Leonard Joseph Lacey, My Father and Dad

Today, 20 July, marks the 76th anniversary of the birth of my father. He was born into a world of difficulty and hardship, and lived his life often in the shadow of tragedy and heartbreak. Yet he accomplished much and lived a full life with many adventures and opportunities. The challenges he faced and struggled to overcome often compelled him to make poor choices in lifestyle habits, many of which were socially acceptable with health consequences not well known a quarter and a half century ago and more. I would like to think that I learned at least a few lessons from him and took his example and became a better and more responsible healthy individual personally. I never smoked tobacco, used liquor in a substantially smaller quantity, particularly after age 30, stopped drinking coffee in 1996, have tried to eat more fruits and vegetables. and not let stress get to me and keep my circumstances in perspective ( but I am nowhere near perfect).

It would have a great help for me and my siblings and their families to have had him in their lives these last 26 years, but his spirit carries on in many ways that we are not even aware of on a regular basis. He did good in spite of all the obstacles and challenges in his way and his legacy is six offspring with nine grandchildren who are wonderful and beautiful people with years of continued success, achievement, contentment, and happiness ahead. I miss you, Dad, and I love you. I have never been or ever will be the man you were and are.

Friday 20 July News Articles and Observations

Here are some recent news articles for Friday 20 July that had my attention and some brief observations concerning them.


A. Universal Health Care: An Idea; A Policy; And Legislation That Needs Enactment


HR 676, the Michigan US Representative John Conyers bill, also known as the National Health Insurance Act, will not see the light of day before January '09, but the legislation will continue to be fine tuned and offers the greatest promise for millions of citizens that are being gouged by insurance companies both on premiums, co-pays, and what is included in the coverage. Next to Iraq, this is probably the most important issue along with income inequality facing the citizenry.


http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/viewpoints.aspx?articleid=152219&zoneid=35


http://jeffrey-feldman.typepad.com/frameshop/2007/07/frameshop-the-d.html


-----


B. The Cost and Lifestyle Consequences of Higher Fuels Costs on the Rocky Mountains and High Plains Region


It is not a matter of if, but when.


http://www.headwatersnews.org/White.next.energy.html


-----


C. Solar Technology Improves, Decreases in Expense


Where there is demand, technology will create a product that improves lives and results in a reduced cost for users. This scientific innovation is truly wonderful and of great promise.


http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/


-----


D. More on Solar Energy Developments

Solar Thermal Technology seems to have much to promise and looks to be cost competitive in just a few years.


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/business/17thermal.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


-----


E. Unfortunately, a Tax Increase That Must Happen


Despite the impact it will have on so many, fuel taxes must inevitably be increased in order to pay for highway maintenance and new construction. I, however, would prefer to have the diesel fuel tax increase to be double that of gasoline fuel as semi trucks are chiefly responsible for maintenance that needs to be done on roads and highways.


http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/07/17/news/wyoming/3efbe6075af351268725731a007ebc66.txt


-----


F. Lots of Texans on the Lam


As Republicans have become irresponsible and not increased or at least maintained the necessary taxes on the wealthy and corporations, situations like this have developed where drivers are getting gouged for traffic violations to the point where its gotten ridiculous as these people have been made to be criminals because the penalties are so outrageous and expensive that they cannot be afforded by many people, most working at sub $10 per hour employment with families and more critical financial obligations and commitments.


http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2007/07/more-than-10-of-texans-currently-wanted.html


-----