©2009 David Talbot
I was having a chat with my sister-in-law, 6 months ago, about the holiday season. For us it was about Chanukah, the festival of lights. We spoke of the traditional holiday dishes like latkes (potato pancakes) and lighting the Chanukah Menorah, the traditional candelabra that Jews use to remember the miracle that occurred about 2,200 years ago. Susan told me that lighting the Chanukah Menorah, was what she missed most.
In December 2000, my brother was stricken with a terrible ailment that left him totally disabled and dependant on various medications. Because of his disability, the family cannot have an open flame in his room, so it’s Chanukah without the Menorah. If you are a Christian, think of Christmas trees with out any ornaments or lights. It just wouldn’t be the same. Thus Susan’s lament.
My solution: in addition to our collection of traditional menorahs, we have an Electric Menorah. It isn’t really a substitute for candles, but at least you will have a representation of the traditional menorah--we’ll send you ours. From this conversation a project was born, the Electric Menorah Project.
The goal of the Project is to give, free of any charge, an Electric Menorah to Jews in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hospice facilities, or Disabled at home, where an open flame is not possible. Silvia and I took care of all expenses (not that many.) We asked our Rabbi to supervise us.
We composed an email list of about 500 old Army and National Guard buddies, relatives, friends, and friends of friends, and asked for their help. To date, we have received sufficient donated funds to provide about 20 Menorahs this Chanukah, to Arizona families. In addition, two electric Menorahs were sent to us for placement.
Here’s what I learned from the past six months. We learned that our friends were more generous that we had imagined---shame on us. We learned that very few folks resented the monthly solicitations and updates--only 2 people asked us to stop the contact. And, we learned that Christians do support “Jewish” causes as 90% of the donations came from our non-Jewish friends.
On our BLOG we encourage others to copy our project in their home towns. Two of our friends have inquired about starting projects, one in Florida, and one in Washington.
If you’d like more information about the Electric Menorah Project, you can find us at: http://electricmenorahproject.blogspot.com./ or email the project at: mailto:electricmenorahproject@gmail.com.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
The Talbot Plan for National Healthcare
Ya know folks, we already have mandated Health Insurance for all employers with common law employees. All employees are covered and the policy covers Health Insurance, Disability Income Insurance, and Life Insurance. And in most states there is a Government Option which competes with private insurers. Owner-employees can participate if they wish. What is this plan called? Workers Compensation. It is not federally mandated, is slightly different from state to state, and rates are based on the nature of the business risk and experience of the group. And, for the most part, employers are not liable for most work related accidents, injuries, or deaths.
Here's my suggestion for health care: Superimpose non-occupational Health, disability and Life insurance on existing Work Comp. Mandate each state to develop, with its State Department of Industrial Compensation, a formula to integrate all non-working, legal residents, within their jurisdictions, for Health, Life, and Disability Insurance. Then, invite bids from the carriers doing business in each state, with the Federal Government providing catastrophic stop-loss coverage at some predetermined level (Like $250,000). State Compensation Funds will compete with Private Insurance companies---as they do now. Employees would pay the premium for the superimposed coverage, and non-employed legal residents would pay the premium stated by the company, or the State Fund, which ever they choose, for 24 hour coverage. Insurance Companies, which are supervised by the states, are free, within reason, to set rates and still earn a profit. Individuals are free to select the Doc/Hospital of their choice. Treatment options would be determined by the insurance company, but an insured is free to shop companies. As in W/C, all are covered on day 1 and pre-existing ailments must be covered. Tort Liability would be the same as industrial compensation, as regulated by the state.
I know this may sound convoluted, but I think its workable, would provide for regional differences in risks, occupational hazards, and income levels.
Here's my suggestion for health care: Superimpose non-occupational Health, disability and Life insurance on existing Work Comp. Mandate each state to develop, with its State Department of Industrial Compensation, a formula to integrate all non-working, legal residents, within their jurisdictions, for Health, Life, and Disability Insurance. Then, invite bids from the carriers doing business in each state, with the Federal Government providing catastrophic stop-loss coverage at some predetermined level (Like $250,000). State Compensation Funds will compete with Private Insurance companies---as they do now. Employees would pay the premium for the superimposed coverage, and non-employed legal residents would pay the premium stated by the company, or the State Fund, which ever they choose, for 24 hour coverage. Insurance Companies, which are supervised by the states, are free, within reason, to set rates and still earn a profit. Individuals are free to select the Doc/Hospital of their choice. Treatment options would be determined by the insurance company, but an insured is free to shop companies. As in W/C, all are covered on day 1 and pre-existing ailments must be covered. Tort Liability would be the same as industrial compensation, as regulated by the state.
I know this may sound convoluted, but I think its workable, would provide for regional differences in risks, occupational hazards, and income levels.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
575magazine.com v1.0
This is my first attempt at writing a piece for an online magazine. I wish all the folks at 575Magazine.com all the best in getting an informative, useful, news source online.
I will be writing periodic articles on religion and current events from a Jewish perspective, something you probably lt won’t see in the mainstream press. While I’m not affiliated with any particular Jewish organization or movement, I plan to be as accurate as possible, and to provide you, the reader, with current interest topics from a Jewish point of view.
However, as the old saying goes, if you want three opinions on any topic, ask two Jews one question. So, I will tell you now, and probably at the end of every article, all opinions expressed here are my own. They will not, necessarily, represent the opinions of 575magazine.com. It is very possible, on any given topic, they may conflict with one Jewish Group or another.
Now, having given you all the disclaimers, let me tell you a little about me. I am 65, been married for 46 years to my highschool sweetheart, and was born into an Orthodox Jewish Family. After my Bar Mitzvah at age 13, I basically stopped believing in organized religion and simply coasted through life, until 3 years ago when I felt called to return to my roots. It has been an interesting journey, which at times has seemed impossible to regain 49 lost spiritual years….but I am catching up.
Last, for now, I’d like to know what may be on your mind. Sort of, “What you always wanted to know about Jews, Judiasm, or Israel, but didn’t know whom to ask..” No question asked will be off limits. Just be respectful and I’ll make every effort to answer you in the same way. Send your questions to me at talbotnotes@gmail.com. Please mention that you saw my article in 575magazine.com, and if you wish an email response. Unless you specifically state, in writing, that you want your name mentioned in an article, I will not publish or reveal it to anyone.
Shalom,
David Talbot
I will be writing periodic articles on religion and current events from a Jewish perspective, something you probably lt won’t see in the mainstream press. While I’m not affiliated with any particular Jewish organization or movement, I plan to be as accurate as possible, and to provide you, the reader, with current interest topics from a Jewish point of view.
However, as the old saying goes, if you want three opinions on any topic, ask two Jews one question. So, I will tell you now, and probably at the end of every article, all opinions expressed here are my own. They will not, necessarily, represent the opinions of 575magazine.com. It is very possible, on any given topic, they may conflict with one Jewish Group or another.
Now, having given you all the disclaimers, let me tell you a little about me. I am 65, been married for 46 years to my highschool sweetheart, and was born into an Orthodox Jewish Family. After my Bar Mitzvah at age 13, I basically stopped believing in organized religion and simply coasted through life, until 3 years ago when I felt called to return to my roots. It has been an interesting journey, which at times has seemed impossible to regain 49 lost spiritual years….but I am catching up.
Last, for now, I’d like to know what may be on your mind. Sort of, “What you always wanted to know about Jews, Judiasm, or Israel, but didn’t know whom to ask..” No question asked will be off limits. Just be respectful and I’ll make every effort to answer you in the same way. Send your questions to me at talbotnotes@gmail.com. Please mention that you saw my article in 575magazine.com, and if you wish an email response. Unless you specifically state, in writing, that you want your name mentioned in an article, I will not publish or reveal it to anyone.
Shalom,
David Talbot
Saturday, May 30, 2009
No Change: Obama Appoints Big Donors as Ambassadors
Newsmax.com
Friday, May 29, 2009 8:20 AM
WASHINGTON – Despite his promises of change, President Barack Obama has kept tradition by naming top donors to plum ambassador posts, drawing fire from career US diplomats and causing dismay among some US allies.
Obama has been criticized for naming fund raisers with no diplomatic experience - and who together drummed up well over a million dollars for his record-shattering campaign - to be ambassadors to Britain, France and Japan.
"It's an 18th-century practice we are continuing which no other major democratic country does," said Ronald Neumann, a veteran ambassador and head of the American Academy of Diplomacy, a lobby of former senior diplomats. "It's not 'change you can believe in,' but it's not terribly surprising," said Neumann, referring to Obama's campaign slogan.
Obama named Louis Susman, a former Citigroup banker in Chicago once dubbed the "vacuum cleaner" for his prowess sucking up money, as ambassador to London. Obama also tapped two major California fund raisers - naming Charles Rivkin, the former producer of "The Muppets" children show, to Paris and Silicon Valley lawyer John Roos to Tokyo.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Thursday defended the picks, noting that Obama also
appointed respected figures such as former congressman Timothy Roemer as ambassador to India.
"It would be disingenuous for me to suggest that there are not going to be some excellent public
servants ... who haven't come through the ranks of civil service," Gibbs said.
British newspapers described Obama's appointment to London as "cronyism." Some dailies had
speculated hopefully that the US president would pick one of his more glamorous friends - Oprah Winfrey.
While US ambassador residences in London and Paris have long been retreats for presidents' wealthy friends, Tokyo has been used to heavy hitters including former vice president Walter Mondale, former Senate majority leaders Mike Mansfield and Howard Baker and ex-House speaker Tom Foley. Many Japanese are nervous that the United States will ignore its longstanding Asian ally as it builds ties with a rapidly growing China.
While Tokyo publicly welcomed Roos' appointment, one Japanese magazine worried that Obama was "Japan-passing" - opposed to US "Japan-bashing" during the 1980s trade wars.
Tokyo-based analyst Robert Dujarric said Japanese worry that Roos is "lightweight" compared with Obama's pick for Beijing, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman - a Mandarin speaker who some eye as a future president himself.
"It's a symptom of Japan's anxiety over its future, its ties with America and being overshadowed by China," said Dujarric, director of Temple University's Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies.
"Hence the trauma of a senior politician going to Beijing compared with a guy in Tokyo who no one has ever heard of with no political or Asian expertise -- although to be fair, I assume as a Silicon Valley player he knows a thing or two about Japanese high-tech," Dujarric said.
But Dujarric said Japan put too much emphasis on the US ambassador, who has far less influence than US cabinet members who meet regularly with Japanese counterparts through the Group of Seven and other forums.
Obama worked early to show his commitment to the Japan relationship by inviting Prime Minister Taro Aso as his first foreign guest at the White House. Morton Abramowitz, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation who has served as ambassador to Thailand and Turkey, said that while it was deplorable to give positions based on money, some Obama fund raisers could make solid diplomats.
"Despite the rhetoric, this administration is no different than previous administrations, expect it looks like their appointments might be better," Abramowitz said. "Diplomacy has to be much more creative and much more dynamic these days as we're not the big power we once were. It's important to have people as good as we can get," he said.
© 2009 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 29, 2009 8:20 AM
WASHINGTON – Despite his promises of change, President Barack Obama has kept tradition by naming top donors to plum ambassador posts, drawing fire from career US diplomats and causing dismay among some US allies.
Obama has been criticized for naming fund raisers with no diplomatic experience - and who together drummed up well over a million dollars for his record-shattering campaign - to be ambassadors to Britain, France and Japan.
"It's an 18th-century practice we are continuing which no other major democratic country does," said Ronald Neumann, a veteran ambassador and head of the American Academy of Diplomacy, a lobby of former senior diplomats. "It's not 'change you can believe in,' but it's not terribly surprising," said Neumann, referring to Obama's campaign slogan.
Obama named Louis Susman, a former Citigroup banker in Chicago once dubbed the "vacuum cleaner" for his prowess sucking up money, as ambassador to London. Obama also tapped two major California fund raisers - naming Charles Rivkin, the former producer of "The Muppets" children show, to Paris and Silicon Valley lawyer John Roos to Tokyo.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Thursday defended the picks, noting that Obama also
appointed respected figures such as former congressman Timothy Roemer as ambassador to India.
"It would be disingenuous for me to suggest that there are not going to be some excellent public
servants ... who haven't come through the ranks of civil service," Gibbs said.
British newspapers described Obama's appointment to London as "cronyism." Some dailies had
speculated hopefully that the US president would pick one of his more glamorous friends - Oprah Winfrey.
While US ambassador residences in London and Paris have long been retreats for presidents' wealthy friends, Tokyo has been used to heavy hitters including former vice president Walter Mondale, former Senate majority leaders Mike Mansfield and Howard Baker and ex-House speaker Tom Foley. Many Japanese are nervous that the United States will ignore its longstanding Asian ally as it builds ties with a rapidly growing China.
While Tokyo publicly welcomed Roos' appointment, one Japanese magazine worried that Obama was "Japan-passing" - opposed to US "Japan-bashing" during the 1980s trade wars.
Tokyo-based analyst Robert Dujarric said Japanese worry that Roos is "lightweight" compared with Obama's pick for Beijing, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman - a Mandarin speaker who some eye as a future president himself.
"It's a symptom of Japan's anxiety over its future, its ties with America and being overshadowed by China," said Dujarric, director of Temple University's Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies.
"Hence the trauma of a senior politician going to Beijing compared with a guy in Tokyo who no one has ever heard of with no political or Asian expertise -- although to be fair, I assume as a Silicon Valley player he knows a thing or two about Japanese high-tech," Dujarric said.
But Dujarric said Japan put too much emphasis on the US ambassador, who has far less influence than US cabinet members who meet regularly with Japanese counterparts through the Group of Seven and other forums.
Obama worked early to show his commitment to the Japan relationship by inviting Prime Minister Taro Aso as his first foreign guest at the White House. Morton Abramowitz, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation who has served as ambassador to Thailand and Turkey, said that while it was deplorable to give positions based on money, some Obama fund raisers could make solid diplomats.
"Despite the rhetoric, this administration is no different than previous administrations, expect it looks like their appointments might be better," Abramowitz said. "Diplomacy has to be much more creative and much more dynamic these days as we're not the big power we once were. It's important to have people as good as we can get," he said.
© 2009 Agence France Presse. All rights reserved.
Bush Calls Bill Clinton 'Brother'
Newsmax.com
Friday, May 29, 2009 7:55 PM
Former President George W. Bush has defended former President Bill Clinton and called him his
"brother" in their first ever appearance together on stage.
Bush said in their Friday appearance at a Toronto forum that he never liked it when previous
administration officials criticized his government but says Clinton was respectful and never did.
Bush declined to criticize the Obama administration. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been a very vocal critic of Obama.
Bush says his mother, Barbara Bush "said president Clinton and Father (former President George W. Bush) share the stage so much, he's like a son to her." He says, "So, brother, it's good to see you."
They faced questions from moderator Frank McKenna, Canada's former ambassador to the United States.
© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, May 29, 2009 7:55 PM
Former President George W. Bush has defended former President Bill Clinton and called him his
"brother" in their first ever appearance together on stage.
Bush said in their Friday appearance at a Toronto forum that he never liked it when previous
administration officials criticized his government but says Clinton was respectful and never did.
Bush declined to criticize the Obama administration. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been a very vocal critic of Obama.
Bush says his mother, Barbara Bush "said president Clinton and Father (former President George W. Bush) share the stage so much, he's like a son to her." He says, "So, brother, it's good to see you."
They faced questions from moderator Frank McKenna, Canada's former ambassador to the United States.
© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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