Off Topic (sorta): The Government will take care of us

[Citiot]

<rant>
This piece talks about having the government ban contact sports for kids under 14 due to CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). The stories are horrible and the parents in no way are responsible since this syndrome was not known until recently.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/16/health/angry-moms-call-for-federal-rules-on-contact-sports/index.html

While off topic, it sorta relates back to guns. Why do we need the government to ban this? The youth leagues are starting to do so themselves.

Most importantly, if you don't want your kids to play contact sports, don't. You don't have to sign them up.

One of my kids has a minor bleeding disorder (thank goodness not terribly serious). Dr. said no hockey and maybe not football. We decided without the help from the government to not let him play these sports.

I just don't get it. Moms speaking at Congress to get them to make a law? Just don't let your kids play contact sports.

So, yes, I'm somewhat left politically. I am thankful for the rural DFLers in the state who continue to stop government infringement on God given rights (like right to bear arms).

I used to scoff at the notion that "liberalism is a mental disorder." I'm starting to think it is true with news like this and this is the root of the anti 2A crowd argument.... the government will take care of us and keep us safe from ourselves, no need to take personal responsibility.
</rant>

[LePetomane]

Citiot,

Have you been to a doctor lately? You will be asked about bicycle helmets, seat belts, firearms, condoms, the list goes on. Do you feel safe in the home? Every symptom you articulate will be listed as a disease.

Privacy laws aside, with a single payer system the government will use your medical record to gather information about every aspect of your life. If they are paying for your medical care they will have access to your records.

I wonder if pediatricians will be required to counsel patients on hazards of contact sports. Maybe they already do.

[ex-LT]

I used to scoff at the notion that "liberalism is a mental disorder." I'm starting to think it is true with news like this and this is the root of the anti 2A crowd argument.... the government will take care of us and keep us safe from ourselves, no need to take personal responsibility.

Unfortunately, too many people nowadays have abdicated their responsibility, and now expect government to do for them what they should do for themselves.

One of my favorite quotes...

Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

[Citiot]

Citiot,

Have you been to a doctor lately? You will be asked about bicycle helmets, seat belts, firearms, condoms, the list goes on. Do you feel safe in the home? Every symptom you articulate will be listed as a disease.

Privacy laws aside, with a single payer system the government will use your medical record to gather information about every aspect of your life. If they are paying for your medical care they will have access to your records.

I wonder if pediatricians will be required to counsel patients on hazards of contact sports. Maybe they already do.

I've noticed that. I just nod in a non-committal way if they ask these questions. I will listen... for example, a doctor once asked me what I did for a living.... I was a janitor at the time. He did tell me to make sure not to mix bleach with ammonia because it releases chlorine gas and can kill you in a closed space. I didn't know that.

I have instructed my kids to flat out lie to the doctor if they ask about firearms in the house or other over-the-top questions.

I also have a little fun when I check in for an appointment (I'm a bit sensitive about giving out info where it is not required). They always ask for insurance card and photo ID. I give them my insurance card and decline the photo ID.

Usual response is it is for "my protection." I respond "no thank you."

That's usually then end of it (yes, they have access to my birthdate, etc, but photocopying a DL is not electronically logged and anyone can just look at the photo copy and use it to steal my identity with no record of data retrieval)

Sometimes it goes further and they state "policy." I then state "it is my policy to never allow a perfect stranger to photocopy my DL."

One time, the receptionist said I couldn't proceed to my appointment. I stated that you must think I am committing fraud, and if so, please place me under citizen's arrest and call the police. But keep in mind I will be suing you for false arrest and false imprisonment.

She then backpeddled and said she doesn't think that I am committing fraud. I then said please let me see my doctor if you believe everything is legit. They must have put a note on my record because I never have been asked for ID at that place again.

Yes, I can be a tool some times, but ID theft is a real pain in the...

Heck, while I am ranting.... Visa and MC merchant agreement do not require ID for purchases. Only if they suspect fraud can they ask. Discover and AMEX don't explicitly prohibit ID for purchase, but they do allow merchants to ask.

I do the same thing for credit card transactions. "may I see your ID"...I politely reply "no thank you." Usually the response is it is "policy". I respond with "do you think I am a credit card thief?" Clerk usually says "Oh no, just trying to protect you"

"Lemme see, exposing my full name, address, DOB, DL number to a total stranger when I have zero liability for fraudulent credit card transactions if protecting me? How so? You have a choice here, either complete the purchase or call the police, there is no other possibility"

Never had anyone totally decline me after that. 100% of the time, the clerk doesn't compare the signature on the card as per merchant agreements... go figure.

[4weelin]

The old saying that cash is king. No personal info is exchanged. They can't track what you purchased. Or who you are. They might ask for your zip code for marketing purposes. You can decline. Credit card info can't be stolen if you don't use it. Just get extra cash on payday and minimize your exposure. I don't have a debit card either.
I'm still old school.

[Ghost]

the clerk doesn't compare the signature on the card as per merchant agreements... go figure.

A guy I used to work with occasionally signed his name "This is not me" nobody had mentioned anything to him.

[Chunkychuck]

I missed my "spirometer" test at work one year. I have to wear a respirator at work some times and so they test for lung capacity. They sent me to a local clinic to have the test done. I filled out the form at the clinic with my basic information (name, address, etc) but ignored all the medical questions. When I handed it to the clerk she asked me to complete the form. I said I didn't need to as I was there for that specific test and they didn't need the other information as they were not my primary care facility. She told me they needed it in the event that I came back another time for something else. I told her I would fill out what was necessary if I ever came back but I wasn't giving them any information beyond what I had already given. She wasn't too happy with me as I challenged the system but she didn't keep me from my appointment.

[Citiot]

It's good to see people not providing information for sake of providing information.

Yes, cash is king and really helps in negotiation. Ironically, I use credit cards to get miles, and I give up lots of privacy to do so, The credit card companies know lots about what I buy. But jumping on a plane every few months for a free or reduced price ticket is worth it (I never EVER pay interest... pay balance each month).

Bad thing about credit cards is it's easier to spend than cash.

I used to say "no thank you" to the BestBuy LP people when they asked me for my receipt. The stunned look on their face was priceless. They let me be as I left the store.

Only once did one of them chase me and insist on seeing my receipt as it was policy. I responded that if he doesn't get out of the way, I will consider myself under arrest. He was super stunned and stepped aside.

Glad that Best Buy doesn't do that anymore. It kinda sours the shopping experience when the last contact with a Best Buy employee is proving I'm not a thief. BTW, if I leave a store and the alarm goes off, I just keep on walking. Never had a problem. It is common that they miss some of the sensors as you are checking out.

Membership stores like Sam's Club can ask for receipt and you must show them because it's in the contact you sign. I suppose you could refuse and they could revoke your membership. Civil, not criminal issue.