OK, who out there is getting really sick and tired of the so-called health care debate? I don't know much about too many things, but working in the health insurance industry for 19 years has given me some knowledge about healthcare in the USA.
I will hope to write some on this in the coming weeks. For now, take a minute and open the link below and scan over the 1,017 pages of the proposed bill, a.k.a., ObamaCare.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.pdf
It seems there are two types of people: those that fundamentally think government should be involved in areas like healthcare; and those that are completely bewildered that people like that exist!
Whereas our current healthcare system is far from perfect, does it really make sense that the Federal Government should be proposing such a radical shift? It makes absolutely no sense to me, but there are many that think it's a no-brainer. I don't get it, and doubt I ever will.
FYI - I call on business owners all day long, either currently serving their needs or am chasing to earn their business. To date, I have only met one business owner that supports Obama. He, by the way, just bought a company - give him time. Most business owners are worried about our leadership in Washington.
This is not America.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Preparing for Worship
"All the blessings we enjoy are divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors."
John Calvin
John Calvin
Leadership
We hear much today about leadership. It seems to me that people that always have to talk about it and remind people about it are those that are not very good leaders. Leadership is now an industry (go to your local Barnes & Noble), and its rare to see it in action in a way that truly benefits those around.
So, rather than launch in to my own opinions about leadership, I thought I would share the following passage from Luke's gospel and hear from Jesus, speaking to His disciples.
Luke 22:24-30 (New International Version)
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
So, rather than launch in to my own opinions about leadership, I thought I would share the following passage from Luke's gospel and hear from Jesus, speaking to His disciples.
Luke 22:24-30 (New International Version)
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Smoky the Bear
Last week, I took my two oldest children to camp in Tennessee. After dropping them off, Leah, William and I headed to the Smoky Mountains for two nights of camping. We headed to Cades Cove campground and set up camp. The weather was perfect, unseasonably warm - in Al Gore's home state to boot.
One of my goals was to take the kids on a serious hike. So, last Monday we set out and headed straight up the mountain - 4 miles up hill. At the top of the mountain, we rested and talked to three really nice camp rangers. We told them where we were headed and thankfully found out that the remaining 6 miles was mostly downhill. They also told us to watch out for bears.
As we were nearing the end of hike, mile 8 now, we heard some rustling and looked and saw a beautuful black bear about 50 yards away. Leah grabbed the camera and starting videoing. It was exhilirating to say the least.
I was proud of the kids. We hiked a total of 10 miles and it took us about 5 hours. Great memories.
One of my goals was to take the kids on a serious hike. So, last Monday we set out and headed straight up the mountain - 4 miles up hill. At the top of the mountain, we rested and talked to three really nice camp rangers. We told them where we were headed and thankfully found out that the remaining 6 miles was mostly downhill. They also told us to watch out for bears.
As we were nearing the end of hike, mile 8 now, we heard some rustling and looked and saw a beautuful black bear about 50 yards away. Leah grabbed the camera and starting videoing. It was exhilirating to say the least.
I was proud of the kids. We hiked a total of 10 miles and it took us about 5 hours. Great memories.
Friday, July 24, 2009
William G. Morgan, RIP
July 13, 2009 came and went like any other day, with one exception. July 13th is the day my Dad died one year ago. I have been unusually busy and did not have much time to reflect, but I did remember and I do miss him.
Memories are a funny thing. They are wonderful ... to a point. Life requires us to move on, and that I must do. But it's good to reflect and remember.
I remember my Dad mostly as it relates to sports - no big surprise there. I suspect my kids will do the same with me. I remember him officiating one of my little league basketball games and kicking me out of the game when I cussed at an opponent! I think I was about 10 years old. I remember a wonderul photograph in the local Chagrin paper of him pitching me a ball at the local rec center. I remember him being so excited when early in my rec league baseball days I showed some abilities of playing the game. I remember him coaching me as a freshman football player and crying when he introduced me at the year end banquet because he was so proud of me. It still makes me tear up to this day. I remember him waiting up at home after Friday night varsity basketball games wanting to hear my take on the game and me being a jerk and giving him one word answers. I remember calling him after my first college baseball game, telling him that I was starting in LF and batting lead-off as a freshman. He was completely shocked.
I am thankful for my Dad and I miss him. One day, however, I will see him again. That wonderful Christian hope of heaven is what helps me to keep moving forward in this life.
Memories are a funny thing. They are wonderful ... to a point. Life requires us to move on, and that I must do. But it's good to reflect and remember.
I remember my Dad mostly as it relates to sports - no big surprise there. I suspect my kids will do the same with me. I remember him officiating one of my little league basketball games and kicking me out of the game when I cussed at an opponent! I think I was about 10 years old. I remember a wonderul photograph in the local Chagrin paper of him pitching me a ball at the local rec center. I remember him being so excited when early in my rec league baseball days I showed some abilities of playing the game. I remember him coaching me as a freshman football player and crying when he introduced me at the year end banquet because he was so proud of me. It still makes me tear up to this day. I remember him waiting up at home after Friday night varsity basketball games wanting to hear my take on the game and me being a jerk and giving him one word answers. I remember calling him after my first college baseball game, telling him that I was starting in LF and batting lead-off as a freshman. He was completely shocked.
I am thankful for my Dad and I miss him. One day, however, I will see him again. That wonderful Christian hope of heaven is what helps me to keep moving forward in this life.
St. Ignatius - Reflections after Year One
It's been over a month since my last entry. I have several things I want to comment on. This blogspot will be some quick reflections on my son's high school in Cleveland - St. Ignatius. Jackson is entering his sophomore year this fall.
What prompted my comments was a recent article in Cleveland's Plain Dealer by the great local sports writer Terry Pluto. Here is the article:
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2009/07/st_ignatius_is_much_more_than.html
Ignatius is truly an amazing place. Here a few of my reflections/comments about the school.
1. It's fiercely competitive in every way. Pluto's article highlights an award it just won by Sports Illustrated.
Couple examples: Jackson participated in both soccer and baseball his freshman year. He was the only freshman that made the JV soccer team. So, you think he has a shot to be the next Ignatius goalie? Hold on - an all-world goalie is transferring to Ignatius as a sophomore; and another all-world goalie is coming to the school as a freshman. Good luck! Baseball? Over 100 boys tried out for the freshman baseball team. I marvel at how competitive it is.
2. There is a great balance of celebrating achievement and pushing the boys to do well, and a gentleness and humility about what the boys must do with their gifts and talents to give back. There is a constant reminder of living for others. In fact, I think the Jesuit theme in all their schools is the simple statement: men for others. It's wonderfully simple.
3. There is reverence for God at the school. Not all the boys are fired up for the Lord, but they respect Him.
4. I have found that Jackson and his friends know how to have fun. They don't take themselves too seriously, but work their butts off to do well. It's a really nice balance.
5. Finally, we are somewhat outsiders to the Catholic community, but Janice and I noticed one thing that stands out. Most of the families we have met are incredibly happy and sturdy. The Dads and Moms love their boys and it shows. It's really great.
Well, soccer camp opens on Monday, August 10th and Jackson will have his hands full to win some playing time.
What prompted my comments was a recent article in Cleveland's Plain Dealer by the great local sports writer Terry Pluto. Here is the article:
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2009/07/st_ignatius_is_much_more_than.html
Ignatius is truly an amazing place. Here a few of my reflections/comments about the school.
1. It's fiercely competitive in every way. Pluto's article highlights an award it just won by Sports Illustrated.
Couple examples: Jackson participated in both soccer and baseball his freshman year. He was the only freshman that made the JV soccer team. So, you think he has a shot to be the next Ignatius goalie? Hold on - an all-world goalie is transferring to Ignatius as a sophomore; and another all-world goalie is coming to the school as a freshman. Good luck! Baseball? Over 100 boys tried out for the freshman baseball team. I marvel at how competitive it is.
2. There is a great balance of celebrating achievement and pushing the boys to do well, and a gentleness and humility about what the boys must do with their gifts and talents to give back. There is a constant reminder of living for others. In fact, I think the Jesuit theme in all their schools is the simple statement: men for others. It's wonderfully simple.
3. There is reverence for God at the school. Not all the boys are fired up for the Lord, but they respect Him.
4. I have found that Jackson and his friends know how to have fun. They don't take themselves too seriously, but work their butts off to do well. It's a really nice balance.
5. Finally, we are somewhat outsiders to the Catholic community, but Janice and I noticed one thing that stands out. Most of the families we have met are incredibly happy and sturdy. The Dads and Moms love their boys and it shows. It's really great.
Well, soccer camp opens on Monday, August 10th and Jackson will have his hands full to win some playing time.
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