Let's get to work on H.R. 3101

Well, there's another piece of legislation out there that needs our
attention urgently. What is this legislation, you ask? It is H.R. 3101,
the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Right now it
only has two co-sponsors, something which is abysmal to me. We all,
including me, need to get it in gear if we want to see this legislation
passed. I ask this question; do we want access to the latest internet-based
technology? I know I do. What type of access would this legislation
provide? Let's look at some of what is in the bill.

Some of the provisions include:
1. Full hearing aid compatibility for all devices such as cell phones and
Internet-based devices. No longer will you have to wait for your spouse to
get something so you can try it to make sure you can use it. I've been
there with my current cell phone and don't want to have to go there again.
2. Restoration of the modest requirements for video description but also
requiring this for digital TV.
3. Screens smaller than 13 in would have to provide closed captioning and
this does include content that migrates to the Internet. Video description
is also included here.
4. Accessible menus and user interfaces for devices. How many things can
you not access due to inaccessible menus?
5. Nonvisual information regarding emergency warnings. No longer would you
have to go get your radio or ask someone what is going on and hope that the
tornado doesn't reach you before knowing what is about to take place.
6. $10 million worth of funding a year for people who are deaf-blind so
that they can get the communications equipment they need in order to access
communications services such as text messaging, TY and/or TRS as well as
face-to-face communications. This contributes to less isolation, more
independence and better chances for employment for starters.
7. Establish a process for the provision of real-time text capability. No
longer would you have to worry about which IM service you use.
8. Clarification of Life-link, Link-up and relay to relay requirements to
make sure they are relevant to our needs.

These ;are just some of the things which are contained in this huge bill.
This version also enjoys some support from industry. Companies such as AT&T
and Verizon do support this legislation. It's a chance we cannot squander.

What do we need to do? We need to contact our Representative, especially
since they will be back in the districts in August, and let them know how
much this legislation means to us. We need to tell our stories and
encourage them to co-sponsor this legislation. We want access now. We
don't want to be left behind. For one thing, I want to be able to make use
of Instant Messaging but now am limited by the technology I currently have
due to the fact that these things don't work across platforms. There is no
standard for these things, something which I believe this legislation will
address. It's a problem which needs to be addressed too.

If we want access, we need to get to work and seek co-sponsors. We have
approximately 129 co-sponsors on pedestrian safety legislation in the House.
Let's work to get that number on H.R. 3101. Over 4400 of us say we want
this legislation passed by signing the COAT petition. Let's put our words
into action by seeking co-sponsors. I plan to do my part. What about you?

Obama Care no thanks

When it comes to health care reform, I say no thanks to Obama Care. There
is too much not to like about this piece of garbage that is being crammed
down our collective throats. Cost is but one thing. There is stuff
coming out about some provisions too. Just do a Google search on "mandatory
end of life counseling" and you will come up with a bunch of stuff. This
wasn't possible yesterday apparently but is today. That is referred to as
Section 1233 and does exist. Reading the legislation itself is a dry read
so seek summaries elsewhere. From what I have heard about what is in that
section, I want nothing to do with it. It tells certain people that they
should end their lives for the sake of society. That's wrong and this bill
ought to be dead just for that; but that's not the only reason to kill it.

I have also heard that making more streamlined plans available would be
impossible. In other words, new policies of this type would be next to
impossible to write. Is that a good thing? No it isn't because the
government can't run anything. Just look at what they presently attempt to
run. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the financial sector, not to mention
what they currently run in health care. Bureaucracies are by nature bloated
and inefficient. For example if my husband and I see the same provider, his
claim will process sooner because he is not going through a government
program and I am. Does that tell you anything?

The Republicans say this would lead to socialism and they are right. I
don't want what would amount to rationing of health care in this country.
Section 1233 would make some people expendable and I as a person with a
disability resent that very strongly. You don't put decisions about who
lives and who dies in the hands of low-paid bureaucrats. Even Betsy McCoy,
a Democrat herself, did not think this ought to be in the hands of
government.

This bill would also be a jobs killer as it would tax the crap out of the
rich in order to pay for it. Again it punishes success. In the minds of
the liberals, if you are successful, you are evil. Not true and it's about
time that they figure this out. We didn't get to where we are in this
country by punishing success and we won't remain there if we do punish
success.

While saying no thank you to Obama Care, here are some things I would like
to see in a responsible effort to reform health care:
1. No coverage for illegal aliens. This would get some 12 million mostly
uninsured off the rolls. Yes this would mean showing proof of citizenship
but this is necessary to keep those who have already broken the law off the
rolls. Heck, maybe we can actually catch some of these people and send them
back to their country of origin which might save money elsewhere including
law enforcement.
2. Power under Medicare Part D to negotiate for lower prescription prices.
This should have been done in the original legislation but was not due to
who was involved in the writing of that legislation.
3. Coverage for vision-related services. This includes orientation and
mobility, rehabilitation teaching, etc. for someone who is just losing their
sight. People who have a stroke, for example, have the equipment they need
covered. The services of a physical or occupational therapist are also
covered. Vision services and equipment should be covered at the same rates
as for other professionals and equipment.
4. Requirements for standards for independently accessible prescription
information for people who are blind or visually impaired. This would cut
down on health care costs by cutting the number of mistakes and accidents
with medication that is not identifiable or instructions and other
information that is not known to the patient because they can't identify it
or see the instructions. It's better to have the patient properly taking
their medication rather than the patient ending up in the hospital due to
improper use of that medication.
5. Coverage for hearing aids as these are not cosmetic. They help a person
hear better and increase independence thus saving money on health care. If
cochlear implants are not considered experimental, then coverage might need
to be looked at here as well.

These are just a few things I would like to see in any reform package but
Obama Care can die a merciful death for the sake of the country.