Mama Carol

If only it were that simple and that people who didn't share our view really WERE less educated, less evolved, less informed. In many cases, they are MORE educated, more informed and more open minded. Then, too, drugs cloud your mind.

You missed the point of my question.

As to the OP question about how much former member makes, I have an idea how much.

But wasn't one of the points of Obamacare the cost REDUCTION for healthcare? Until insurance companies stop practicing medicine, there will be conflict of interest.

I'm partially responsible for the decline in health care costs. I went.....three times maybe last year. Each time was to the orthopaedist for an injection and he gave me a wonderful discount since I was paying cash. Hubby didn't go at all. Feelip, you OK now??? How is that going to work since employers will be MANDATED to provide health insurance to their employees?

That's right--they go to the employer in most cases and not the covered individual. I'm sure my hubby's former employer got a nice chunk of money back from their insurance companies, while we who paid in many cases MORE than our fair share didn't get a dime. We were on COBRA for the maximum amount of time but the employer got any overpayment, not us.

I'm far from an expert but I do know how to read a profit and loss report. And news articles that report record profits. Here's a report from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/19/us-unitedhealth-idUSBRE83I0Z620120419 It is dated April 23, 2012. UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH.N) posted a higher-than-expected 3 percent rise in quarterly profit on Thursday, benefiting from an increase in membership across its health plans and lower-than-expected medical claims. Here's one from the National Journal, dated January 5, 2012 http://www.nationaljournal.com/healthcare/report-heal

Actually insurance companies made record profits in 2011 as more people put off health care while premiums did not decrease. NOR will they. They might not rise as quickly as in the past but they will not go down, despite what the media reports.

Heather--having been where you are, you are in my constant thoughts and prayers. I wish I could get up there to see Johnny but it isn't happening today. This just breaks my heart. I was expecting to see him this week and getting to work with him on a project again.

I guess if we're going to outlaw ALL possible drug paraphernalia, we need to outlaw money. More than once I've seen someone snort a line of coke using a $20 bill.

I don't live in Paulding, never have lived in Paulding and it's unlikely I ever will live in Paulding. However, I have owned and operated a business in Paulding since the mid-1980s or worked for a Paulding business. In many ways, I feel stronger ties to Paulding than to Cobb, which is where I was born, raised and still live. I hope to be posting to Pcom when I move to Florida, IF that ever happens.

I have to go to Marietta on business one day this week. Might make it tomorrow instead of later in the week just so I can see Johnny while I'm in the area. I'll miss that old buzzard. Maybe he will decide he's staying after all. LR, I understand totally what you're saying here.

I thought former member did that for free. And yeah, we have all we can handle who DO do it for free.

Yes and they are legal to sell as they are being sold for a different purpose.

You have made my weekend!! So happy to hear she is doing so well. I'll keep her in my prayers, always.

Then you might want to avoid stores that sell items such as the ones on this list: http://www.getsmarta...aphernalia.html Ecstasy paraphernalia includes: Pacifiers and lollipops are often used to help Ecstasy users guard against the teeth grinding that comes from involuntary jaw clenching. Candy necklaces are sometimes used to hide Ecstasy pills (bags of small candies also are good for this purpose). Glow sticks, mentholated rub and surgical masks are often used by kids on Ecstasy to overstimulate their senses. Water bottles are used to bring alcohol to parties or to transport

But they are free to sell rose vases. What one does with the vase AFTER the sale is not the concern of the business owner. A business should not be held liable for what a customer does AFTER they leave the place of business. Should Proctor and Gamble and Walmart be held liable because a customer purchased toilet paper and used the tube to make a pipe?

I don't worry too much about the crack pipes they sell in stores. It's the ones I find in my front yard that concern me.

The ONLY time I go in a convenience store is when we're traveling and stop to buy gas and go to the bathroom. Generally, that is the Love's station in Evergreen, AL. I wouldn't have a clue what any convenience store sells other than that one Love's which has really good coffee.

I think ours was for the same period of time, and likely everyone's was. However, our check was only $50 and change. But I've never had a $405 monthly bill. If that's what it takes to get a larger debt retirement check, they can keep the extra money. You didn't lend them anything. You're a member. This is similar to a dividend.

You won't get one until you have been with them for SEVERAL years. I don't know how long but it doesn't seem like we got one until we had been with them for about 5 years.

Just don't look up. I haven't been there in a couple of years because I rarely go to that part of Dallas any longer, but the food was really good last time.

I was just disappointed that my capital credit check from Greystone didn't cover the September bill. It has for the past 3-4 years.

So where are all the unfortunate drug dependent people going to live?

Give JJ a hug for me and tell him I'll get by to see him once he gets home. Chickadee, you and the rest of the family are in the thoughts and prayers of me and my hubby.