Many things have amazed me in my lifetime . Today at the Korat Zoo my son taking his third poop of the day and it only being noon id amaze me. The fact it was in the Water Park Pool at the Zoo amazed others. As the novice Monks become Monks, I reflect greatly. Reading the newspaper is now relaxation. I've tracked the big stories, I se still no Healthcare - way to go Congress, I am glad we could share vacation .
I have learned much this trip as Thailand also is 'debating' healthcare for all. Yes, a developing country and the ASEAN Conference is addressing what leaders from even Cambodia are saying is a mounting issue. I know, the Human Rights capital of the world, Myanmar , is against it in their country ,but if everyone has healthcare there how will the junta purchase weapons with money from Chevron to shoot them ?
My reflections are many and I hope they don't bore you. My personal journey seems so great to me and I just hope it doesn't bore you.
I read we are negotiating with Myanmar . AWESOME ! The change I voted for ! Negotiate with a government the RNC ILLEGALLY purchased their 2004 tee shirts from (for the convention) . Yes, a government who has a woman under house arrest because she won an election, that killed who knows how many monks 2 years ago and who won't let the UN in to show how they used typhoon relief funds ! Way to set the bar !
I also read they finally got Polanski ! Good ! I detest rape, but the rape of a child? And he doesn't want to do time ? As a country are we serious ? How can anyone support a man who admittedly raped a child ?
And healthcare . The ASEAN Conference here in Thailand, is communicating to all members something must be done before Asia falls into the same trap as the United States. Seriously, Thai Newspapers are pushing for National Healthcare for the entire region as Thailand 'debates' how to do it. Thailand is actually debating how to afford it and how to structure it.
This may seem odd, but they have levels of insurance , similar to ours-like you can buy full coverage, but 'Cancer Coverage' costs much more. Now the way I am translating it when I read the advertisements is you covered for anything and everything EXCEPT CANCER, unless of course you buy cancer coverage. It is oddly disturbing . I wonder if that is the next scheme here ?
I figured I would be returning home to the Healthcare Crisis being over or something . Still debating it. Wow, is all I can say . I hoped for the best when we were leaving, I guess I expected to much from our 'leadership'. What a shame . I wonder if mid terms will reflect my disappointment ?
When I am in awe of a human being it is rare. When a young man becomes a monk, in my eyes, it is a dedication to ones self and the community at large that inspires such awe. The man gives up all possessions except a rice bowl and a sack . The mans life at that point becomes being an example to the community, finding a path of self enlightenment and gaining knowledge . It sounds romantic , but in Thailand where poverty is the norm, to accept that and follow a path is noble.
Monks are vast array of multi talented men. Their ability to be impressed or to impress fascinates me. I have had conversations with many from things like palm reading to George Bush to being a good husband. When a novice monk takes the step to follow that path for life that monk sets an example .
The festivals in every community vary. Here, in Nong Boonmak it is a huge event. The entire village makes snacks at the Temple that the monks sell to fund the local hospital they financed with donations . (I am leaving much out of that,I nut shelled it) . It is a true community event. It is far to overwhelming to explain, but the sense of joint joy is incredible. People bury old grudges , the community at large comes together to wish strength to these men.
I feel the Nong Boonmak hospital is a true work of art, in the sense of community. Monks saved all the money they received from whatever donations and paid for it to be built, and it is a modern hospital . Since Thailand has yet to figure out their healthcare for all plan, the hospital is very affordable, even for the most poor.
The hospital was built by the local 'church' with its donations. It runs on those donations as well (not entirely, but to a point) . Monks didn't go out and buy $800 suits and a BMW to drive in , they didn't get on TV and preach how much money they needed to keep the doors open - they just set up an account and chipped away at something the monks felt the community needed due to local poverty issues, distance to the nearest hospital and just well being of the population . Now they could have built a more prestigious Temple, they could have built themselves some much nicer living quarters , they could have even went out on a limb and bought a washer to wash their robes in (instead of washing them in clay pots that save rain water) but they did not. This hospital took years to save for, but it was done.
I find this inspirational,and I wonder in a country as supposedly religious as the USA why it hasn't happened there .
This diary has spanned a few days, and today is the big day, so I will end this bore fest .
I have hope for the human race, I have hope for my country, I have hope for the world. Maybe when we get back home healthcare for all will be a realized dream. Maybe, just maybe we can come together as a country and realize being healthy is the single biggest family value we have.
We all thrive on hope - the world, the country, the individual .
I hope my diary has not bored you and I hope if you stuck with my jibberish you have a great day. Even if you gave up on my nonsense I hope you have a great day.