Assault Weapons Should be Banned

I wish someone could explain to me why we allow assault weapons to be purchased by individuals in the U.S. I am no gun enthusiast but I understand the need by some in our country for rifles and shotguns for hunting purposes. I have a hard time seeing the need to make concealed handguns legal but will concede there are strong arguments from both sides of the issue. But automatic and semi-automatic assault weapons that can be purchased legally; give me a break! I guess we want to make sure that we can outgun law enforcement in this country. I don't see why we should protect the individual rights of the few who have the money to buy these weapons so they can go and shoot the shit out of paper cutouts on a firing range. Meanwhile thousands of these weapons are finding their way into the hands of criminals or Mexican Drug Cartels. We have become so afraid of the gun lobby in this country that any kind of rational discussion on this issue has become a political no-no. What logical purpose does allowing individuals to purchase military type weapons serve? Whats next, legalized hand grenades, used tanks, flame throwers? The Second Amendment was meant to allow the states to have an armed militia circa 1700's or a National Guard since the early 1900's. Of course we get the literal readers of our Constitution who point to the Second Amendment as their God-given right to have and hold almost any type of weapon to protect life and property. So far this minority's rights have been protected by our courts while crime and violence is on the increase and gun running has become a lucrative proposition on our Southern border with Mexico. Remember, I am talking about semi-automatic and automatic weapons. I believe that congress should take steps to outlaw the sale of these weapons to private citizens and keep them where they belong, in the hands of law enforcement and the military.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Blues

As an owner of a small business I will see our group Health Insurance skyrocket by 24% on May 1st if I keep the same deductible with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Blue Cross claims to have three deductible options, $500.00, $1,000.00 or $1,500.00. They call these levels 1 , 2 and 3. Our company has insured six employees at level 1 for several years but by staying on level 1 our rates would increase by $600.00 per month on May 1st. I looked at our options and decided that if our group went to level 3 our rates would "only" increase by $400.00 on the date mentioned earlier. So, trying to be a good business manager, I called the Big Blue the other day and requested a policy change for our group to level 3. The "matter of fact- that's the way it is" response I got was that we could not go to level 3. "What", I exclaimed, "are you kidding me, why"? The voice on the other end explained to me in no uncertain terms that you can only reduce your level by one per year. " That would only save our group a few dollars a month", I protested. " I'm sorry sir, that is our policy" was the respone. Now I ask you out there, if a policy states it has three options shouldn't there really be three options? As it is we really only have two options; stay on level 1 or go to level 2 but don't touch level 3. Blue Cross has us in a lose lose situation; either take it or leave it. Their rates jump every year and to cover their cash flow they come up with a goof ball policy like this. I'm sure this policy is stated somewhere in the 200 page manual they give you every year. I am currently looking at other insurance companies and hope to find something feasible for our group.
This situation points to the larger problem of Health Insurance in this country. Right now Health Insurance eats up almost any profit we make in our company, it's like we are all working 50 hours a week to cover our insurance. I can see why businesses are dropping coverage for their employees and why there are over 40 million Americans uninsured. Those of us who are doing the right thing by giving Health Benefits are getting nothing in the way of meaningful tax incentives. We need to stop debating this subject and get something done now. I don't care if it's Government or a Government Private Sector Partnership but please do something. This all has a ripple effect. I will be cutting my advertising dollars to make up for the added cost in Health Insurance. This obviously affects local newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations who are all competing for a smaller piece of the advertising dollar pie. This situation will not go away by debating the same worn out point - counter points, the time for action is now.

KU Basketball Fanaticism

OK, I know in the thirty some odd years I have followed Kansas basketball that once in a while I get a little critical. Actually it is not pleasant to be around me when I am watching KU. I live and die on every play and most of the time I am totally exhausted after watching. You would think that I played the game myself. My wife thinks I'm crazy but she doesn't understand the passion of being a true fan. I used to be that way with the George Brett led KC Royals of the 70's and 80's but as we all know times have changed for that organization. One year, I believe it was the Chenowith-Gregory led debacle of a team, I actually stopped watching for a while because it was making me ill. So with the NCAA Tournament headed for the Sweet 16 and with the Hawks battling towards a second consecutive Final Four berth please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Oh, and one more thing, Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Barack Obama the Right Choice

It is refreshing to see a President that seems to have an educated grasp of the difficulties faced by this country. In his 60 minutes interview with Steve Kroft, President Obama spoke on a wide range of problems facing the nation in a confident, calm and honest tone. President Obama understands the enormity of the Presidency and the many sides that criticize his every move. He spoke of the need to keep a firm grasp on the long term and strategic goals to get our country out of the economic crisis and not govern in anger or the politics of the moment. President Obama also answered criticism leveled by ex-VP Cheney for the need to torture to keep our country safe. The President answered this stance with a firm denouncement on torture. He made the point that its use by the previous administration has made the United States less safe and less respected not only in the Middle East but with Allied Nations as well. President Obama speaks with a thoughtful, educated purpose of a man who is highly intelligent and articulate. We did not see this curiosity and willingness to explore all avenues to solve problems during the Bush-Cheney administration.

Cable News Barrage

I admit I am an avid watcher of cable news; CNN and MSNBC. I don't know why because half the time I come away shaking my head. Campbell Brown's No Bias No Bull segment is a great example of what is wrong with 24 hour news reporting. She claims no bias but during this segment we get her views every night. On one of her shows she was lecturing the administration about getting its act together during the financial crisis and I wondered what made her an authority. She is a reporter and should spend more time reporting the news and less time giving us her "unbiased views". Her husband has worked for Fox News and the Republican Party. I wonder if this may shape her way of commenting on daily events. She has a right to her opinion but please do not try to make us believe that there is no bias or bull in her pontificating. She needs controversy to make her show appealing to viewers which in turn makes it appealing to advertisers. The more she can generate "spin" during her hour gives her a chance at better ratings and a longer shelf life for her program. It's all about money in the end. Her program can be interesting but don't deceive us with the notion that some how you are above it all with the "No Bias No Bull" schtick.

A New Day

I have just set this up, its late and I am tired. I hope this will be the start of something new and fun. A distraction from 55 hour work weeks. A place to blow off steam or comment on anything. Wish me luck. Until next time....