Governor Schwarzenegger: Is the "War on Obesity" over yet?

If it is, then could we take all monies appropriated to that cause and put them back into the food banks? Thanks, Laura Hart

The Kern River Valley talks healthcare reform...it was a good meeting

There were some concerns this last Monday night, Aug. 24th, that a political split might occur over the hot topic of healthcare reform at our Town Hall meeting in Lake Isabella, but those issues were muted by mostly open, intelligent discussion.

There were Republicans, Democrats, and some belonging to neither family, standing up to speak with an audience of more than 60 people using good manners allowing each their opinion. Yes, you're right it is strange to imagine that people holding very different political agendas could stay in a room together for three hours without trouncing over one another, but it happened.

Even as I was out and about today, people were asking the question with a suspicious tone, "how did the meeting go?"

I'd say as an observer that it was productive to see people coming together over something which will effect us all in one way or another.

The Doc's take:

Dr. Robert Gross, DO, Kern Valley Healthcare District Hospitalist

and also board member, talked about the urgency of the situation

of reforming the healthcare insurance.

"Access to healthcare is a civil right," he announced to the audience.

"There are 15,000 physicians in this country right now that belong to an organization called, "Physicians for a National Healthcare Plan." That organization started three years ago and the reason that that organization is growing so fast is because we see that there will not be any viable healthcare in this country, except private healthcare insurance, if we don't make some changes right now."

Dr. Gross and Rural Healthcare Family Practitioner, Dr. Jack Nadler, concurred that they spend more time trying to get private insurance to pay for tests and medications for patients, than they do with the Medicare system.

In rebuttal to one speaker's concerns that the government would be a poor administrator for healthcare, Dr. Nadler, informed the audience how he and Dr. Gross came to be practitioners here in this isolated valley.

"I got up here, like Dr. Gross, through the National Health Service Corp. That pesky government actually helped pay for our medical school so that we would purposely come and work in an underserved area...uh, both of us stayed on...it is still an underserved area to say the least."

I totally, understand, Dr. Nadler, as I am a patient of the Rural Health clinic.

As the moderator, John S., we will call him out of complete laziness in regards to the spelling of his last name, explained the format of the meeting and was particularly into enforcing time constraints and allowing for rebuttal, so, I thought, I would allow my cameraman, to rebutt as well.

Now he uses pictures, so he will utilize pictures to tell his side of the story...

Um...are you sure you want my Honest opinion?

So, being the shy, quiet, simple guy operating the camera, I am often given a rather unique view of the action...although this view might be slightly warped by most, I'd rather just be honest and say it like I see it rather than pretend to know what's going on. Does this equal relevance? Maybe. Does this:

This woman's story made me feel quite sad and I was suddenly reminded of my grandfather who was a World War 2 vet as well. And then I noticed how much the moderator in the background reminded me of Santa Claus in Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Quite the brave soul here, this bold Republican spoke of economics, supply and demand of free healthcare, etc. and yet completely avoided the topic we really wanted to hear about: How does one come up with the decision to purchase and actually wear a shirt like that in public.

What About Bob?

Bob Jamison, a board member of the Kern Valley Healthcare District, was rumored to debate against Dr. Gross was a no show.

Final Rebuttal: As we know there has no been no decision in Washington DC regarding healthcare "insurance" reform, and rumors abound at this time. Members of the audience discussed everything from euthanasia, the Hitler healthcare plan, to urging us all not to make extreme changes by throwing the "baby out with the bath water."

My hope is that as we made comparison's with Canada, the UK, New Zealand, their medical plans and tax rates, we in America will find our own way, the American way. I have some ideas of my own I will share, but as time and other things constrain me, I will get back to you on this.

I would like to say to the community, good job, let's keep talking.

(This blog post brought to you by the "Kern Valley Spin." For entertainment purposes only. Opinions of the authors a bunch of crap. Thanks again.)

Healthcare reform: does it scare you? Then come to the Town Hall meeting in Lake Isabella, CA Monday night

If you're reading this right now, wondering about what kind of healthcare you may wind up with at the end of the year: stop wondering and do something about it.

This blog is about action, not fear, not propaganda, it's about all of us running our government, taking responsibility, and getting the facts.

Here in our little inbred, insular community, we like to call the "Kern River Valley," we will be having our own Town Hall meeting this coming Monday, August 24th, at 6 pm at the Senior Center, veteran's room, talking about healthcare reform.

Why is this important? Well, you healthy folks, you kids probably think nothing could ever happen to you. But wait...we age, we get injured, and what do you do if you don't have health insurance? Heck, what if you have it and they won't cover your particular problem? What if you don't want to swallow the pills dished out each day by the pharmaceutical industry?

These are just some of the issues that plague America today. You may have much more to contribute to the debate, so those locally, come down and let's begin the discussion.

This Town Hall meeting will include a local doctor, Dr. Robert Gross, DO, who will have much to say from the side of the medical profession. He is also a public healthcare district board member.

All medical professionals in the community need to come out and talk to the community, listen, and share your own ideas and concerns.

Though this is set up as a debate with a moderator, the other participant is the "wanna be" Rush Limpass, radio nonpersonality, Bob Jamison.

Jamison who has been a board member for the Kern Valley Healthcare District for far too many years now, will share his knowledge and wisdom with us all. (I'm being so sarcastic, sorry)

Needless to say, it's about all of us, so try to make it there. We will be covering this event as our first story for this blog. Look for pictures and a write up next week.

Important to note: this may have the feel of a divisive political debate, but healthcare needs to be dealt with on a whole different level. Set your elephants and ponies aside, and use intelligence to deal with this.

The first time I hear someone start saying this is "Democratic" or "Republican" issue, then I will know that either you're in someone's pocket; you mistakenly think there is major difference in the philosophy of the two major parties; you simply like to argue about things you know nothing about (like me); or you've been drinking heavily while reading Time magazine.

I'm a member of the "Intelligence Reform" party, it's lonely, but I feel good about it.

But, don't sigh with relief, those in Sacramento, just because we are covering locally, doesn't mean you can rest easy: Governor, Senators, all levels of representatives need to know that I'm watching and will be reporting. Okay, not quite the average reporting, I'm going to be hammering at you like a carpenter.

See you all at the meeting: Laura Hart, "The bi-polar reporter."

Welcome to the house of political pain: we have no furniture, to throw yet, but just wait

Hello, I'm Laura Hart, also known as the "Bi-polar Reporter." Some consider me a menace, as my tactics are unorthodox I admit, but that is what it takes to change an inbred, entrenched, slumping government.

We hope to come out fighting mad soon, with pictures, videos, commentary and suggestions (which is a nice word for put it in their face).

While this site is under construction, feel free to visit our other blogs, which are free in every way, "KVHD under fire!" and "The Bi-polar American."

Thank you for your interest in helping out the world, it's really good of you. We will show you how.

Laura Hart