You really are the story of America. I still stand proudly by my vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. I am so happy for you and hope that this isn't taken away from others who need it.
Olivia, I’m touched. That is a great personal story. I too have attention deficit disorder but it was never diagnosed. I diagnosed it later in life. I didn’t finish college I’m sure now that was the reason. But I sought my own path into self employment and have done OK. I know now where I should have gone. I have always enjoyed writing. Well, hello. If that’s what you enjoy, then go for it. Mark Twain has been my life long hero. And yes, I do try to be funny among my scathing remarks. As we age we realize life is short. In our youths, we don’t quite understand this brief walk we embark on. From your vantage, you are experiencing a political mess unlike anything I have experienced and heck, I thought I saw the scariest watching the Watergate hearings in 1974 I believe. No, that was child’s play. You will one day in the deep future look back and wonder how and why we got into this mess. Of course we are all seeking explanations on this topic. Many of us already have our answers. But you will one day look back from a distant future. By then, movies will have been created. History books written. Or who knows, maybe books will be banned. (That was said in jest and here I’m thinking the book and movie 1984 which I’m reading now.)
See Olivia, the writer in me wants to go further. You take care. The future is in your hands. Perhaps I shouldn’t place so much responsibility with you. Ah, but I will.
Your support and belief in the power of voting and the impact of leadership is so powerful. It’s heartening to know there are people like you who stand by their choices and fight for the future of others. How do you think we can continue to ensure these resources reach those who need them most, especially as policies shift?
It's incredibly encouraging to hear that. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges for young people today in pursuing their dreams, and how can we help overcome them?
It means a lot to hear such positive feedback. What do you think are the most important qualities we need to nurture in the younger generation to help ensure a brighter future?
I have loved following you for years, ever since you took down Gaetz! I'm a boomer from upstate NY. I'm so proud of the hard work you are doing and I wish you the best moving forward. We need you!
I am so proud of you and you make me proud to be an American. The trailer park, the holes in the one good fitting pair of shoes, the single parent household with no savings for any future, let alone one at a university. That is the America I grew up in as well. I only recently walked across the stage earning my BA in 2022 at the age of 36 after almost 10 years of on-again, off-again study. I know how much difference a grant can make. I know how much difference caring staff or faculty can make at our institutions. I want others to have the help that I couldn't or was delayed getting. I am so happy that you were provided the right assistance when it was needed. This is a relay race that we all need to run together.
What a wonderful story! I'm also in Texas and proud that you are here fighting for justice for all young people who sometimes need a little help to get where they want to be. It will be a tough fight, but you are up to it. Go you!
I hope that someday both of you will be able to leave that godforsaken state. Women are second-class citizens there. I don't want to hear or read any defense of how Greg Abbott feels about women, so don't even start. Just get out. Find a state in America where America exists. When I was able to leave, it was the happiest day of my life.
As a former Houstonian, I’m very proud of you. I’ve been following you on SM this past year and it’s heartening to read your story. I also was first in my immediate family to attend college and didn’t have very much money. It’s why I created a scholarship in 2023 at UH Bauer College for financially disadvantaged students. It’s shocking to me the expense of college now. Congrats on finishing your studies and continuing to build your career!
This is what made America great, keep working for that degree. The Unitarian Group that I belong to supports the Colorado Mountain College every year with a donation large enough to provide one years tuition for a student just like you.
I’m on Medicare. Last year I hit the $8,000 out-of-pocket cost for my prescriptions in November. This year, thanks to Joe, I will hit it in June. I understand.
I'm really sorry to hear about the burden of your prescription costs, but it's good to hear you're feeling some understanding around the changes. It seems like the improvements made under Joe Biden’s administration have had a direct impact on your situation, even though the increase in costs is difficult. How are you managing to cope with the rising costs, and are there other improvements you’re hoping to see in the future for people on Medicare?
The fact that in saving $6,000 this year is really important to me. As a retiree on a fixed income, it was a sacrifice to spend that money last year, but worth it for the health improvements. As to Medicare, the Medicare Advantage plans are inexcusable. They’re a way for private insurance to co-opt people’s resources for no good reason other than profit. Picture this. With Advantage plans, private insurance plans get a certain amount of money from Medicare per patient, and their profits come from NOT spending that on their patients. So if someone stays healthy, they don’t benefit, the corporate healthcare people do. In addition, once you choose an advantage plan, all the protections offered under Medicare are gone. You’re essentially trapped in an Advantage plan forever. If you try to switch plans, say for a move or because you’re dissatisfied, they can turn you down for pre-existing conditions and they can charge you much more than other healthier patients. That means you never escape the greed of corporate healthcare, and they’re making money every time they deny their patients service, which they do. Also, with many pension plans, the only option they offer are Advantage plans. They make so much money they reward agents with huge commissions for patients, and their patient cost is so low people think it’s a good deal…until they try to use it. It should never have been allowed into the Medicare system. I’d like to see all Advantage plans eliminated, but it sure won’t happen with the corporate lackeys we have in government now!
You’re absolutely right about the flaws in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans profit by denying care, and trapping people in a system where they have limited options and can face higher costs when they try to switch. The focus should be on providing quality care, not corporate profit. It’s troubling how these plans are marketed as affordable when, in reality, they often leave patients with high out-of-pocket costs and restricted access. We need to push for reforms that prioritize people’s health needs over profit, and ensure Medicare is truly working for retirees and others who rely on it. What steps do you think we should take to advocate for this change?
Businesses are buying up medical practices around the country. What do they do? They begin setting up structures that make the medical staff work harder and harder for less income while the corporate equivalents of Elon Musk and Zuckerberg, etc. skim off the profits. Corporate America whines about the cost of medical care yet they are causing those prices to be high. It's like Trump blaming the other person for doing what Trump himself is doing.
You’re totally on point about how businesses are buying up medical practices and making things worse for the staff. It’s frustrating to see how much harder people are working for less pay, while the big corporate heads profit. Have you noticed any personal experiences with this shift? Do you feel like the quality of care has gone down as these changes have taken place? And yeah, it’s crazy how corporate America can complain about high medical costs while they’re actively inflating them. Do you think there’s a way to push back against this trend or change the system?
Physicians are like any other profession, many are very good, a smaller number are excellent and a smaller number probably should have chosen a different field. Do your homework - the very good and excellent physicians are out there. To answer your questions, the majority of my peers would provide excellent care as a matter of personal integrity. Still, after twelve years of post-college medical training, it's hard to swallow an MBA skimming off the profits of your hard work. Yes, I have friends who left private practice when it was bought out by a corporation and made them work like lab rats on a treadmill - that, after entering the work force at 35,and with medical debt. We have a shortage of doctors/medical professionals in the U.S. It is projected to get worse. Many doctors marry doctors. Say you have a brilliant research oncologist whose spouse is in OB-GYN. Do you think that oncologist will accept a job in a state with an abortion ban? Not likely. Will those states with abortion bans have poorer health care overall? I would guess that is likely. I would guess it also likely that corporations swoop in, buy up practices and put in whatever doctor they can get and advertise him or her as "brilliant".
I'm old - I'll be shuffling off this mortal coil not all that long from now. I've boycotted, marched, written letters to all manner of representatives, to try and preserve our democracy. I know that many corporations operate unethically, but they have the money both to conceal it and to produce advertising which is sophisticated and designed to make you think it is "the other", not them, that is the problem. It's time to turn a hot, bright spotlight on those corporations. We the people, have the power to sink them like they have sunk and are sinking good healthcare in this country.
I think we need to get tougher with our expectations for our elected officials. They need corporate money to run, yes, but they also need our votes. The primaries offer our best shot. The dems keep thinking that a centrist candidate is a better shot. Maybe it’s time to question that. We had a chance to change things in 2016 with Bernie and we blew it. But it’s not too late. Time to shake things up?
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad you benefitted from the educational policies of the Biden/Harris administration, and now we can all reap the benefits of your hard work by enjoying your words.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story! The Biden Harris administration did so much for hard working folks, yet get slammed as elitist. I, too, deeply hope that they will be remembered by history for their extraordinarily compassionate leadership.
You really are the story of America. I still stand proudly by my vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. I am so happy for you and hope that this isn't taken away from others who need it.
Olivia, I’m touched. That is a great personal story. I too have attention deficit disorder but it was never diagnosed. I diagnosed it later in life. I didn’t finish college I’m sure now that was the reason. But I sought my own path into self employment and have done OK. I know now where I should have gone. I have always enjoyed writing. Well, hello. If that’s what you enjoy, then go for it. Mark Twain has been my life long hero. And yes, I do try to be funny among my scathing remarks. As we age we realize life is short. In our youths, we don’t quite understand this brief walk we embark on. From your vantage, you are experiencing a political mess unlike anything I have experienced and heck, I thought I saw the scariest watching the Watergate hearings in 1974 I believe. No, that was child’s play. You will one day in the deep future look back and wonder how and why we got into this mess. Of course we are all seeking explanations on this topic. Many of us already have our answers. But you will one day look back from a distant future. By then, movies will have been created. History books written. Or who knows, maybe books will be banned. (That was said in jest and here I’m thinking the book and movie 1984 which I’m reading now.)
See Olivia, the writer in me wants to go further. You take care. The future is in your hands. Perhaps I shouldn’t place so much responsibility with you. Ah, but I will.
Scam
Scam don’t open
I used to think I would suffer from brain fog for the rest of my life..."𝐛𝐮𝐭" this changed everything.... https://t.co/XEfdalkLB9
Scam. Same person from comment removed.
Your support and belief in the power of voting and the impact of leadership is so powerful. It’s heartening to know there are people like you who stand by their choices and fight for the future of others. How do you think we can continue to ensure these resources reach those who need them most, especially as policies shift?
Bravo!!👏
I’m so proud of you.
Having spent my life in and out of trailer homes, I can barely see type the words, the tears are so plenty!
Keep at it, you clearly have what it takes to achieve your goals. You ARE the American dream.
It's incredibly encouraging to hear that. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges for young people today in pursuing their dreams, and how can we help overcome them?
You write very eloquently. You are exactly what we need for our future. Your work ethic and maturity are to be commended. Well done 👏
It means a lot to hear such positive feedback. What do you think are the most important qualities we need to nurture in the younger generation to help ensure a brighter future?
Education.
I have loved following you for years, ever since you took down Gaetz! I'm a boomer from upstate NY. I'm so proud of the hard work you are doing and I wish you the best moving forward. We need you!
I am so proud of you and you make me proud to be an American. The trailer park, the holes in the one good fitting pair of shoes, the single parent household with no savings for any future, let alone one at a university. That is the America I grew up in as well. I only recently walked across the stage earning my BA in 2022 at the age of 36 after almost 10 years of on-again, off-again study. I know how much difference a grant can make. I know how much difference caring staff or faculty can make at our institutions. I want others to have the help that I couldn't or was delayed getting. I am so happy that you were provided the right assistance when it was needed. This is a relay race that we all need to run together.
What a wonderful story! I'm also in Texas and proud that you are here fighting for justice for all young people who sometimes need a little help to get where they want to be. It will be a tough fight, but you are up to it. Go you!
I hope that someday both of you will be able to leave that godforsaken state. Women are second-class citizens there. I don't want to hear or read any defense of how Greg Abbott feels about women, so don't even start. Just get out. Find a state in America where America exists. When I was able to leave, it was the happiest day of my life.
As a former Houstonian, I’m very proud of you. I’ve been following you on SM this past year and it’s heartening to read your story. I also was first in my immediate family to attend college and didn’t have very much money. It’s why I created a scholarship in 2023 at UH Bauer College for financially disadvantaged students. It’s shocking to me the expense of college now. Congrats on finishing your studies and continuing to build your career!
I attend the University of Houston-Victoria now through an online bachelors program. Always happy and proud to be a Texan!
Good for you. Very eloquent telling of your story.
This is what made America great, keep working for that degree. The Unitarian Group that I belong to supports the Colorado Mountain College every year with a donation large enough to provide one years tuition for a student just like you.
Thank you for your story—you’re just wonderful!
I’m on Medicare. Last year I hit the $8,000 out-of-pocket cost for my prescriptions in November. This year, thanks to Joe, I will hit it in June. I understand.
I'm really sorry to hear about the burden of your prescription costs, but it's good to hear you're feeling some understanding around the changes. It seems like the improvements made under Joe Biden’s administration have had a direct impact on your situation, even though the increase in costs is difficult. How are you managing to cope with the rising costs, and are there other improvements you’re hoping to see in the future for people on Medicare?
The fact that in saving $6,000 this year is really important to me. As a retiree on a fixed income, it was a sacrifice to spend that money last year, but worth it for the health improvements. As to Medicare, the Medicare Advantage plans are inexcusable. They’re a way for private insurance to co-opt people’s resources for no good reason other than profit. Picture this. With Advantage plans, private insurance plans get a certain amount of money from Medicare per patient, and their profits come from NOT spending that on their patients. So if someone stays healthy, they don’t benefit, the corporate healthcare people do. In addition, once you choose an advantage plan, all the protections offered under Medicare are gone. You’re essentially trapped in an Advantage plan forever. If you try to switch plans, say for a move or because you’re dissatisfied, they can turn you down for pre-existing conditions and they can charge you much more than other healthier patients. That means you never escape the greed of corporate healthcare, and they’re making money every time they deny their patients service, which they do. Also, with many pension plans, the only option they offer are Advantage plans. They make so much money they reward agents with huge commissions for patients, and their patient cost is so low people think it’s a good deal…until they try to use it. It should never have been allowed into the Medicare system. I’d like to see all Advantage plans eliminated, but it sure won’t happen with the corporate lackeys we have in government now!
You’re absolutely right about the flaws in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans profit by denying care, and trapping people in a system where they have limited options and can face higher costs when they try to switch. The focus should be on providing quality care, not corporate profit. It’s troubling how these plans are marketed as affordable when, in reality, they often leave patients with high out-of-pocket costs and restricted access. We need to push for reforms that prioritize people’s health needs over profit, and ensure Medicare is truly working for retirees and others who rely on it. What steps do you think we should take to advocate for this change?
Businesses are buying up medical practices around the country. What do they do? They begin setting up structures that make the medical staff work harder and harder for less income while the corporate equivalents of Elon Musk and Zuckerberg, etc. skim off the profits. Corporate America whines about the cost of medical care yet they are causing those prices to be high. It's like Trump blaming the other person for doing what Trump himself is doing.
You’re totally on point about how businesses are buying up medical practices and making things worse for the staff. It’s frustrating to see how much harder people are working for less pay, while the big corporate heads profit. Have you noticed any personal experiences with this shift? Do you feel like the quality of care has gone down as these changes have taken place? And yeah, it’s crazy how corporate America can complain about high medical costs while they’re actively inflating them. Do you think there’s a way to push back against this trend or change the system?
Physicians are like any other profession, many are very good, a smaller number are excellent and a smaller number probably should have chosen a different field. Do your homework - the very good and excellent physicians are out there. To answer your questions, the majority of my peers would provide excellent care as a matter of personal integrity. Still, after twelve years of post-college medical training, it's hard to swallow an MBA skimming off the profits of your hard work. Yes, I have friends who left private practice when it was bought out by a corporation and made them work like lab rats on a treadmill - that, after entering the work force at 35,and with medical debt. We have a shortage of doctors/medical professionals in the U.S. It is projected to get worse. Many doctors marry doctors. Say you have a brilliant research oncologist whose spouse is in OB-GYN. Do you think that oncologist will accept a job in a state with an abortion ban? Not likely. Will those states with abortion bans have poorer health care overall? I would guess that is likely. I would guess it also likely that corporations swoop in, buy up practices and put in whatever doctor they can get and advertise him or her as "brilliant".
I'm old - I'll be shuffling off this mortal coil not all that long from now. I've boycotted, marched, written letters to all manner of representatives, to try and preserve our democracy. I know that many corporations operate unethically, but they have the money both to conceal it and to produce advertising which is sophisticated and designed to make you think it is "the other", not them, that is the problem. It's time to turn a hot, bright spotlight on those corporations. We the people, have the power to sink them like they have sunk and are sinking good healthcare in this country.
I think we need to get tougher with our expectations for our elected officials. They need corporate money to run, yes, but they also need our votes. The primaries offer our best shot. The dems keep thinking that a centrist candidate is a better shot. Maybe it’s time to question that. We had a chance to change things in 2016 with Bernie and we blew it. But it’s not too late. Time to shake things up?
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad you benefitted from the educational policies of the Biden/Harris administration, and now we can all reap the benefits of your hard work by enjoying your words.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story! The Biden Harris administration did so much for hard working folks, yet get slammed as elitist. I, too, deeply hope that they will be remembered by history for their extraordinarily compassionate leadership.
“To infinity and beyond!!!”, I love to see people succeed, well done Olivia!!💪🏾😎💃🏻
Thankful for you!