I was sitting here this morning drinking my coffee... thinking about writing a sentimental post about the way Christmas changes over the years... the recent passing of my grandmother and grandfather... my intermittent longing for a Christmas tree and bows and wassail etc... But really, that's not the kind of thing I like to post. Airing out my emotions just isn't my style so I thought I would just wait till I finished and photographed another painting to share with you all.
Then... oh and lo! As I lay in bed deliberating the time I would get up/get dressed/go to work, I heard the news. The health care reform bill is one step closer to really going through. I must admit, I'm really shocked it's come so far. I thought it would crash and burn like so many similar attempts in the past.
The guy on the radio just said "blah blah... socialism for Christmas", but that's nothing new. We have lots of services in the US that are government run and controlled, paid for by our tax dollars, and while health care in this country may not be "equal opportunity", everyone CAN get access to some care. I know this care is not always timely or of good quality, but it's there. People can walk into the ER and be seen.  We have socialized education - yes it's of poor to moderate quality, but it's there for everybody.
So... what's the change?

Number 1: everyone will be REQUIRED to pay for health insurance. Frankly I find this offensive as our other taxes will not go DOWN.  Some of our tax dollars are currently going toward insuring those in a bad financial situation and even though some or many of them will be required to pay now when they haven't in the past, those of us who are able to pay into the system will not be relieved of that responsibility. I also am a real proponent of being responsible for oneself. I would like the choice to not play that game. If I want insurance, I'll buy it. If I don't, BUG OFF. It's my life; my body; my health, and I own that - if I own anything on Earth!

Number 2:  Theoretically, by implementing this reform, the cost of treating everybody will go down, thereby reducing everyone's cost. My initial reaction is that true capitalism is what reduces prices and controls quality. Look at Lasik procedures for example. Most health care plans do not cover that procedure and prices have steadily gone down as quality has stayed stable or increased. Consumer demand has taken care of that. I have concern that by forcing everyone to subscribe to the system, the consumer will not have the power to affect pricing for necessary care in the way that he does for elective care. Time, however, will tell. I can't predict the future and don't presume to. Just airing a concern.

Number 3:  People won't be denied care due to preexisting conditions etc. This is good. I hope that it works out as fairly as it sounds on the cover.

Number 4:  My paranoid self has concerns about what will happen to those of us who engage in stigmatized vices. Smoking is the one on my mind at the moment. Smoking is heavily socially stigmatized. Taxes go up and up... smokers' freedoms are more and more restricted, pressure is exerted on us to quit etc.  You all know me pretty well... I do what I want. I smoke a cigarette on my way to the gym and light up on the way out. So - what is the greatest cost I pose to the health care system? We're trained to think it's the smoking, but it's not. I am not a marathon runner or triathelete, but I do train hard. I am in a group of people who are at a higher risk for things like rotator cuff injury, knee injury etc. The truth is that if I get a smoking related ailment, it's likely to kill me quickly. My treatment would be expensive, but brief.  If I get an exercise/sport related injury, I'm likely to have treatment/surgery, physical therapy, etc for an extended period of time. Some of my body building friends have had surgery after surgery after surgery... and continue to do the activities that cause the injury/expense in the first place. On top of that, we live longer because we're fit. So - do we tax sports equipment like we do tobacco? 
I'm not proposing that there's an easy answer.
I believe we should all be educated about the effects of dietary choices, the hazards of smoking, drinking, working out etc... Then, our personal choices should be just that, personal choices. I do not believe the government should take action to pressure us to quit or start any activity except furthering education. An educated person lives longer, is healthier, is happier, and poses less burden upon the system we must all share. 

I figure, in general, the people who have health care they're happy with will be pissed about the new system and the folks who are currently getting screwed will be happy and hopeful about change. That's what happens when a large system affects lots of people in diverse situations. I am cynical, but hopeful that it works out for the best for all involved...
Might as well try to be hopeful 'cause I can't do a damn thing about it eh...

On the Christmas note- I am a little melancholy this year, but it's ok. There is a time for all things in life - joy and grief. I miss the Christmas of my childhood, but that was truly gone before my grandparents passed anyway. The last true childhood Christmas for me was the year before my parents divorced... maybe about 5-6 years ago if memory serves. Since then, it's been different - grown up Christmas. Those of you who have crossed that line know exactly what that means. So there is no tree in my house, no lights, and no plans. I will probably just enjoy the day off work and hang out and paint. That's fine with me. I do miss family etc, but I am at peace with the changes life has brought me and I will enjoy this part of life as much as I ever enjoyed the other times. As long as I can get up in the morning, wiggle my toes, and drink a pot of coffee (and hopefully smoke a cigarette hehehe), I'm good.

May all your holiday adventures be blessed and beautiful.

These landscapes all have a destination so they're not for sale. They're all either 5x7" or 6x6". I've made some more of these small pieces for another show I'm hanging on Sunday. Some will be for sale. Since they're fairly quick to produce (compared to a 24"x36" or something like that), I can sell them for between 45$ and 55$. It's nice to sell big pieces, but good to have some bite sized goodies out there in the world as well. I think it makes a show more interesting to have a range of sizes.

Halloween is happening again and I'm ignoring it... again.  I'm just more interested in being in my studio than in playing games with no productive result.
I hope you all have a fun Halloween. 
Will return with more new work soon.