domingo, 21 de março de 2010

Yet another "yes we can"

The already historic health care reform bill was voted favorably today. With the republicans (GOP) massively voting against it, and after months of complicated negotiations within the democratic party, the bill got approved today. President Obama was leading these final weeks of negotiations putting himself on the line in case it redounded to failure...



I have to admit that throughout the months of negotiations I've lost track to the changes made to the original bill, but the numbers people talk about go over 30 million Americans covered under this new public health care bill. Maybe the US are on the verge of abandoning basic capitalism and embracing a more social democracy

For me the video below is one of the most emblematic and shows how controversial this theme is for the American society. It reports to a rally (tea party) against the health care bill, where a counter-protester - seemingly a very poor, crippled, parkinson patient who couldn't afford proper healthcare , or got denied coverage for some private insurance company - decides to show up. "No more handouts" they shout, while throwing some dollars to the man's face!

domingo, 14 de março de 2010

balance, what is it?

Sometimes I live inner turmoils, pretty much like everyone else I assume. Today I had one of those unpleasant feelings. I was having a normal study day at the lab (it's quieter there over the weekend) preparing for my final next Tuesday. A little bit before 7.30pm I took a break to go to mass. Nothing special so far...
I got a little bit late to mass and Fr. JP was already reading the Gospel. For those that are familiar, the reading was the prodigal son's parable. As I was listening to his words, I got overwhelmed with this homesick feeling. It almost felt like my heart was being squeezed slowly. At that time, I thought about all my family, close friends and everything that I'm missing by being here. I felt really sad for all that. But life is indeed made of choices; and this still is my choice! Eventually all that gray mood went away as fast as it came, and in no time my brain was flooded with all the stuff I've been studying for Tuesday.

I wonder what a balanced person really is, and if they also have these moments?

Having said this, let me assure you that my strong will and determination in pursuit of my phd, is again flowing in my veins; and that sad moment as long passed. As they say: "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!"

PS- during another break in my study :-) I watched this new series called "the Pacific". Yes it's yet another WWII series, it seemed a classy production... I liked it!