Thanks to all of my family and friends who have supported me in my ministry and community projects. I could not have helped all the children and families that I have helped without the support of many of you.
The love of God and my concern for community work was inherited from my mother, Mother Cassie Mae Roland Udell McCain. She inherited such love and concern from her father, the late Elder L.W. (Buddy) Roland. The world is a better place because of their love for other people. I trust that what I do will bring honor to them and reflect my relationship to/with God.
As we go into the holiday season, think of what you can do for the world to make a difference. I am involved in several projects that could use a Gideon Army. Let me list several examples.
There are widows I know needing help just to pay their rent, buy food, and take care of their health. These widows were married to men, some were ministers and pastors, who did their best to take care of their wife and their family. However, when they died, an economic gap was left that needs to be filled. One widow has to move for the fifth time since her husband died. If we had 10 people who could give $35 a month, she could stay where she is and not go through the agonizing challenge of moving this week. Another widow recently had her income drop about $400 a month. 20 people giving $20 a month could make sure she continues to live where she is and maintain her health. And yet another widow is living in a house that is practically falling apart around her, but it is the home her husband left her. 30 people giving $40 a month would help her fix up her home. She could then stay in the home, assured that it would not fall down around her. Or, she could fix up the home, sell it, and have income when it’s time for her to move into a place for independent living and/or assisted living.
Then there are the abused women and children needing a safe place to live, surrounded by love and well-trained security people. If they were provided for, we could stop the flow of generational curses affecting them. Their children would be provided with tutors, good nutritious meals, and an environment that would help ensure them becoming productive and able to reach their potential. Crime could be cut 50%. This project could use 100 people investing $50 monthly to provide for a place.
Some of our community work involves Christian insight and help with community development. Many young people could benefit from having a safe place to study and an opportunity to develop work skills. There are older people needing help cleaning their home, driving them to church and doctor’s appointments, and help getting groceries and preparing their meals. 40 people giving $30 monthly would go a long ways to help.
Then there are the projects of culture and learning. There is a ranch where families could learn about ranch life, cowboys, cowgirls, and how those skills could help in their development as they look after animals and raise food. There is a Christian family who has 100 acres who want to turn part of their land into a Christian wilderness training camp where urban youth could come and learn life skills while cutting down trees, building cabins, and learning about the great outdoors. This project needs 40 people investing $100 monthly which will also provide a retreat center for them for life.
There are museums that need to be built. One is a national museum that recognizes the accomplishments of African Americans in the military. This museum serves over 40,000 people annually. They recently purchased an historic armory that will be preserved and allow the museum to serve over 100,000 people every year. While it would be great if 8,000 people invested $1,000 in a memorial brick, if just 60 people donated $30 monthly, it would help us continue to serve to help find those 8,000 people and continue to raise funds for the ongoing support of this museum. Later, more support would help in our quest to help other community museums and to build cultural centers.
Yes, a Gideon Army of 300 people giving monthly could affect a lot of change in America and bring a boatload of happiness to many people. Those who would be helped would in turn learn how to help others as they developed their potential. Out of these helped could come preachers, teachers, business owners, honest politicians, corporate leaders, lawyers, missionaries, and more.
If you would like to help, give your tax-deductible secure gift to:
BRIDGE MINISTRIES, INTERNATIONAL
A foundation of the National Heritage Foundation
http://nhfdonations.newc.com/default.cfm?Action=DonationsDetail&foundationID=126
and fill in the information.
Thank you!
Ed Udell, Sr.
Facebook Badge
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Faithful Word Baptist Church,
I have tried, unsuccessfully, to get a message to the unsaved, unChristian, unlovely pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoeniz, Arizona. So, I will address them through my blog here concerning their pastor's prayer that God kills President Obama:
I am so sorry that your pastor has not taught the congregation how to read the Bible according to the proven dictates of proven spiritual leaders, past and present. However, I am praying for your pastor---not to die---but to learn about the grace of God and His mercy to sinners such as President Obama and others who do not believe like your pastor.
Apparently, your pastor does not read the Bible with prayer to God for inspiration and understanding from the Holy Spirit. Oh, I'm sorry...your pastor probably does not even believe in the Holy Spirit!
Anyway, for the members of the church that don't know how to live out the name of their church, be encouraged. Be encouraged that others in the Body of Christ understands the frustrations of your pastor in having to be under a president who is probably not a fundamental Christian [whatever that means!].
For any members of your church who are interested in reading the Bible for a method of dealing with sinful presidents and others who do not line up EXACTLY the way they think other people should believe, I have help for them from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
May God give you understanding:
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he [Jesus] should be received up, he [Jesus] stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem , And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him [Jesus]. And they did not receive him [Jesus], because his face was as though he [Jesus] would go to Jerusalem . And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he [Jesus] turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village. [Luke 9:51-56]
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,--- even for a sinful President!
Hbr 12:14 Follow peace with all [men]{including President Obama}, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
1Ti 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2 For kings [In America, this is President Obama], and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men [including a live President Obama; not a dead one!] to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Ed Udell, Sr.
A Servant of the Most High God
Houston, TX
I am so sorry that your pastor has not taught the congregation how to read the Bible according to the proven dictates of proven spiritual leaders, past and present. However, I am praying for your pastor---not to die---but to learn about the grace of God and His mercy to sinners such as President Obama and others who do not believe like your pastor.
Apparently, your pastor does not read the Bible with prayer to God for inspiration and understanding from the Holy Spirit. Oh, I'm sorry...your pastor probably does not even believe in the Holy Spirit!
Anyway, for the members of the church that don't know how to live out the name of their church, be encouraged. Be encouraged that others in the Body of Christ understands the frustrations of your pastor in having to be under a president who is probably not a fundamental Christian [whatever that means!].
For any members of your church who are interested in reading the Bible for a method of dealing with sinful presidents and others who do not line up EXACTLY the way they think other people should believe, I have help for them from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
May God give you understanding:
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he [Jesus] should be received up, he [Jesus] stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem , And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him [Jesus]. And they did not receive him [Jesus], because his face was as though he [Jesus] would go to Jerusalem . And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he [Jesus] turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village. [Luke 9:51-56]
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,--- even for a sinful President!
Hbr 12:14 Follow peace with all [men]{including President Obama}, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
1Ti 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2 For kings [In America, this is President Obama], and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men [including a live President Obama; not a dead one!] to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Ed Udell, Sr.
A Servant of the Most High God
Houston, TX
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Something Big from something small!
Press Release
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum October 8th Benefit Featuring Willard Wigan-Micro Sculptor
Houston, September 16, 2009: Micro sculptor Willard Wigan’s Art in the Eye of a Needle Exhibit Tour will be in Houston to raise funds for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum’s-“Leave-A-Legacy…Buy-A-Brick” Paver Program on Thursday October 8th at 6:00 PM at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The event is open to the public.
Willard Wigan, MBE began his artistic life at a tender age. Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties, he struggled at school, finding solace in creating art of such minute proportions that it virtually could not be seen with the naked eye. Each piece commonly sits within the eye of a needle, or on a pin head. Willard’s work is described as “the eighth wonder of the world”. Willard has been featured on ABC News, 60 Minutes, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and numerous other television, radio and print media.
Join Willard Wigan, as we help save the historic Houston Light Guard Amory and secure a new home for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. For the past nine years the museum has stressed the importance of teaching the next generation the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. Now you can participate in the continuance of that history by participating in the “Leave-a-Legacy…Buy a Brick” paver program.
This program allows bricks to be dedicated in honor of veterans, individuals, corporations, and/or organizations. Each donor may have their name placed in Soldiers Plaza at the site of the armory. You can continue teaching the next generation with expanded exhibit space, and expanded theater, a research/computer center and a “Global Studies” program in cooperation with Houston Community College .
Your support will save the Houston Light Guard Armory, as well as secure a new home for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum . Support the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum online at www.buffalsoldiermuseum.com
For an independent review, see his web site at www.willard-wigan.com.
Reception co-sponsored by BWG Media Group and Black Market-Exchange.
Suggested event donation of $10.00 or brick purchase.
For more information or for partnership opportunities, please contact Cheri Washington at 713.942.8920 [or me, Ed Udell, at 713.942.8920].
Media Contact:
Cheri Washington
Phone: 713.942.8920
Email: cherri@buffalosoldiermuseum.com
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum October 8th Benefit Featuring Willard Wigan-Micro Sculptor
Houston, September 16, 2009: Micro sculptor Willard Wigan’s Art in the Eye of a Needle Exhibit Tour will be in Houston to raise funds for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum’s-“Leave-A-Legacy…Buy-A-Brick” Paver Program on Thursday October 8th at 6:00 PM at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The event is open to the public.
Willard Wigan, MBE began his artistic life at a tender age. Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties, he struggled at school, finding solace in creating art of such minute proportions that it virtually could not be seen with the naked eye. Each piece commonly sits within the eye of a needle, or on a pin head. Willard’s work is described as “the eighth wonder of the world”. Willard has been featured on ABC News, 60 Minutes, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and numerous other television, radio and print media.
Join Willard Wigan, as we help save the historic Houston Light Guard Amory and secure a new home for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. For the past nine years the museum has stressed the importance of teaching the next generation the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. Now you can participate in the continuance of that history by participating in the “Leave-a-Legacy…Buy a Brick” paver program.
This program allows bricks to be dedicated in honor of veterans, individuals, corporations, and/or organizations. Each donor may have their name placed in Soldiers Plaza at the site of the armory. You can continue teaching the next generation with expanded exhibit space, and expanded theater, a research/computer center and a “Global Studies” program in cooperation with Houston Community College .
Your support will save the Houston Light Guard Armory, as well as secure a new home for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum . Support the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum online at www.buffalsoldiermuseum.com
For an independent review, see his web site at www.willard-wigan.com.
Reception co-sponsored by BWG Media Group and Black Market-Exchange.
Suggested event donation of $10.00 or brick purchase.
For more information or for partnership opportunities, please contact Cheri Washington at 713.942.8920 [or me, Ed Udell, at 713.942.8920].
Media Contact:
Cheri Washington
Phone: 713.942.8920
Email: cherri@buffalosoldiermuseum.com
Monday, September 7, 2009
Making National News
From the National Trust for Historic Preservation "Diversity Scholarship Program Alumni Newsletter, September, 2009:
An ambitious capital campaign attempts to save one of Houston’s finest architectural structures from decades of abandonment and neglect
Old Armory
The architectural majesty of the Houston Light Guard Armory, designed in 1925, is marked by its interior and exterior facade and its decorated past. After serving 13 years as home of the Houston National Guard, the property was deeded to the State of Texas. For nearly half a century, the “old armory” endured harsh Gulf Coast weather conditions, vandalism, and ill-fated acquisition attempts. In 2008 the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum successfully purchased the property to serve as home of the only nationally recognized museum solely dedicated to preserving the legacy of the African American soldier. With green building restoration plans underway, this longtime “community eyesore” may reclaim its architectural and historic grandeur - entrusting a rich preservation legacy to its new owners.
Edward “Ed” Udell serves as the Donor Development director for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and played a critical role in helping the museum founder, Captain Paul Matthews, raise the funds to purchase the “old armory” in April 2008. With an extensive background in fundraising and nearly 30 years of preservation experience, Udell is well suited to take on some of the financial challenges with restoring the Houston landmark. Unfazed by the downward spiraling economy, Udell, Matthews, museum board members, and friends of the museum are now helping to raise $4.1 million to renovate and preserve the historic site. Many key people, including Mayor Bill White and Tracye McDaniel of the Greater Houston Partnership are also helping with this effort.
To date, the museum has received cash and pledges from major foundations and corporations such as The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Houston Endowment, Marathon Oil, Chevron Oil, Wells Fargo Bank, CenterPoint Energy, and The Brown Foundation. It has also received in-kind contributions from Comcast, Continental Airlines, and members of the African American Press in Greater Houston. The National Trust for Historic Preservation provided funding to help with the initial design work. Udell is also involved in the “Leave A Legacy…Buy A Brick” paver program to raise at least $2 million. He intends to work closely with the museum founder to develop additional programming to raise another $2 million to meet the funding goal for full renovation.
Udell performs much of his museum development and fundraising work for the armory on a volunteer basis.
It was his combined passions for preservation and community activism that landed him slots as a 2008 and a 2009 Diversity Scholar. His goal in attending the Tulsa National Preservation Conference in 2008 was to work alongside the National Trust “to help connect to the resources of people and financial resources to make the effort with the armory a stronger reality.” Udell will represent the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and exhibit a poster presentation that features the old armory at the 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information about the restoration of the Houston Light Guard Armory and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, visit http://offcite.org/2009/03/26/houston-light-guard-armory-buffalo-soldiers or www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com.
_______________________
An ambitious capital campaign attempts to save one of Houston’s finest architectural structures from decades of abandonment and neglect
Old Armory
The architectural majesty of the Houston Light Guard Armory, designed in 1925, is marked by its interior and exterior facade and its decorated past. After serving 13 years as home of the Houston National Guard, the property was deeded to the State of Texas. For nearly half a century, the “old armory” endured harsh Gulf Coast weather conditions, vandalism, and ill-fated acquisition attempts. In 2008 the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum successfully purchased the property to serve as home of the only nationally recognized museum solely dedicated to preserving the legacy of the African American soldier. With green building restoration plans underway, this longtime “community eyesore” may reclaim its architectural and historic grandeur - entrusting a rich preservation legacy to its new owners.
Edward “Ed” Udell serves as the Donor Development director for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and played a critical role in helping the museum founder, Captain Paul Matthews, raise the funds to purchase the “old armory” in April 2008. With an extensive background in fundraising and nearly 30 years of preservation experience, Udell is well suited to take on some of the financial challenges with restoring the Houston landmark. Unfazed by the downward spiraling economy, Udell, Matthews, museum board members, and friends of the museum are now helping to raise $4.1 million to renovate and preserve the historic site. Many key people, including Mayor Bill White and Tracye McDaniel of the Greater Houston Partnership are also helping with this effort.
To date, the museum has received cash and pledges from major foundations and corporations such as The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Houston Endowment, Marathon Oil, Chevron Oil, Wells Fargo Bank, CenterPoint Energy, and The Brown Foundation. It has also received in-kind contributions from Comcast, Continental Airlines, and members of the African American Press in Greater Houston. The National Trust for Historic Preservation provided funding to help with the initial design work. Udell is also involved in the “Leave A Legacy…Buy A Brick” paver program to raise at least $2 million. He intends to work closely with the museum founder to develop additional programming to raise another $2 million to meet the funding goal for full renovation.
Udell performs much of his museum development and fundraising work for the armory on a volunteer basis.
It was his combined passions for preservation and community activism that landed him slots as a 2008 and a 2009 Diversity Scholar. His goal in attending the Tulsa National Preservation Conference in 2008 was to work alongside the National Trust “to help connect to the resources of people and financial resources to make the effort with the armory a stronger reality.” Udell will represent the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and exhibit a poster presentation that features the old armory at the 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information about the restoration of the Houston Light Guard Armory and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, visit http://offcite.org/2009/03/26/houston-light-guard-armory-buffalo-soldiers or www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com.
_______________________
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Health Reform? It's a Joke, Unless...
HEALTH REFORM
By Edward G. Udell, Sr.
August 9, 2009
I have been concerned about health ever since as I little boy I discovered my mom had health issues.
Sometimes, my mom, Cassie Mae (Roland) Udell McCain, would work in the fields with only one arm because when it would be really cold, her left side would shut down and she would be partially paralyzed. However, she still picked almost as much cotton as anyone else in the field during cotton-picking time. During any other labor work, she could usually outwork others who did not have a health issue.
My mom came into the world with health issues, but her family did not have the funds to get her the medical care she needed, due to their lack of income. Mom fought. She was scheduled to die from her health challenges at age 8. Then it was moved to age 11. A strange aunt said some words over her, hit her in her back (which straightened up!), and she was able to walk straight. However, she still had other health issues.
Mom was scheduled to die at age 18. Then it was moved to age 30 and again to age 40. By this time, mom had learned more about prayer, alternative medicine, and just read up on medical information. She is now 85 and people don’t understand how she made it. Those doctors who are still alive are amazed!
I had health issues most of my life. The Navy even gave me a 4F rating after I was hurt in drill in 1964 and they discovered I had had some health issues. Without properly serving me, they just kicked me out with a medical discharge, but without any veteran’s benefits. I have fought for over 44 years to get them to revise my records and/or let me have my veteran’s benefits but they have refused.
I was selected by the National Urban League to attend a national health conference in San Antonio, Texas in 1972 upon a recommendation by someone who knew of my interest in community health improvements. I gave my input and hoped there would be a great health policy put forward in America; not much happened.
In 1973 – 1974, I was selected to serve as a Community Health Worker for the Regional Medical Program, a federally-funded program associated with the University of Washington Medical School. I served 14 eastern Washington state counties, helping medical professions and health consumers work on improving the health operations in their counties. After an election, this program was cut by Congress. In 1975, I was asked to serve on the “new” Congressional health plan, Comprehensive Health Planning. This program frightened medical professionals who thought the federal government was going to take over health care and put them on smaller salaries. Although we did some good serving the various eastern Washington state counties, the negative support of the medical community hurt the good this program was trying to do. I gave up hoping that the government and the medical community would ever agree on how to best improve the health of its citizens.
In 1979, I completed my Master’s Thesis “Health: In Good Hands With Educators---A Discussion Paper Proposing A Way To Improve The Health Of The Nation.” My premise was that the government should require parents to become better health monitors and turn schools into health centers. Although some schools began to offer pre-natal care and child care centers to girls in school and later added giving out condoms and offering girls abortion information, it was still a far cry from really solving the health problems of this country.
As I have watched the health of many low-income and moderate-income people worsen because they did not have access, I have also watched another trend having a negative impact on the health of this country: allow millions of immigrants with lower health standards to come, stay, work, and interact with Americans trying to get healthy.
The impact of the millions of legal and illegal immigrants since the 1960s have had a catastrophic affect on the health delivery service in America. While they crowd the clinics and budgets are expanded to make sure they have reading material in their language and health care professionals who speak their language, more native-born Americans with a long list of American ancestors are pushed back further in the lines to get health care. Surprisingly, the immigrants of the past 30-50 years pay far less for health care than they should be paying since they have put in very little into the health care pot through taxes, fighting wars for this country, and working hard to make life better for others.
If health reform is going to work, there must be a system put in place whereby native-born Americans can freely have a better opportunity to get access to health care. They should not have to wait in lines because politicians and business people want a lot of cheap labor to ensure the financial success of their own enterprises. It’s time for Americans to bite the bullet about immigrants---limit the number of legal immigrants coming in, deport those who are illegal with their children, put those who habitually break laws and commit serious crimes on land where they can learn to support themselves, learn to be a honest citizen, earn skills needed by world employers, and have stronger determination to become legal, or deport them when their criminal time is up.
If health reform is going to work, we must be honest and see what groups are causing the cost of health care to sky-rocket: the poor, the immigrants, and the elderly. The poor need to have better training (their schools, their faith-based centers, etc.) on health prevention. This group should then be rewarded with a health card where they have a small deductible, a lifetime cap, and receive more training on health care, cleanliness, and health/wellness/nutrition development. This group could then be rewarded with their lifetime cap being raised, and annual total health care check-ups for a small amount.
The poor, including immigrants, who do not maintain and improve their health care, will be penalized with longer waits at health clinics, higher shared-cost fees, and a lower lifetime health care cap. If they work, their employer should deduct more of their check for health care and Social Security so when they have such needs, they have already paid something into the health care coverage.
The elderly who probably consume over 2/3 of the health care costs in this country will have three options:
1) those unable to work and currently who do not have funds to maintain and/or improve their health will be placed in larger health care centers with limited staff and allowed to die gracefully, instead of being maintained in a vegetable-like state;
2) those able to work will pay into a health care fund restricted for those with the same disease or disability and given an opportunity to learn how to improve their health and allowed to die gracefully without prolonging their agony; and
3) those able to work and willing to be trained as part-time health caretakers for the elderly, will also pay into a health care fund for their age group and health care challenge, but will have access to better health care by those training to become doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
The government could also insist (or make it a law) that those who are over 40 make better preparations for their future health needs by having them pay a higher premium for their age group and health care challenge so as their health care needs arise, funds are there to cover the costs. Employers will also be required to donate and withhold a higher amount to cover future longevity and longer health care needs. The government will also need to cut prison care about 2/3 so that prisoners do not get better health care and nutrition than the honest citizens who do not have funds to have such help as prisoners. When short-sighted judges sue cities, counties, states, and other judicial groups for NOT providing ample space, ample beds, and “reasonable” benefits for prisoners, they should be impeached for acting against the rights of non-criminals.
All citizens should be trained in health care, wellness, nutrition, and given health credit cards to cover their health care needs as they arise from accidents or a sudden onset of a disease. As citizens are trained in taking better care of themselves, they will have fewer health aliments, and will have the means to improve and maintain their health as long as they are productive. Those citizens who are no longer productive (sharing history, giving wisdom insights, teaching about gardening, etc.) should be allowed to die gracefully without extra drugs or special care when it is determined that they will not regain enough health to become as productive as they would like.
I realize that the above may sound harsh, but we are now living in harsh times. Strong people are needed to make strong decisions if America is going to get a handle on the health care costs in this nation. Employers will have to pay more of the costs of health care since people are living longer and short-sighted planning did not send enough funds ahead to take care of the future needs. Medical professionals will have to adjust their lifestyles and expect to make less to help during the transition. If the millions of immigrants were not given jobs from native-born citizens, native-born citizens could have good jobs to pay for increased health care. However, native-born citizens would also have to be trained in health prevention and in ways to maintain their health. If they refuse, their card should be a red card and they will be given the opportunity to pay more for their health care since they did little to prevent their health from doing downhill!
By Edward G. Udell, Sr.
August 9, 2009
I have been concerned about health ever since as I little boy I discovered my mom had health issues.
Sometimes, my mom, Cassie Mae (Roland) Udell McCain, would work in the fields with only one arm because when it would be really cold, her left side would shut down and she would be partially paralyzed. However, she still picked almost as much cotton as anyone else in the field during cotton-picking time. During any other labor work, she could usually outwork others who did not have a health issue.
My mom came into the world with health issues, but her family did not have the funds to get her the medical care she needed, due to their lack of income. Mom fought. She was scheduled to die from her health challenges at age 8. Then it was moved to age 11. A strange aunt said some words over her, hit her in her back (which straightened up!), and she was able to walk straight. However, she still had other health issues.
Mom was scheduled to die at age 18. Then it was moved to age 30 and again to age 40. By this time, mom had learned more about prayer, alternative medicine, and just read up on medical information. She is now 85 and people don’t understand how she made it. Those doctors who are still alive are amazed!
I had health issues most of my life. The Navy even gave me a 4F rating after I was hurt in drill in 1964 and they discovered I had had some health issues. Without properly serving me, they just kicked me out with a medical discharge, but without any veteran’s benefits. I have fought for over 44 years to get them to revise my records and/or let me have my veteran’s benefits but they have refused.
I was selected by the National Urban League to attend a national health conference in San Antonio, Texas in 1972 upon a recommendation by someone who knew of my interest in community health improvements. I gave my input and hoped there would be a great health policy put forward in America; not much happened.
In 1973 – 1974, I was selected to serve as a Community Health Worker for the Regional Medical Program, a federally-funded program associated with the University of Washington Medical School. I served 14 eastern Washington state counties, helping medical professions and health consumers work on improving the health operations in their counties. After an election, this program was cut by Congress. In 1975, I was asked to serve on the “new” Congressional health plan, Comprehensive Health Planning. This program frightened medical professionals who thought the federal government was going to take over health care and put them on smaller salaries. Although we did some good serving the various eastern Washington state counties, the negative support of the medical community hurt the good this program was trying to do. I gave up hoping that the government and the medical community would ever agree on how to best improve the health of its citizens.
In 1979, I completed my Master’s Thesis “Health: In Good Hands With Educators---A Discussion Paper Proposing A Way To Improve The Health Of The Nation.” My premise was that the government should require parents to become better health monitors and turn schools into health centers. Although some schools began to offer pre-natal care and child care centers to girls in school and later added giving out condoms and offering girls abortion information, it was still a far cry from really solving the health problems of this country.
As I have watched the health of many low-income and moderate-income people worsen because they did not have access, I have also watched another trend having a negative impact on the health of this country: allow millions of immigrants with lower health standards to come, stay, work, and interact with Americans trying to get healthy.
The impact of the millions of legal and illegal immigrants since the 1960s have had a catastrophic affect on the health delivery service in America. While they crowd the clinics and budgets are expanded to make sure they have reading material in their language and health care professionals who speak their language, more native-born Americans with a long list of American ancestors are pushed back further in the lines to get health care. Surprisingly, the immigrants of the past 30-50 years pay far less for health care than they should be paying since they have put in very little into the health care pot through taxes, fighting wars for this country, and working hard to make life better for others.
If health reform is going to work, there must be a system put in place whereby native-born Americans can freely have a better opportunity to get access to health care. They should not have to wait in lines because politicians and business people want a lot of cheap labor to ensure the financial success of their own enterprises. It’s time for Americans to bite the bullet about immigrants---limit the number of legal immigrants coming in, deport those who are illegal with their children, put those who habitually break laws and commit serious crimes on land where they can learn to support themselves, learn to be a honest citizen, earn skills needed by world employers, and have stronger determination to become legal, or deport them when their criminal time is up.
If health reform is going to work, we must be honest and see what groups are causing the cost of health care to sky-rocket: the poor, the immigrants, and the elderly. The poor need to have better training (their schools, their faith-based centers, etc.) on health prevention. This group should then be rewarded with a health card where they have a small deductible, a lifetime cap, and receive more training on health care, cleanliness, and health/wellness/nutrition development. This group could then be rewarded with their lifetime cap being raised, and annual total health care check-ups for a small amount.
The poor, including immigrants, who do not maintain and improve their health care, will be penalized with longer waits at health clinics, higher shared-cost fees, and a lower lifetime health care cap. If they work, their employer should deduct more of their check for health care and Social Security so when they have such needs, they have already paid something into the health care coverage.
The elderly who probably consume over 2/3 of the health care costs in this country will have three options:
1) those unable to work and currently who do not have funds to maintain and/or improve their health will be placed in larger health care centers with limited staff and allowed to die gracefully, instead of being maintained in a vegetable-like state;
2) those able to work will pay into a health care fund restricted for those with the same disease or disability and given an opportunity to learn how to improve their health and allowed to die gracefully without prolonging their agony; and
3) those able to work and willing to be trained as part-time health caretakers for the elderly, will also pay into a health care fund for their age group and health care challenge, but will have access to better health care by those training to become doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
The government could also insist (or make it a law) that those who are over 40 make better preparations for their future health needs by having them pay a higher premium for their age group and health care challenge so as their health care needs arise, funds are there to cover the costs. Employers will also be required to donate and withhold a higher amount to cover future longevity and longer health care needs. The government will also need to cut prison care about 2/3 so that prisoners do not get better health care and nutrition than the honest citizens who do not have funds to have such help as prisoners. When short-sighted judges sue cities, counties, states, and other judicial groups for NOT providing ample space, ample beds, and “reasonable” benefits for prisoners, they should be impeached for acting against the rights of non-criminals.
All citizens should be trained in health care, wellness, nutrition, and given health credit cards to cover their health care needs as they arise from accidents or a sudden onset of a disease. As citizens are trained in taking better care of themselves, they will have fewer health aliments, and will have the means to improve and maintain their health as long as they are productive. Those citizens who are no longer productive (sharing history, giving wisdom insights, teaching about gardening, etc.) should be allowed to die gracefully without extra drugs or special care when it is determined that they will not regain enough health to become as productive as they would like.
I realize that the above may sound harsh, but we are now living in harsh times. Strong people are needed to make strong decisions if America is going to get a handle on the health care costs in this nation. Employers will have to pay more of the costs of health care since people are living longer and short-sighted planning did not send enough funds ahead to take care of the future needs. Medical professionals will have to adjust their lifestyles and expect to make less to help during the transition. If the millions of immigrants were not given jobs from native-born citizens, native-born citizens could have good jobs to pay for increased health care. However, native-born citizens would also have to be trained in health prevention and in ways to maintain their health. If they refuse, their card should be a red card and they will be given the opportunity to pay more for their health care since they did little to prevent their health from doing downhill!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
July 2
On Thursday, July 2, I will be just 3 years shy of 70. Thanks to the Creator, family, friends and others who made it possible for me to be around.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A BANK IS WAITING!
I was recently at a board meeting of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Some great news was shared concerning a press release going out nationally. Also, there was news about a bank very interested in helping!
This bank has been following the development of the museum for some time. They found out that the $4.1 million needed to complete the renovations of the historic Houston Light Guard Armory was coming in a little slow.
Some of those who had promised to help the museum last year ran into some problems---financial meltdown! This problem has caused quite a domino-effect. Foundations that could have helped with grants lost money in the stock market. Some foundations may close. Some corporations and banks ran into investment problems. They cut back; some had to have a government bailout. Thus, the promises of money are still on the table.
While some of these promises may actually turn into cash into the museum someday, today it isn’t happening. The museum is now looking at other ways to raise money and stay close to a target date for opening the new museum. One plan is to sell 8,000 memorial bricks to honor veterans and others. While we are getting some pledges and some actual cash, we need to reach a lot of people and encourage them to send their funds in---now!
The bank wants to help. As soon as we can show this bank that we have pledges in hand for most of the bricks, they will help us. This is great news! Although we had planned to get a lot of money from a few foundations, corporations, and individuals, we will just reach out to more people, making the project a “people’s project.”
Will you be one of those people? The sooner we have names and pledges and/or cash, the sooner you will see and come into the new museum!
While I would love to get 8,000 people to honor a veteran or someone else with a granite brick and send us the money today, I will also be very happy when all 8,000 bricks are sold!
Consider honoring a father by investing in a brick in his honor for Father’s Day. Contact me for further details on this. You may also contact me to let me know how many bricks you would like to have set aside for your pledge. You can give monthly and by November your bricks will be paid for.
Let’s keep the good news going…let’s not keep the bank waiting too long!
This bank has been following the development of the museum for some time. They found out that the $4.1 million needed to complete the renovations of the historic Houston Light Guard Armory was coming in a little slow.
Some of those who had promised to help the museum last year ran into some problems---financial meltdown! This problem has caused quite a domino-effect. Foundations that could have helped with grants lost money in the stock market. Some foundations may close. Some corporations and banks ran into investment problems. They cut back; some had to have a government bailout. Thus, the promises of money are still on the table.
While some of these promises may actually turn into cash into the museum someday, today it isn’t happening. The museum is now looking at other ways to raise money and stay close to a target date for opening the new museum. One plan is to sell 8,000 memorial bricks to honor veterans and others. While we are getting some pledges and some actual cash, we need to reach a lot of people and encourage them to send their funds in---now!
The bank wants to help. As soon as we can show this bank that we have pledges in hand for most of the bricks, they will help us. This is great news! Although we had planned to get a lot of money from a few foundations, corporations, and individuals, we will just reach out to more people, making the project a “people’s project.”
Will you be one of those people? The sooner we have names and pledges and/or cash, the sooner you will see and come into the new museum!
While I would love to get 8,000 people to honor a veteran or someone else with a granite brick and send us the money today, I will also be very happy when all 8,000 bricks are sold!
Consider honoring a father by investing in a brick in his honor for Father’s Day. Contact me for further details on this. You may also contact me to let me know how many bricks you would like to have set aside for your pledge. You can give monthly and by November your bricks will be paid for.
Let’s keep the good news going…let’s not keep the bank waiting too long!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)