Potpourri :o)

To avoid sending you multiple entry alerts, I decided to post a "Potpourri" entry :o)

First, for our teachers, home schoolers, and parents of students out there in J-Land, I give you my kudos and support.  During this campaign season, no one will debate the importance of making sure that our children receive an education.  This means different things for different families, but it does not diminish the fact that we can never give up on schooling during these difficult economic times.

Second, there is a new regulation that has been announced by the Bush Administration that would allow doctors to deny medical services based on their religious or moral beliefs, overriding current state laws that require healthcare workers to refer them elsewhere.  I do not agree with this philosophy - doctors take a Hippocratic oath, and I feel that denying medical care for any reason, whether it is religious, financial, or other, is not ethical.   We may need to put better triage and vetting processes in place, but we should keep some standards higher than others.

Third and last (I know, you say whew :o), our current economic situation is making it very hard on our charitable organizations.  The Red Cross is struggling financially, and they make a large portion of their budget via blood drives - so give until it hurts [pun intended].  The weak U.S. dollar has diminished the normal contribution that you have given to charities that are international, so consider giving a little more [again, give until it hurts].  Last, natural phenomena (such as Gustav) will continue to challenge pockets of our country, consider helping others as we have been spared the impact of such disasters.  Please give up your prayers for all of the above.

Tags: Red Cross, Education, Charity, Disaster