For the critical programs of Medicaid and Medicare we remain in defense mode and we continue our creativity as evidenced in our “Keep Pennsylvania Covered Advocacy Quilt.”  If only, a “stitch in time” could save Medicaid and Medicare…….

 Advocates gathered and rallied in front of Senator Pat Toomey’s (he of the failed Super Committee) office and displayed the quilt squares from the western part of the Commonwealth.  Our squares will be joined with those from advocates efforts in the eastern part of the state and the full quilt will be given to Senator Toomey.

 Our vision is that when Senator Toomey contemplates and legislates, he will read these messages from his unique advocacy quilt:

 “Don’t hurt the people that need your help the most”

“Cost shift to states will put us in reverse”

“Help put the pieces of the health care system together instead of taking them apart.”

 We will continue to write, visit, call, rally, and be creative in our advocacy.  Our message is spoken most clearly in the lives of those who rely on Medicaid and Medicare.  Persons like Denise, a dual-eligible, who lives with multiple chronic health conditions and who is fierce in her independence and shared, “I worked hard my whole life, raised my three kids, and I need these programs to continue my independence and to live my life fully. I am not ‘those people.’ I have a name, a story, a life and I plan on living it well and building my community so others can too.”

 The advocacy continues……join us. 

sj;

We remain a reading clan, and, no shocker, a chatty family who appreciate the quick turn of phrase and the creative retort to a sibling’s teasing. 

Therefore, I celebrate two recent actions that celebrate the power of words:

• The PA Legislature continues to move toward final passage in replacing the phrase “mental retardation” with the more acceptable “persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” 
• Janet Minick, a member of our Health Committee for People with Disabilities, exercised her word strength by writing, submitting and having run in the 5 October 2011 of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette an incredible and “spot on” letter-to-the-editor.  Here is the link to read this amazing piece: 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11278/1179703-110.stm

I encourage readers of this blog to take similar actions. Words have power and through them we progress and make change.

Write On, my friends! 

sj;

Respect it’s a mutual thing, something one has to earn, essential to any functioning and successful team, organization, democracy.  Now that it’s defined, we must decide if it is still observed.

I’m one who carries strong opinions and views; yet, I also am open and want to hear another persons views. While a pastor in a local church setting, I often expressed to my flock, “My office door is open. I am willing to listen, talk and discuss with you any topic.  All I ask is that you bring more than hate and rhetoric.”

That standard worked out O.K. and by it I still abide. 

That is why as we are out and about doing legislative visits in our defense of Medicaid and Medicare, I have certain standards I expect to have upheld by our elected officials.

1. Respect your constituents and our time.  As we have been busy scheduling legislative visits, I continue to be amazed that for some offices it has taken multiple phone calls and e-mails just to get an answer. Folks, it should not be that difficult to schedule an appointment.  Especially, when we were looking for a meeting date during the week you were home in the district.
2. Come ready to discuss with us.  We hear enough of the sound bytes and one-liners while watching cable television.  Seek to have an honest conversation with us.  We expect that of those who represent us.
3. Whether we are in agreement or in sharp contrast of opinions, respect us as we respect the office you hold. Don’t label us. Listen to us. And, in mutual respect, we shall do the same.

This season of legislative visits has been heartening. I’m proud of our consumers and their confidence and advocacy. 

Though I would never be considered someone who “waves the flag,” these moments of conversation with our elected officials are foundational to the democracy we share and build and respect.

For many reasons, if you have not yet called or visited your elected officials, pick up the phone and schedule a visit.  Grab a pen and paper (that time honored form of communication) and write a letter.  Join in the conversation.  Respect our democracy enough to engage in its practice.

As for me, yes to both and equally so.

It has been a woefully long time since there has been a blip, a blurb, or a blog on this page.  In fact, when the last blog was posted, the Pirates were still playing and above .500 and the congress was still bitterly divided….O.K. well not everything has changed….sigh.

Well, maybe it was Andy Rooney and his parting episode, or, perhaps it was persons saying they’ve missed the blog; or, it could have been the fact that I not only want to be blogging…I need to be.  I too need to actively respond to my teachers, professors, and congregants who said, “you really need to be writing!” 

Although, there is now nothing left upon which I can vow or promise, I simply commit to do so and will hopefully be joined in the writing by some other bloggers-in-waiting.

Now is the season when thoughts and reflections and insights need to be shared, heard, and responded. 

I am excited to be back in the blog!

I thank you for your grace and will honor your returning with me to many words, wants and wishes…..I believe this particular blog has used all the alliteration I can muster. 

More good ripples to be made….

sj;

Yes, the blog is back. I know….at this point we’ve been to “Return of Blog,” and “Son of Blog,” and now could reasonably do “Distant Third Cousin of Blog;” yet, we are again in the blogging business so let us begin.

This is another major sports week here in our fair city and it has nothing to do with the Pirates (may they find anew their winning ways) nor the Steelers.

I am referring to the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games that Pittsburgh will host this week.  Over 600 athletes will compete in 17 different sports.

For we who are long-suffering Pirates fans this has been a gift of a summer as our Buccos are winning and being featured on ESPN where the pundits promote the Pirates grit and grind and heart.  Alas, our boys in black and gold are not even close to the fight, fire, and strength that will be celebrated at this week’s Games.  Make it a point and a “must do” and attend some of the athletic events.

Most of the competition takes place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For a schedule of events visit this link: http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/wcg/docs/nvwg-schedule.pdf

Game on!

sj;