fingers crossed for illinois...

not long since declaring all children within the state will receive health care...illinois may be on the verge of taking a huge step and by guaranteeing the same for every resident of the state. currently they are in the process of holding town meetings and the like, feeling out how much support there is to mini-nationalized healthcare. so far, responses seem favorable, even from the medical community. people are turning out to tell their state legislatures that it is time for aggressive action, and it is no longer acceptable that old folks are forced to become hermits to avoid the possibility of an accident they will not be able to afford. medical professionals are realizing that if they don't get in the process now, the result may be something they will not be at all pleased with...all-in-all, i have high hopes...maybe it's just because it's my homestate that i think it can be done...or maybe that is what makes me realize that corruption will inevitably destroy whatever good ideas and intentions result from a historic attempt to give everyone access to health care...either way, my fingers are crossed...

every once in awhile i run into a story or a person that restores my faith in humanity...which, unfortunately, tends to dwindle when you work with alleged sex offenders, murders, drug dealers, and the multitude of ignorants trying to build their resume by placing yet another young man or woman in prison to ensure they never become a productive member of society. lately i've had a hard time believing that there are good people out there...that there is hope for the human race...that human nature will not be the end of us all...that it's not too late...but every time i'm ready to throw in the towel, someone comes along that reminds me of the possibilities...and to those of you, who are too few and far between, i say thanks...

and finally...nbc printed a short blurb about dating and what pets say about a potential partner. here is what their "expert" had to say about guys with cats...

"Coleman has nothing but good things to say about this unfairly maligned dating archetype. A man with cats tends to be a more introverted, homebody type. He's comfortable being single, but that doesn't mean he's not desirous of a relationship. At this stage, he's not feeling a lot of pressure."

as a guy with two cats...i feel vindicated...we aren't the strange ones...we don't need a big dog to make up for our feelings of inadequacy when it comes to the size (or lack thereof) of our...um...feet...so comfortable in our masculinity that we can own a cat or two...without making excuses...kind of like being a gymnast. so give us a break ladies (and men, if that's your cup of tea)...let the "cat" guy take you to dinner...you'll be pleasantly surprised...

this is no declaration...i just thought i'd let you know goodbye...