The Secret

This is an transformational and inspirational documentary/movie. It is available on Netflix and I would highly recommend it.

http://thesecret.tv/index.html

Watch it!

"Racist"? [Religious Bias?]

A friend of mine asked me recently if I was a racist because I was stopping him from pontificating about how Obama was so great and his political opposition was so wrong. I like this friend of mine, but it is impossible to discuss anything of any substance reasonably with him because he just won't listen to opposing arguments or reasoning. He just doesn't have an open mind it seems to me. We also have some differing moral/ethical positions, we are both Roman Catholics, and his morals/ethics go against the teachings of our church. He won't listen to reason here either, but still feels he is a good Roman Catholic.

>>>

I really don't understand where you come from when asking me if I am a racist for not agreeing with your far left wing stance this morning. Your opinion is your opinion and I respect that. Mine is mine and I hope you respect it too. We obviously have different political opinions so please don't discuss politics or the like with me because I don't appreciate the way you discussed it this morning or in the past. We are better off leaving politics, etc. out of our morning discussions.

Racism has nothing to do with anything that was discussed this morning. You were the one who brought this up which took me totally by surprise. Obama's race has absolutely nothing to do with my feelings toward him or the democrats winning in November. I am actually quite happy we elected a non-white as president. As a man I respect him but I don't agree with his policies and tactics in dealing with our country's current problems. I am most certainly not a racist. As a matter of fact, Juan Williams, Herman Cain, and Clarence Page come to mind almost immediately as popular, respected, intellectual, public figures whom I admire greatly and are definitely non-white. [... and I just saw the movie, "Red Tails" about the Tuskegee airmen and loved it. I would highly recommend it.]

Another point in fact is my wife. Did you ever notice she is not a white caucasian? She is actually a rather dark skinned Filipina whom I love dearly. Race has no bearing on how I feel about people. And you seem to have the nerve to imply that I am a racist for not leaning far enough to the left and begging to differ with you? Please don't ever imply or hint at anything like this ever again. There is absolutely no merit to that argument about me at all. I take offense at anyone thinking this of me and take much greater offense when they state such a groundless accusation out loud, in public. It seemed to me you were just trying to cause trouble by mentioning this. Why?

Religion doesn't have much bearing on what I think of people either. I have quite a few beloved patients who are actually Muslims. [How do you feel about Muslims I might ask?] I am a devout Roman Catholic who adheres to my church's teachings to the letter of the law as best as I can. I feel my opinion is subservient to my church's teachings. My scientific education actually supports and reinforces these teachings very well. Unfortunately some people tend to twist and distort religion until it fits their view of what they want their religion to be in spite of what the facts are. Muslims who distort their religion and use it to promote violence are most certainly doing this when promoting jihad. Those Muslims I cannot tolerate but it is not because they are Muslims but rather they are terrorists. Religions as a whole should influence and direct their followers to the proper path through good ethics, and followers should follow the moral experts at the head of their religious entities faithfully. It seems some of us Catholics are more adherent to our church's proclamations and teachings than others. I don't want to discuss any of this with you either.

I will pray for both of us in regard to all of the above.

I really don't have time for any of this and won't address it any further at all [if at all possible] with you ever again. With your thoughtless racist statement this morning I am much more inclined than ever before to not ever discuss any of the above with you ever again. [You just don't seem open to any opinion differing from your own, from my perspective.] Let's keep our discussions with each other as superficial as possible in the future if you don't mind.

I have said my peace and am finished with all of this. Your statement did upset me this morning which prompted this response.

If you feel you need to respond to me in regard to any or all of this, I will be happy to read one response from you, but one only. You won't be hearing from me about any of this again. As stated earlier, I don't have time for this.

<<<

Responses or thoughts in regard to the above are welcome from anyone assuming they are reasonable and respectful.

Our troubled country

I hear that things are getting better in our country and this is certainly very welcome news after all we have been going through the last few years. Hopefully you are doing well or better now too.

We have had enough political infighting. Let's hope our political leaders will become more like the statesmen we need to help us move forward in a more stable economic environment. They must leave their bickering behind and do what is truly right and good for our country long term.

I believe we have all had enough of partisan politics and we need our political leaders to work together for the overall good of all of us. The American people are a great, hard working and honest people and we need to demand these same qualities from our politicians.

The influence of big money and big corporations has been drowning out the voice of the people for too long. We need to make ourselves heard. It seems to me we need large corporations and campaign financing held in check much better than they are now. After all, our country is supposed to be of, for and by the people.

In my humble opinion, I feel we need to vote out the political elite, who are now in office, and get fresh blood and fresh, common sense perspectives in our governments to serve us the people for the good of all for the long term. When possible we need to vote out incumbents without a vision for the overall good of all of us.

Skokie Health Department survey request.

If you visit or live in Skokie, please completed this survey:

>>>

Hello Dr. Dave,

I am writing to request that you complete the Community Health Survey in the link below, and consider sharing with others who would be willing to assist the Skokie Health Department (Rotary Members?). We are conducting the survey to establish the top health priorities for Skokie for the next 5 years, and are seeking wide community input. A blurb describing the survey is below, along with a link to the electronic version. We will publish the results of the survey later this year.

Thank you for your help, and please call me if you have questions!

Catherine


Please take a moment to answer a short "Community Health Survey" for the Skokie Health Department. The survey is being conducted to assess community health needs, as part of the state re-certification requirements. This process will identify the top health priorities for Skokie for the next five years.

The Health Department is seeking input from persons who live, work, attend school or enjoy events in Skokie. If you prefer, paper copies are available at Village Hall, or by calling ... 847-933-8252 . Here is the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C3LSS5G

Thank you for your assistance!


Catherine A. Counard, MD, MPH
Director of Health
Village of Skokie
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
....

<<<

Thanks!