Elizabeth’s Journal

Jim Hightower; Walking

I have been saving some things for my blog for a while, so I might as well get them in (I’m sitting up scanning in the University of Kansas transcripts for Grama and Grandpa Sprong and have played all the Freecell and Solitaire that I can stand).

Jim Hightower, a former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, writes a column that turns up in the local free weekly Austin Chronicle. The one that came out in the 25 Jul 2003 issue was astounding. This is something that I have not seen reported either in salon.com or in the Houston Chronicle. Everyone is aware of how Congress is supposed to be dealing with the prescription drug issue and coverage for seniors. Apparently, “these same leaders have since passed a specific drug-benefit bill for a select group of retirees that - lo and behold - happens to include members of Congress. Apparently, they felt no budget constraints when addressing the needs of senior Congress critters, for their benefits package is far more generous than what they had doled out so stingily for ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill seniors. For example, retired Congress members will pay no additional premium or deductible for their drug coverage . . . I’ve got a simple plan for reforming American health care: We’ll take the same thing Congress is getting.” And you know this has nothing to do with Republican vs. Democrat, as this happens regardless of which party holds the majority of seats. And commentators wonder why the public is disillusioned . . .

This site on walking looks like a pretty decent site on getting some basic exercise, and step 1 about halfway down even has a nice gentle touch of sarcasm. Daddy—who is our walker for the Cinco Ranch triathlon, yea Daddy!!!—should pay special attention so you can out-walk everyone. This site also seems good for those needing some motivation (Joy, throw that chocolate AWAY), and the US government site points out that walking burns about as many calories as running, can be more effective than running for both weight loss and conditioning, and it can help smokers cut down or quit altogether. Kathleen, Daddy, and Margaret, pay attention!