View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Friday 24 October 2008

Friday 24 October

Yesterday at 5pm, just as I was outside stormwatching, the wind went up to 45 mph, gusting to hurricane force, 76 mph. I could barely keep my footing around the Coastguard Station. Have a look at the pictures here.

This morning is still not very good, frequent heavy hailshowers, mercury down to 7C / 45F from the 13C / 55F yesterday. Wind is at force 5, but will increase through today. The Shipping Forecast warns of winds up to force 10, but we'll likely see up to force 9. Like yesterday.

Economically, the UK is heading for recession, with growth percentages in the minus to the tune of -0.5%. If the following quarter is also in the negative, recession is here. Hope this episode leads to a more sane set-up in the credit sector.

I was watching some of the hustings in the US presidential election, with John McCain accusing his opponent of 'socialist' policies, of wishing to redistribute wealth. One punter at a rally in Ohio was very upset, having worked hard to earn his money to have to give it away to those that were not working hard.

In my opinion, one of the problems of the United States is its failure to properly deal with the less fortunate in its society. Reading on-line journals (formerly on AOL, now on this forum) has taught me that. I am flatly appalled at the amounts of money people have to pay to get medical treatment or even investigations. Being in the UK, you don't have to pay much if anything at all. What really got my goad from the above rally was the insinuation that all those relying on social security (for what it's worth) are lazy good-for-nothing lay-abouts, whilst there are many, many people who cannot work through no fault of their own. That's not unique to the US, same happens in Europe.

Apart from that appalling attitude from John McCain, his choice of running-mate is a colossal mistake, in my opinion. I hear a lot of very sensible remarks to the tune of: "If he pops his clogs, do we get Ms Palin in the White House? God help us!"

5 comments:

  1. I totally agree with all your have said Guido. I do feel so bad for all those sick in the U.S. who cannot afford the insurance. Yes, there are some shirkers in all countries but many cannot work because of sickness, disability, caring for others, these are not scroungers and should be treated with compassion. I can only say about Sarah Palin, as you have said, God help us.

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  2. I am amazed you stay on your feet at all with wind gusts so high. Your pictures are great, I see there was a cruise ship sitting out there..I bet they had quite a bit of rocking going on.

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  3. Guido, very astute remarks. I think the main problem with our health care system right now is that if you have good insurance (and Ken and I are fortunate enough to have it), you can get good preventive care (screenings, etc.) for little cost. Unfortunately, there are many employers that don't provide such good health insurance, which leads people to NOT get the proper screenings, which in turns leads to preventable disease, and because they can't afford good health insurance, they let their coverage lapse and end up going to the emergency room, which is horribly expensive and raises the cost of...you guessed it, health care and insurance. It's a vicious circle, and we need to do something to break it.

    As for Sarah Palin, don't get me started. As our comedian Tina Fey said, if she gets into the White House, I'm leaving Earth!! ;)

    All my best,
    Beth

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  4. I agree with all you said Guido. I live in the US on SSI. I was going to vote but I don't want to put either in the President's Office. I can not see Palin as President.I think Winni the Pooh would make a better President. Wonder if I could vote for him!!!!!!!!!

    Sunny

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  5. I'm the lone voice of dissent here...but I voted by absentee ballot for John McCain and I'm proud of my vote. The USA may have it's problems, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

    Pooh Hugs,
    Linda

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