"Be a lifelong student. The more you learn, the more you earn and the more self-confidence you will have." – Brian Tracy

I haven’t posted in a while for many reasons, but I felt this was more than appropriate for everyone in this COUNTRY to read. This message speaks volumes to what really goes on in Congress, and their failure at progress and necessary change:

Announcing his retirement plans this afternoon, Sen. Evan Bayh [D, IN] cited the dysfunctions of Congress as his main reason:

“For some time I’ve had a growing conviction that Congress is not working as it should. There is much too much partisanship and not enough progress. Too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem solving. Even at a time of enormous national challenge, the people’s business is not getting done. Examples of this are legion but two recent ones will suffice.

Two weeks ago, the Senate voted down a bipartisan commission to deal with one of the greatest threats facing our nation: our exploding deficits and debt. The measure would have passed. But seven members who endorsed the idea, actually co-sponsored the legislation, instead voted no for short-term political reasons.

Just last week, a major piece of legislation to create new jobs — our nation’s top priority today — fell apart amidst complaints from both the left and the right.

All of this and much more has led me to believe that there are better ways to serve my fellow citizens, my beloved state and our nation than continued service in Congress. To put it into words I think most people can understand, I love working for the people of Indiana. I love helping our citizens make the most of their lives. But I do not love Congress.You can watch full video of his announcement here.

This is copied from a post by OpenCongress.org available here.

This is the story of an American who innocently fell victim to corporate advertising, the convenience of ATMs, fast-food drive-thrus, and elective surgery.

My name is Claire and I’m 35. I’ve struggled with my weight since I graduated from high school. I was Prom Queen during my senior year, but during my first year in college I gained 45 pounds. The cafeteria, on-campus was open, and available 24/7 and I found myself eating every chance I got. Over the next 3 years I gained more and more weight until I overwhelmed my bathroom scale at 307 pounds.

I knew I had a problem, but I didn’t know how to get help. It was too embarassing to admit that I had a problem with food. I thought, “I can’t be addicted to food, addiction applies to cigarettes and alcohol. I don’t smoke or drink!” I would eat in response to the emotional toil that my weight had taken on me. I gained more weight, and continued to eat to deal with the increase in weight. I was caught in a vicious cycle from whence I saw no release.

I felt hopeless, until I discovered weight-loss surgery. I couldn’t believe what the surgery cost, but I knew this was my chance to change my life, forever. My insurance told me they would cover 75%, but I couldn’t afford the rest. I called my family and they come to my aide. I was able to raise the remaining 25% with a little to spare for rehabilitation and new clothes.

I had the surgery. There were “no complications” during the surgery, and rehab couldn’t have been easier. I bought new clothes and became a new woman, until my stomach started hurting.

I went back to the doctor who performed the surgery and he told me that my body was rejecting the surgery. My stomach hadn’t healed properly and I was going to need to start a medication regimen, and come back to his office regularly.

That was 3 years ago.

Since the surgery my health has rapidly declined, I’ve gained back 97 pounds, and my life is a disaster.

The complications I suffered from the surgery rendered me unable to work. I applied for disability which I was immediately awarded and declared “totally and permanently disabled“. Once I received disability for 24 months I was automatically enrolled in Medicare. My income is low enough to qualify for Medicaid which pays my Medicare Part B premium, and any balance remaining after Medicare has paid my healthcare bills.

I have 2 sons, they’re both on FULL Medicaid. My only income is my disability check, but with it I pay all my bills by myself. I’ve been separated from my husband for a long time. I can’t get food stamps because my disability income is too high.

I take 17 prescriptions per day, including a blood thinner which I self-administer in the form of 2 injections (into my stomach). I pay $0 for my prescriptions. I go to 6 doctors a month, including primary care, and pain management. I spent this past January in the hospital which cost about $128,000 of which I paid $0.

This is my story.

This is a real story with names and details changed for privacy. This is not intended as an attack on McDonald’s, Medicare, Medicaid, any individual, or any federal assistance program. This is an illustration of a frighteningly common story of people in America.

Don’t let this be your story. Eat healthy. Exercise. Embrace personal responsibility and self-discipline. It’s amazing what one person can, and will accomplish in a lifetime. If you’re making excuses, stop and develop solutions instead. Take control of your life and enjoy the freedoms that are available to you as an American.