Sometimes, it's the government that cripples a whole culture. We lived in Torrance, CA from July 1980-Dec. 1987. We found it baffling that the Los Angeles Unified School District taught Spanish speaking kids in Spanish, and never mainstreamed them into English classes, so the kids didn't learn how to speak English because they didn't need to. Most of the kids were American born for a couple of generations of their families, and their parents had also come through LA schools and never learned English, either. I think that got changed after we left when LA Co. voters declared English as the official language of LA Co. so this nonsense could stop, but it sure made life difficult for the kids; it created separations between the kids in the schools, and it made it difficult for the non-English speakers to get into local universities, ,where the classes were taught in English. It also limited the kind of jobs they could get.

The TV is a huge part of the problem as Frank Zappa said it was and would be. Isn't it also though, I great tool for part of the solution? Though the mentality of keeping Pete Seeger off of it for years is still around today. ( Just try and watch a video on CMT these days.) Keeping Pete off of it was like cutting everyone's throat to save... I am not sure of what?

You're so funny, Arlo, except what you say is so true! How did the people in this country fall asleep for 40 years and let things get so messed up? The government has gone crazy and big business helped them run us into the ground. Didn't the next generations learn ANYTHING FROM THE '60's?
I mean, a lot of young people today look back and think, "Wow, the hippies looked funny and they were stoned all the time, but the music was good!" Listen to the lyrics, people! Peace! Love! Apple pie! Lot's of apple pie.

I'd love to vote for you for president. Just think, concert on the White House lawn. Who would be the running mate?

This is a cool video. The message at the end is important


http://www.youtube.com/player2.swf

If this Land can not have compassion on its Immigrants, we have drastically lost site of why we are even here.
It is perfectly evident to me who everyone is: it is just like 200 years ago here, and 2000 years ago in Israel.
The fruits of the ways of the MEDIA-RIGHT STORM RAIL ROADING Religious Right are babbling bs to me...
What a Wonderful show on PBS about Pete Seeger. Power in the Music.

I really like the idea of a National sales tax instead of the Federal Income Tax.
As far as illegal immigration, either arrest and deport them all or let 'em stay and pay taxes. Both answers have some merit and both answers will piss off a lot of folks.
I've never been personally fond of borders.....but, then, nobody has ever cared enough to ask me.

I truely think of Arlo as having the preception of a world citizen and champion of the human race as a whole rather than seeing a problem as simply a United States problem. We can see this from the songs he sings and the stories he tells.

I've never been out of this country and have only lived in 3 states. I see problems as how they affect me and my family and other people I know.

I would love to see the broader picture and support causes for the common good of the world.

In the meantime, I'm having such a hard time because of my personal circomstances. For instance, this morning on a phone call to my Dr. office, they say Medicaid won't pay for my last visit because I'm over the limit. I tell them I spoke to the person in Little Rock who tells me, we know you're over the limit because you are in treatment for cancer. Tell the Dr.'s office to apply for extention of benifits. So I call them back, and I'm told, Oh, so you're terminal. I reply, no I'm not terminal, I'm cured. She says, but you are listed as having a terminal illiness. I reply, fine! I'm terminal, now, can you just apply for the extention??? She'll get back to me. People who are actually terminal have to go through this crap. I knew
people who died waiting for treatment. Our government at work! I am becoming terminally pissed off about the agravation.

In fact, we are all terminal-no one gets out of this life alive.

That's bad how they are doing you. You deserve to get it covered by Medicare. Hope things go better for ya. Prayers just said for ya and vibes sent...

Cheryl H., this is a question that deserves an answer from you: Who do you think is responsible for el_libra not having medical coverage?

Thank you both. I'll be fine, it's just very frustrating to deal with. I guess I shouldn't blab so much. People on this forum are so kind! Thank you all.

I wish...

I'd say the govt was responsible for them not getting the coverage...

and, Cheryl... who exactly is the head of "the government"?

el-libra... I'm sending you tons of blundervibes for a complete remission and a long and happy future... after all, we've only begun to get to know you!

There are a number of cancer survivors here... me, (one year out)... and Judy is several years out, as is Jackie Guthrie...

The people on this board were such a big help and comfort while I was going through treatment. I'm glad you've let us know a bit about what you are dealing with. I was fortunate in my choice of a health clinic when I was first diagnosed... did you know that your choice of clinic can affect your eligibility for Medicaid coverage? I didn't .... but I was lucky in my selection. I now have health coverage through my job, but not everyone has that option - especially with a cancer diagnosis.

Please don't hesitate to let us know what's going on with you... healthwise and in dealing with the red tape etc. I'm pulling for you.... we 'terminal' folks gotta hang in for each other! (and as noted, we are ALL terminal)
HUGS!

el libra... lots of blundervibes from me, too.... for your continued healing first and foremost...
and for your bureaucratic aggravations...that they will smooth your path from now on...