Update Dec 1st: Thankfully situation is in reprieve as was approved for a program for veterans to prevent eviction from Volunteers of America Southeast, which is a great organization. (If have read this post before, may have noticed had them mixed up with Southwest before, but have corrected now.) Have helped me out tremendously. So have time now, but still have to get a steady income as will just help out for a bit. Leaving post up as is informative and I re-read myself to help my focus.
Update 7:20 pm: Soon after writing this post this morning, reached out to some family where had been distancing, and got a bit of help. So no longer worried about losing electricity. While the gist of situation remains the same. Family can only help, so much. Do feel better though and feel like post serves a good purpose. Main thing is must get steady income and am working hard towards that goal, relying on LOTS of community resources thankfully available. And wish to emphasize DO appreciate that very much! Paying the rent is still a big deal, so title (adjusted a bit) still applies.
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In an apartment in Macon, GA, USA now with electricity which will soon be gone. Is just days away, as know Georgia Power WILL cut off electricity when the bill goes overdue. But how did I get here?
Like now to trace back to October 2010 when found out was being laid off, after finally putting my photo on the web. One of small batch of same photos tend to use for profile pictures. Wondering if those photos messed me up or not. Just know have not found a job just on my own since. Was briefly placed by state of Georgia Vocational Rehab into a position at Helms Career Center here in Macon. How did I end up with them, where in Georgia means state considers me disabled?
Well that's a story. So yeah, laid off in San Francisco with a great package too by the way from large insurance company. And maybe felt yeah was related to web activity, so cleaned up a lot of web postings and focused. Thought maybe best option was to figure out how to make all this activity out here pay. And also had those web analytics! Showing visitors from around the world! Would ask myself repeatedly, am I famous? Answer always gave myself, was no.
Back then was when came up with Core Middle Party. Kind of vaguely wondering if maybe could lead to something, which it has not. And as money ran out, like here now, and desperation began to set in, realized had to leave San Francisco, so moved back to where I grew up, Tifton, GA.
Stayed with my Mom in a volatile situation with my abusive stepfather who was abusing alcohol. We all were. Up to some night I don't even remember, and woke up with scratches, apparently after a fight with my stepfather I do not remember. I quit drinking then, back July 2013. Haven't missed it. He left, abandoning my mother. He would return eventually though, after I left to go into a rehabilitation program for homeless vets at Carl Vinson VA Medical Center. Would end up going through it, twice.
I don't think they knew what to make of me. And by then I was not sure either. Kept insisting the web had something to do with things, which never went over well. Like they wanted me trying to work for the US Government. I was like, with my Twitter account? No way. I'm way too critical of the US Government, and other governments, or just about anything that crosses my mind.
Relish my freedom of speech! And also realize impacts potential employment. Confounds me how often have tried to explain to federal and state employees, trying to convince me to try and work for government. Seems to never quite register. Befuddles me much.
After leaving vet homeless program at Carl Vinson first time, ended up with my father, who was then a widower. My stepmother had died of cancer before my rehab stint. And kind of thought was helping him by staying, but also was spending most of my time on the web. Hadn't worked then since November 2010. Was relying on food stamps for my food. Spending so much time, out here, on the web. Certain had to make it pay. If could only figure it out. Still haven't figured it out though.
At some point ended up in therapy. I wanted cognitive therapy and understood family was worried. The therapist recommended at some point I contact a representative of Georgia Vocational Rehab, to help me get a job, she said. State agency requested my medical file with her reports which went to a medical review board, and state determined I was disabled for mental reasons.
My father remarried and reached a point where he ordered his new wife to call the police on me, after an intervention they called it, when I'd been ordered to simply leave the house NOW. My father tried to throw me out on a dime, saying could stay with my older brother, who lives in public housing, where could only stay for two weeks. I said no, and signed up for rehab again at Carl Vinson.
My father and stepmother wrote a letter to begin eviction procedures after police informed they could not just throw me out that way. Received it certified mail, in the house where we were now avoiding each other. And I ended up at Carl Vinson, again. Which was nice but now more unsure what to do, and had no clue at end of program when a program called VOA offered a lifeline with a program which would put me in an apartment. Lots of programs and appreciated, was so great getting a place to stay again. Apartment on verge of losing now.
They pay for rent and utilities for some months while you get your life back together. Have struggled with that last. Like mentioned Georgia Vocational Rehab placed me with Helms Career Center, which is part of Goodwill, for a bit. But that...such a frustrating story there. It SHOULD have worked out. I ended up quitting rather than having, an angry event lets say with co-workers who I know were mistreating me. But work for Goodwill, right? Goodwill actual employees must be golden, right? Who listens to the mentally ill vet? Who believes him? So left, with a pause for a lecture at the door for concerned staff about how important their work is for the community. Most they ever listened to me really, only at the end.
And found myself, yeah, working harder at trying to make the web pay. Now am just begging. Hey, want to help a vet who is going by the rules, seeking help, and desperate anyway, on verge of homeless? How about give to Volunteers of America Southeast? Their program is how have this apartment. Their website: voasoutheast.org
Contacted them and they may be able to help. Have NOT talked to them about this blog, but figure, why not give the link? If do donate, maybe could say on my behalf? Or just do it for vets in general. Seems to be a good organization. Helped me much. May help me more.
What happened to federal and state help? Well VA has offered advice, on who to contact for help! For real, you end up with a person who am sure wants to help you, listing local community resources, of which you may already be aware. Went to DFACS and signed up for rental help, and was told they would call. No call so far. That just defies reason to me. Is one thing that maybe they do not have funds or cannot help, but to have you fill out a form, and be waiting for a call that just does not arrive? Has been over 2 weeks now.
Update Dec 14: Got the call today, and was quite polite! Was a nice person and am sure they have huge lists of people to call. So no way would have been rude and told about problem at least temporarily being resolved. Also learned you have to be a month behind anyway before they can help you. So even if they had called immediately would have been told couldn't help me until this month.
Update February 16, 2018: Am feeling much better about help from various agencies. And yes, still working on things! But as long as there is progress. Still a work in progress with situation.
Actually feels good to disclose so much, and will freely edit this page as relevant information shifts what I should state here. So much on my mind for years, and yeah, situation desperate now, and where am I? On the web yet again, as if somehow will work out this time. Web is where so much happens now.
Left the US military in 1996 after 5 years of active duty, working in medical centers, so saw no combat. Was honorably discharged. Didn't even figure on ever needing VA help.
James Harris
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Business of risk
There is so much risk in life where people can pool resources with businesses which will pay out when needed, up to a point, if needed. And such businesses are called insurance companies.
So strangers will take care of your needs, because you've given them money along with enough other people, if you have a problem covered under a contract, which limits liability of the strangers.
And have posted about money and limited social trust before.
Business is about limiting liability to others, while community at its best will save you with its every breath, like if your nation goes to war. The United States as a community has fought. Like with other allied nations as a community of nations more than once to save our world, and community at the highest levels has no limits. And yeah, even family should not, though reality is that is not always true.
As a community the nation has a duty to its citizens, while to be a business an insurance company should only pay to the limits of a contract. But what if a person is sick and still needs care?
If your insurance runs out? Then your community, if you have it, should still care for you. And when it comes to health insurance, your nation should bear the responsibility, and that is probably best paid for at the national level, but could also be at the state level in the US working together with the federal level.
If an insurance company keeps paying past the contractual limits or takes on a person already sick?
Then that insurance company is NOT acting as a business.
Here's a tweet I made recently talking a subject have discussed here before:
My healthcare plan: Preventive Care--everybody, Core Care--insurables, Expected Care--not easily insured, Elder Care--quality of life at end
Where explain all in a post, from 2009: My Healthcare Plan
So strangers will take care of your needs, because you've given them money along with enough other people, if you have a problem covered under a contract, which limits liability of the strangers.
And have posted about money and limited social trust before.
Business is about limiting liability to others, while community at its best will save you with its every breath, like if your nation goes to war. The United States as a community has fought. Like with other allied nations as a community of nations more than once to save our world, and community at the highest levels has no limits. And yeah, even family should not, though reality is that is not always true.
As a community the nation has a duty to its citizens, while to be a business an insurance company should only pay to the limits of a contract. But what if a person is sick and still needs care?
If your insurance runs out? Then your community, if you have it, should still care for you. And when it comes to health insurance, your nation should bear the responsibility, and that is probably best paid for at the national level, but could also be at the state level in the US working together with the federal level.
If an insurance company keeps paying past the contractual limits or takes on a person already sick?
Then that insurance company is NOT acting as a business.
Here's a tweet I made recently talking a subject have discussed here before:
And the tweet links back to a prior tweet where I gave a rather simple healthcare plan which could fit into 140 characters. And will post the text here:Under my healthcare plan ANYONE can have any health insurance provider. Health insurers direct insure only their choice. Administer others. https://t.co/05LHNDrYYV— James Harris (@jstevh) July 13, 2017
My healthcare plan: Preventive Care--everybody, Core Care--insurables, Expected Care--not easily insured, Elder Care--quality of life at end
Where explain all in a post, from 2009: My Healthcare Plan
That insurance companies can administer insurance even if they are NOT paying from the pool paid into to handle risk is not a wild idea.
Wealthy people will have an insurance company, when they will pay if, for instance, in a car accident. The insurance company has more expertise than a wealthy person who presumably rarely gets in an accident, with handling accidents, and that expertise is worth a LOT.
Wealthy people will have an insurance company, when they will pay if, for instance, in a car accident. The insurance company has more expertise than a wealthy person who presumably rarely gets in an accident, with handling accidents, and that expertise is worth a LOT.
There is no reason for a person to stop receiving care if they reach caps in their health insurance!!!
And politicians know it.
The government can simply pick up the tab from that point on, while the insurance company continues to handle administration.
It's a simple idea folks. Harder to do in the past because administration was very expensive too, until computers made it very manageable.
So why would such a simple idea, which I put forward in 2009, not be part of the national discussion?
I can speculate. More than likely is about TAXES and POWER.
For instance, single payer healthcare would give vastly more power to the US Government, and some seem to desire it. While others seem intent on cutting their taxes by any means possible, and somehow have figured out a way to do so with healthcare a mess.
Some may wonder about the details, like what if people refuse to pay for insurance and just wait till they are sick, knowing is guaranteed? Well I explained one way to handle with a post I called health insurance responsibility back in 2012.
Some may wonder about the details, like what if people refuse to pay for insurance and just wait till they are sick, knowing is guaranteed? Well I explained one way to handle with a post I called health insurance responsibility back in 2012.
But limits of liability to be a business are just a reality. Without limiting liability, insurance companies can't act as true businesses, but with it they can focus on their strengths, without people caring as they still GET care.
Do you care with your health insurance, who pays if you need care, like if you're in the hospital as long as payment is guaranteed?
So if it switches from your insurance company paying direct, to the government paying you STILL get care. And don't even have to notice as still interact with same insurance company.
Why would you? Main thing for you is to get medical treatment and get well, not worry about who pays.
So if it switches from your insurance company paying direct, to the government paying you STILL get care. And don't even have to notice as still interact with same insurance company.
Why would you? Main thing for you is to get medical treatment and get well, not worry about who pays.
Why would anyone think you would?
James Harris
Friday, July 21, 2017
When distribution won
Lessons sharing knowledge of the past have been replaced by more potential where simplifying can be key to getting the best of the present. And with the web? Consider you reading this message which I can expect to have free distribution around planet Earth. But as importantly--YOU can do the same with something you might wish to present to others.
And many of you are so doing, as more and more people come online.
The ease with which we can distribute information, which is of course best when useful, is a sharp contrast to the past, where for instance to get political analysis, I would look to a few sources, as was far more limited in choice. For much might go to certain leading newspapers for that sort of thing. Or would consider certain magazines. And on the daily there were brief briefings expected on nightly news, or could look at a morning of content on Sunday talk shows, as discuss a very American experience which is what I lived--until the web revolutionized information distribution.
Today your political representative, rather than wishing on a press conference to reach constituents, or a newsletter probably signed on to by few, can send a tweet! Where that tweet can be a concise position, which is impossible for some news person to misquote. And yes, can be hard to put a position into a single tweet of 140 characters or into a few such, but that can push people to know their positions inside and out.
And everything else is still available. The news people are still working at delivering stories, though news organizations reportedly worry more and more about how they get paid, and the Sunday talk shows are still there as well as nightly briefings, though television struggles with holding on to viewers, as it must maintain relevance in a world where information flows freely from so many sources so people have choices.
I say it pressures all to be the best they can. From politicians pushed to be able to state positions they now know constituents probably WILL read versus in the past where maybe an interpretation through others might reach some, to news people pressured to get it right, with less leeway to interpret from personal bias, to politically active able to put their own messages out there, with same pressures.
Across the board with so much information available, people can check, and are checking.
Focusing on information distribution can help you figure out where you wish to be in the process am sure. Emphasis on that position is to look for a functional way to simplify.
And social media is most powerful as a conversation.
Conversation on social media is where political positions can be both presented and considered with reply from interested constituents. In the conversation, news stories presented can be challenged by parties represented as well as any people who know, or simply critiqued endlessly from almost anywhere, or anyone as people need their information to work well for their present day-to-day.
Sure some may simply work to disrupt the conversation maybe even simply for attention to themselves, but the need of the many is too great. We need to know, and people will work for what they need. And in our times? Information rules.
Sharing information? Helps us empower each other. And I think is a great thing.
Ease of information distribution has won the global conversation by enabling it.
And am so much happier with the potential to know more where before there was so much filtered through others on which I tried to rely. But also appreciate the work that is involved to get information I need, as to do so must learn to check sources! Must be able to cross-reference against multiple presentations. Must try to learn how you learn to understand how information can be manipulated.
It can be exhausting.
Knowledge takes work!
It can be mentally invigorating as well, but more importantly, can give a sense of being part of the conversation when so much additional change is happening. And based on how our country is set up the people of the United States have the duty and believe as a national community, have the knowledge--to govern the outcome as best we can for our nation.
The brilliance of the national conversation of course is not just a factor here in the United States but in nations around the globe where people are figuring it out, if they have free information distribution too. Not something to be taken for granted and not all have it.
But we do, and now is far easier for the people of the United States to discuss from coast-to-coast or wherever they are matters of importance with each other, and with others around the globe.
James Harris
And many of you are so doing, as more and more people come online.
The ease with which we can distribute information, which is of course best when useful, is a sharp contrast to the past, where for instance to get political analysis, I would look to a few sources, as was far more limited in choice. For much might go to certain leading newspapers for that sort of thing. Or would consider certain magazines. And on the daily there were brief briefings expected on nightly news, or could look at a morning of content on Sunday talk shows, as discuss a very American experience which is what I lived--until the web revolutionized information distribution.
Today your political representative, rather than wishing on a press conference to reach constituents, or a newsletter probably signed on to by few, can send a tweet! Where that tweet can be a concise position, which is impossible for some news person to misquote. And yes, can be hard to put a position into a single tweet of 140 characters or into a few such, but that can push people to know their positions inside and out.
And everything else is still available. The news people are still working at delivering stories, though news organizations reportedly worry more and more about how they get paid, and the Sunday talk shows are still there as well as nightly briefings, though television struggles with holding on to viewers, as it must maintain relevance in a world where information flows freely from so many sources so people have choices.
I say it pressures all to be the best they can. From politicians pushed to be able to state positions they now know constituents probably WILL read versus in the past where maybe an interpretation through others might reach some, to news people pressured to get it right, with less leeway to interpret from personal bias, to politically active able to put their own messages out there, with same pressures.
Across the board with so much information available, people can check, and are checking.
Focusing on information distribution can help you figure out where you wish to be in the process am sure. Emphasis on that position is to look for a functional way to simplify.
And social media is most powerful as a conversation.
Conversation on social media is where political positions can be both presented and considered with reply from interested constituents. In the conversation, news stories presented can be challenged by parties represented as well as any people who know, or simply critiqued endlessly from almost anywhere, or anyone as people need their information to work well for their present day-to-day.
Sure some may simply work to disrupt the conversation maybe even simply for attention to themselves, but the need of the many is too great. We need to know, and people will work for what they need. And in our times? Information rules.
Sharing information? Helps us empower each other. And I think is a great thing.
Ease of information distribution has won the global conversation by enabling it.
And am so much happier with the potential to know more where before there was so much filtered through others on which I tried to rely. But also appreciate the work that is involved to get information I need, as to do so must learn to check sources! Must be able to cross-reference against multiple presentations. Must try to learn how you learn to understand how information can be manipulated.
It can be exhausting.
Knowledge takes work!
It can be mentally invigorating as well, but more importantly, can give a sense of being part of the conversation when so much additional change is happening. And based on how our country is set up the people of the United States have the duty and believe as a national community, have the knowledge--to govern the outcome as best we can for our nation.
The brilliance of the national conversation of course is not just a factor here in the United States but in nations around the globe where people are figuring it out, if they have free information distribution too. Not something to be taken for granted and not all have it.
But we do, and now is far easier for the people of the United States to discuss from coast-to-coast or wherever they are matters of importance with each other, and with others around the globe.
James Harris
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