South Korea vs. Trump

As I was reading different articles about President Trump and South Korea it is quite scary, to think of the possibilities of what the outcome could be. One of the articles that stood out to me is www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/politics/trump-north-korea-taunts 

  Not that I am saying I agree with this, but I do understand it.  Even after the United Nations has sanctioned them South Korea has been doing whatever they want to do in the regards to the continuation of producing and testing nuclear weapons.   It appears that they are building up their army also. My questions and concerns are to why?  Is it to show the other countries they are ready for war if it is warranted, or is it with the intentions to start one?  With no apparent threat to South Korea, they are threatening the United States and North Korea with this continuing show of force. Trump and his administration felt that we needed to show South Korea that we are prepared.  That their continuing actions are not going unnoticed.  Patience with South Korea has grown thin. Trump has even requested China’s help in convincing South Korea to co-operate with the United States and the other countries and stop making nuclear weapons. 

                South Korea, as well as other countries need to realize and understand that the United States administration is not the same. That they will not just sit by and wait for them to start a war without our retaliation.  Fighting back against terrorism, to protect ourselves and aide other countries. 

In response to the article  Within the Red, White and Blue: The Health Insurance Exchange a.k.a. Obamacare a.k...

While, I have to agree there is a limited availability of providers for those covered under Obamacare, what is covered is more than what was previously a choice. I to had the luxury of Tricare insurance. Looking at my own personal healthcare expenses to those paid out through various insurance seemed outrageous and just unfair. Working in Revenue Integrity, for a non profit Hospital that recently merged with a for profit organization was a huge transition within itself. Overall, we have to look at who and what is going to pay and the criteria that must be meet in order to allow reimbursement etc.. The problem is many companies/providers are not willing to put the necessary leg work in to guarantee reimbursement for services. On a side note I do personally know of several individuals who would otherwise not have coverage do to employment status, health conditions, and a few full time students. One case I saw first -hand was the symptoms of Hep C. in a patient long term. Under Obama Care the medication to do more than just treat but cure was covered. This medication is taken daily at whooping $1k per pill. Treating more than symptoms and preventing further issues is why Obama Care exists. Looking at the bigger picture and the future ahead in healthcare. The luxury of healthcare many of us take for granted do to our own circumstances shouldn't be eliminated completely but re-evaluated.

Preventative

As adults we face decisions daily, some of our consequences have an instant reaction while others are not faced until months later. Women we know anatomy naturally chose to  carry those decisions for months. As, such shouldn't women have the right in what they consume/use in prevention? My topic is not about what is or isn't morally correct for each woman is different and her decision alone to make, the point I hope to prove is that she should have options.

Before, taking office the Trump administration spoke frequently about repealing the Affordable Care Act. For many of Americans this is a huge concern more specifically women. Birth control is seen as a preventative medicine by both the medical community and most of society.  Currently, under the Act, mandates that all FDA-approved birth control methods be provided with no co-pay when provided in-network.  Concerns of when and how these changes would go into affect has caused a panic in woman.  An increase for long-term prevention IUD's, has increased not out of necessarily need but fear.  I agree that abstinence is always best, but we have to look at the generation and reality of society today. Providing options and the ability to access them all, allows for better outcomes. 

When we are forced to look at the alternatives the statistics are overwhelming. 

The risk and horrifying conditions some women endure, because of lack of financial means when choosing to terminate life.  

A growing trend that has allowed numerous seasons of the popular reality t.v. "Teen Mom." Displaying the harsh reality of lives in turmoil because of lack of prevention and preparedness.  

Sadly, many woman daily are forced into sexual intercourse.

These are just some of the factors that one most consider when we think about Preventative Care. Whose is really covered under the Act and all the alternative options. If administration takes away options are we prepared for the outcomes to follow.

Bait and Switch
 By: R. Reyes

This is another article that I felt ties into Trumps "Making America Great".  In this article Reyes takes the time to show us exactly how Trump is making that possible, with more than his speeches it is his actions that cannot be denied. 

Initially, Reyes states what Trump told reporters that he was going to pass a immigration reform that was " a comprise on both sides".  Senior administration officials also stated that those without serious or violent nature criminal histories could possibly be granted legalization. Giving hope to millions of undocumented immigrants the glimpse of what was thought could possibly be legal status. What many had hoped was a new beginning was short lived once Trump stood before Congress. His true intentions revealed when he offered no legalization to anyone. He is quoted stating " As we speak tonight, we are removing gang members, drug dealers, and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our innocent citizens." But Homeland Security Statistics prove otherwise, the largest group of arrested immigrants are "noncriminals". "Under the Trump administration, in fact, ICE has been detaining and deporting moms, DACA Recipients, and victims of domestic violence". Trump's immigration reforms is more merit based, less family focused.

Reyes, goes further into depth with the changes we have seen in Trump's short time in office. That it's not longer about speeches but the actions that are a cause for concern. Such as pushing for more than 15,000 ICE/Immigration officials even though we are at the lowest level of entries in decades. Threatening cities would do not comply with his plan to deport as many as possible. 

I personally, enjoyed this article not because I agree with Trumps actions but because the truth is actions speak louder than words. Often the media is misleading and this was not the case. This was another example of just what Trump and his administration are capable of. Standing before America insinuating and making society have hope just to crush it. Reyes not only gives us the facts but shows us both sides of the reality of everyone affected. As an American I think it is important we stay open minded. Thinking beyond our own needs and to the future we are creating ahead for generations yet to come. Diversity is what created America, will that same diversity be what divides us?

Victims of Circumstances

I will start by saying, this is a subject that has brought on extreme controversy. Both here locally and nationally while I may offend some of you that is not my intentions. As an open forum I hope to reach out to those less aware of our current situation. This article is something I feel very passionate about, as my father was an illegal immigrant. But first I must give credit where it's due to Raul A. Reyes

Reyes, an attorney and a member of USA Today board. The writer behind Opinion CNN : A nation of immigrants enters a dark chapter.
Immigrants Link

Reyes, starts by stating what most of us already know that anyone with out documentation is now deplorable. Memos signed by DHS Secretary John Kelly on Tuesday made this possible. The first deals with interior immigration enforcement and the other border security. These will soon be the reality for "estimated 11 million undocumented men,women, and children who live among us".

Some may argue that they are just seeking "criminals", but that's not all Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents are seeking. ICE, for short is now able to seek any undocumented person who is, has been, or could be convicted of a crime. In society today we all know time is money and acting on the "what if possibility" is essentially wasting money.  The time spent chasing down the undocumented allows time for the rest of society to behave itself. I think not..

Reyes brings up a very valid question, such as the DACA recipients. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, these entered this country illegally and granted temporary deportation relief,  back in 2012 by our former president. Trump has been quoted stating it must be dealt "with heart" and "very difficult thing for me as I love these kids, I love these kids." The question of for how long, since the memo states it will be later addressed. These aren't convicted felons but our children's classmates, who are left anticipating a future they had no choice in.

Another concern, was something we have all seen first hand, that has divided us all. Reyes brings up the memos plan to incorporate local law enforcement.  Can our officers and local citizens handle the pressure of racially profiling? Federal issues that become local issues, allow funding from where?

As Americans we pride ourselves on being Great. Freedom and justice being pillars of our foundation. The concern for due process rights of those undocumented guaranteed by the Constitution.  While, it just an opinion from CNN's R. Reyes, the facts are overwhelming and the concerns of those affected are justified.  I will admit policies must change to ensure safety, just not at the cost of dividing a nation already in turmoil.

Raul A. Reyes, CNN Opinion  A nation of immigrants enters a dark chapter. Wednesday, February 22, 2017.
Immigrants Link

America First

                             

While, I must admit that my political knowledge is limited at best recent events have made me look further into seek whats really going on. Sorting thru various articles on CNN's website I came across this article about Der Spiegel's. Unknown to me, it is a weekly German magazine. I found the cover very graphic and symbolic. It spoke so many words to me personally, I thought it was share worthy.
America First  By: James Masters, CNN, Mon. February 6, 2017 

The illustration came from Edel Rodriguez said to be a political refugee from Cuba in 1980. "Rodriguez's image shows a cartoon Trump holding a bloodied knife in his left hand with the statue's head in his right, while blood drips on the floor." The infamous campaign slogan "America First" captions the illustration.

I have to agree with critics, the image is definitely graphic. Even if you try to not stay informed I'm sure most are aware of the current ban recently put in place. Since, America was founded by immigrants and the statue of Liberty represents Freedom, we have to pause. I had to ask myself how far is to far to keep "America First"?

Source: CNN - German magazine Der Spiegels has sparked fierce debate after beheading the Statue of Liberty, By: James Masters, Mon. February 6, 2017, America First

Introduction

Hello Everyone,

Plan to keep this short and sweet.. My name is DD, my knowledge of politics is little to non existing. I'm a mother to two crazy boy's and one furry girl child (Dog). I have been employed the last ten years in various aspects of Healthcare and my degree is in HIM. Planning to transfer to a local university, this was a class I felt I could definitely use an expansion of knowledge in given our current events.

So according to the quizzes I'm a: Young Outsider, Plebeian, and only scored a 6/12. I don't really read to much of any of these but the few I have read include

               Political: Washington Monthly, Drudge Report, National Review, Think Progress, Media Matters.

 Main: CNN, Austin Americans Statesman, USA Today, Time, Wall St. Journal.

    Looking forward to learning among you all!