reach hurricane levels.  In 1993 there were as many as twenty-one storms; only thirteen of these reached hurricane status.  In 1969 there were twelve tempests, only seven developed further.  None of these were as powerful as the squalls of 2005.

Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, all of which reached the intensity of a category five storm, were whirlwinds of destruction.  This is the first time since 1851 that three, category five gales have occurred in one season!  In this last season there were also three tropical depressions. Fortunately, these did not reach the strength of tropical storms.  In the last four decades there were eleven storms, six achieved the rank of hurricane, and only two are exceptionally strong.

* Hurricane Central, Zeta weakening but ties another record.

Might we wonder of this?  Many believe that the intensity and frequency has increased because of global warming.  It is said that our mass consumption of natural resources and commitment to creating waste has caused the planet to warm.  Ice caps are melting, ocean waters are heating up, climates are changing, and hurricanes are the result.

This concern had been voiced for decades; yet, little was done.  Under the authority of King George II environmental protection policies were reversed.  After this tumultuous cycle, considerations for global warming are again being discussed as viable. Currently, the theory is thought to be a legitimate concern among those that pooh-poohed it in the past.  Former skeptics are now stating their anxiety aloud. The temperature of ocean waters is increasing, and the weather is not as any of us recall.

The people of Florida, as well as the people of the world are asking what can we do to lessen the affects of our consumptive society; can we reverse these?  Numerous people ask what can we do in the midst of a storm, before, and after.  Does life have to be as it was and is post Wilma?

Questions of fairness and weather are abounding.  We have all heard of fair-weather friends.  Much of Florida is feeling as though the media, the administration, and the rest of the nation are these.  The general public in this southern state wonder are their “fellow Americans” enemies, apathetic, or barely acquainted.

As the whirlwind was occurring, the people here thought it reasonable to assume that the Sunshine State would receive the same attention or lack thereof that Katrina and the people of New Orleans did?  Would the media cover the devastation and it’s consequences for real people for more than a moment? Would the government act to ameliorate the suffering? No, they did not.  It was obviously not reasonable to assume. The media did not inform the nation; nor did the government act.

Florida simply slipped through the cracks, as water had in the New Orleans levees. There were many cracks and weakened walls to slip through.  After all, The Army Corp of Engineers report on the New Orleans embankments slipped through the Bullish Bush grid.  Why should Florida be any different or expect to have been?  Perhaps, people hoped, having a Governor brother would help to bring aid or attention to the torment or turbulence, apparently not.

One will never know with certainty.  Did the Governor ask for less publicity, less relief, was he worried of the tourist trade or the bad press his older sibling might receive? What of the media?  Did he fear the Snowbirds might flee from tradition? Why was Wilma’s wrath not fully covered by the “news?”  America offers 500 channels, non-stop information.  There is time to share; yet, little was aired.

After the New Orleans embankments broke, King George II did ignore the ruined region.  He was busy, vacationing.  Perhaps this is his habit.  Might Emperor George be as distracted with his whims and wealth?  Is he as Nero was?  Might he be busy playing to his affluent patrons and their pleasures?  Is it impossible for him to see, let alone feel for the poor or powerless?  Possibly. The magnificent monarch may be doing as is  traditionally done by the Bush Dynasty; he watches as Rome burns.

While this theory would explain the Bush bull, what of the media? Post Katrina, the media was there. They reported of what was.  Actually, they informed the President.  Our quaint and preoccupied King admitted to witnessing with Americans families.  He saw, the depth of destruction on television.  Baby Bush observed millions on the streets, homes under water, people pouring out their pain from the safety of his TV screen.  It was the outspoken awareness of the press that embarrassed Bush.   He was so humiliated, that two weeks hence, he canceled his remaining holidays.

The President flew.  He and his staff flocked into Louisiana and Mississippi. He journeyed to the ravaged regions eight times in the four weeks.  He shook millions of hands, kissed many babies, hugged men, women, and children. Mr. Bush searched for solutions to problems, though a little too late.  The press applauded, the public was calmed, the journalist polled, and all was well.  People were again pleased, and the President was satisfied that he had done his job well. Had he?  Had the reporters?

The King came, he left; he came again, ultimately, leaving nothing much changed Well not exactly nothing. He improved his poll ratings.  In this we discover the answer to the question of the correspondents.

The servant media passed on the mandatory message. Quotas were fulfilled.  The full image of “compassionate conservative” was once again intact.  Thirty-second sound bites were preserved and misreporting reality was once again fulfilled.   Bush pretended to care; long enough to satisfy a society that prefers to remain minimally informed and lethargic.

In essence, Baby Bush and even the seemingly active journalists provided little resolution and less resolve. Nothing was solved; no one was saved.   There was only a pretense, a posturing of care, concern, and communication.  However, when it came to Wilma and Florida, there was never a flitter, never a flock, not a pretense or even passing murmur of concern.  

Upon reflection, I realize people can be calm in the face of a storm.  They adjust, they make do; they plod and plan.  Persons can be passé when discussing what is occurring, particularly if they had experienced similar in the past.  It might be that natives and residents fear what others will think.  After all, Florida is known for hurricanes.  Therefore, why worry.

Might those residing in the province believe that others will perceive Floridians as crying “wolf.”? Did those in Florida fear the attention of the nation, I wonder.

What of the journalist, the Governor, the President of the United States? What were their reasons and motivations for ignoring this area?  Why did they choose not to hear the communities as they were crying crocodile tears?  Why were those residing in or around the everglades suffering the impact of a hurricane that twisted, turned and slammed into their shores, twice in a single day, alone in this storm?

Why are the words of those in Florida falling on deaf ears?  I know not.  I only know that I must speak and share their plight.  These strong souls speak of it, the two years of hurricanes, culminating with Wilma.  They mention the streets that were once canopied with healthy branches and leaves.  Those in Sunshine State mourn daily.  They reflect upon what was and fear that it might never return. They are proud, for they have endured.  Nevertheless, they want help.  These stalwarts want others throughout the nation to know that it has not been easy; it still is not.  Much remains in ruin.  The roots have lifted trees.  Roofs have been torn from their foundations.   Walls are weeping.  There are holes in every avenue and heaps of wood on every curb.

Yet, only those in Florida truly comprehend.  Others may have heard of the possibility, nonetheless they are not here and they cannot begin to imagine.  The President does not tell for he was hurt by his own ineptitude after hurricane Katrina.  The media is manipulated, be they in Iraq or America. Jeb, ever the good brother, he too is silent.  It is all so sad and so very true.

For those interested in documentation, I offer resources. Please review these references.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Governor Jeb’s Pockets are Full. His Heart is Empty. ©

Many of us have met the man; his pockets are full of change.  He jingles as he walks.  His money clip is bulging.  The bills on the outside and within the fold are all high in denomination.  He could peel off the dollars and not deplete his worth; yet he does not.  His children wait anxiously for some deliverance; none is given.  His family was tired, hungry, and helpless, and he is not.  He has much; his relations receive little.  Who is this less than benevolent man? He is your friend, your neighbor. He is the brother of your beloved President.  He is Florida Governor Jeb Bush!

Greedy Governor Bush may be as many men or women, so concerned with his economic status and strength that he forgets his feelings.  I knew that the phallocentric, manly, man, Floridian was quite the entrepreneur; however, I did not realize to what degree.  Until my recent move to this fair state of Florida, I had no idea how unfair this Governor had made the region.  A recent radio report brought the reality home to me.  I share the story.
The other day, as I drove down the street listening to the local news I was appalled by the juxtaposition of accounts.  The first commentary I heard offered impressive news. Florida was granted an incredible AAA credit rating.  This is the highest score possible.  The destruction, devastation, and debilitating circumstances that five major storms thrust upon this South Eastern state did not affect its financial standings.  Actually, they were much improved.  Floridians were able to maintain their wealth and will; they even added to it.  Standard & Poor’s deemed Florida as stable and well funded.

Nevertheless. The reporter continued; Governor Jeb Bush is bound and determined to stop the efforts to reduce the classroom size in Florida.  The journalist referred to the enduring campaign that Jeb Bush has pursued for years, citing the Governors claims that the proposed plan is too costly and he would do all he could to stop the process.

Being new to Florida, I was flabbergasted by this news.  I knew that Florida lagged behind almost every other state in the nation when it comes to education.  Fewer dollars are spent per student here than they are elsewhere. I was aware that the schools in this South Eastern state are not the best, not even close.  I acknowledge that scholarly institutions are not Florida’s fame.  Being an educator, these facts haunted me.  I desired to move here; yet, I wondered whether this decision was wise. 

Actually, the reality of what is a seriously flawed school system haunted me; it caused me to hesitate. When I first chose to transition, I did what most people do.  I weighed the pros and cons.  I knew that the educational system was a strong and serious shortcoming.  I trusted that the diversity that California offers was my friend.  I acknowledged that a Blue Blood, such as myself, a Left-winged Liberal and proud of it, would be out of place in a Red, Republican, and Reactionary state; nevertheless, I wanted to go. 

I chose to ignore the greatest con, otherwise known as a detractor, an offensive factor, or criminal, Jeb the racketeer!  In truth, I never imagined that he was as I am learning he is.  That anyone could be so callous and cruel never occurred to me.  I never expected what is.  When the truth is heard aloud, in real time, on the radio, when reality is glaring and staring me in the face, I cringe.

When I arrived back in my room, I researched the topic.  I discovered that for at least three years Jeb has been speaking of his determination with defiance.  No matter what the voters want and pass in respect to class size reduction, this Governor plans to defeat the prospect.  Jeb Bush was never intent on educating the young well; he was determined to prohibit any item that costs the state more money.  Reducing the student to teacher ratio does and Jeb has been working against the prospect for years.

In October 2002, the Governor was heard to say of the pending class size reduction bill, “if this initiative passes . . . I have a couple of devious plans’ to stop this.” Such deceit, gleefully expressed, such a despicable man, and such an affect; society in Florida suffers. Please feel free to listen to Mr. Bush speak these ever so pleasant words.

Once heard, you too will realize that Governor Bush was never willing to give to the children, at least until now.  Embarrassed by the concurrence of contrary positions, Jeb changed.  As of this morning, he states that he is willing to work to reduce class size, to do as the people requested, and voted for.  Possibly, Florida Governor Jed Bush heard the reports as I did last evening.  Perhaps, he too thought he sounded so silly.  More likely, he might have realized how uncaring he seemed to be.  Jeb the juvenile, stresses economic stability; education be damned.  He has his priorities and they are consistent with those of his family.

This Governor may have asked himself, does he want to be considered a conservative or compassionate.  In the Bush tradition he might want to think of himself as both, simultaneously; however, he is neither.  True to his tradition.

Jeb Bush is a man of words, whimsy, and woe to all that cross him, be they man, woman, or child.  Perchance, we might be able to extrapolate.  What might the world be if we assessed wealth not merely by the jingle of change, but instead by how the currency was spent?

Please peruse the references that solidify a sense of Jeb Bush, the jingling grinch.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Clinton or Bush? Manipulation of Phallic or Philosophical ©

Which would you condemn, a president that feels a need to manipulate his phallus while in the Oval Office or one that cannot control his conscience? Would you rather rescind the privileges of a President that knows right from wrong, and; therefore tries to hide his folly, or do you believe impeachment is a process meant for leaders that think they are above the law?

We had a President that questioned the definition of “is” and now, we have one that defines all terms for him self.

There was a President that felt our pain, one that responded to our hurts immediately.  Under Former President Bill Clinton the Federal Emergency Management Agency was changed; customer service was the primary focus.  Clinton and his appointee James Lee Witt managed FEMA well because they knew how to do this.  Witt was the first Director that actually had experience with emergency services.  For Clinton and Witt, the people were their clientele; they cared to serve them well.  Nevertheless, William Jefferson Clinton was considered immoral; some even thought him insensitive.  

Now, we have a President [GWB] that cannot be bothered to change his vacation plans as Twin Towers burn.  However, people think him a savior.  Many are convinced that terrorists dare not threaten America again because Good Ole Boy Bush is at the helm.  Numerous people believe that our current King is extremely powerful and absolutely proper; they think this so true, they voted him back into office.  

This President pours his heart and soul into his work.  He hires those he knows and loves to fill positions of note.  He delegates authority to family and familiars, qualified or not.  Eighty percent of his appointees have no experience in their field of supposed expertise.  Nonetheless, this leader is considered a great Chief Executive Officer.  He has a Masters degree in Business Administration, bought and paid for.  Daddy and the Bush Dynasty saw to that.  Nothing stops the Junior Bush.

This proud President enjoys his holiday as millions move out into the streets, their homes buried under water.  Yet, he is considered compassionate and moral.  He is considered a good Christian, a man that speaks to God.  Sadly, he communicates less well with “real” people.

George W. Bush does not feel the grief of a common man; nor does he understand their poverty.  He has never experienced either.  When confronted with his own shortcomings, and subversion of the law, Baby Bush justifies these as righteous.  This man is never wrong and if it is others say that he is, he will clarify.  His reasons were just.

George W. is the Commander and Chief.  He writes the commandments, numbers one through ten.  When his writings violate principle, as was recently discovered, one can only ask, will Republican compatriots violate the eleventh?

You might enjoy others views on the same.  Please indulge and read . . .

*The Gospel According to Bush, Good Christian George?. By Charles Sullivan

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Senator William [Bill] Proxmire, My Mentor ©

It was 1989; I was living in “sunny Southern California.”  It had been years since I left Wisconsin, physically, though never spiritually.  My heart was still in my home state, as was much of my learning.  I was influenced by many of the events that were my life.  In Milwaukee, Wisconsin I became an active progressive.  While living in the Midwest, I marched in my first protests with family and Father Groppi.  I spoke up in class; civil rights, human rights, and animal rights were more than a passing interest for me.  Even in the 1980s, and soon to be 90s, they still were.  Some things do not change; nor would I want them to.  Others do.  Wisconsin United States Senator, Edward William Proxmire announced his retirement.

It was an inevitability, though one worthy of note.  The Senator had been influential in many lives and was well known for his service. This senior Senator changed my life personally, his service not withstanding.

* As an aside, on this day of his passing, I offer another writer’s homage to a great Senator.  Please read a biographical accounting, at MercuryNews.com By Adam Bernstein of the Washington Post.
Senator Proxmire was the man that replaced the infamous Joseph McCarthy in 1957. He was the Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Early on, Senator Proxmire was an outspoken detractor of the Viet Nam war. He was openly critical of the war policies adopted by President’s Lyndon Baines Johnson and Richard Milhous Nixon.  He insightfully considered their foreign strategies deceptive.

Most memorable for some was the way in which Proxmire used his seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee to focus the nation’s attention on wasteful military spending. Senator William Proxmire worked to end pork barrel spending. He was the originator of the Golden Fleece Awards.  These were awarded to projects that were deemed expedient by Senators and Congressman; however, in truth, and upon investigation, it was discovered that they were often measured by self-indulgence.  

Mr. Proxmire was a careful man, a caring man, and one known for clean living.  He had morals, scruples, and he lived by these.  In his last two Senate campaigns, Proxmire refused any campaign contributions.  He shockingly, used his own money to cover the cost of filing for re-election, and nothing more. Nevertheless, he was more, at least to me.

After hearing of his retirement I decided I needed to tell him.  I wrote to the Senator.  I shared this story.

I was a sophomore in high school; my age was sixteen.  I attended school in a suburb just outside of Milwaukee.  Ironically, the same one that Chief Justice William Rehnquist attended.  This is laughable to me, for politically, the Chief Justice and I are from different universes.  However, I digress.

One afternoon, while I was in the kitchen, the telephone rang.  I answered it.  The man on the other end asked to speak to “Lee,” my Dad.  I politely said, “May I ask who is calling.”  My Dad had indeed trained me well.  The voice replied, “Bill Proxmire.”  Bill Proxmire?  Oh my!!!

I grew up in a family that read and discussed politics as often as we took a breath.  I knew of Bill Proxmire; yet, I never guessed that I would hear his voice coming over my own home telephone line.  I quickly went to find my father.  I announced the call and he very casually went to the phone.  He and the senator spoke for quite some time.  The conversation seemed light, jovial, and not unexpected, at least to my Dad.  For me, this encounter was absolutely bewildering, surprising to say the least.

After its conclusion, I asked my Dad of it.  Apparently, my dear father and United States Senator, Bill Proxmire were working on a venture together.  My father was working for United Way at the time and the Senator’s Milwaukee office was across the street, in the Federal Building.  The two had come together often and were enjoying their shared endeavor.  Wow!  Who knew; it certainly was not me.

This exchange made quite an impression on me.  It solidified a belief that government, is indeed, of, by, and for the people.  We are all an integral part in effectuating change.  Even the most common man, the one that shared a roof with me, was uncommonly powerful.  This call defined authority and leadership for me.  I realized that we all are experts, specialists, informed and can make a difference.  Senator Bill Proxmire made a difference in my life.

While that tale may be interesting to you, or not, what followed for me was more so.  When I wrote my narrative and sent it to the Senator, he was not running for office, and even if he were, I was living and registered to vote in California; he in Wisconsin.  Yet, he responded.  Only a week later, I received a lovely reply from the Senator.  That is a true man, a person of character.  Bill Proxmire, in my life proved to be, communicative, caring, responsive, and responsible.  This man was and is my mentor.  He has taught me much; I can only hope that I live up to his standards.

* Please peruse, New York Times, William Proxmire, Maverick Democratic Senator From Wisconsin, Is Dead at 90, By Richard Severo.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Afghanistan and America. War and Peace. Conquest and Courage ©

As I write this, I realize I have only questions and no conclusions.  I am confused, deeply.  Therefore, I turn to you dear reader and ask you to share your thoughts.

I swim daily and have for years.  I do so in a community pool.  The village I live in is quite diverse.  There is a large Asian population. Persians are prevalent.  Hispanics are plentiful.  The black populace is growing and of course, there are Caucasians.  They intermingle, and yet, they are separate.  Their lives are so connected and their stories are not, or are they.

I am a conversational soul; I enjoy engaging with others.  I love learning, and; therefore I ask much.  In asking, often, I discover what I cannot imagine.  Today I was reminded of this.

A woman I swim with, and have for a time, is from Afghanistan born and raised.  Her family still lives there, as do her friends.  She did not leave her homeland; she courageously fled.  Her heart and her mind remain in her country of origin.  Tonight. I ask her of the war and America’s involvement.  She favors it.

As I write this, I realize I have only questions and no conclusions.  I am confused, deeply.  Therefore, I turn to you dear reader and ask you to share your thoughts.

I swim daily and have for years.  I do so in a community pool.  The village I live in is quite diverse.  There is a large Asian population. Persians are prevalent.  Hispanics are plentiful.  The black populace is growing and of course, there are Caucasians.  They intermingle, and yet, they are separate.  Their lives are so connected and their stories are not, or are they.

I am a conversational soul; I enjoy engaging with others.  I love learning, and; therefore I ask much.  In asking, often, I discover what I cannot imagine.  Today I was reminded of this.

A woman I swim with, and have for a time, is from Afghanistan born and raised.  Her family still lives there, as do her friends.  She did not leave her homeland; she courageously fled.  Her heart and her mind remain in her country of origin.  Tonight. I ask her of the war and America’s involvement.  She favors it.
I am surprised.  This quiet woman is not the first or only Afghani I have spoken to of the conflict.  I am familiar with many of her countrymen.  Those I am acquainted with reject American aggression.  They think Americans are trespassing, invading, killing, and maiming in a country that, long ago, was bombed back to the Stone Age.  

Numerous Afghanis living in the US or at least in my neighborhood, see the war as one without reason or justice.  They are concerned for those still living on their native soil.  Those I spoke with in the past, wonder why the United States would wish to shell a defenseless society.  They think America’s war policy is wrong.  However, this woman believes America was right. She is thankful that the United States attacked Afghanistan.  This gentle woman is the first Afghani I have known to support the violence.  

I want to understand why.  I ask.  She says she cannot speak of it.  She states the memories trigger her asthma.  I am baffled.  I truly want to learn from her experience. Yet, my questions will wait.  I recall from the past that she shares stories slowly, in time.  I am patient; yet left to ponder.

For Further Reflection . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Hurricanes Create A Need To Assess Health Care Gap In America, Again ©

In this season of Katrina, Rita, Wilma, and Alpha, America is forced to air its dirty laundry.  There were earlier attempts to clean house; however, America was entrenched in self-righteousness.  In August 2005, three reports discussing racial disparity in health care were released.  Nonetheless, the myth lingered.

People claimed, “The United States is a melting pot.”  It is not.  They said, “People are created and treated equally.”  The truth is they are not.  When we consider what these studies revealed of health care practices, we know this.  Discrimination is prevalent.

When the research was first reported numerous persons ignored the truth and they could easily.  Then the storms came. Facts surfaced.  They were visible on our television screens.  We read of them in our newspapers and heard them on the radio.  A society that thought itself color-blind realized it was not.

In this season of Katrina, Rita, Wilma, and Alpha, America is forced to air its dirty laundry.  There were earlier attempts to clean house; however, America was entrenched in self-righteousness.  In August 2005, three reports discussing racial disparity in health care were released.  Nonetheless, the myth lingered.

People claimed, “The United States is a melting pot.”  It is not.  They said, “People are created and treated equally.”  The truth is they are not.  When we consider what these studies revealed of health care practices, we know this.  Discrimination is prevalent.

When the research was first reported numerous persons ignored the truth and they could easily.  Then the storms came. Facts surfaced.  They were visible on our television screens.  We read of them in our newspapers and heard them on the radio.  A society that thought itself color-blind realized it was not.
Many people of color were not and are not as the average American is; they were and are not living well.  They are treated poorly.  Numerous Black Americans were and are impoverished in this land of luxury.  The medical services they receive barely and rarely allow them to survive.  

As hurricanes are holding our attention, as the affects of these captivate our minds, as the nation begins to notice the blight of Black America, I feel compelled to revisit the issue of the health care gap.

Please read and reflect upon, Color Blind Society? Health Care Gap Concludes Society Sees Colors ©

People often profess that in recent years we have become a color-blind society.  Three health care studies reveal we have not.  Those that are honest with themselves know they are not blind to color.

When any of us walk into a room, we observe color.  We see reds, browns, blacks, yellows, and whites.  When observing other individuals, we notice what doctors detect; we see their largest organ, the skin.  People, physicians included, notice darkness or light; they see hues.  A plethora of color enters the eye and when it does, there is an emotional response.  Animals react to shades and tints; humans do too.

People, health care professionals, also react to sound.  They listen to a voice; the tone, the tenor, and the timbre; all are invasive.  Conclusions are drawn.  Assumptions are made.  People judge.  They presume to know the educational background, socio-economic status, and professional eminence of those that they encounter.  Intellect is also thought to be implicit.  However, it is not.

America wants to think of itself as a melting pot, as a nation that does not discriminate against its people. America is not a simple stew; people are not created or treated equally, medically, or otherwise. Evidence demonstrates there is much bigotry, innocuous as it may be. Even  those that profess to “do no harm,” do much to hurt those they think less of.

On Thursday, August 18, 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine released the results of three topical studies.  These reports showed that Black citizens receive far less medical care than their White counterparts do.  The quality of the care they receive is also lower.  Accomplished Black citizens are often treated as less than, merely because of their color.  Medical professionals admittedly make erroneous assumptions; appearances unwittingly influence much in medicine.

The good news, if there is any, is since the 1990s there has been marginal improvement. Black citizenry is more likely to receive less costly treatments, such as mammograms and diabetes testing, than they did in the past.  In 2005, some of the more sophisticated drugs prescribed for heart ailments are given to Blacks.  This too is novel.

Though there are improvements in the health care afforded to African-Americans, the disparity is still vast.  This inequality has been evident since the beginning of time; that fact is distressing.  According to the findings of these three surveys, Black Americans are less likely to receive heart or back surgeries.  Candidates for joint replacement are often light in color.

The three studies released were quite comprehensive; circumstances were not artificial.  Researchers looked at more than a million patient records. It needs to be noted that these studies assessed Blacks and Whites that have, essentially, the same access to insurance coverage and health care.

Most of the patients studied had Medicare coverage.  For the purposes of this study, Medicare coverage is a plus; Medicare consistently tracks racial groups allowing for a more accurate assessment.

One of the studies revealed white men are treated well, better than all others.  White men are the most likely recipients of surgical care. Caucasians as a group fare well. Whites were the most likely to receive any of the nine most sophisticated surgeries. Coronary bypass grafts, angioplasties, or total knee replacements are common among the privileged. Less “advantaged” white people also receive these treatments in greater numbers than Negroes. These procedures are rarely recommended for black men or women.  Expensive operations occur among the elite.  In this case, “elites” are not persons of wealth; they are those that are white.

A second study found, after a heart attack, black women receive the less-than-adequate care.  These women are not given drugs to dissolve blockages in blood vessels.  Beta-blocker drugs and open-heart surgery are not prescribed to women of darker color.  These “privileges” are reserved for the fortunate few, those whose skin tone is other than Black.

This second study revealed that, on average, 20 percent of black women had coronary bypass grafts Approximately 27 percent of white men were given the same. White women were attended to 23 percent of the time, and the treatment was prescribed to black men 21 percent of the time.  Evidence shows that being a black woman in need, indeed, can be deadly. [Citation from earlier review.]

There was only one study offering an optimistic trend.  This investigation examined Medicare managed-care plans; it assessed the treatment prescribed and the outcomes.  In this survey, researchers discovered that the disparities between racial groups decreased significantly when routine tests were considered.  Patients receiving mammograms, eye exams, cholesterol, or blood sugar tests, were treated more fairly.  Nevertheless, gaps remained. In two cases, they got worse.

Though Blacks and Whites are each likely to have their blood-sugar and cholesterol checked, Black people are far less likely to have their levels treated with concern.  Doctors do not work with the same intent when dealing with African-American patients. Negroes are less likely to have their blood levels under control.

Boston internist, and one of the authors of this study, Dr. Trivedi said, “It’s relatively less complicated to order the right test or prescribe the right medication than it is to follow a patient to see if you got the right results.” Trivedi expressed his concern stating, health agencies, individual hospitals, and medical associations need to track racial disparities among their patients.  He expanded his thought by saying; these institutions need to collect specific racial data. “That information could lead to efforts that are far more effective.”  It could.  However, based on history, one wonders, will the information be collected, and if it is, will it be considered.  Currently, the level of care is reflective of the level of concern.

In a recent, interview on the News Hour, Dr. Ashish Jha of the Harvard School of Public Health, the author of another study published in the New England Journal, discussed this disproportionate inequity.  He said, “We have known for over 20 years that blacks and whites receive very different health care within our health care system.”  He asserted that, “in the late ’80s, early ’90s there were substantial efforts both by the federal government as well as by state governments to try to reduce these disparities.”  Yet, he concluded, “When you take these three studies together . . . what you see is that the gaps in care between whites and blacks persist.  In many areas they’re getting worse.”  This news is disheartening.

* You may wish to refer to Understanding and Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care, By David R. Williams, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Toni D. Rucker, Ph.D.. HEALTH CARE FINANCING REVIEW/Summer 2000/Volume 21, Number 4.

Dr. Jha reflected, “in a few small areas we see glimmers of hope, but overall blacks and whites continue to receive very different health care in this country.” This is no surprise to the Black population; it is not a surprise to this author either.  Too often, I have spoken with Whites that prefer to believe that we have a colorblind society; I know that this is mere fancy.  Others know this too.

Ponder the words of Dr. David Satcher.  He is the former U.S. Surgeon General, now interim President of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta; he is an African-American. Satcher sadly stated, “My reaction is one of great disappointment; the health care system, which should be a major part of the solution to health disparities in this country, is still a major part of the problem.” Satcher is not without hope, he offers, “We shouldn’t give the impression that it’s hopeless, we should redouble our efforts.”

Dr. Satcher expresses his agreement with study author Dr. Jha, stating these findings are “a major call to action.”  The former Surgeon General said, “the area of bias and discrimination; [it] is a part of our history, a part of our lives. And while it’s very unfortunate to find that it affects the health care profession also, we do know that this is one of the areas of concern.”

During this same interview, Dr. Jha chimed in, “You know, I think too many doctors still are not aware of the fact that we treat whites and blacks differently in our health care system. So there has to be a concerted effort to do a much better job of educating physicians about the quality of care they provide.”

Dr. Satcher added, “Yeah, in fact there were studies discussed in the Institute of Medicine report where there was very good evidence the fact that white patients and black patients were looked at differently by some white physicians, when compared to others.”  He continued, “It has been clearly documented that there are differences in the way physicians respond to patients based on race in many cases.”

Satcher bemoaned that these differences are seen in other parts of our society.  He expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “It is most disappointing when you see it in medicine. It is most unacceptable, and I think we should make that point very clear that it’s unacceptable.”  

Would that not be nice; however, how can we mandate perception?  

People see what they wish to see, believe what they think that they know.  Humans reject the idea that they are emotional.  They rationalize; affirming what they wish to think is true.  Individuals think that they know the facts while ignoring the same.

Daily life demonstrates that America is not a melting pot.  Citizens in this country are not colorblind!  Evidence shows there is prejudgment, even among physicians.

For instance, many emergency room physicians act as though black patients are coming into the hospital merely trying to get drugs.   That these citizens may be experiencing a sickle cell crisis is not considered.

Cheryl Killion, a registered nurse and director of Hampton University’s Health Disparities Reduction Program discussed this dilemma and other findings.  She said racial health-care disparities have been centuries in the making, “Some of the gaps are as wide as they were post-slavery.”  Ms. Killion said, “The problems are huge. It’s probably too early to say definitively if the programs are working or not, but these studies are a good starting point.”

In evaluating the situation, Black trauma surgeon, Dr. David Gore, also serving the Hampton population, declared a need for Black health-care providers.  He avowed that without physicians of color to treat those persons of similar racial and ethnic backgrounds the gaps are likely to persist, despite all our best efforts.  Dr. Gore acknowledged, “People of the same culture seem better able to explain complex health information to people of the same culture,” he said. “I don’t think we have the manpower to solve the problem right now.”

“Segregation, discrimination and racism are some of the core factors that permeate the health [care]system,” said Ms. Killion. “But because Americans hold the profession in such high regard, believing that doctors will do no harm, it’s hard to accept that these factors still affect who gets what kind of care.”  Yet, it does.  

Doctors are not demigods; they are people.  Physicians see colors and react to these emotionally, just as all of society does.  I believe sensitivity and awareness are the solution; denial has not eliminated the centuries’ long dilemma.  We, as individuals and as a community, must acknowledge that there are people of all colors and they need to be attended to equally.

For those that prefer to puruse the references directly . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Terrorist Build A Totalitarian Empire From Within White House ©

Today, President Bush spoke to the nation.  He declared terrorists are intent on building `a “totalitarian empire” of global reach.’  I muse, whose intention is this?  Actions demonstrate this is the goal of George W. Bush and his administration.  

* Please read and reflect upon, Bush Stresses Terror Threat and Urges Support for Iraq War, By Brian Knowlton, New York Times

Baby Bush and his battalion have stated this philosophy for years. Nevertheless, Bush Junior wants us to believe otherwise.  However, we know. The Bush base, neoconservatives revealed a desire to spread democracy, globally, long ago.  

On June 3, 1997, ultra conservative extremists stated, “We need to accept responsibility for America’s unique role in preserving and extending an international order.” They defiantly declared, “We aim to make the case and rally support for American global leadership.”  
The Project for the New American Century, in their Statement of Principles, suggested then and continues to pose Americans forgot “the essential elements of the Reagan Administration.”  The men within this organization avowed, they would remind the citizens of this country.  They fine fellows are still trying to teach “us” what is “right.”

Their mission has not changed.  Bush and the neocons are actively promoting “a foreign policy that boldly and purposefully promotes American principles abroad.”  They think this necessary.  Witness today’s Bush speech.  

These bold boys, through their President GW Bush, postulate, a strong military force is vital.  They claimed years ago and maintain, “We need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities.”  Yet, they assert this is the plan of others.  I wonder.

Elliott Abrams, Gary Bauer, William J. Bennett, Jeb Bush, Dick Cheney, Eliot A. Cohen, Midge Decter, Paula Dobriansky, Steve Forbes, Aaron Friedberg, Francis Fukuyama, Frank Gaffney, Fred C. Ikle, Donald Kagan, Zalmay Khalilzad, I. Lewis Libby, Norman Podhoretz, Dan Quayle, Peter W. Rodman, Stephen P. Rosen, Henry S. Rowen, Donald Rumsfeld, Vin Weber, George Weigel, and Paul Wolfowitz made it known almost a decade earlier, they were working to create a autocratic empire.  They still are.

President Bush declares that the idea of building a one-party society is the task of terrorists.  Perhaps, it is.  I believe the true dilemma is radicals, fanatics, are working from within.  Terrorists are our leaders!

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Energy Enigma; Bush Consumption Advocate, Encourages Conservation ©

Each and every week, the Bush administration offers inconsistencies. This week a contradiction seems so strikingly absurd, I cannot ignore it.  I feel compelled to comment on the recent change in the Bush energy policy.

In September 2002, the President of the United States spoke emphatically of energy concerns.  He spoke of consumption and the importance of this.  At the time Baby Bush said, “Congress also must understand they’ve got to pass an energy bill. You see, an energy bill will be good for jobs. An energy bill will be good for national security. We need an energy bill that encourages consumption [sic].”

Now, he advocates the contrary, or so it seems.
In recent days, the President has been out on the stump.  He is encouraging Americans to use mass transit.  The King told citizenry to get out of their cars, their Sports Utility Vehicles, their light trucks, and Hummers.  Junior asked the public to take the bus, the subway, or possibly, car pool.  He even suggested staying at home.  The Bush Boy is pleading with an anxious public; please do not travel. Imagine that.  

Under Bush, one was able to buy a Hummer and deduct the cost from their tax returns.  Now, the same man that proposed giving tax cuts to those that buy the greatest of gas-guzzlers is asking very same consumers to leave their vehicles behind.  

Leave the idyllic image of consumerism?  Was it not Bush that preached buy, buy, buy, even after the 9/11 catastrophe?  It was.  He and his subordinate, or is it his superior, had said, in the United States consumption for the sake of consumption is the only palatable way of life!

Years earlier, in 2001, Vice President Dick Cheney expressed his belief, “Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it cannot be the basis of a sound energy policy.”  The President agreed wholeheartedly.

In that same year, former White House Press Secretary Air Fleisher was asked of the President’s perspective on energy.  The press wanted to know was reducing energy consumption the plan.  They asked and Fleisher, replied, “That’s a big no.  The president believes that it’s [consuming is] an American way of life.”  Yet, now it is not?  Why not?

I will leave that question stand.  Feel free to cogitate aloud and in writing.  Please share your thoughts.  Mine may be too cynical to express.  

Might I just offer these thoughts for your consideration? Petroleum has long been the source of Bush prosperity.  The family fortune was found in oil. One might wonder would the Baby truly want its use to decline.

The Bush/Cheney energy policy, from the first, exploited the American desire to consume.  Fulfilling whims advances profits for each of these [former] business moguls.  Their friends benefit as well.  Are these magnets really ready, willing, or able to curb their greed?  I think not.

The axiom states, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  Perhaps, we are witnessing that need is the parent of re-invention?  

The President seems to be re-formulating his policy when he asks us not to use fuel.  However, he is not.  Mr. Bush actually postulates that a lack of power is only a temporary setback.  He portends Katrina and Rita caused for the current crisis; however, once the effects of these storms pass, all will be well.  Yet, I wonder.  Did the Bush energy policy contribute to global warming, and thus create Katrina and Rita.  Might there be a truer calamity coming?

Possibly, for Bush and the Band, power is not the problem; it is the solution. They will feel fulfilled when they have it; therefore, they seek it.  Gas gauges may not be a consideration at all; polls numbers may be the authentic indicator.  When we reflect upon the President’s use of fuel, and the reason for it, we know this to be true.  

I wish to share an incongruity to this recent paradox.  While Bush is bolstering conservation, he is expending ample energy.  He is devoting his time and the nation’s fuel to his own personal cause.  King George II is using an enormous amount of petroleum as he promotes his numbers in the polls.  Reuters Alternet writes on this, Bush burns up fuel when he travels.

For your entertainment, I offer these references.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think