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Mainecare has owed hospitals a whole lot of money over the years - a lot of it from a few years before.
It's simply not sustainable. The math will never add up (no matter how much they try and shuffle it around) until costs are contained IMHO.
I wish you well with your job.
Which is why it is a blatant lie to say Maine is working with a balanced budget. If I left out half of the bills I owed from MY budget it would be real easy to show it as balanced.
I'll tell if Maine is #1 in the country then Lewiston must be #1 in the state, I swear they are outright trying to get rid of the last working tax payer in this town so they can finally have there socialist utopia.
bill
I can't disagree with what your saying as far as I hate driving around and seeing people who are not even from Maine taking advantage of our generous welfare.. It also frustrates me to see the political engine that drives this.. and how it seeps into otherwise honerable individuals who are doing nothing but trying to work and live.. the police officer, the nurse, the teacher, and the coner store owner.... they are all now dependent for a job on welfare!
Soo many jobs are dependent on welfare and the services surounding those people! Lets call a spade a spade here.. We know who commits most of the crime.. we know who is mostly a burdon on our health care, schools, and every other social and govermental/program agency out there.
I drive around and see dollar stores and non profit groups.. and service type stuff..
As far as the Lewiston thing though... don't be fooled..
Bangor, Lewiston, Portland have the highest poverty rates.. Bangor has just as much welfare crap but the sterotypes dont support that reality so it goes unnoticed..
I know a kindergarten teacher here in Lewiston that has had to suspend one of her male students 3 times since the start of school.. throwing chairs at kids, swearing, and god know what else... his family is on welfare and they are NOT from Maine.. I couldn't fathom that kind of stuff when I was a kid..
Which is why it is a blatant lie to say Maine is working with a balanced budget. If I left out half of the bills I owed from MY budget it would be real easy to show it as balanced.
I can't say as I disagree with you on that.
A lot of the public angst can be laid directly at the feet of ignorance of the issue as I've seen it. The first order of business IMHO would be to bring back Economics 101 in high schools so that younger generations are informed that free money does not rain down from the Federal Sky. It's all well and good if they intend to go to college and get a degree in Calculus or other related higher maths, but IMHO, everyone needs basic economics.
I think if you took a little informal poll of exactly how much information many younger welfare recipients actually knew about where their money comes from, it would be quite enlightening. It becomes more and more glaringly apparent to me that they are not learning it where I think they should learn it - at home. That's also simple reality.
A lot of the public angst can be laid directly at the feet of ignorance of the issue as I've seen it. The first order of business IMHO would be to bring back Economics 101 in high schools so that younger generations are informed that free money does not rain down from the Federal Sky. It's all well and good if they intend to go to college and get a degree in Calculus or other related higher maths, but IMHO, everyone needs basic economics.
I think if you took a little informal poll of exactly how much information many younger welfare recipients actually knew about where their money comes from, it would be quite enlightening. It becomes more and more glaringly apparent to me that they are not learning it where I think they should learn it - at home. That's also simple reality.
When I was in HS in the '70s, the Econ class we had didn't cover things like welfare and personal economics, it was more of global economics. My parents taught me about saving money and making decisions on how to spend it. I didn't know about credit cards or that you could get a loan to buy a car. I thought that if you wanted something, you had to save your money until you had enough to buy whatever it was you wanted.
Now, I think parents have abdicated this responsibility to the schools, but the schools don't teach it? Should it be their (the school's) responsibility to teach it? I think that a lot of parents couldn't teach these things to their kids because *they* don't have a clue. I've talked to people who are struggling, complaining that there isn't enough money, yet they're spending $120/mo for cable or sat TV. I tell them, first thing you need to do is get rid of the cable and they look at me like I've got two heads. I tell them that if they don't have enough money then they have no business spending $120/mo to park their butts in front of the TV, get rid of it and get up off their butts and find *some* way to get more money, even if they spend that time picking up cans and bottles to turn in for the deposit money. At the very least, they'd have $120 to put towards something else. The conversation usually ends pretty quickly after that because they aren't willing to do it and I tell them what I think of that attitude in somewhat less than complementary terms.
When I was in HS in the '70s, the Econ class we had didn't cover things like welfare and personal economics, it was more of global economics. My parents taught me about saving money and making decisions on how to spend it. I didn't know about credit cards or that you could get a loan to buy a car. I thought that if you wanted something, you had to save your money until you had enough to buy whatever it was you wanted.
Now, I think parents have abdicated this responsibility to the schools, but the schools don't teach it? Should it be their (the school's) responsibility to teach it? I think that a lot of parents couldn't teach these things to their kids because *they* don't have a clue. I've talked to people who are struggling, complaining that there isn't enough money, yet they're spending $120/mo for cable or sat TV. I tell them, first thing you need to do is get rid of the cable and they look at me like I've got two heads. I tell them that if they don't have enough money then they have no business spending $120/mo to park their butts in front of the TV, get rid of it and get up off their butts and find *some* way to get more money, even if they spend that time picking up cans and bottles to turn in for the deposit money. At the very least, they'd have $120 to put towards something else. The conversation usually ends pretty quickly after that because they aren't willing to do it and I tell them what I think of that attitude in somewhat less than complementary terms.
I learned all about budgets and how to work them in our Economics and Business Mathematics classes.
You're right 'tho, my parents taught me the importance of paying bills before you spent money on something that's not absolutely needed. Be that as it may, we are a "throw away" society, and kids simply aren't learning those lessons today (with the exception apparently of a few of us meanies who still make their kids earn their own money to buy some overpriced piece of electronic wizardry).
Given that the mathematics teaching now is geared much more to Algebra and Geometry now in order to prepare kids for college, there really isn't much time to teach plain old "A Rat In Tommy's House May Eat Tommy's Ice Cream" which I believe is really what most children need to start with. Before I get flamed for living in the past, I know about what education is trying to do to better prepare our kids, and that Algebra is good to use in everyday life, but IMHO, in the process they are becoming ignorant about "cash in must at least equal cash out" more each and every day.
Is it the parents fault? Is it the teacher's fault? Is it the student's fault? All of the above to me (especially when some teachers jump on the latest educational fad bandwagon and then won't admit it when it proves itself to be useless for the majority of students. Gotta "save face ya know") - nonetheless, assigning blame isn't doing anything to correct it.
I always love those mystical "connect me" charges on the phone bill or cable bills. I'm also glad to see that we have no choice but to support the local library with our phones (and our property taxes to boot). I also rather get a kick out of the emergency cell phone program. In that program (which actually costs the "Feds" heaven-only-knows how much) you can get *free* access and a phone. Really? Anyone can buy a tracfone for $9.97 and a 60 minute card for $19.99. In reality, most people can afford that even if their income comes from collecting bottles in a ditch.
It is what it is.
Last edited by cebdark; 09-18-2010 at 08:33 AM..
Reason: added
Let's not forget those at the state level who determine what is going to be taught in public schools. There are good and bad teachers. They do not get to decide what is going to be taught in public school classrooms. That is determined at the state level.
If more students had studied/would study consumer math/business math and accounting (throw in economics also if you like), maybe they would have known/would know how much of a monthly mortgage payment they could AFFORD. I knew "we" were in trouble when a young couple (friends of my daughter) was approved for a $900 a month mortgage payment. It didn't matter that they were approved for it; they couldn't afford it (or vice versa). Red flags were all around. They no longer have the house nor are they still married.
Like yourself, reloop, my parents taught me about paying bills before spending money on something that's not needed. I am also familiar with saving up for something. My daughter worked part-time as a teenager spent some on clothes, etc., saved money toward buying a car which she didn't get until she was ready to graduate from high school. My brothers started raking blueberries at a young age and bought their own school clothes. I started working at age 16 and paid many of my own bills....have worked ever since sometimes more than one job. My mom told the high school guidance counselor that I would be taking business classes in high school so that if I didn't go to college at least I would have a marketable skill. She was a wise, practical woman who wasn't opposed to people going to college.
What makes you think that a socialist utopia is one where no one works?
In a real socialist utopia, it is more equal so that there are no rich people and no poor people, and while everyone works, everyone's wage is the same. There is much theory and discussion about this, but none of it involves people not working. It involves the loss of wealth from the rich to the poor so that everyone is the same. All rent is standard, all food prices are regulated to be the same. Equity is the key in every aspect. Work a 16 hour day? You get the same as they guy who worked a standard day of 8 hours.
The only problem is that humans are not mature enough to handle that. Most people want the opportunity, if working hard, to make more money than the person next to them.
But as a theory, utopian socialism has nothing to do with the talking heads discussions today in political circles that are trying to find a way to take out the current administration.
Be that as it may, I am no fan of utopian socialism. IT JUST DOESN'T WORK IN PRACTICAL TERMS, NO MATTER HOW HIGH FALUTIN THE THEORY. There is no real incentive to do anything.
But I wish that people who are bandying the term would take the time to learn a little about what it is and what is not, and not just tag along with more of the media sound bytes dumped out by the talking heads.
Z
No matter what system is used to govern society, it is doomed to fail because people aren't perfect. You'll always get the hard working nice guy getting shortchanged by the lazy bigmouth with the "bad back". All systems sound great in theory, it's only when you put them into action that the flaws become apparant. Capitalism: Work hard and get rewarded. Communism: Everybody does their fair share for the common good. Socialism: A combination of the previous two, the best of both worlds. Look at Cuba, North Korea and China. Suddenly option #2 doesn't look so good. Look at California. So much for option #3. Guess we're stuck with option #1. Next time your boss wants you to work through lunch because the lazy bigmouth with the bad back called in sick again, be glad you still have a job.
I would've thought Rhode Island or Massachusetts would top the list, but I guess Maine is pretty liberal in its voting habits, as well.
Too bad. I will have lived my entire life in blue states. I doubt if anybody even gives that a second thought. Instead of Maine, maybe I should move to Texas???
Nope, scratch that. Too hot there. Maine has the right temperatures for me. To heck with the welfare stuff...I'm not interested in it anyway!
I learned all about budgets and how to work them in our Economics and Business Mathematics classes.
You're right 'tho, my parents taught me the importance of paying bills before you spent money on something that's not absolutely needed. Be that as it may, we are a "throw away" society, and kids simply aren't learning those lessons today (with the exception apparently of a few of us meanies who still make their kids earn their own money to buy some overpriced piece of electronic wizardry).
Given that the mathematics teaching now is geared much more to Algebra and Geometry now in order to prepare kids for college, there really isn't much time to teach plain old "A Rat In Tommy's House May Eat Tommy's Ice Cream" which I believe is really what most children need to start with. Before I get flamed for living in the past, I know about what education is trying to do to better prepare our kids, and that Algebra is good to use in everyday life, but IMHO, in the process they are becoming ignorant about "cash in must at least equal cash out" more each and every day.
Is it the parents fault? Is it the teacher's fault? Is it the student's fault? All of the above to me (especially when some teachers jump on the latest educational fad bandwagon and then won't admit it when it proves itself to be useless for the majority of students. Gotta "save face ya know") - nonetheless, assigning blame isn't doing anything to correct it.
I always love those mystical "connect me" charges on the phone bill or cable bills. I'm also glad to see that we have no choice but to support the local library with our phones (and our property taxes to boot). I also rather get a kick out of the emergency cell phone program. In that program (which actually costs the "Feds" heaven-only-knows how much) you can get *free* access and a phone. Really? Anyone can buy a tracfone for $9.97 and a 60 minute card for $19.99. In reality, most people can afford that even if their income comes from collecting bottles in a ditch.
It is what it is.
good points- i remember the boys had to take home economics in high school- traditionally it was mostly girls, and all we did was cook
no budgeting, no -how to balance a checkbook, etc,
Id, like to seemore focus on small business in high school, perhaps local business owners could be community "mentors" to kids- teach them some real life math - whats the difference between mark-up and gross margin- how to figure net earnings, what are "expenses" how to figure a payroll percent.
what is a cost/profit analysis of a product, etc
i would have loved this when i was in school- even if its in the books today- there is little connection/application to what it all means- learning is more than one dimensional (words in a book) need more real life stuff
I learned all about budgets and how to work them in our Economics and Business Mathematics classes.
I didn't have the option of a "business math" class.
You're right 'tho, my parents taught me the importance of paying bills before you spent money on something that's not absolutely needed. Be that as it may, we are a "throw away" society, and kids simply aren't learning those lessons today (with the exception apparently of a few of us meanies who still make their kids earn their own money to buy some overpriced piece of electronic wizardry).
Given that the mathematics teaching now is geared much more to Algebra and Geometry now in order to prepare kids for college, there really isn't much time to teach plain old "A Rat In Tommy's House May Eat Tommy's Ice Cream" which I believe is really what most children need to start with. Before I get flamed for living in the past, I know about what education is trying to do to better prepare our kids, and that Algebra is good to use in everyday life, but IMHO, in the process they are becoming ignorant about "cash in must at least equal cash out" more each and every day.
The simple fact is that a smaller percentage of kids will go to college than those who won't. There is a range of IQs above and below the imaginary line called "average", and even above average students may not go because they can't afford it but aren't "above" enough to get a scholarship, or it may be a necessity that they begin working immediately. I think that schools often push higher levels of 'education' than most students will or can use.
I'm not good at math, it takes me a while to do basic math longhand that others can do in their heads. But I was pushed into Algebra, then Alg 2 and on up, I barely understood Alg 1 but kept going until I finally failed miserably in the higher maths. I just couldn't get it and it made me feel stupid, which I'm not, my mind just doesn't do math well.
My HS spent tons of money on chem labs, but how many ever use what they had to learn? Nowhere near enough to justify the cost of the labs or the time trying to jam this stuff into their heads, in my opinion. Same for Biology.
I think most schools should get back to the basics, with perhaps some smaller schools for those who can do more advanced work which could be attended by students from a larger area.
Is it the parents fault? Is it the teacher's fault? Is it the student's fault? All of the above to me (especially when some teachers jump on the latest educational fad bandwagon and then won't admit it when it proves itself to be useless for the majority of students. Gotta "save face ya know") - nonetheless, assigning blame isn't doing anything to correct it.
Parents, teachers, and the community at large. They are so focused on ever increasing goals that most students won't or can't reach that they are ignoring the basic, useful education that they all need to know and would serve them well.
I always love those mystical "connect me" charges on the phone bill or cable bills. I'm also glad to see that we have no choice but to support the local library with our phones (and our property taxes to boot). I also rather get a kick out of the emergency cell phone program. In that program (which actually costs the "Feds" heaven-only-knows how much) you can get *free* access and a phone. Really? Anyone can buy a tracfone for $9.97 and a 60 minute card for $19.99. In reality, most people can afford that even if their income comes from collecting bottles in a ditch.
It is what it is.
Don't get me started on those phones. It burns my butt when I see those ads for a "free" 'government supported' cell phone. They aren't free, somebody has to pay and one of those somebodies is me. No one has a 'right' to have a cell phone, and no one should have the right to force me and the rest of the taxpaying citizens to pay for someone else to have one. And I have to handle those phones every day, they get shipped through the company I work for.
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