Merci

I haven't been writing much lately because I have been out of town. Rest assured that my passion is not waning with discouragement. I had an experience today, however, that I want to take the time to share before the feelings wear off.

I am visiting my husband in Phoenix. He is doing a rotation at a hospital here and my mother-in-law was kind enough to take our children so I could spend a couple days with him. Unfortunately, he only gets one day in seven off, so I had the opportunity to explore a little bit today while he was working.

At the back of the State Capital building, the State of Arizona maintains a historical museum. I was privileged to spend a few hours learning about the history of this state. I enjoyed the exhibit on the USS Arizona very much. They have the silver service on display. Apparently it was used during peace time when the battleship was a floating embassy. It was removed in preparation for the war, however, so it didn't suffer the fate of the ship, itself. There was a plaque on the wall explaining that the governor didn't think it was appropriate to spend taxpayer money on providing the $9000 silver service, so it was privately funded. How the world has changed.

But the thing that really moved me was the exhibit on the "Merci Train." It was a story I handn't heard before and one that I want to share...

I entered a room full of antiques that seemed to have nothing in common. There was a statue that depicted the virgin Mary and the Christ child. There was an old bicycle on the wall and a wedding dress in a case. There were smaller things: a doll and a toy car. Anxious to discover the room's meaning, I turned to the wall plaques and began to read. In 1948 American journalists began writing about the plight of the people of Europe. Millions were starving in the aftermath of World War II. It was suggested and echoed that American's ought to began collecting food to send across the Atlantic. The goal was to fill 80 boxcars of food. Before the effort was over, people had collected over 700 boxcars of food, fuel and clothing. These were not organizations and certainly not the government. These were individuals who wanted to help. The "friendship train" certainly fed a few tummies, but it also extended love in a world that desperately needed to recover from the most disgusting hate that man can imagine.

In response, the French people gathered 49 boxcars to send back. Called the "Merci Train," the boxcars were loaded with heirlooms, handmade crafts, and reminders of past friendships between France and America. French children donated their toys. French craftsmen sent the best they had to offer. Each state received a boxcar in thanks for the food that had been collected and sent.

I must have looked silly standing there in that museum with tears streaking the sides of my face. I felt completely overwhelmed. Some of you may remember the article I wrote on the study that concluded that Christian nations were the least generous. If not, read it here. My mind tried to wrap itself again around the accusation that Americans are not willing to give. I stood in that museum seeing what freedom does for people. It truly brings out the best in us. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the objects so selflessly given by the French and wanted to cry over the disgusting sense of entitlement that is gripping our country.

My friends, we do not need someone forcing us to be charitable. We do not need someone telling us what to do. I believe that people are good. And I believe that freedom is what brings that good out. Have a little faith, rather than a lot of force. People will amaze you.

From The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons

This article was taken from here http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=22133&cpg=1. They took it from someone else. I hope no one minds :)

It's a good read.

AMA HAS SOLD OUT PATIENTS & THE PROFESSION FOR A FEW BUCKS

Washington DC -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons issued the following statement from Kathryn Serkes, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, in response to the AMA's endorsement of House Bill 3200:

"The American Medical Association has sold out patients and the profession by endorsing House bill that supports government medicine.

"Why did the AMA do it? For a few dollars increase in Medicare reimbursement rates. In effect, it's told patients, 'It's about the money, stupid.'

"We don't think that a miniscule raise - one that can be revoked at any time on Congressional whim - is worth selling out for government control of medicine. The AMA has sold patient choice, patient privacy and patient control to the highest bidder.

"The AMA had the unbridled nerve to stand up with the President and pledge to reduce costs - on the very day that it sent out an alert to its members urging them to contact Congress in support of a physician pay raise.

"The AMA is trying to paint any doctors who oppose them as being 'anti-reform,' but that's not true. Our doctors are for reform - real reform that puts patients and doctors in control, not the government.

"The AMA is not alone. Organized medicine has been spineless. Today a surgeon from Arkansas told me that he is appalled that the American College of Surgeons sent him an email saying, in effect, that they wanted a seat at the table, and were willing to endorse the bill if that's what it took to get that seat

"Today we've heard comments like: 'The AMA is a disgrace.' 'All physicians who care for patients should drop out of the AMA immediately.' '...has a track record of toadying up to government in exchange for handouts to its cronies that, in turn, are extorted from us as taxpayers and as honestly working physicians.'

"Thousands of doctors are joining the 'Dump the AMA' bandwagon. Signatures are pouring in to the 'Take Back Medicine' petition to Congress and the President. (See www.TakeBackMedicine.com) These are the doctors who really care about their patients."

Redefining Civilization

Two and a half years ago, a 66-year-old Spanish woman (Carmen Bousada) gave birth to twin boys after fertility treatment. She became the world's oldest mother, justifying her actions by saying that her mother lived to 101 and that "we live in a civilized society" so she was not concerned about what would become of her sons if she died. Now, she's dead and the boys are orphaned. Despite the fact that she promised to "look for a younger man" to help her raise them, it is unclear who will take the children.

Why am it writing about this?

I believe it is a symptom of a much larger problem. I believe it is analogous of what is happening to our society and infecting our children. We live in a civilized society; that was her justification for making a selfish decision that abandoned any sense of personal responsibility. How long has the concept of civilization meant an end to moral accountability? How long have people been sliding toward the idea that because we are rational beings who are a part of a society, we should not have to be individual beings who work hard and depend on ourselves for self-sufficiency? I am saddened to see that civilization is destroying personal responsibility, but it is permeating ever facet of our political system.