If you use social networks and are in the world of the missing, whether as a family of a missing person, a crime survivor and/or an advocate, you are likely to know about a cause called MissingKidsTV. You may have even been on this show as a guest (in that case, I'm "preaching to the choir.") As a person who has use social networks for over two years, I have been aware of this cause since almost the beginning of my online experiences. But I have not been an active, close follower of it until recently. Through becoming a recent "regular," I regret that I have not closely followed MissingKidsTV from the beginning.
For the benefit of the many of you, who are not in the "world of the missing" and are not involved in the cause of missing/unidentified people or causes surrounding it, such as child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, runaways, and other issues, none of this is going to make sense to you, right? Or you may know these things exist and are going on but you may be clueless as to what this is all about or wonder what it has to do with you. So let me begin at the beginning and tell you what this is all about. In the USA alone, there are thousands of missing people of all ages, genders, races, and walks of life. They vanish for many reasons, including misunderstandings, running away, abduction (family, acquaintance, stranger), child abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, accidents, suicide, and special needs wandering, and murder staged as disappearances. Adults vanish as often as children do, and boys vanish as much as girls do and men vanish as much as women do. And turning up missing can happen to any of us just as having a missing loved one is. That is why we all need to be concerned. This show is one of many causes or outlets where we all can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
There are countless nonprofits and causes set up to assist families, finding missing people and advocate for crime victims/survivors, so why am I singling out MissingKidsTV? This cause is a supplement to these other things from forensic investigations to nonprofits and seeks to bring cases to life. The Host of the show, Steve Hrad, is a huge supporter of America's Most Wanted (AMW) and features fugitives on his shows and plays AMW promotionals and frequent clips during Blogtalkradio shows. But let me make one thing clear: MissingKidsTV is not affiliated with America's Most Wanted but is a loyal supporter of the show and is proactive in bringing awareness to it and to specific cases. I'm sure almost everyone knows that AMW's Host is John Walsh, the father of a brutally-murdered son, of many years ago, whose case has only recently been solved. And John Walsh tirelessly fights crime through featuring fugitives, missing people and crime victims on his shows. The Host of MissingKidsTV creates weekly Facebook "event" pages to make AMW shows more accessible to Facebook users.
There is another, more personal reason that I wholeheartedly support this cause. The Host of this show has made it public that he is diagnosed with autism and that his son is similarly diagnosed. And it was he who has given me repeated exposure for my petition on Change.org. He testifies to knowing, firsthand, that he has made a difference and has witnessed children being rescued and reunited with their families through his awareness efforts. And the Host has done two-hour shows with guests that focus in-depth on specific guests or cases. Recently, I have listened to the archived version of "Angel's Story," which is a two-hour show that he had pre-recorded via Skype, interviewing Angel. Angel was kidnapped at age 14 and trafficked. Angel is not the 19-year-old young woman's actual name, which has been kept secret because of pending court cases concerning those guilty parties in Angel's case. Angel is a human trafficking survivor and Steve, as the Host, handled her and her story with professionalism and sensitivity; her mom was included at the end of this show to give her prespective as the mom of a missing child.
As a person who wholeheartedly supports MissingKidsTV, I want to see it remain effective for the sake of the people that Steve wants so passionately to touch and help. If you have been listening to the more recent episodes, I'm quite sure that you have noticed that it has, because of this Host's vastly increased work hours, and far less time to prepare episodes, declined in professionalism and delivery. Steve has been working up to 120 hours a week, working at various subcontracting factory assignments simply to make ends meet for his family. He has not held back from requesting help for his shows so that he can continue to deliver quality, sensitive, effective shows where people crimes are solved, missing people are found and other people are helped. Weeks ago, he created a Facebook "event" page called "A Cry for Help" which brought the MissingKidsTV show more callers.
Actually, MissingKidsTV usually does one Live show per week, where callers are welcome to call in about any topic. This show is normally 1:00PM to 3:00PM CST (my time in the state of Missouri) and it is callers who are the lifeblood of this live show. The number to call-in, during this time period, is 347-843-4992. There have been complaints that this show has "lost its focus" on missing cases but much of that is due to the Host's 120-hour a week work schedule and inability, due to time constraints, to research cases and adequately prepare shows. If you have listened to today's show, whether live or archived, I'm sure that you have noticed that it was more professionally delivered as a milestone show, as commemorating the 5th anniversary of this show's launch. And if you have listened to this Host's "monologue's," as he called them, including the second one at the end, you have heard his heart and passion for his mission, and his dedication to make the workld a better place, which he IS.
And now let me make an appeal to you. I want to appeal to you to help keep this show "going." If you have a missing loved one and you want to tell the world about that loved one so he or she can be found, your phone calls are welcome; you may even get a two hour interview. If you have a murdered loved one who needs justice, your phone calls are also welcome and you just might get your two hour show,, if you desire. If you are an advocate, run a nonprofit, do free stuff (like websites) for those in need or are trying to keep a petition going, as I am, your phone calls are welcome. You may, if desired, get a two-hour show. I have contacted a number of families and some advocates in hopes that they would respond to this appeal and only a few have responded. Steve, like anyone, is most willing to help, but in order to help, your participation is needed. Of course, I know that many of you have to do other things at that time period but you can still listen to archived shows and comment on Steve's Facebook page so he knows that you are following his show. I will provide links that will help you access the information on this cause.
Remember, it does no good to complain about the state of our culture, unless you are willing to get involved and be a part of the solution! MissingKidsTV is an outlet for that.
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/MissingKidsTV
This is the Facebook page for this cause, where there are many posts of missing cases, fugitives and other causes that Steve supports as the Host of MissingKidsTV. If you want to be part of the show, you need to post comments on the page or leave a private message at the "Message" feature at the upper right of the page. But if you really prefer to send the Host more private and detailed information for an in-depth, two-hour show or have a "restricted" case with sensitive information which must be kept private, email this Host. To protect his inbox from getting spammed, I won't provide his email address here, but if you send him a private message requesting it, I'm sure he will give it to you. Because Steve gets many emails, being subscribed to countless missing cases, he may not promptly reply, but from my experience, he will eventually get back with you!
http://blogtalkradio.com/MissingKidsTV
This is where you access the MissingKidsTV episodes, including the Live call-in show. To repeat, this show is live from 1:00PM to 3:00PM CST (my time). And if you are able to join at this time, you are welcome to do so! The call-in number is: 347-843-4992. At this site you can also access archived versions of any show and listen to it that way.
http://www.youtube.com/MissingKidsTV
I seldom visit this site but you may want to go here and educate yourself on cases and issues surrounding missing people, as shared in videos.
http://www.spreaker.com/user/missingkidstv
I tried to access this site but it caused me trouble with my computer. I don't visit here and I include it because the Host wants this information shared.
http://www.amw.com/
This is the website for the America's Most Wanted show, which I advise everyone to check out, with its database of missing people and fugitives. Doing so will empower you to help fight crimes and help find missing people and keep our society safer.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
What's the Straight Scoop On Welfare, Entitlements and the Ryan Plan?
Anyone who even casually is exposed to or follows the news can discern that the current, raging debate and controversy in the Presidential campaigns center around government programs and about what should be done about them and about our current President's supposed current role in "keeping them alive" for the purpose of "getting welfare recipients to vote for him." The philosophy of Republicans and the more the more conservative the more pronounced, is that government should not give people anything that would discourage what they call "personal responsibility," and this includes anything that would supposedly discourage the motive to work and make one's way in life. The Democrats and the more liberal the more pronounced is the befief, that while people do have "personal responsibility," that the government has a social responsibility to provide a safety net for vulnerable people in our society through government programs.
But even before this debate that is going on, I have seen a widespread resentment of people who use government programs and misconceptions about what is welfare and about people who use government programs, including those that are, in fact, welfare. One day, recently, I was scrolling through my Facebook homepage. In my newsfeed streamed a poster bearing thse words, "So I'm supposed to be outraged about how Mitt Romney Spends HIS money? How about how President Obama spends MY tax dollars? And underneath this photo, four people clicked the "like" button, displaying their approval of the poster and its sentiment. Yes, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions, but in an economy like this, we need to be concerned about the way all $$$ are spent.
The posting of that photo, to me, is free speech. But posts like other are not; they lean closer to "hate speech." Many months ago one morning, I had just logged into Facebook and this vitriolic post, all in capitals, stared at me: This Facebook user was bitterly lashing out at "welfare bums" who "live it up and use the system." She went on and on with her bitter diatribe. Then she finished with, "AND YOU GO HOME AND ENJOY YOUR STEAK WHILE I EAT MY NOODLES!"
I know that this stereotype of people who use government programs is widespread. In my network is one of many Facebook users who make no secret of their political leanings. I see nothing wrong with that as long as people share their views graciously, politely and respect differences. However, most people do not take this approach when they "get political. I have seldom seen it, in person or online. One Facebook user has been explicit in her contempt for "welfare bums." One day, I was scrolling through my homepage when a post by this user leapt out at me. Her post thundered about the uselessness of people who "sponge off on the US taxpayer" and that when this user's candidate of choice presumably took office, that the "free ride of the welfare bums will end!"
Medicaid is the federal program that addresses the basic health care needs of qualifying US citizens. Many years ago, the Republican Governor who was in office at the time, Gov. Matt Blunt,
as a way to cut the Missouri budget, made a package of cuts to many Missouri programs, including many that helped the most vulnerable and needy in our state. He made cuts to Medicaid. So I found a petition to restore Medicaid and end the cuts to it in our state and got involved. I got a good response to my effort to collect signatures. One fellow parishioner refused to sign, saying firmly, "Sorry to punish children for the sins of their parents but I have seen adults cash in on their EBT cards to get liquor. I cannot support this." Another person refused to sign, stating, "I don't support the project; in fact, I support some of thse cuts."
I have struggled with what to think about mandatory drug-testing, as I would like to see the serious drug epidemic come to an end. Should ANYONE be subjected to such drug-testing? Over and over, when scrolling through my homepage, I have seen this post. It says something like, "Whatever you think of my views, I'm in favor of people applying for government assistance to be drug-tested. Why should our tax dollars go to drug addicts who do not work? Those of us who do work and earn our money get drug-tested; what about those who get benefits for nothing?" Every time this status is reposted, multiple users hit the "like" button underneath it to show their approval of this status. I have no doubt that some people who use government programs of any kind use drugs, but the way the programs are set up, those who apply for government programs are carefully screened and "due diligence" is done on their lifestyles and there are stiff penalties for any who dare abuse benefits by using them for drugs.
Food Stamps is a Federal Program that supplements the nutritional needs of qualifying US citizens. Recently, a certain politician said of the current US President and as no compliment to President Obama: "Barack Obama is the biggest Food Stamp President in history."
The misonconception that poor people are lazy and do not want to work, is very widespread in our culture. The fact is that most DO work; many work at low-paying jobs with no benefits. Others who "live on wefare" are busy raising their families and volunteering their time. And often, many hours must be spent simply filling out forms, waiting in lines and "getting" reviewed to ensure that they qualify. But even politicians hold misconceptions about their constituents who are poor. Recently, one politician, obviously annoyed with the debate about the "merits" of making cuts to the "Big Three," Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, declared, "I agree that the poor need something. They need the opportunity to learn the responsibility of work."
At one time I listened to a talk show run by a very conservative talk show host, mostly for entertainment. One day, though, I grew furious at him when he ranted at poor people in general. He ranted, "The poor should stop getting their taxes cut! It is time that they begin paying their share and it is called PAYING TAXES! I say an end to the free ride once and for all!" In anger, I turned my radio off! To me, this was NOT free speech but rather, hate speech. Plus, it showed how uninformed and prejudiced this talk show host was in defining "work" as being only paid, gainful employment.
I was on Facebook one day and was circulating a petition calling for stopping any efforts to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, the top entitlement programs, to balance the budget. I posted the petition's link to a certain fan page, which turned out to be a mistake. I got Facebook notifications that people were commenting on my post, so I checked to see what people were saying. People said things along the lines that many people who use these three entitlements are among "the underserving poor," whic, to the minds of those posting, included "illegal aliens" and those who refuse to work, whoever they are; people said to be irresponsible, freeriders, and parasites who "abuse the system." The fact is, that thse three programs, as "entitlement programs," are VERY strict in who can use them and they are not counted as welfare programs in that they are not (except for Medicaid) based on financial need) but on age or (in the case of Social Security Disability) on disability or, in the case of Veteran's benefits, US veteran status. In other words, one must be "deserving" to use thse programs. Yes, I know that some do slip between the cracks and use these programs illegitimately, but they are exceptions.
We talk about the value of "stay-at-home moms" on one hand, but when poor woman use government benefits and take on this role, the tone changes to the need for those woman to "get off their duffs and go to work." Years ago, I read an article called, We Value Stay-At-Home Moms, Unless They are Poor." The point of the article was my point here, that we talk "out of both ends of our mouths" when we laud women who stay at home while their husbands work paid jobs, while castigating poor women on benefits who take on this role, trashing as "lazy, welfare bums," those moms who used Aid to Dependent Children (now Temporary Assistance To Needy Families) to make ends meet. Years ago, in college class, we were discussing the topic of depency on the government as "Big Brother." The topic got on that of poor single moms who use government assistance. The professor was saying, "These women can get out and work. They just have to take their children with them, even if they have to take them on the bus."
I know and freely acknowledge that there are always those people who slip between the cracks and "work the system" and use it in their unfair favor. I have witnessed that and I do not condone it at all. Some who collect benefits do not use them for the purpose that thse benefits were intended. They hurt not only the taxpayers and waste and steal government $$$, but they give a bad name to all the deserving MAJORITY of those who are forced, by life circumstances to use these programs. Most people who use thse programs, given the choice and the right circumstances and where needed, the support, would much rather be gainfully employed or be helped to start their own businesses. Most know how they are perceived by their society. I see posts angrily castigating those who make "collecting benefits their careers" and are being aided and abetted by the government which is now accused of "funding the lazy." I know that many people will continue to entertain the notion that people who use government programs are somehow able to enjoy lives of ease and even lavish lifestyles. Those who may actually do that are in the MINORITY of those who lie to the system and who should not be collecting any government benefits.
And what about the Ryan Plan? I have not mentioned that until now, but a HUGE part of this proposed program includes cuts, over time, to these programs and such cuts would especially hurt future generations. Since the author of this proposed program is the running mate of Mitt Romney, and it is a major part of the Presidential race to the White House, we all need to take the time to inform ourselves about what can profoundly affect almost all US citizens who are not independently wealthy. It personally angers me greatly that, instead of raising taxes on millionaires and billionaires (which even some of them are calling for!), we are having to base our votes, in part, on a plan that proposes to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it!
I am providing materials which give facts about the candidates, welfare, entitlements and the Ryan Plan. I hope that you will take the time to read these materials and educate yourself about things that profoundly affect all of our lives. In my opinion, if we would spend more time doing "due diligence" about these poeople who have power over all areas of our lives, we would make more informed decisions about who rises to power. In a free country, we get the government we deserve.
http://cobacourses.creighton.edu/businesscommunity/new773/wfm.htm
This article gives the facts about welfare. The writers are based in Omaha, Nebraska but the article includes a national study and answers basic questions.
http://usaunemploymentbenefits.com/welfare-facts/
This article gives the basics about government programs in general and links to other informative sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Path_to_Prosperity
This is a comprehensive analysis of the Ryan Plan, very detailed.
http://americanthinker.com/2011/06/ok_just_what_is_the_ryan_medicare_plan.html
This article discusses the Ryan Plan is is affects Medicare.
http://politifact.com
This is a comprehensive website that examintes the truth and accuracy of the words of politicians
But even before this debate that is going on, I have seen a widespread resentment of people who use government programs and misconceptions about what is welfare and about people who use government programs, including those that are, in fact, welfare. One day, recently, I was scrolling through my Facebook homepage. In my newsfeed streamed a poster bearing thse words, "So I'm supposed to be outraged about how Mitt Romney Spends HIS money? How about how President Obama spends MY tax dollars? And underneath this photo, four people clicked the "like" button, displaying their approval of the poster and its sentiment. Yes, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions, but in an economy like this, we need to be concerned about the way all $$$ are spent.
The posting of that photo, to me, is free speech. But posts like other are not; they lean closer to "hate speech." Many months ago one morning, I had just logged into Facebook and this vitriolic post, all in capitals, stared at me: This Facebook user was bitterly lashing out at "welfare bums" who "live it up and use the system." She went on and on with her bitter diatribe. Then she finished with, "AND YOU GO HOME AND ENJOY YOUR STEAK WHILE I EAT MY NOODLES!"
I know that this stereotype of people who use government programs is widespread. In my network is one of many Facebook users who make no secret of their political leanings. I see nothing wrong with that as long as people share their views graciously, politely and respect differences. However, most people do not take this approach when they "get political. I have seldom seen it, in person or online. One Facebook user has been explicit in her contempt for "welfare bums." One day, I was scrolling through my homepage when a post by this user leapt out at me. Her post thundered about the uselessness of people who "sponge off on the US taxpayer" and that when this user's candidate of choice presumably took office, that the "free ride of the welfare bums will end!"
Medicaid is the federal program that addresses the basic health care needs of qualifying US citizens. Many years ago, the Republican Governor who was in office at the time, Gov. Matt Blunt,
as a way to cut the Missouri budget, made a package of cuts to many Missouri programs, including many that helped the most vulnerable and needy in our state. He made cuts to Medicaid. So I found a petition to restore Medicaid and end the cuts to it in our state and got involved. I got a good response to my effort to collect signatures. One fellow parishioner refused to sign, saying firmly, "Sorry to punish children for the sins of their parents but I have seen adults cash in on their EBT cards to get liquor. I cannot support this." Another person refused to sign, stating, "I don't support the project; in fact, I support some of thse cuts."
I have struggled with what to think about mandatory drug-testing, as I would like to see the serious drug epidemic come to an end. Should ANYONE be subjected to such drug-testing? Over and over, when scrolling through my homepage, I have seen this post. It says something like, "Whatever you think of my views, I'm in favor of people applying for government assistance to be drug-tested. Why should our tax dollars go to drug addicts who do not work? Those of us who do work and earn our money get drug-tested; what about those who get benefits for nothing?" Every time this status is reposted, multiple users hit the "like" button underneath it to show their approval of this status. I have no doubt that some people who use government programs of any kind use drugs, but the way the programs are set up, those who apply for government programs are carefully screened and "due diligence" is done on their lifestyles and there are stiff penalties for any who dare abuse benefits by using them for drugs.
Food Stamps is a Federal Program that supplements the nutritional needs of qualifying US citizens. Recently, a certain politician said of the current US President and as no compliment to President Obama: "Barack Obama is the biggest Food Stamp President in history."
The misonconception that poor people are lazy and do not want to work, is very widespread in our culture. The fact is that most DO work; many work at low-paying jobs with no benefits. Others who "live on wefare" are busy raising their families and volunteering their time. And often, many hours must be spent simply filling out forms, waiting in lines and "getting" reviewed to ensure that they qualify. But even politicians hold misconceptions about their constituents who are poor. Recently, one politician, obviously annoyed with the debate about the "merits" of making cuts to the "Big Three," Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, declared, "I agree that the poor need something. They need the opportunity to learn the responsibility of work."
At one time I listened to a talk show run by a very conservative talk show host, mostly for entertainment. One day, though, I grew furious at him when he ranted at poor people in general. He ranted, "The poor should stop getting their taxes cut! It is time that they begin paying their share and it is called PAYING TAXES! I say an end to the free ride once and for all!" In anger, I turned my radio off! To me, this was NOT free speech but rather, hate speech. Plus, it showed how uninformed and prejudiced this talk show host was in defining "work" as being only paid, gainful employment.
I was on Facebook one day and was circulating a petition calling for stopping any efforts to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, the top entitlement programs, to balance the budget. I posted the petition's link to a certain fan page, which turned out to be a mistake. I got Facebook notifications that people were commenting on my post, so I checked to see what people were saying. People said things along the lines that many people who use these three entitlements are among "the underserving poor," whic, to the minds of those posting, included "illegal aliens" and those who refuse to work, whoever they are; people said to be irresponsible, freeriders, and parasites who "abuse the system." The fact is, that thse three programs, as "entitlement programs," are VERY strict in who can use them and they are not counted as welfare programs in that they are not (except for Medicaid) based on financial need) but on age or (in the case of Social Security Disability) on disability or, in the case of Veteran's benefits, US veteran status. In other words, one must be "deserving" to use thse programs. Yes, I know that some do slip between the cracks and use these programs illegitimately, but they are exceptions.
We talk about the value of "stay-at-home moms" on one hand, but when poor woman use government benefits and take on this role, the tone changes to the need for those woman to "get off their duffs and go to work." Years ago, I read an article called, We Value Stay-At-Home Moms, Unless They are Poor." The point of the article was my point here, that we talk "out of both ends of our mouths" when we laud women who stay at home while their husbands work paid jobs, while castigating poor women on benefits who take on this role, trashing as "lazy, welfare bums," those moms who used Aid to Dependent Children (now Temporary Assistance To Needy Families) to make ends meet. Years ago, in college class, we were discussing the topic of depency on the government as "Big Brother." The topic got on that of poor single moms who use government assistance. The professor was saying, "These women can get out and work. They just have to take their children with them, even if they have to take them on the bus."
I know and freely acknowledge that there are always those people who slip between the cracks and "work the system" and use it in their unfair favor. I have witnessed that and I do not condone it at all. Some who collect benefits do not use them for the purpose that thse benefits were intended. They hurt not only the taxpayers and waste and steal government $$$, but they give a bad name to all the deserving MAJORITY of those who are forced, by life circumstances to use these programs. Most people who use thse programs, given the choice and the right circumstances and where needed, the support, would much rather be gainfully employed or be helped to start their own businesses. Most know how they are perceived by their society. I see posts angrily castigating those who make "collecting benefits their careers" and are being aided and abetted by the government which is now accused of "funding the lazy." I know that many people will continue to entertain the notion that people who use government programs are somehow able to enjoy lives of ease and even lavish lifestyles. Those who may actually do that are in the MINORITY of those who lie to the system and who should not be collecting any government benefits.
And what about the Ryan Plan? I have not mentioned that until now, but a HUGE part of this proposed program includes cuts, over time, to these programs and such cuts would especially hurt future generations. Since the author of this proposed program is the running mate of Mitt Romney, and it is a major part of the Presidential race to the White House, we all need to take the time to inform ourselves about what can profoundly affect almost all US citizens who are not independently wealthy. It personally angers me greatly that, instead of raising taxes on millionaires and billionaires (which even some of them are calling for!), we are having to base our votes, in part, on a plan that proposes to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it!
I am providing materials which give facts about the candidates, welfare, entitlements and the Ryan Plan. I hope that you will take the time to read these materials and educate yourself about things that profoundly affect all of our lives. In my opinion, if we would spend more time doing "due diligence" about these poeople who have power over all areas of our lives, we would make more informed decisions about who rises to power. In a free country, we get the government we deserve.
http://cobacourses.creighton.edu/businesscommunity/new773/wfm.htm
This article gives the facts about welfare. The writers are based in Omaha, Nebraska but the article includes a national study and answers basic questions.
http://usaunemploymentbenefits.com/welfare-facts/
This article gives the basics about government programs in general and links to other informative sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Path_to_Prosperity
This is a comprehensive analysis of the Ryan Plan, very detailed.
http://americanthinker.com/2011/06/ok_just_what_is_the_ryan_medicare_plan.html
This article discusses the Ryan Plan is is affects Medicare.
http://politifact.com
This is a comprehensive website that examintes the truth and accuracy of the words of politicians
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