vote. Vote. VOTE!

Today is November 6th, midterm election day! ☑️ Have you voted yet?

I finally got my vote by mail ballot a few days ago, so took out my fancy pen and voted. Every time I vote, I think of the sacrifices of the suffragettes, the civil rights leaders, and my immigrant family who have made voting for many of us possible.

As Oprah said last week, honor our ancestors and GO VOTE!

American Expats Voting Abroad

Are you an American living abroad like me? Are you following this year’s insane elections like the rest of the world is? Do you have any idea how to practice your voting rights aboard?

Please make sure to visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program, also known as FVAP, and follow the proper procedures for your state. Even if you missed the registration for the primaries, some states are still open until May or June. Otherwise, at least be sure you can vote, come November.

 

A kind reminder to my lady peeps… generations before us, ladies died for us to have a right to vote. Please do your part, make your vote count.

Obama’s Health Speech

I watched President Obama’s speech to congress earlier today like most Americans did. I had to agree with most of what he said, talking about providing an option out there for those who can not afford health insurance. Clearing the air of the many misconceptions that has been brought up in the last few months. The speech overall was good but now we await to see what action will take place. My thoughts on this evening…

Click Here to watch the entire speech on CNN

Heckler: There was a heckler in the audience? The audience that was made up of US senators, representatives, global ambassadors and white house staff… who would heckle the president?

South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson yelled out, “you lie!” to the president. Really? Let’s put something in perspective here, Obama is speaking to clarify the plan that he has spoken of since his campaign – which has been quite consistent might I add. Yet rather then to be heard, he’s heckled? Wilson, you just made it even more harder for your republican friends to even try to defy Obama’s plan because now they have to apologize on your behalf… how sad. Whatever happened to the old saying, “you must give respect to earn respect?”

Seeing that and also the congressman with a sign around his neck (“what bill?”), some of the representatives booing and the waving of documents… practically all that was missing was a fist fight. You know like the ones we watch of foreign countries, shake our heads and say, “why can’t they be civilized like we are here?”

Republican Response: With all due respect for Louisiana Representative Charles Boustany, I thought the response was typical. I sadly have to ask, was this prerecorded?

Did the president not just clarify some of those misconceptions that you again are repeating? I’m not sure why the republicans are not working with the president on the issue rather then just sit and disagree. I have to respect Arizona Senator John McCain when he stated on Larry King Live that they can agree to disagree and work together towards the same goal. Again, we await the action to take place.

Personal Experience: I think the plan overall can work. Of course it can use some adjustments and that’s where our politicians that we voted for should work together. Should this plan pass, it will effect the economy by bringing down costs and in the long run make this nation a healthier nation.

I’m currently in a tug of war with MediCare to help get my dad’s prescription coverage taken care of. They want to penalize him for not applying sooner yet one can only apply for certain parts between certain dates. It completely makes no sense and has become ridiculously complex for a man who has worked and paid taxes for over 40 years.

My father and other hard working Americans like him don’t have to be in a tug of war for MediCare their taxes paid for. I hope after the speech tonight, something can be done and proper health care can eventually be passed so that we can have some hope of a healthier America.