Healthcare, etc

There is a state hospital in Warren,and I sometimes pass groups of patients as they are chaperoned along the bike path on their daily walk. They display varying degrees of infirmity, both physical and mental, and show dispositions that range from exuberant to withdrawn. Most of them return my greetings or initiate their own with a spontaneity that shames me sometimes, for I am often distracted by my inner thoughts and see that so-called "normal" people are lost in music players and cell phones and other self absorptions. On the whole the patients display a connection to the present moment that is admirable to me. Perhaps my initial feelings of sympathy are unwarranted,yet whenever I witness people less fortunate than myself I invariably gives thanks for my blessings and apologize to my angels for whatever insolence I have shown over the years.
Modern medicine has enabled society to prolong the lives of people who might otherwise have died, and with all good intentions we have created a system in which illness and death have become enemies to be avoided at any cost. As the nation shifts its expectations toward government sponsored healthcare, I hope that our discussions include self responsibility and financial limitations to those people who show no accountability for their own bodies. Should obligatory compassion and monies be directed towards persons who do not assume the most rudimentary of personal self care?
I do not propose to have the answers, but will resent the imposition of government regulations that Force me to buy insurance to sustain a bloated healthcare system that indulges poor habits. Because I personally do not fear illness and death as many in this society seem to do, I perceive no honor in artificially extending life beyond what is dignified. Einstein once said, "It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly." No doubt he would be at odds with the pharmaceutically addicted majority, yet were waste and fraud to be controlled-and were people to assume personal responsibility- there would be plenty of money for affordable medicine. It seems to me that the crisis is not so dire as is the mismanagement and the pervasive sense of entitlement that afflicts both rich and poor... Meanwhile a half billion worldwide are dying of malnutrition as we demand heart transplants.
So I guess the caretakers out for a walk in the park with their patients have it right: Do what you can in your own space and take care of the people around you

Babble

Greetings fellow cyberelectrons- I returned from the Allentown area on the 16th and have been busy all week painting and doing other minor repairs to a small motorhome that I bought from an old friend. At 34 years young it is in surprisingly good shape other than for the cosmetic effects of time, and it runs well. I do not expect to use it much-particularly at ten or eleven miles a gallon, but the price was right and I wanted the option of a rent free roof over my head for the future.
Earlier in the month I had taken a short vacation to Maine with my mother, sister, one of her daughters and one of my sons, which turned out to be a pleasant time for all of us, with rare 85 degree beach weather and of course the good food. My mother's sister and husband and one daughter-who also lived in the Kennybunk area for many years-accompanied us, so it was a family reunion of sorts and appreciated particularly by my mom, who loves the ocean and has many memories of New England. At her age she may not have another opportunity to visit...She is presently in the hospital recovering from a mild bout of pneumonia, but should be released today and in truth has probably benefited from the pampering of the nurses and their admonitions to eat and drink more. She sometimes overexerts herself and expects to keep going with scarcely more than a few mouthfuls of food, yet always seems to keep her spirits high and find the good in people....
The weather here in Warren has been spectacular this week, with sunshine and temperatures in the mid 70's...Upon returning from the east I was again struck by the compact, humble beauty of this town, set in the low mountains of western PA and purring along at a relaxed, rural pace which the populated areas to the east can no longer offer.Everything one needs is within walking distance, at least so long as one can walk a mile or two. If not,a bicycle path leads to the end of town and there are buses. The somewhat depressed economy and isolation are paradoxically the source of it's charm, so I envision tourism to the nearby Kinzua lake and the Allegheny forest as the primary opportunity for growth. This area truly is an undiscovered gem with beauty and allure exceeding the more famous Poconos.
I shall have to refocus my attention to the book after all these distractions, but the time away has been necessary for perspective and inspiration...I do not have writer's 'blocks' so much as grow weary from too many words and need to balance analytical thinking with simple, practical Living... so doing things like painting and changing oil and other everyday tasks-without Thinking- offers a Reality that the inner life lacks.