Biopsies & Cars

Biopsy seems to be the word of the week. I got mine yesterday -- a sun damaged spot on my upper back / shoulder / neck area. I only had to have a small number of stitches (3 I think?) but it pulls quite a bit when I move my right arm. Ew. I went to the dermatologist and he thought it best to biopsy -- being fair of skin I know that I must follow up on these things. Usually he gives me really favorable odds of it being nothing... this time he gave me a 50/50 shot on basal carcinoma and asked for my cell phone number. If it is caner it was caught early but he will have to do more surgery on the site. Wear your sunscreen! Protect your kids!

My Dad's doctor has ordered another ultrasound and biopsy based on the latest PSA test. I think they are being extra cautious because of what happened to my mom. I am fine with that -- I'm all about the "better safe than sorry" attitude.

Hubby is still driving the Hoopty while we wait for the power steering to go out. He thinks we will have to take it in to the shop so I'm putting it off as long as possible... wouldn't it be fun if the Hoopty just healed herself? I know -- I'm a dreamer :-)

My state is greatly impacted by all of the auto industry bridge loan stuff. If you are not tuned in to this issue, please realize these auto makers have been doing a TON of restructuring over the last 10 years. The cuts have been brutal -- many friends work in the industry and I can not tell you how frustrating it is to watch. When I see the financial markets get a "bail out" and the auto executives (who have been cutting like butchers) get scolded by arrogant congressmen. Well, it frustrates me to no end. This same congress allowed the financial markets to have money with no strings attached. Now they want to run auto companies and to tell CEO's who have done a great deal to keep afloat to step down? Please.

Special kudos to Ford who is trying to go without the loan. They have produced greener vehicles. They have improved quality and safety. They provided cars that were in demand -- converting everything to compact didn't make sense when nobody would buy it a few years ago. Sure, the consumer woke up to fuel efficiency once it stabbed us in the pocket book, but prior to recent times people didn't care about how much fuel it took to fill their SUV. Have you all forgotten that the Humvee became a road vehicle because of consumer demand? I never got why, but that was quite the status symbol for a time. They could not make them fast enough.

I guess my reason for blogging on this is to say, hey AMERICA! Pay attention! Buying American made cars keeps your fellow citizens employed, tax dollars rolling in, profits within your own country and prosperity to continue. Sure, there WERE quality issues in years past, but this is NOW and the auto makers ARE putting out a good product -- superior in many regards. PLEASE think when you make your purchases. There are fuel efficient AMERICAN vehicles you can buy to support your neighbors.

It comes down to whether or not you want to support your neighbor. Taking pride in American made products and purchasing them is supporting your own community. Please contact your congressmen and tell them at a minimum to pull their heads out of their asses. To scold the CEOs who are trying to keep your country strong and economy moving is unpardonable. To paint them the way they are being painted is unconscionable. I'm not saying they are perfect, but the auto industry is not the giant waste factory you are hearing about. Yes, union contracts need to be reviewed, but be realistic -- wage is a drop in the bucket on being competitive. The foreign car makers are often subsidized by their governments. America's automakers are NOT on an even playing field -- if we bought American this would not even matter.

I'm ranting.... I'm sorry.... it is just the arrogance of the Congress bringing me down as I watch people lose their homes. Call me crazy, but I think this is when we band together vs. throw stones and lay blame. I know, I'm crazy :-)