Small Things Count

Yes, Social Security and Medicare are “entitlement” programs.  But let’s be clear.  The word “entitlement” is often used in negative ways – as handouts or free money given to someone who feels entitled, or justified, to get it without working.  In fact, it simply refers to something a person truly has a right to have (think of the entitlement in the business world of a vacation).  If a person pays into a fund their whole working life, then retires, aren’t they entitled to get their money back, with interest?  That’s Social Security.  If a person pays out-of-pocket a portion of that Social Security each month, plus an additional amount to a health plan, and they pay it to the government to form a huge fund that pays for most (not all—think deductibles, co-pays, and non-covered but necessary items) medical bills, aren’t they entitled to receive the limited benefits that Medicare provides?  Obviously, the answer is YES to both questions.  I wish these programs were not considered “entitlements,” or at least that people would stop thinking that people using them are taking advantage.  Over many years, those people earned their benefits!

Today’s Thursday Thought quote-picture at first seems like a task that would take a lot of energy and thought. Yet, it can be done in small ways, sometimes something as simple as a smile, an encouraging word, or just being present to someone.

Last night I watched the most gripping, poignant, impactful movie I’ve seen in some time. It stars Jamie Foxx and Michael B, Jordon, among others. It is based on the true story of Walter Morgan, on death row for a murder he did not commit. I was riveted and needed some tissues to get me through it. And I was inspired. For once I even agreed with the critics. Hunt up “Just Mercy” on your streaming service and watch for it on regular TV channels. The 2 1/2 hours of film goes by so quickly and leaves the viewer with a lot to consider.

Our lives would be less secure and comfortable without some inventions we’ve grown to depend on. Let’s give credit where credit is due for a few of them: home security system (Mary Van Brittan Brown), 3-light traffic signal (Garrett Morgan), refrigerated trucks (Frederick McKinley Jones), automatic elevator doors (Alexander Miles), microphone (James E. West), color IBM PC monitor and gigahertz chip (Mark Dean).

What do all of these inventors have in common? They represent major contributions by Blacks. Something to think about during February, which is Black History Month.

GO, USA! WE YELL.  But when the young woman from another country stands in tears, defeated not by her opponent but by a glitch that added one more second onto the clock after the end of the fencing match (actually happened one year), we cry with her. When we see the smiles on non-USA parents’ faces as their non-American children accept gold, silver, or bronze, we share their joy. Looking at the crowds marching under a multitude of colors and flags, I can’t help believing that world peace is possible. I’d like to think that differences can be settled not by bullets and bombs but by coming together in a shared experience. Not by issuing harsh rhetoric and threats but by celebrating our mutual goals. The Olympic rings should remind us that all humans are part of the same huge family, with interlinked, interdependent lives, depending on each other worldwide to survive and thrive on this speck we call Earth.  GO, USA! GO HUMANITY!

Thinking about replacing your home’s furnace or air conditioner?  Check around for more efficient, low-fossil fuel furnaces and hybrid heating and AC.  They’re earth-friendly and save on your monthly bills.

[For more easy, money-saving, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. For a description of the book go to My Free Books).

We’ve all heard about things we can do to cure fleas, vomiting, and other problems our pets have. We embrace these because they’re quick and easy (for example, we usually have garlic in our kitchen). In fact, some of these “cures” are toxic and can be harmful to our beloved pet. Below is a chart from the ASPCA of common myths so we can know to avoid making our beloved pets even sicker…or worse.

Here’s an additional myth not on the chart: My pet won’t eat something that tastes bad. The fact is, they’ll gobble down bad-tasting food because they won’t realize it tastes bad until after they’ve gobbled it up.

For additional information, including their phone number, go to the ASPCA’s animal poison control website.