By Gloria DULAN-Wilson
While most of the meanstream media continues to have a weird fixation on the former predator-in-chief, President Joe Biden - who at 80, is more conscious, focused, effective, energetic and intelligent than all the past four repuglycon presidents combined - has been forging ahead and taking care of business in implementing the programs he outlined in the recent State of the Union (SOTU).
The saying, "Let the works I've done speak for me," is emblematic of President Biden's first 2.25 years in office. His motto should be "Promises made, Promises kept! Big Time and On Time!!" Or something of that nature. So while the pundits and ersatz comedians continue to focus on something as inconsequential as his age, he keeps making those half his generation look like the rank amateurs, as well as the greedy, useless lot that they really are.
BTW: If it sounds as though I'm a fan of our currant Commander in Chief - I will say without reservation, I most definitely am! You have no idea how good it feels to be able to have normal conversations about our President again with my peers, and not have to worry about some insane, insensitive or insulting statement or action from the person who was the ersatz president. It's a joy to see what new thing he's accomplished - how brave he is to boldly go where no sitting president has gone (Ukriane), and not cause a scandal. I'm concerned that America has become so accustomed to the abnormal behavior from the White House's former inhabitants, that they don't fully grasp the fact that they now actually have the real deal now, and things are getting progressively better.
In fact, while the ersatz candidate for president from South Carolina has said that all elected officials over 65 should stand for competency tests - she's put it at that level because if they started at the age of 35, most of those in the right wing nut repuglycon party would be completely disqualified and held for institutionalization; or for contempt of congress; and most surely would have been immediately and summarily ejected from office. Even more telling, she would likewise be found to have high marks on the lunacy list - and therefore not qualified to run for anything.
Interesting how it is that those who make up the slim "majority" currently in Congress are actually against President Biden's Inflation reduction act, which materially reduces the cost of insulin for millions of seniors from thousands of dollars to $35.00 per month. This makes it possible for those who have lost their quality of life, had to mortgage their homes, lose limbs, and suffered debilitating pain from the side effects of this pervasive chronic illness, can now move on to the path of healing. How interesting is it that these individuals who have been elected to serve their constituents, spend more time blocking beneficial programs designed for them, while coming up with bogus issues, unnecessary "investigations," currying favor with predatory cronies, and sucking up to a former incumbent bent on more trickery, lies, deceit and privation.
So, let's look at what it means to have diabetic medical costs significantly reduced. No more feeling like the victim. No more making a decision between paying rent, or tuition, or buying food, or paying utilities, or getting the medication that makes a critical difference in your health and wellness; not to mention possible healing. How does it feel to not have to negotiate with the pharmacist over getting the appropriate dosage in order to heal your body?
Diabetes is a horrific, chronic, pervasive disease that affects at least a third of the population of the US. President Biden's original Inflation Reduction Act was aimed reducing the cost of Diabetic medication for all Americans - however, it was blocked by vengeful repuglycons in Congress - leaving the benefits to cover those who are 65 and older and on Medicare. It boggles the mind how those who are still deprived of the financial wherewithal to obtain these essential medications can still so blindly follow and vote for mendicants who are more interested in their political hegemony than they are in the well being of those who blindly and ignorantly keep sending them back to office.
A recent press conference highlighted the fact that at least 16 million Medicare recipients will receive the much needed medication. cost reduction. According to President Biden, it literally takes $10.00 to make the medication! Prior to this bill, patients were being charged over $1000.00 a month!! *Eli Lily, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the US has already agreed to reduce the cost of their prescription drugs for diabetes, and it is expected others will likewise follow suit.
*"Eli Lilly announced they are lowering the cost of insulin by 70% and
capping what patients pay out-of-pocket for insulin at $35. This action,
driven by the momentum from the Inflation Reduction Act, could benefit
millions of Americans with diabetes in all fifty states and U.S.
territories. The President continues to call on Congress to finish the
job and cap costs at $35 for all Americans." (WH)
It would truly behoove those who are of the Maga maggot mentality, and following T-rump/Desantis - it would also behoove you to determine whether or not you're stuck on stupid, or whether or not you are more of a masochist than a maga member. (I absolutely love the word "behoove" - LOL)
Can you afford to allow them to roll back/eliminate medical services, increase the costs of medications, and expose you to dangerous, substandard drugs; as opposed to quality products necessary for your health and continued healing? While health and healing are not political - legislation from a party bent on competing and defeating just because they can - most certainly is. The voters who supported T-rump, McCarthy, Taylor-Greene and others of their ilk, would do well to realize that not only will they not provide the money necessary to get extensive, comprehensive medical help if they need it; their reps are also certainly not going to pay for them, nor offer programs or other means by which they can obtain the necessary medical and healing services. If you paralleled their activities to that of President Biden, you'd see their priorities are totally bankrupt and lacking in merit. Then compare their methods and goals alongside the Democrats in congress, you would have long since left the party. Intelligent people would definitely choose representatives who continuously work in their behalf. And, while healing and health are not supposed to be politicized, imagine where you would be if the repuglycons had their way and voted against the cost reduction of diabetic medications - as well as a whole host of programs and equipment that are designed to help you survive!! To do otherwise would indicate you are either a masochist, or stuck on stupid.
Of course, one other consideration for the repuglycon party's lack of support for the reduction in these cost-saving measures is because they will "disproportionately impact communities of color, as Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults have higher rates of diabetes in the United States than white Americans." And they've made it patently clear they have little to no interest in this population.
Will a mythological laptop probe save you, your mom, dad, child, husband, friends in the grand heirarchy of things most important in your life? What will you do if they find a way to block the reduction of the cost of diabetic medication and bump it back up to $1,000? Will they personally come and pay the difference for you? Will they help you with their ersatz medical insurance which does not cover most of your ailments - especially pre-existing ones? What will you do while they are being wined and dined by big pharma - congratulating each other over the huge profits they are making at your expense.
The previous incumbent was in office for four years. Of what benefit were his programs, pronunciations, conspiracies and paranoid rantings when it came to your quality of life. How significant was his non-scientific approach to the pandemic when so many children and workers were forced to stay home because they ignored the signficant information protocols left by president Obama to appropriately manage pandemics?
During a recently held press conference, Medicare's Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, emphasized the fact that reductions in cost for Diabetic medication was only the beginning of a comprehensive program put forth by President Joe Biden. It had taken priority because of the preponderance of Americans suffering nationally from one of the four major forms of the disease. Also under their investigation and scrutiny are medications for Arthritis, a painful, crippling disease which ranks a close second after Diabetes in America as the highest ranking cause of disability. Affecting some 58% of Americans, with a staggering cost of $305.2 Billions spent annually, arthritis comes in the form of osteo-arthritis or the autoimmune rheumatoid version. She stated that it is her goal to ensure that those who suffer from these debilitating diseases who are on Medicare will likewise benefit from reduced medical expenses and extended quality of life.
While President Biden's efforts are to be applauded, there is another elephant in the room that has to be dealt with when it comes to America's standing in health. America ranks first in the most expensive medical treatments and prescription costs; and dead last when it comes to healing, preventative treatments and quality of cures. This information was first revealed when President Barack Obama began propose the America Care Act - also known as OBAMA CARE. In a comparison of 25 countries, America placed last - with Japan being number one, Norway, Germany, England, France making up the top five.
The more pressing problem is the lack of modern comprehensive medical advancements that are being enjoyed in other countries. America still has the highest prescription costs, and ranks near the bottom in medical advancement. While many countries have gone off the pill pushing, pain killing drugs and injection platforms, other countries are increasingly utilizing lasers, and other non-invasive technologies to alleviate/cure and even eradicate diseases that Americans still suffer from. It's not that these technologies are not being used in America, it's that they are neither covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance. Those with deep pockets of course have no problem in getting these advanced medical treatments. However, Medicare is still way behind the times. President Obama made the use of stem cells legal upon taking office in 2008; but amputations and debilitating medications are still the order of the day. Other countries are in the forefront of stem cell technologies for healing/preventing crippling diseases. Devices such as leg wraps, knee braces, etc, are still being used, costing more than their worth, and doing less than half of what other methods would have done are still preferred. People in their prime of life are relegated to wheel hairs, crutches, mobility units while others in others in other countries are enjoying permanent healing, and a better quality of life.
Assisted living equipment covered by Medicare is five to ten years behind the times when compared to technology that is being used in other countries. At the same time, they're clunky, bulky, over priced, and not as effective. It's not clear how Medicare makes the determination as to which products to use, or how or if a patient should have it - but it is clear that other cultures spend far more time developing devices that are more people friendly, durable and functional.
It is fortunate that Medicare, Medicaid, are working in concert with the President to become more sensitive and cooperative in making sure Americans have a better quality of life going forward. With the Inflation Reduction Act getting underway so successfully, it's hoped, under President Biden's continued drive and focus to improve the quality of our healthcare and life, we'll see America rise to the top of the list of quality medical care.
One thing's for sure, based on President Biden's confidence, it won't be for lack of trying or commitment. As he always says, "WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THERE'S NOTHING! - NOTHING!! - WE CANNOT DO IF WE WORK TOGETHER!!"
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
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| Gloria DULAN-Wilson |
