Obamacare Survives

CNN reports: (quote):

"In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court saved the controversial health care law that will define President Barack Obama's administration for generations to come.

The ruling holds that the Affordable Care Act authorized federal tax credits for eligible Americans living not only in states with their own exchanges but also in the 34 states with federal marketplaces. It staved off a major political showdown and a mad scramble in states that would have needed to act to prevent millions from losing health care coverage."

This is great news! Especially for LGBT families where coverage and inclusion are not guaranteed. Due to this ruling, we are not only able to secure adequate medical and Rx coverage, but our health care can be more protected legally. Meaning, if one of us is ill or cannot speak for ourselves--hopefully our union is more likely to be honored by health care providers. PLUS, our spot at one another's bedside will not be usurped.  (read more through this link...)

People talk a lot about "why Obamacare is not a good idea." However, I remember the years before the Affordable Care Act. My spouse was denied due to mental health issues. I was denied because my BMI was higher than "ideal." "Fortunately" at that time I owned my own business and was able to construct a "group insurance plan" through my LLC. But, make no mistake about it, the plan was much more costly than any plan I have read about through the Affordable Care Act (or through previous employers), and was substandard in coverage and reimbursement. So, I don't know what all the naysayers are upset about.

I am just thankful today that we are getting all our ducks in a row at this time to take care of our union and protect our "rights."

Always Remember The Heroes

Recently on a morning radio show I was introduced to a hero from September 11, 2001. He was one of the pilots from Flight 93. That pilot was LeRoy W. Homer Jr. His wife Melodie Homer was on a local radio morning show.

She shared compelling memories and truths not immediately available in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks (mostly because the evidence in the trial against Zacarias Moussaoui had to be completed before all info. could be released). She shared the story of the bravery of her husband and others on that flight that terrible day. She also shed light on some of the “fish stories” or dramatic interpretations that were woven into movies created about Flight 93 that were not quite accurate or plausible.

Melodie Homer shared how her husband was alerted about the other attacks that had taken place that morning–knowing this he evidently did something to the auto pilot of the plane so that the hijackers would not so easily be able to fly the aircraft. Some dramatic depictions of Flight 93 show the pilots being killed/eliminated immediately when the terrorists took over the cockpit. Mrs. Homer and the transcript from the cockpit tell a different tale. The terrorists, unable to make the plane do what they wished in manual mode, call for the pilots to be brought back to the cockpit to remedy the hindrance.

The United Airlines Flight #93 cockpit voice recorder transcript also gives witness to the bravery of passengers who stormed the cockpit and thwarted the terrorists from fully carrying out their intended plan for this plane. Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham–two of the more mentioned passengers to lead the brave charge. On that day: straight, gay–African American, Latino, White–no racism, no homophobia… only united in a fight as Americans against terrorism.


Melodie Homer (who is also a nurse) started a foundation in her husband’s name which, in part, offers scholarships to individuals who want to learn how to fly but otherwise would not be able to afford flight school. The site also serves to ensure that this vital part of our history will not be forgotten.

We will always remember! And yet on this 10th anniversary of 9/11, our Country is at war within itself. It is my hope that all of us as Americans will remember the importance of United We Stand, and then leave the extremes of the partisan politics behind and work together to repair and reunite America.