Heather Meyer

Los Angeles, CA

While I could understand why many may consider me VERY Liberal, I consider myself a little closer to center; because I demand practicality to be evident before I can support a position, which often includes things like fiscal conservatism.

Heather signed the petition | over 1 year ago

Pass the Bills During the Lame Duck Session
Heather signed the petition | about 2 years ago

Pass Legislation to Get Corporate Money Out of Politics
Heather signed the petition | about 2 years ago

Demand Stronger Penalties for Mine Safety Violations
Heather signed the petition | almost 3 years ago

Legalize Marijuana
Heather commented on the article | about 3 years ago

Video: Get Up to Speed on Health Reform in 3 Minutes

You have laid out very well what is right & wrong about this video. I'd agree that for those without a clue as to what the "choices" are, this would give an easily understood explanation - however false or misleading some of the details are.

I went to the Humana website, to the link that pops up at the end of the video. What I found is similar to what you said about how they blame malpractice for the high cost of care. The thing that got to me was how they claim THEIR OWN Advantage plan supposedly resolves the high cost, and also blames "people who abuse the system" for bankrupting Medicare.

These kinds of tactics (or "explanations") are clearly designed to keep private insurers in the game - and single payer off the table. Their idea of a solution is to ignore the fact that single payer would not only help reduce the cost of care, but actually make it CHEAPER all together - all on its own!!!

What they are suggesting are essentially band-aids for gaping wounds. A lot of what "sucks you in" is that their points about health care eating our GDP and being the highest in the world are true, making me think they are a little too dangerous to introduce to those who are unfamiliar with this subject.

I put together an extensive blog on the subject of single payer, and I sincerely hope everybody that sees this message will take a moment to look at it. I made a point of sourcing everything really well, and it includes findings on the latest WHO report that was recently released:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=2253254&blogId=490870685
Heather signed the petition | about 3 years ago

President Obama: Say "NO" to Abstinence-Only Programs
Heather commented on the article | about 3 years ago

The Military Responds to Global Warming

The World health Organization recently concluded their health assembly, and they resolved (in part) to focus on the effects that global warming has on our health in their agenda!

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2009/world_health_assembly_20090522/en/index.html

"Climate change and health
The resolution included a work plan to scale up WHO's technical assistance to countries to assess and address the implications of climate change for health and health systems.

The work plan has four objectives:

1. advocacy and awareness raising;

2. engagement in partnerships with other UN organizations and sectors other than the health sector at national, regional and international levels;

3. promoting and supporting the generation of scientific evidence;

4. and strengthening health systems to cope with the health threat posed by climate change, including emergencies related to extreme weather events and sea-level rise. "
Heather commented on the article | over 3 years ago

How To Change The Government; pt 1

Laura, I really couldn't agree more about what you said in that first paragraph - that was "the hook" for me. =)
As a person twho started out studying phsycology, philosophy, sociology, cultural anthropology, etc... and a life-long interest in helping people; I soon came to realize that as much as I actually deplored politics, it was the single most important way I could have a positive and powerful impact on people's lives - there's absolutely no doubt about it! It seemed that no matter what it was I was seeking to do to help others help themselves, there was always some government institution or policy that was beyond what any individual could do to take charge of their life.

THANK YOU for laying this all out so beautifully! It's been my experience that most people simply don't realize how easy it can be to make a serious impact, and change. It truly is all about knowing how to go about it. You can bet I'll have more than a few friends visit this blog! It's also my exoperience that most people really want to take the time to do these things too; once they know it is meaningful, simple, and not as time consuming as they assume.

That bit about mass-emailers, with the form letters - SO TRUE. I do use them, but I ALWAYS change the subject line, and rewrite the letter in my own words. I have no doubt that it would just get lost otherwise, for exactly the reasons you mentioned.

Thanks again, eagerly awaiting Part 2!

pssst...Francisco, I recommend you find a blog that actually has a topic that is at least romotely related, to post your comment. Seriously, you're not doing your cause any favors by spamming randomly.
Heather commented on the article | over 3 years ago

Inauguration Souvenirs for the Homeless: Fur Coats?

I actually like it, since it serves such a necessary purpose. Plus, I have to admit that I'd like to see the faces of the upper eshelon (who actually CHOOSE to buy & wear these things), when they see that "fur isn't for the elite anymore" - HA!
I rather like the idea of those things serving a purpose other than vanity!

I really like the idea of the sleeping bags made from the coats too - not bad at all. However, I'm sure that's a matter of cost, and they DO need coats too.

Besides, it's going to be bloody cold there people! Do you really think it's appropriate to debate whether the WAY we prevent people from freezing to death is "PC enough" or not? I say that this would only be appropriate if they were all being bought for this purpose. Some of you in here are arguing against it as if PETA is doing that, as if they would kill animals to help people - this is beyond absurd!

Bully to those that think this is insulting to homeless people, that doesn't make any sense to me. I'm pretty sure that there will be no complaints from them, and would find it FAR more insulting if nobody cared they were freezing.

And what would come of these coats if not given away like this anyway? Would you seriously want them to just go to the garbage instead?
I say it's perfectly sensible recycling!
Heather commented on the article | over 3 years ago

Another Really Bad Idea

I also find it a rather distasteful idea; but then again, we tend to be hyper sensitive about being completely PC in the US - especially compared to other countries. However, I'm leaning your way on this one, and I really don't think they would be making much with this idea here.

At least it's well intentioned, and donates a considerable amount of the profits to the cause. I suppose they may think it could also act as a daily reminder that this issue is there, and needs our constant attention. That's the best I can lend to it though, by giving them the benefit of the doubt.