Jen and I drove to Omaha this morning to do some shopping, go to our cute little second cousin's first birthday party, and attend a rally protesting the National Healthcare bill. We try to squeeze everything in one day when we "go to town".
The rally started at 12pm in downtown Omaha, and we arrived at 11 to help hand out fliers. The weather has been so great lately, and today was sunny and warm. Really warm in the sun, actually. The speakers were good if not great, and there was a large crowd. After about two hours standing in the sun, I really wanted to sit down, though. After I sat down I stared feeling really tired, and then out of breath, then sick to my stomach, then dizzy, and then I heard ringing in my ears. Jen wasn't there at the time, and I really felt like I was going to faint or(heaven forbid) throw up, so I told the poor lady next to me, a complete stranger, that I didn't feel well. I must have looked it, because she fanned me with her paper and was very gracious. I really felt terrible. A few other people noticed my state and came over to see if they could help. They decided to get the nearby policemen to help me out. There was so much security there, there must have been around twenty law enforcement officers present. They very seriously escorted me into an air conditioned building, and I brought poor Jen with me- when I tapped her on the shoulder she thought we were being arrested.
I recovered really quickly, and I'm sure the reason I felt faint was because I was dehydrated. I had forgotten my water bottle and hadn't had any breakfast. I feel foolish for the drama I caused by not taking care of myself properly. And since the policemen escorted me through the crowd, everyone saw it happen.. my pastor was there and someone went and got him to check on me, which was nice.
So hopefully I've learned my lesson, which is drink lots of water when you're in the hot sun, and now I'm going to bed, very tired and badly sunburned as well. I don't think I'll ever learn to put on sunscreen!
6 comments:
Wow! Good thing the lady there was so kind! That must have been a little embarrassing.
I always forget the sunscreen as well, at least until the next day when the pain reminds me. :-)
Just letting you know that I live in a country with universal health care. The US is the only developed nation in the world without a government funded universal health care scheme.
The issue of universal health care is just not part of the conservative agenda in other parts of the world. It is not seen as an issue which conservatives should fight for. The reason is that "free" health care is seen as an important part of a civilised society.
The fact that such a system was unheard of in the 18th century when your founding fathers wrote the constitution is simply an accident of history. In the last 60 years, virtually all western nations have instituted popular universal healthcare schemes that are funded by taxes. This is not an issue of the government "intruding into private lives" or even the fact that people are responsible for their own actions. Rather it is simply an admission that what we can achieve together is better than what we can achieve as individuals. The government is simply the channel which this attitude finds its best, and most efficient, expression.
From a Christian point of view, I thank God that I live in a nation which provides "free" health care for all, regardless of their status, race or wealth.
I hope that the US institutes some form of universal health care similar to those enjoyed by its allies and friends.
The Congress shall have power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States
It was a little embarrassing, and altogether uncomfortable. I was so tired(and thirsty) for the rest of the day, and that carried over into Sunday too. Never get dehydrated!
I would rather keep my freedom to choose what sort of healthcare I use, and under this plan I would lose my current healthcare plan. You're right, it's not about conservatives vs. liberals. What it's really about is government control, which I am opposed to. I really do see it as the government “intruding into private lives.” To fund healthcare for the percentage of American poor, the government wants to take money away from those who earn a good salary and give it to the poor. They're already doing that with welfare and Medicare. From a Christian point of view, I believe it should be the church's job to care for the poor in their community. The government is not efficient. It's way too big.
The great thing is, we can protest this bill. A lot of Americans are very concerned about the effects of the healthcare bill, and are letting their Representatives and Senators that they are worried, and they do not approve of the manner this bill is being handled.
There are no accidents in history, and I thank God I live in America.
Well, you didn't look too sunburned on Sunday. I hope the healthcare bill does not pass. I heard from a reliable source on the radio that as it is currently written it would require everyone to have abortion coverage as part of their health insurance.
By the way, if your blog shows that I was on your blog a lot of times today, that's because my computer was not functioning properly.
Thanks Grace!
I know- write your Senator and tell him you're against the bill!
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