Who will stand for Americans in this health care reform initiative?
Why do we have to include everyone in this health care reform initiative and not think about Americans first and foremost?
This is our country. How can we be so concerned about everyone else, instead of the State of America? Are we so enthralled with “realism” that we do not see what is happening before our eyes?
If we go to the foreign nations to underwrite this health care reform initiative because we are in debt; who will eventually own America?
This health care reform initiative is vitally important to this country, but if we have to sell the soul of America to pay back what is already outstanding to these foreign countries because of the mortgage debacle, we had better be prepared for America to be in bondage to these foreign nations no matter how they package it.
The freedom that we proclaim every July 4th and our Pledge of Allegiance will mean nothing. Companies taking American jobs overseas for cheap labor; while other companies continue hiring illegal immigrants for cheap labor; while Americans are losing their jobs everyday and our security.
The foreign nations have already shown us their power (i.e., automotive) because we have forgotten God and what it means to be an American. They have already taken it in their hands and power to walk down the streets of Washington and make unjust demands.
When African Americans marched down the streets, they had every police department and “dogs” but yet we sit back in awe and forgot whose country this really is. And just think, no one dared to pass a bill to make sure African Americans received health care coverage or even an education, and they had every legal right to it.
It's sad because everyone wants to pretend that they care and at the end of the day, it's about the dollar and who gets it.
If this bill was really for Americans, Congressman Joe Wilson would not have to make that type of outburst to defend Americans with “You lie.” We all went to H.R. 3200 to find out the truth.
This health care reform initiative would not have one mention or coverage for illegal immigrants when Americans do not have health care benefits; or are losing their jobs while companies can still feel justified in hiring illegal immigrants.
There are 43.3 million smokers who will eventually have a tobacco related diseases or illness. The only way this country will ever be able to pay for this health care coverage is to have the industry that causes 6 of 8 chronic diseases in this country pay for their customer’s health care benefits. Why not?
We all can pretend we don’t know. Yes, they have a right to be in business as long as that business does not cost individual lives; families medical hardships; States health care systems’ extra expenditures, and the government’s shield to a pending health care crisis because everyone refuses to really look at the cost factors of this industry upon this health are reform initiative.
As quiet as it is being kept the tobacco industry is the one industry that is going to affect any health care reform initiative. All the elected representatives will refuse to address this issue and in a “rush to judgment” push to pass a health care reform bill this year, without logically answering, “How do we intend to pay for it?”
Two States, North Carolina and South Carolina have already proposed to pass on higher premium coverage to their State employees who are “obese” and “smokers.” The insurance industry already has a premium differential for “smokers.”
Will they ask the tobacco industry to supplement these smokers health care benefit premiums? I doubt it. Everyone is targeting the people to fund this health care reform initiative without looking at the industries that affect the health care of certain Americans.
We all know the story about the tobacco industry and how they did not inform people about the addictive ingredient of nicotine. So what happened? People became addicted and unable to stop smoking. Some died while other Americans have been able to overcome this addiction. There are 43.3 million smokers, God forbid if even half of them are affected with a tobacco related disease, how will they be able to take care of themselves medically? If they lose their jobs and do not have health care coverage, who will be responsible for paying this health care bill? The very States and elected representatives who are refusing to address this issue now. This is more serious than any foreign attack on this country. If Americans are not healthy, America will not be able to compete in this world.
Regardless of how each elected representative tries not to address the tobacco issue, this is an albatross around any health care reform in America.
As Americans we can ask our elected representatives to pass The Tobacco Accountability Act with a stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases and will provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
Otherwise, they can all go into their committees and work on this health care reform initiative for the next four years. If they do not call all the industries that will affect this health care reform; it is a waste of taxpayers’ time, money and energy.
Everyone should ask this question, how can we have drug stores prescribing medicines in the back of their stores everyday and in the front of their stores selling the most deadly product on the market? How can we have all the major retail stores selling $4.00 prescriptions to save Americans money on their prescriptions, when in the front of their stores at the check out registers they can buy a pack or carton of cigarettes that causes more health problems then that $4.00 savings can ever cover?
Something is seriously wrong with this health care reform initiative, when everyone wants to pretend that this pending health care crisis is not going to happen. It is. America must be prepared especially when we have lost our compassion and love of this country because of the greed, lack of respect for our laws, businesses hiring illegal immigrants with no thought of what this is costing America because they want to save a dollar on their taxes and health care coverage. Our elected representatives knows but refuses to stand for our laws and even do with all due respect a “Joe Wilson” stand to set the records straight.
This health care reform initiative goes far deeper than giving Americans health care benefits. It’s time for America to look at its’ soul and not cover up anything that will put us in a position of compromise and ultimately in bondage to the lobbyists, money brokers, power elite and foreign nations because we have lost our compassion and the courage of David to stand for our country.
All I can say is, “God have mercy. Help us to turn back to You for wisdom and guidance for such a time as this; for the soul of America.
For His Glory,
Valerie Foy
A seed for America.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Beauty Of Doing The Right Thing
U.S. Representative Joe Wilson stated, "Truth is a powerful thing."
Truth is a powerful thing. But will our elected representatives look at the truth and make a comprehensive health care plan for all Americans, first?
Many have forgiven and forgotten the outburst during a speech last month to Congress. We all wanted to know what this was really all about. How could this word "lie" come forth at such a time as that and why?
We usually can remain silent until we know deep down within our spirit, that we cannot agree with what is being proposed. You lay everything on the line because of who you are; knowing you will not have any peace. In this particular incident, knowing how can I face my family and constituents of this country, if I do not speak out?
On one hand I understood why this outburst took place and on another hand, I could not understand why others did not feel this outrage about something so vitally important to this health care initiative for Americans, that we were willing to sweep it under the “if they don’t ask, we won’t tell” mindset.
So, I went like others to the Center for Immigration Studies and read their Memorandum dated September 2009 and read what was written "Illegal Immigrants and HR 3200 Estimate of Potential Costs to Taxpayers."
It stated: "based on the analysis of Census data, they estimate that there are 6.6 million uninsured illegal immigrants in the United States who could be covered by the new health care reform bill (H.R. 3200). Even though H.R. 3200 states that illegal immigrants are not eligible for the proposed taxpayer-funded affordable premium credits, there is nothing in the bill to enforce this. An amendment was defeated in committee that would have required the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) program, used by almost all other means-tested programs of this kind."
It further stated:
* "We estimate the current cost of treating uninsured illegal immigrants at all levels of government to be $4.3 billion a year, primarily at emergency rooms and free clinics."
* Illegal immigrants will be required to have health insurance, as would citizen and legal immigrants (green card holders). They would have to meet the substantial presence test... would be required to obtain health insurance.
* Substantial presence is defined as having been in the United States for at least 31 days during the current year and previous two years. No mention is made of legal status in the legislation for determining substantial presence."
* HR 3200 does not contain any restrictions on non-citizens - whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently - participating in the Exchange.
Every State knows the companies which hires illegal immigrants. As the government wants to propose a penalty on Americans who refuse to buy coverage under H.R. 3200, these States must propose a penalty to companies who do not provide health care coverage to their undocumented workers.
Inquiring minds would like to know: Why should there be surtax on high-income Americans to pay for this health care bill? Why should States raise revenue on the people who are “obese” and now “smokers’ and not on the companies?
And furthermore, we all know there is a pending health care crisis in America medically and financially. If we do not target the tobacco industry which causes 6 out of 8 chronic diseases to provide a benefits assistance program for their customers (43.3 million smokers); there is going to be a shortfall to meeting the $900 billion budget over 10 years to cover H.R. 3200. This is what our lawmakers are projecting for this health care reform initiative and still have not decided on how to pay for this legislation.
The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars lobbying, targeting and marketing their products to certain demographics; with no thought of the harmful effects of their products and the costs to families and States to keep their customers healthy and alive. The sad thing about all of this, everyone knows it but refuses to address it.
As Americans we can ask our elected representatives to pass The Tobacco Accountability Act with a stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases, provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
We cannot compromise in any area of this health care reform initiative and load this bill with amendments upon amendments and at the end; Americans are sold a heavy laden bill of unmet promises to everyone except the American people. Every amendment should be spelled out to how it is going to benefit Americans.
Once again, the lobbyists, power elite and money brokers are willing to "hoodwink" the American people and it is wrong. Yes, they have positioned the drugmakers, laboratories and hospitals to reap the financial benefits of this health care reform initiative.
Time is running out. We must hold every industry accountable that is responsible for our pending health care crisis; no matter how this health care reform initiative is underwritten. Otherwise, we’re kidding ourselves.
The beauty of doing the right thing is that we have to put God first, and then America and every American, regardless of what others may say. If we do not take care of America; who will eventually own America; especially if we have to go to foreign nations once again to underwrite this health care reform initiative with a ROI.
At the end of the day, the same people who orchestrated the economic debacle are going to make a guaranteed fortune. Why? Greed. We have forgotten Whose bodies they are. We must put a stop to every lie that makes us compromise our laws, rights and our soul of being an American.
Dr. Mike Murdock wrote about truth, "Truth is the most powerful thing on earth because it is the only thing that cannot be changed."
I am only a voice in the wilderness for such a time as this for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For His Glory,
Valerie Foy
A seed for America.
Truth is a powerful thing. But will our elected representatives look at the truth and make a comprehensive health care plan for all Americans, first?
Many have forgiven and forgotten the outburst during a speech last month to Congress. We all wanted to know what this was really all about. How could this word "lie" come forth at such a time as that and why?
We usually can remain silent until we know deep down within our spirit, that we cannot agree with what is being proposed. You lay everything on the line because of who you are; knowing you will not have any peace. In this particular incident, knowing how can I face my family and constituents of this country, if I do not speak out?
On one hand I understood why this outburst took place and on another hand, I could not understand why others did not feel this outrage about something so vitally important to this health care initiative for Americans, that we were willing to sweep it under the “if they don’t ask, we won’t tell” mindset.
So, I went like others to the Center for Immigration Studies and read their Memorandum dated September 2009 and read what was written "Illegal Immigrants and HR 3200 Estimate of Potential Costs to Taxpayers."
It stated: "based on the analysis of Census data, they estimate that there are 6.6 million uninsured illegal immigrants in the United States who could be covered by the new health care reform bill (H.R. 3200). Even though H.R. 3200 states that illegal immigrants are not eligible for the proposed taxpayer-funded affordable premium credits, there is nothing in the bill to enforce this. An amendment was defeated in committee that would have required the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) program, used by almost all other means-tested programs of this kind."
It further stated:
* "We estimate the current cost of treating uninsured illegal immigrants at all levels of government to be $4.3 billion a year, primarily at emergency rooms and free clinics."
* Illegal immigrants will be required to have health insurance, as would citizen and legal immigrants (green card holders). They would have to meet the substantial presence test... would be required to obtain health insurance.
* Substantial presence is defined as having been in the United States for at least 31 days during the current year and previous two years. No mention is made of legal status in the legislation for determining substantial presence."
* HR 3200 does not contain any restrictions on non-citizens - whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently - participating in the Exchange.
Every State knows the companies which hires illegal immigrants. As the government wants to propose a penalty on Americans who refuse to buy coverage under H.R. 3200, these States must propose a penalty to companies who do not provide health care coverage to their undocumented workers.
Inquiring minds would like to know: Why should there be surtax on high-income Americans to pay for this health care bill? Why should States raise revenue on the people who are “obese” and now “smokers’ and not on the companies?
And furthermore, we all know there is a pending health care crisis in America medically and financially. If we do not target the tobacco industry which causes 6 out of 8 chronic diseases to provide a benefits assistance program for their customers (43.3 million smokers); there is going to be a shortfall to meeting the $900 billion budget over 10 years to cover H.R. 3200. This is what our lawmakers are projecting for this health care reform initiative and still have not decided on how to pay for this legislation.
The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars lobbying, targeting and marketing their products to certain demographics; with no thought of the harmful effects of their products and the costs to families and States to keep their customers healthy and alive. The sad thing about all of this, everyone knows it but refuses to address it.
As Americans we can ask our elected representatives to pass The Tobacco Accountability Act with a stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases, provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
We cannot compromise in any area of this health care reform initiative and load this bill with amendments upon amendments and at the end; Americans are sold a heavy laden bill of unmet promises to everyone except the American people. Every amendment should be spelled out to how it is going to benefit Americans.
Once again, the lobbyists, power elite and money brokers are willing to "hoodwink" the American people and it is wrong. Yes, they have positioned the drugmakers, laboratories and hospitals to reap the financial benefits of this health care reform initiative.
Time is running out. We must hold every industry accountable that is responsible for our pending health care crisis; no matter how this health care reform initiative is underwritten. Otherwise, we’re kidding ourselves.
The beauty of doing the right thing is that we have to put God first, and then America and every American, regardless of what others may say. If we do not take care of America; who will eventually own America; especially if we have to go to foreign nations once again to underwrite this health care reform initiative with a ROI.
At the end of the day, the same people who orchestrated the economic debacle are going to make a guaranteed fortune. Why? Greed. We have forgotten Whose bodies they are. We must put a stop to every lie that makes us compromise our laws, rights and our soul of being an American.
Dr. Mike Murdock wrote about truth, "Truth is the most powerful thing on earth because it is the only thing that cannot be changed."
I am only a voice in the wilderness for such a time as this for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For His Glory,
Valerie Foy
A seed for America.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
If Not Now . . . When?
Everyone is concerned about health care in America. It is not about the President of the United States, it is not about being a Democrat. It is not about being a Republican. It is about being an American and doing the right thing for all Americans (i.e., rich or poor, young or old, black or white).
During any campaign there are words we hear repeatedly. The new code words this time are “common sense.”
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative that America will not survive if we allow the tobacco and alcohol industries to bankrupt this health care reform initiative, by simply ignoring the tobacco and alcohol- related diseases which affects this society in more ways then one (i.e. our children, domestic violence, health care coverage, insurance premiums, productivity, life expectancy, etc.).
Common sense will tell every elected representative if you are trying to keep the insurance companies from raising their premiums with people who have pre-existing conditions or canceling their coverage because of the expense, if it is tobacco or alcohol related; you must include the tobacco and alcohol industries.
Common sense will tell every elected representative for companies who still have illegal immigrants working for them; they must provide health care benefits to their undocumented employees.
Otherwise, the common sense that some like to speak about is irrelevant. With all due respect, we have 43.3 million smokers and 10.9 million illegal aliens. How many have tobacco-related diseases? How much will this cost their families, their employers, their insurance companies and the States who are trying to balance their budgets annually? How is this calculated in this bill? Or will this be something the American public will have to take care of down the road?
At the end of the day, somebody is going to have to pay for this health care reform initiative, if we do not take everything into consideration now.
That being said, we can make a difference in this health care reform initiative by helping anyone who has tobacco-related diseases this year.
How?
By asking our elected representatives to support and pass . . .
The Tobacco Accountability Act stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases, provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
Why?
This is the only known legal product on the market that causes medical problems for Americans, which ultimately kills. Do you know any other product that does this?
Health care is not a privilege but a right for every American.
Lest we forget; each and every one will have to answer this one question for such a time as this – why not?
I am only a voice in the wilderness for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For His Glory,
Valerie Foy
Email: speakingthetruth@yahoo.com
A seed for America.
During any campaign there are words we hear repeatedly. The new code words this time are “common sense.”
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative that America will not survive if we allow the tobacco and alcohol industries to bankrupt this health care reform initiative, by simply ignoring the tobacco and alcohol- related diseases which affects this society in more ways then one (i.e. our children, domestic violence, health care coverage, insurance premiums, productivity, life expectancy, etc.).
Common sense will tell every elected representative if you are trying to keep the insurance companies from raising their premiums with people who have pre-existing conditions or canceling their coverage because of the expense, if it is tobacco or alcohol related; you must include the tobacco and alcohol industries.
Common sense will tell every elected representative for companies who still have illegal immigrants working for them; they must provide health care benefits to their undocumented employees.
Otherwise, the common sense that some like to speak about is irrelevant. With all due respect, we have 43.3 million smokers and 10.9 million illegal aliens. How many have tobacco-related diseases? How much will this cost their families, their employers, their insurance companies and the States who are trying to balance their budgets annually? How is this calculated in this bill? Or will this be something the American public will have to take care of down the road?
At the end of the day, somebody is going to have to pay for this health care reform initiative, if we do not take everything into consideration now.
That being said, we can make a difference in this health care reform initiative by helping anyone who has tobacco-related diseases this year.
How?
By asking our elected representatives to support and pass . . .
The Tobacco Accountability Act stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases, provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
Why?
This is the only known legal product on the market that causes medical problems for Americans, which ultimately kills. Do you know any other product that does this?
Health care is not a privilege but a right for every American.
Lest we forget; each and every one will have to answer this one question for such a time as this – why not?
I am only a voice in the wilderness for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For His Glory,
Valerie Foy
Email: speakingthetruth@yahoo.com
A seed for America.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Common Sense Health Care Reform For Americans First
It is good that we have an open dialogue about health care reform for all Americans in our country.
In 2005 my mother died. When I received her Death Certificate it stated: Cause of Death was "tobacco." For 55 years this addictive drug was a part of her life, until her death. She tried to stop on several occasions. She smoked Winston cigarettes. Thus began our crusade.
From 2005, until current we have contacted several elected officials (*) to share our concerns about this very important issue and the Tobacco Accountability Act.
If we are going to talk about health care reform and not talk about the industry that cause many of the chronic diseases that affect millions of Americans and their families, we are only kidding ourselves about true health care reform.
The tobacco industry affects every aspect of our economy and well-being. They spend billions of dollars a year lobbying and marketing to the least amongst us in this country and abroad. These Americans become addicted (worse than using cocaine, crack or marijuana, etc.). We have given these industries a license to kill and destroy lives all for the sake of their bottom line and shareholders, with no concerns about the affects their products have on a person's life; their health and family especially when that person was not aware of the addictive ingredient of nicotine when they first began to smoke.
Yes, President Obama passed the Family Smoking Prevention Tobacco Act which gives the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products and prohibit misleading advertisements to our children this past June. This was another legislative act to help take the sting out of what they are allowed to do.
The question each of us should ask ourselves is, “if not now, when?” This is the one time in our history, if we are going to continue to talk about change and what is good for all Americans; we must include every industry that is affecting the health of every American.
We cannot sit around talking about this in our living rooms, at town hall meetings, in the halls of Congress or even on the Internet and have the audacity to get angry while pretending that we don't know why some Americans are afflicted with chronic diseases and the skyrocketing costs to keep Americans alive and healthy.
If each and every elected representative do not take this aspect seriously about real health care reform and pass The Tobacco Accountability Act with a stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases and will provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
We are going to have twice the amount of people uninsured and sick in America with pre-existing tobacco-related diseases, especially if we refuse to bring these health care costs to their attention now. Why should family members, emergency rooms, Doctors and others take care of these increased expenditures which affect their operating costs without the tobacco and alcohol industries financial support?
The Oxford Medical Companion wrote in 1994 “tobacco is the only legally available consumer product which kills people when it is used exactly as intended.”
Just imagine for one second, every American went to their Doctor at the beginning of the year. Get their annual check-up and was told when they returned for their test results. “All your tests were negative. You are in good health. We’ll see you next year Mr. or Mrs. Healthy American for your annual check-up.” Just imagine; the costs would be affordable if everything was this simple about our health care in America. It’s not. We have some serious issues, which go far beyond affordability. These two industries affect the core of health care reform for families in America.
We already know that the Hispanic market is a viable market now for every industry. This is the nation's second largest racial/ethnic group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by 2030 the number of Hispanics is projected to increase to 66 million and 97 million by 2050. Between these two industries spending billions to market to the various markets (i.e., African Americans, Native Americans, Alaska natives and now women extensively), how will this health care reform initiative cover this aspect of increase going forward?
These are additional facts according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
* Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year.
* Current trends show that tobacco use will cause more than 8 million deaths annually by 2030.
* In the United States, cigarette smoking is responsible for about one in five deaths annually, or about 443,000 deaths per year.
* Annually, cigarette smoking costs more than $193 billion ($97 billion in loss productivity and $96 billion in health care expenditures).
* Health care costs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke average $10 billion annually.
* In 2005, the latest year with available data, the cigarette industry spent almost $13.4 billion, or more than $36 million per day, on advertising and promotional expenses.
* In the United States, 20% of high school students are current cigarette smokers.
* Each day, about 1,100 persons younger than 18 years of age become regular smokers; that is, they begin smoking on a daily basis.
* Among adult smokers, 70% report that they want to quit completely, and more than 40% try to quit each year.
* Tobacco is a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death in the world.
* As reported in the Charlotte Observer, “we have 43.3 million smokers in America.”
* As well as, “it costs the Defense Department more than $1.6 billion a year in medical care and lost work days, while the Veterans Administration spends more than $5 billion to treat veterans for tobacco-related illnesses.”
* The Center for Immigration Studies estimated costs to cover all uninsured illegal immigrants would be $30.5 billion annually and at emergency rooms/free clinics $4.3 billion.
We have heard and seen from President Obama, Vice President Biden, Pharmaceuticals, Doctors, Medicare and all the other entities who are trying to overhaul and make a difference in this health care reform initiative, by making health care accessible and keeping the costs down for all Americans.
Yes, as one writer wrote, "health care reform is more than a social imperative - it is an economic necessity."
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative, America will not survive if we allow the tobacco industry to bankrupt this health care reform initiative, by simply ignoring the tobacco-related diseases which affects this society in more ways then one.
Dr. Gro Harlem Brunddand, former Director General of World Health Organization in 1990 stated: “tobacco is one of the greatest energizing health disasters in human history.”
Common sense will tell every elected representative, if the tobacco industry can spend billions of dollars worldwide each year, with marketing, promotion and sponsorships to individuals (i.e., Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives and now women extensively) in this country and cause the following: chronic diseases, drug addictions, medical bankruptcies, divorces, domestic violence (our children being abused mentally and/or physically), our youth smoking and drinking (they become life smokers); we must pass The Tobacco Accountability Act once and for all.
Each of us knows someone in our family or a friend who has suffered because of tobacco-related diseases or hooked on theses products being robbed of a healthy lifestyle. We have opened Pandora's Box to health care reform once again. We cannot afford to close this box now.
If we do; the lobbyists, power brokers and money elite will continue to have America in a stronghold and at a disadvantage when we compete with other countries because we refuse to address this issue once and for all. America must take the lead.
We believe that one day someone will say "enough is enough" and have the courage to stand as David did with the power of God, against Goliath and pass The Tobacco Accountability Act on behalf of my mother and so many Americans who do not have insurance, are targeted, addicted, have tobacco-related diseases, do not have the strength or the money to pay for all the prescriptions, operations or rehabilitation programs they need, in order to survive and stay alive another day, because of their tobacco/alcohol related-diseases. It’s time.
According to World Health Organization, “unless urgent action is taken by 2030 there will be more than 8 million deaths every year and more than 80% of tobacco deaths will be in developing countries. This must be a top priority for public and for political leaders in every country of the world. Tobacco could kill one billion people during this century” if we refuse to address this national and international issue in our health care reform initiative.
They further stated, "In some countries children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco illness" which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves."
I don't know about you, but I am sick of people taking advantage of our country (i.e., the people) and jeopardizing our position in the world, because we have forgotten Whose body it really is.
Most tobacco users want to quit but will be unable to because of their dependence on a highly addictive substance.
I read recently in Faith Magazine a person’s prayer for everyday situations:
“Quit Smoking
I’ve been a smoker since my teenage years, Lord. This bad habit is affecting my health now and I’m praying for Your help to kick it. I’ve been trying on my own but it seems like everything I do reminds me that I want a cigarette. Now, I’m calling upon You to bless me with the will-power to take my life back! - Amen”
Former CEO Mr. Bowman of R.J. Reynolds testified in June 1964 before Congress and stated:-
“If it is proven that cigarettes are harmful, we want to do something about it regardless of what somebody else tells us to do. And we would do our level best. This is just being human.”
Here we are 45 years later addressing the most important issue of our lifetime. This issue is far more detrimental to the State of America than any outside force. If America is not healthy from our youth to our adults, we cannot compete or sustain a quality of life that we are accustomed to.
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative Americans without health care benefits will exhaust the health care system far greater than what it has ever experienced, because we refuse to do the right thing with all the industries that affect our health.
As we wrestle with every aspect of this health care reform initiative in America some will ask, what does this have to do with this? Everything! The cost factors to keep Americans with pre-existing tobacco-related diseases will bankrupt any health care reform initiative plan without these two industries subsidies.
Lest we forget; each and every one will have to answer this one question for such a time as this – why not?
I am only a voice in the wilderness for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For the Glory of God,
Valerie Foy
Email: speakingthetruth@yahoo.com
In 2005 my mother died. When I received her Death Certificate it stated: Cause of Death was "tobacco." For 55 years this addictive drug was a part of her life, until her death. She tried to stop on several occasions. She smoked Winston cigarettes. Thus began our crusade.
From 2005, until current we have contacted several elected officials (*) to share our concerns about this very important issue and the Tobacco Accountability Act.
If we are going to talk about health care reform and not talk about the industry that cause many of the chronic diseases that affect millions of Americans and their families, we are only kidding ourselves about true health care reform.
The tobacco industry affects every aspect of our economy and well-being. They spend billions of dollars a year lobbying and marketing to the least amongst us in this country and abroad. These Americans become addicted (worse than using cocaine, crack or marijuana, etc.). We have given these industries a license to kill and destroy lives all for the sake of their bottom line and shareholders, with no concerns about the affects their products have on a person's life; their health and family especially when that person was not aware of the addictive ingredient of nicotine when they first began to smoke.
Yes, President Obama passed the Family Smoking Prevention Tobacco Act which gives the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products and prohibit misleading advertisements to our children this past June. This was another legislative act to help take the sting out of what they are allowed to do.
The question each of us should ask ourselves is, “if not now, when?” This is the one time in our history, if we are going to continue to talk about change and what is good for all Americans; we must include every industry that is affecting the health of every American.
We cannot sit around talking about this in our living rooms, at town hall meetings, in the halls of Congress or even on the Internet and have the audacity to get angry while pretending that we don't know why some Americans are afflicted with chronic diseases and the skyrocketing costs to keep Americans alive and healthy.
If each and every elected representative do not take this aspect seriously about real health care reform and pass The Tobacco Accountability Act with a stated purpose, “the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the tobacco-related diseases and will provide early screening, a health insurance benefits program and supplemental premium assistance for every smoker (man, woman, boy or girl) afflicted with a tobacco-related disease. They must subsidize all educational programs from elementary to college on the harmful effects of their products through smoking firsthand or from secondhand smoke.”
We are going to have twice the amount of people uninsured and sick in America with pre-existing tobacco-related diseases, especially if we refuse to bring these health care costs to their attention now. Why should family members, emergency rooms, Doctors and others take care of these increased expenditures which affect their operating costs without the tobacco and alcohol industries financial support?
The Oxford Medical Companion wrote in 1994 “tobacco is the only legally available consumer product which kills people when it is used exactly as intended.”
Just imagine for one second, every American went to their Doctor at the beginning of the year. Get their annual check-up and was told when they returned for their test results. “All your tests were negative. You are in good health. We’ll see you next year Mr. or Mrs. Healthy American for your annual check-up.” Just imagine; the costs would be affordable if everything was this simple about our health care in America. It’s not. We have some serious issues, which go far beyond affordability. These two industries affect the core of health care reform for families in America.
We already know that the Hispanic market is a viable market now for every industry. This is the nation's second largest racial/ethnic group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by 2030 the number of Hispanics is projected to increase to 66 million and 97 million by 2050. Between these two industries spending billions to market to the various markets (i.e., African Americans, Native Americans, Alaska natives and now women extensively), how will this health care reform initiative cover this aspect of increase going forward?
These are additional facts according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
* Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year.
* Current trends show that tobacco use will cause more than 8 million deaths annually by 2030.
* In the United States, cigarette smoking is responsible for about one in five deaths annually, or about 443,000 deaths per year.
* Annually, cigarette smoking costs more than $193 billion ($97 billion in loss productivity and $96 billion in health care expenditures).
* Health care costs associated with exposure to secondhand smoke average $10 billion annually.
* In 2005, the latest year with available data, the cigarette industry spent almost $13.4 billion, or more than $36 million per day, on advertising and promotional expenses.
* In the United States, 20% of high school students are current cigarette smokers.
* Each day, about 1,100 persons younger than 18 years of age become regular smokers; that is, they begin smoking on a daily basis.
* Among adult smokers, 70% report that they want to quit completely, and more than 40% try to quit each year.
* Tobacco is a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death in the world.
* As reported in the Charlotte Observer, “we have 43.3 million smokers in America.”
* As well as, “it costs the Defense Department more than $1.6 billion a year in medical care and lost work days, while the Veterans Administration spends more than $5 billion to treat veterans for tobacco-related illnesses.”
* The Center for Immigration Studies estimated costs to cover all uninsured illegal immigrants would be $30.5 billion annually and at emergency rooms/free clinics $4.3 billion.
We have heard and seen from President Obama, Vice President Biden, Pharmaceuticals, Doctors, Medicare and all the other entities who are trying to overhaul and make a difference in this health care reform initiative, by making health care accessible and keeping the costs down for all Americans.
Yes, as one writer wrote, "health care reform is more than a social imperative - it is an economic necessity."
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative, America will not survive if we allow the tobacco industry to bankrupt this health care reform initiative, by simply ignoring the tobacco-related diseases which affects this society in more ways then one.
Dr. Gro Harlem Brunddand, former Director General of World Health Organization in 1990 stated: “tobacco is one of the greatest energizing health disasters in human history.”
Common sense will tell every elected representative, if the tobacco industry can spend billions of dollars worldwide each year, with marketing, promotion and sponsorships to individuals (i.e., Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives and now women extensively) in this country and cause the following: chronic diseases, drug addictions, medical bankruptcies, divorces, domestic violence (our children being abused mentally and/or physically), our youth smoking and drinking (they become life smokers); we must pass The Tobacco Accountability Act once and for all.
Each of us knows someone in our family or a friend who has suffered because of tobacco-related diseases or hooked on theses products being robbed of a healthy lifestyle. We have opened Pandora's Box to health care reform once again. We cannot afford to close this box now.
If we do; the lobbyists, power brokers and money elite will continue to have America in a stronghold and at a disadvantage when we compete with other countries because we refuse to address this issue once and for all. America must take the lead.
We believe that one day someone will say "enough is enough" and have the courage to stand as David did with the power of God, against Goliath and pass The Tobacco Accountability Act on behalf of my mother and so many Americans who do not have insurance, are targeted, addicted, have tobacco-related diseases, do not have the strength or the money to pay for all the prescriptions, operations or rehabilitation programs they need, in order to survive and stay alive another day, because of their tobacco/alcohol related-diseases. It’s time.
According to World Health Organization, “unless urgent action is taken by 2030 there will be more than 8 million deaths every year and more than 80% of tobacco deaths will be in developing countries. This must be a top priority for public and for political leaders in every country of the world. Tobacco could kill one billion people during this century” if we refuse to address this national and international issue in our health care reform initiative.
They further stated, "In some countries children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco illness" which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves."
I don't know about you, but I am sick of people taking advantage of our country (i.e., the people) and jeopardizing our position in the world, because we have forgotten Whose body it really is.
Most tobacco users want to quit but will be unable to because of their dependence on a highly addictive substance.
I read recently in Faith Magazine a person’s prayer for everyday situations:
“Quit Smoking
I’ve been a smoker since my teenage years, Lord. This bad habit is affecting my health now and I’m praying for Your help to kick it. I’ve been trying on my own but it seems like everything I do reminds me that I want a cigarette. Now, I’m calling upon You to bless me with the will-power to take my life back! - Amen”
Former CEO Mr. Bowman of R.J. Reynolds testified in June 1964 before Congress and stated:-
“If it is proven that cigarettes are harmful, we want to do something about it regardless of what somebody else tells us to do. And we would do our level best. This is just being human.”
Here we are 45 years later addressing the most important issue of our lifetime. This issue is far more detrimental to the State of America than any outside force. If America is not healthy from our youth to our adults, we cannot compete or sustain a quality of life that we are accustomed to.
With all due respect, common sense will tell every elected representative Americans without health care benefits will exhaust the health care system far greater than what it has ever experienced, because we refuse to do the right thing with all the industries that affect our health.
As we wrestle with every aspect of this health care reform initiative in America some will ask, what does this have to do with this? Everything! The cost factors to keep Americans with pre-existing tobacco-related diseases will bankrupt any health care reform initiative plan without these two industries subsidies.
Lest we forget; each and every one will have to answer this one question for such a time as this – why not?
I am only a voice in the wilderness for The Tobacco Accountability Act.
For the Glory of God,
Valerie Foy
Email: speakingthetruth@yahoo.com
A seed for America.
(*) The late Honorable Edward M. Kennedy, Honorable Michael B. Enzi, Honorable Elijah Cummings, Former Surgeon General David Satcher, Former President George W. Bush, Jr., Former First Lady Laura Bush (a former smoker), Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg (who has The Bloomberg Initiative -a tobacco initiative), Mr. Lee Scott of WalMart Stores, Inc. (the largest outlet for cigarettes), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a host of others including most recently Honorable Max Baucus and Honorable Barack Obama.
Updated: Monday, November 29, 2010
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