Greetings,
I hope you all have been following the circus. This week, our Commander in Chief, President Obama, addressed the nation. If you didn't watch, or listen, he basically said he would use executive power to get things done if Congress doesn't play ball.
Hey, that's great, right Democrats? Well at least for the next three years. Then, when we elect a different President in 2016, all those executive orders could possible be thrown out by President Obama's successor. I wonder how much that will cost! Who's going to pay for it? Oh wait, that's right, you and I will.
So I could go on and on with a rant about how asinine and idiotic our government is right now, including the Congress. But I named this Blog Socratic Solutions because I hoped to come up with feasible solutions and not just use this as a venue for negativity. The main point of contention here is the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare.
Just like with every other ludicrous piece of legislation that has been passed, uninformed/ignorant citizens were dooped into believing one or more of several claims:
1. Health care is a human right.
2. If everyone has health insurance, then health care will be cheaper.
3. The federal government has the ability to manage a nationalized health insurance/ health care program.
Well, stupid us! Really? We have been in the business of war since 1776, and we still can't get that right. Why would we be able to break into the medical industry? And, how the heck is health care a human right? Last time I checked, health care is provided by doctors. So in order to provide this "human right" to people, that means that a doctor would possibly have to be coerced against his or her will to provide a service to another human being. Lastly, insurance is the problem, not the solution. Doctors know that they will get paid because of insurance companies. Before insurance, people went to the doctor directly and paid a modest fee. With insurance, all the healthy people who rarely go to the doctor pay a premium every month even though they are not utilizing those services. This allows the doctor to charge all the sick people astronomical rates via their insurance companies who collect monthly premiums from thousands and thousands of people, both healthy and sick.
So here it is, two possible solutions:
1. From the Liberal Lefty camp... wait for it... Price controls on doctor's services! The left loves price controls. I don't think they work, but it would probably be a better option than Obamacare.
2. Leaning slightly to the right... except for the fact that insurance companies would hate this... ban health insurance. The patient should be a direct consumer of doctor's services. This would have several positive benefits. People would be more inclined to be in charge of their own health and informed about medical issues. Furthermore, prices for treatment would go down automatically using a free market approach. If only sick people were paying into the market, then it would lower demand, therefore lowering costs.
Now, realize that no system is perfect. Sure, some people would suffer, just like they do now and will continue to under Obamacare. But is sacrificing the liberty of the many worth insuring those who are unable to insure themselves or pay for their own health care? I don't think so. Plus, the great thing is that charitable organizations would still be free to provide medical services at no cost to the patient. I can't speak for anyone else, but the more money the government allows me to keep, the more I would donate to charities.
Okay, so that's my spiel on the "crucial issue of our time."
Until next time, enjoy your weekend, whether it's watching the Superbowl or fighting AIDS and Cancer.
Semper Fi,
Chris Bentley
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Getting Rewired
Happy Tuesday Everyone,
I hope you all at least had a little time to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday. At the very least, he was an extraordinary and inspiring man who showed the world that one person truly can overcome adversity and affect change.
Since my last post, a lot has happened. I'm still working on this transition into, for lack of better terms, normal life. I no longer worry if I need to shave or not when I run to the store on Saturday morning, or if I am showing the right amount of deference when speaking to someone of "authority." But those are all little things that really have no real significance in life. What does, is what inspired this post I am writing today.
I used the term "rewired" in the title for several reasons. People in the military, especially enlisted service members, are often referred to as brainwashed, or robots. Additionally, the term has been used in official training twice in my career; during my three month visit to the infamous Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot, and then again during my exit training, referred to as TAP class (Transition Assistance Program).
During boot camp, the Drill Instructors referred to our brains as circuit boards that needed to be "rewired" for optimal performance and rapid obedience. At TAP class, we then had to be "rewired" to return to civilian life. But I want you all to consider this; shouldn't we all be rewired?
Above, I mentioned that a lot has happened since my last post. Nothing too crazy or dramatic has occurred, but many things that opened my eyes to how the world works, or doesn't work for that matter, have taken place.
The most egregious example happened recently when I attended a luncheon that was specifically put together for veterans to meet face to face with hiring managers and do some networking. It was held at an amazing venue, and was totally free of charge to the veterans in attendance. I was so excited to meet my future boss, whoever he or she was going to be. Well, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, David Dewhurst, who by the way is up for re-election, showed up and stole the show. By the time he was done telling us several long winded stories about how he was so supportive of veterans, and that if he is re-elected, he will continue to help veterans, it was time to leave. I could see the look of disgust on the veterans' faces in my immediate vicinity.
Anyway, my point is this: yes, as I mentioned in my last post, "The Entitled Veteran," we vets do need to rewire ourselves and change the way we look at things. But so do the people that supposedly "support the troops." So do the folks that complain about the school systems in their neighborhoods, but don't join the school board or the city council. So do the people who go day-by-day as part of the herd, only eating what they're fed by someone else, and not seeking out information.
I'm not sure if this is a book title already or not, but we need to "Rewire the Republic." Citizenship isn't just something that is debated about in D.C. with regards to illegal immigrants. Citizenship is a duty. And if we don't like where things are headed, then we need to get engaged and attempt to do something about it.
A good friend of mine from Cambridge, MA often tells me that the Constitution is outdated and needs a total overhaul. I personally feel that our Founders got it right, and that they were men with such amazing intellect and foresight. Let's not forget their amazing wives either. (If you ever have time, read some of Abigail Adams' letters to her husband). However, I think "We the people..." have gotten it wrong and we need to strive to be more like the Founders.
I could join the rest of the doomsayers on the web and try to scare everyone, including myself, into frantic action, but that obviously doesn't work, and quite frankly, it's a bit extreme in my opinion. I do believe we are headed down a very destructive path. However, I don't think the "zombie apocalypse" is going to happen overnight like all the folks on the fringe. And if I'm right, that means we still can do something about it.
Dr. King mobilized millions for his cause. What are "We the people..." going to do today? As we say in the military... "crawl, walk, run." Start out by turning off ESPN or the Kardashians and talking to your friends and families about the issues that affect your immediate circle, and then do something about it. Tip O'Neill coined the phrase, "All politics are local." I'm not sure I agreed with too many of his political views, but he was certainly right that we have the power to make changes at our levels.
Now, I must cut it off here, as I don't get paid for this, but please remember, that this is truly OUR country, and not just a plot of geographic space we occupy. We must own it and make it what we want it to be. Until next time, remember...
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
Semper Fidelis,
Chris Bentley
I hope you all at least had a little time to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday. At the very least, he was an extraordinary and inspiring man who showed the world that one person truly can overcome adversity and affect change.
Since my last post, a lot has happened. I'm still working on this transition into, for lack of better terms, normal life. I no longer worry if I need to shave or not when I run to the store on Saturday morning, or if I am showing the right amount of deference when speaking to someone of "authority." But those are all little things that really have no real significance in life. What does, is what inspired this post I am writing today.
I used the term "rewired" in the title for several reasons. People in the military, especially enlisted service members, are often referred to as brainwashed, or robots. Additionally, the term has been used in official training twice in my career; during my three month visit to the infamous Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot, and then again during my exit training, referred to as TAP class (Transition Assistance Program).
During boot camp, the Drill Instructors referred to our brains as circuit boards that needed to be "rewired" for optimal performance and rapid obedience. At TAP class, we then had to be "rewired" to return to civilian life. But I want you all to consider this; shouldn't we all be rewired?
Above, I mentioned that a lot has happened since my last post. Nothing too crazy or dramatic has occurred, but many things that opened my eyes to how the world works, or doesn't work for that matter, have taken place.
The most egregious example happened recently when I attended a luncheon that was specifically put together for veterans to meet face to face with hiring managers and do some networking. It was held at an amazing venue, and was totally free of charge to the veterans in attendance. I was so excited to meet my future boss, whoever he or she was going to be. Well, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, David Dewhurst, who by the way is up for re-election, showed up and stole the show. By the time he was done telling us several long winded stories about how he was so supportive of veterans, and that if he is re-elected, he will continue to help veterans, it was time to leave. I could see the look of disgust on the veterans' faces in my immediate vicinity.
Anyway, my point is this: yes, as I mentioned in my last post, "The Entitled Veteran," we vets do need to rewire ourselves and change the way we look at things. But so do the people that supposedly "support the troops." So do the folks that complain about the school systems in their neighborhoods, but don't join the school board or the city council. So do the people who go day-by-day as part of the herd, only eating what they're fed by someone else, and not seeking out information.
I'm not sure if this is a book title already or not, but we need to "Rewire the Republic." Citizenship isn't just something that is debated about in D.C. with regards to illegal immigrants. Citizenship is a duty. And if we don't like where things are headed, then we need to get engaged and attempt to do something about it.
A good friend of mine from Cambridge, MA often tells me that the Constitution is outdated and needs a total overhaul. I personally feel that our Founders got it right, and that they were men with such amazing intellect and foresight. Let's not forget their amazing wives either. (If you ever have time, read some of Abigail Adams' letters to her husband). However, I think "We the people..." have gotten it wrong and we need to strive to be more like the Founders.
I could join the rest of the doomsayers on the web and try to scare everyone, including myself, into frantic action, but that obviously doesn't work, and quite frankly, it's a bit extreme in my opinion. I do believe we are headed down a very destructive path. However, I don't think the "zombie apocalypse" is going to happen overnight like all the folks on the fringe. And if I'm right, that means we still can do something about it.
Dr. King mobilized millions for his cause. What are "We the people..." going to do today? As we say in the military... "crawl, walk, run." Start out by turning off ESPN or the Kardashians and talking to your friends and families about the issues that affect your immediate circle, and then do something about it. Tip O'Neill coined the phrase, "All politics are local." I'm not sure I agreed with too many of his political views, but he was certainly right that we have the power to make changes at our levels.
Now, I must cut it off here, as I don't get paid for this, but please remember, that this is truly OUR country, and not just a plot of geographic space we occupy. We must own it and make it what we want it to be. Until next time, remember...
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
Semper Fidelis,
Chris Bentley
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Entitled Veteran
Howdy Y'all!
I finally made it to Texas and am getting settled into civilian life. During my travels and encounters over the past few weeks, I have inherited an interesting opinion; collectively, United States Armed Forces veterans have a huge sense of entitlement.
Now, let me start with a few recollections of personal encounters that helped me arrive at this conclusion.
When I left Vermont with a U-Haul full of furniture and junk that I accumulated over the last 14 and a half years, I was worried that my trip to Texas was going to be extremely stressful and laborious. It turned out to be quite the opposite, and only because I am a military veteran.
The first break I got due to my military service came from a toll booth attendant in New Hampshire. He saw my ridiculous haircut and then looked toward the back of my U-Haul which was also towing one of my vehicles. He said, "You in the military, son?" I answered, "Yes, Sir." He then asked, "What branch?' I proudly told him I was a Marine. Of course, he then proceeded to tell me he was in the Corps and served in Vietnam and said "Semper Fi, Devil Dog! Carry on." I was a bit a confused until the car behind me started honking. He again looked at me and said, "Carry on, Marine. Don't worry about the toll." I was dumbfounded. If you're from the Northeast or New England, you know that Friday December 13th was a cold and snowy day and would not have been the ideal day to start your PCS (Permanent Change of Station) from Jarheadville to 1st Civ Div (Civilian Division). The act of kindness alone was enough to warm my heart, but the fact that I had three axles and faced a potential toll fee of $18 made it even more astonishing. Good start to a trip that had me anxiety ridden from the time I found out I was to be medically discharged from the Corps.
I could go on and bore you with several more stories of the same flavor, some less astounding, and several that would even bring a tear to the Executive Director of Code Pink. In summary, let's just say I got discounts on meals, hotels, and even had a trucker insist on paying for my gas at one stop in Virginia. This is nothing new, as I have received acts of kindness from civilians, both here and abroad, since I joined the Corps back in 1999. The only difference here is that so many "random acts of kindness" happened to me within a four day period and at several different geographic locations throughout our country, and only because I am a military veteran. I've never heard of anybody thanking a teacher for his or her service to our nation, or even a citizen who obeys the law and pays their taxes on time and without fraudulent claims. They are just as much an asset to this nation, if not more, than us veterans who are well compensated for our service.
I don't want to lose your attention, but my point here is this; veterans don't hold the monopoly on "service." Yet, many of us think we do and that we should be given even more benefits and monetary compensation than we already receive. Are you truly a patriot or a selfless servant of your nation if you refuse to give up just a few of the goodies during such difficult economic times? I think not.
Within the last couple of years, the services tried to suspend tuition assistance for active duty members, which was met with fierce opposition. Really guys? You couldn't just use your extremely generous Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to attend classes? Come on! The military and veteran community sounded very similar to current protest attempting to raise the minimum wage for menial work to exorbitant levels.
Fellow vets, as well as guys and gals still on active duty, please don't forget how well we are truly compensated. We may put up with a lot of BS and sacrifice very much during our time in service, but we were all volunteers. I'm not saying don't speak out against bad leadership and horrible policies, but don't just sound the horn when some of the unnecessary perks need to be cut back for a while.
Lastly, I want to mention all of the nonprofit organizations out there that add an extra layer of bennies for vets. The Wounded Warrior Project, The Semper Fi Fund, Lone-Star Veterans, Soldiers' Angels,
and Able Forces are just a few (the ones that have helped me out during my transition). Veterans have so many options for help if they need it. "Normal" people don't have such easy access to as many helpful organizations, nor do they get such amazing benefits from their employers.
So Vets, next time you find yourself fighting for more benefits or monetary compensation, think back to all that you have received and/or have access to because you are a veteran. And then, refocus that energy into fighting for things that would be way more useful to our military, such as less bureaucracy on the battlefield, a more conducive system for enlisted members to "speak truth to power," and better training at all levels to reduce deadly battlefield mishaps and increase unit efficiency.
Until next time, stay conscience my friends.
Semper Fi,
Chris Bentley
I finally made it to Texas and am getting settled into civilian life. During my travels and encounters over the past few weeks, I have inherited an interesting opinion; collectively, United States Armed Forces veterans have a huge sense of entitlement.
Now, let me start with a few recollections of personal encounters that helped me arrive at this conclusion.
When I left Vermont with a U-Haul full of furniture and junk that I accumulated over the last 14 and a half years, I was worried that my trip to Texas was going to be extremely stressful and laborious. It turned out to be quite the opposite, and only because I am a military veteran.
The first break I got due to my military service came from a toll booth attendant in New Hampshire. He saw my ridiculous haircut and then looked toward the back of my U-Haul which was also towing one of my vehicles. He said, "You in the military, son?" I answered, "Yes, Sir." He then asked, "What branch?' I proudly told him I was a Marine. Of course, he then proceeded to tell me he was in the Corps and served in Vietnam and said "Semper Fi, Devil Dog! Carry on." I was a bit a confused until the car behind me started honking. He again looked at me and said, "Carry on, Marine. Don't worry about the toll." I was dumbfounded. If you're from the Northeast or New England, you know that Friday December 13th was a cold and snowy day and would not have been the ideal day to start your PCS (Permanent Change of Station) from Jarheadville to 1st Civ Div (Civilian Division). The act of kindness alone was enough to warm my heart, but the fact that I had three axles and faced a potential toll fee of $18 made it even more astonishing. Good start to a trip that had me anxiety ridden from the time I found out I was to be medically discharged from the Corps.
I could go on and bore you with several more stories of the same flavor, some less astounding, and several that would even bring a tear to the Executive Director of Code Pink. In summary, let's just say I got discounts on meals, hotels, and even had a trucker insist on paying for my gas at one stop in Virginia. This is nothing new, as I have received acts of kindness from civilians, both here and abroad, since I joined the Corps back in 1999. The only difference here is that so many "random acts of kindness" happened to me within a four day period and at several different geographic locations throughout our country, and only because I am a military veteran. I've never heard of anybody thanking a teacher for his or her service to our nation, or even a citizen who obeys the law and pays their taxes on time and without fraudulent claims. They are just as much an asset to this nation, if not more, than us veterans who are well compensated for our service.
I don't want to lose your attention, but my point here is this; veterans don't hold the monopoly on "service." Yet, many of us think we do and that we should be given even more benefits and monetary compensation than we already receive. Are you truly a patriot or a selfless servant of your nation if you refuse to give up just a few of the goodies during such difficult economic times? I think not.
Within the last couple of years, the services tried to suspend tuition assistance for active duty members, which was met with fierce opposition. Really guys? You couldn't just use your extremely generous Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to attend classes? Come on! The military and veteran community sounded very similar to current protest attempting to raise the minimum wage for menial work to exorbitant levels.
Fellow vets, as well as guys and gals still on active duty, please don't forget how well we are truly compensated. We may put up with a lot of BS and sacrifice very much during our time in service, but we were all volunteers. I'm not saying don't speak out against bad leadership and horrible policies, but don't just sound the horn when some of the unnecessary perks need to be cut back for a while.
Lastly, I want to mention all of the nonprofit organizations out there that add an extra layer of bennies for vets. The Wounded Warrior Project, The Semper Fi Fund, Lone-Star Veterans, Soldiers' Angels,
and Able Forces are just a few (the ones that have helped me out during my transition). Veterans have so many options for help if they need it. "Normal" people don't have such easy access to as many helpful organizations, nor do they get such amazing benefits from their employers.
So Vets, next time you find yourself fighting for more benefits or monetary compensation, think back to all that you have received and/or have access to because you are a veteran. And then, refocus that energy into fighting for things that would be way more useful to our military, such as less bureaucracy on the battlefield, a more conducive system for enlisted members to "speak truth to power," and better training at all levels to reduce deadly battlefield mishaps and increase unit efficiency.
Until next time, stay conscience my friends.
Semper Fi,
Chris Bentley
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Issues to consider in 2014
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you are recovering from last night's/this morning's celebrations.
Before you tune into the Rose Bowl, or whatever version of entertainment you seek today, please think about what issues you could take action on this year. A simple email or phone call to your politicians at all levels is enough, and much more than most do. Here are four of my favorite issues as well as some links to websites that I feel are helpful. I picked the top four because there are four quarters in a year. Maybe you can dedicate each quarter to a topic and be active in getting your politicians to address them in the way you want.
1. Campaign Finance Reform - Now, I typically fall into more libertarian schools of thought; however, it seems to be a no brainer, at least to me, that corporations are not people and that corporate influence on political legislation needs to be reigned in. Check out some of the following links from both sides of the aisle regarding this issue and make your own judgment call. Then take action.
https://www.aclu.org/free-speech/campaign-finance-reform
http://www.citizen.org/congress/campaign/index.cfm
http://www.policyalmanac.org/government/campaign_finance.shtml
http://media.aclj.org/pdf/040317_fed_campaign_finance.pdf'
2. Tax Reform - I personally believe there is only one solution for tax reform, "The FairTax," which I have posted a link for below. However, I will probably write an extensive analysis of this in the near future. For now, check out the following links and decide what you think. It's easy to say who should pay more or less taxes based on idealism, but it's not easy to understand the tax code and how it truly affects each individual person.
http://www.atr.org/
https://taxreform.gov/
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/taxreform/
http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer
http://www.heritage.org/research/factsheets/2012/01/the-new-flat-tax-encourages-growth-and-job-creation
http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc1/ProgressiveTaxes.html
***Note - The Flat Tax and the Fair Tax are two separate proposals which are commonly confused by talking heads and pundits who don't bother to actually read proposed tax reform legislation.
3. Foreign Policy (Wars, Intervention, Global Trade and Commerce, etc.) - Again, this isn't the blog entry where I try to sell you my own personal views. This is a call to action for you to read up on the issues and come up with some of your own ideas. One thing is for sure, Foreign policy absolutely affects you and I here at home. Check these links out and see where you stand.
http://www.cnas.org/
http://www.rand.org/topics/international-affairs.html
http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/foreign-policy
4. Entitlement Programs - No matter whether you think these things should be in existence or not, there is no denying that they need serious reform. Check out these position papers and analyses and determine your stance.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/entitlementreform/default.aspx
http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/entitlements
http://www.ipi.org/ipi_issues/cf/list/entitlement-reform
http://www.pewresearch.org/topics/entitlements/
There is much more out there on all these issues. And believe it or not, there are actually some good books on these issues that you could read in a few hours on a flight or train ride. Again, this entry was not to try to steer anybody in any certain direction, but just to open your eyes and minds to the issues.
Until next time, take care and keep on keepin' on!
Happy New Year,
Chris Bentley
Before you tune into the Rose Bowl, or whatever version of entertainment you seek today, please think about what issues you could take action on this year. A simple email or phone call to your politicians at all levels is enough, and much more than most do. Here are four of my favorite issues as well as some links to websites that I feel are helpful. I picked the top four because there are four quarters in a year. Maybe you can dedicate each quarter to a topic and be active in getting your politicians to address them in the way you want.
1. Campaign Finance Reform - Now, I typically fall into more libertarian schools of thought; however, it seems to be a no brainer, at least to me, that corporations are not people and that corporate influence on political legislation needs to be reigned in. Check out some of the following links from both sides of the aisle regarding this issue and make your own judgment call. Then take action.
https://www.aclu.org/free-speech/campaign-finance-reform
http://www.citizen.org/congress/campaign/index.cfm
http://www.policyalmanac.org/government/campaign_finance.shtml
http://media.aclj.org/pdf/040317_fed_campaign_finance.pdf'
2. Tax Reform - I personally believe there is only one solution for tax reform, "The FairTax," which I have posted a link for below. However, I will probably write an extensive analysis of this in the near future. For now, check out the following links and decide what you think. It's easy to say who should pay more or less taxes based on idealism, but it's not easy to understand the tax code and how it truly affects each individual person.
http://www.atr.org/
https://taxreform.gov/
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/taxreform/
http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer
http://www.heritage.org/research/factsheets/2012/01/the-new-flat-tax-encourages-growth-and-job-creation
http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc1/ProgressiveTaxes.html
***Note - The Flat Tax and the Fair Tax are two separate proposals which are commonly confused by talking heads and pundits who don't bother to actually read proposed tax reform legislation.
3. Foreign Policy (Wars, Intervention, Global Trade and Commerce, etc.) - Again, this isn't the blog entry where I try to sell you my own personal views. This is a call to action for you to read up on the issues and come up with some of your own ideas. One thing is for sure, Foreign policy absolutely affects you and I here at home. Check these links out and see where you stand.
http://www.cnas.org/
http://www.rand.org/topics/international-affairs.html
http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/foreign-policy
4. Entitlement Programs - No matter whether you think these things should be in existence or not, there is no denying that they need serious reform. Check out these position papers and analyses and determine your stance.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/entitlementreform/default.aspx
http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/entitlements
http://www.ipi.org/ipi_issues/cf/list/entitlement-reform
http://www.pewresearch.org/topics/entitlements/
There is much more out there on all these issues. And believe it or not, there are actually some good books on these issues that you could read in a few hours on a flight or train ride. Again, this entry was not to try to steer anybody in any certain direction, but just to open your eyes and minds to the issues.
Until next time, take care and keep on keepin' on!
Happy New Year,
Chris Bentley
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