Comments on a five year crash course in music.: Merry Christmas y'all

Thanks for your thoughtful response, Ang. I don't ...

2010-01-03T04:15:12.585+08:00

Thanks for your thoughtful response, Ang. I don't really think you hate American (esp. given your music choices), but I hear what I consider a lot of unfair criticism, so I get piqued. However, no more politics. I do share your concern for Vic Chestnutt's family and friends and your sense of tragedy about his suicide. Happiest of New Year's to you.

I also want to tell you that I have been inspired by your blog to develop my own best of album playlist for the music blog I run for a suburban public library. I decided to limit myself to R&B & Soul, as a genre that i need to learn more about. Here is a link (whick I don't think will be love): http://sounds-musicatnilespl.blogspot.com/2009/11/r-soul-album-playlist.html

Hi there. Thanks for your comment. As I said I tr...

2009-12-27T09:47:54.951+08:00

Hi there.

Thanks for your comment. As I said I try not to get too political on the blog and stick just to the music for reasons like this. In this case I saw a little cross over and felt affected enough to want to share my observations on it.

I think to say that I have hate-American fantasy going on based on the strength of one post is a little unfair. I can only form opinions based on what I know of the situation and unfortunately in Vic's case that appears to be somewhat lacking. I apologise if my interpretation offended you in any way.

One of the things that sparked the post was the fact that only the day before I had a half hour conversation with my Dad as to whether or not I should keep my private health insurance. I feel very blessed that it is totally an option for me as an Australian not to have it and know that if anything were to go wrong healthwise I'd be covered by the government's Medicare system.

It baffles me as to why America is the only developed nation to not have a universal health care system. When illness or medical bills contributed to 62.1% of all bankruptcies in USA in 2007 I think questions need to be asked as to why. If that means I have a hate-American fantasy going on then so be it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/american_journal_of_medicine_09.pdf

I think it's a tragic and incredibly selfish thing when anyone (young or old, rich or poor, etc.) takes their own life. More than anything my heart goes out to his family and friends who are left to pick up the pieces. I put up the link to the charity in the hopes that maybe one person would click on the link and throw a few dollars their way to help ease their burden at least financially.

Thanks again for your comment

Ang

Hi Ang, Thank you for the Christmas greetings and...

2009-12-27T05:48:16.178+08:00

Hi Ang,

Thank you for the Christmas greetings and play list. While I do appreciate them, I cannot refrain from commenting on your interpretation of Vic Chestnutt's suicide.

I especially want to note that you have a nice little hate-America fantasy going there. Health insurance in America generally pays for most health care, including hospital care. In cases where there is a co-pay, there is generally a ceiling on the patient's responsibililty. If someone has enough money to be sued by a hospital (which I have never heard of happening; they usually will make payment arrangements)they will have enough for the $2,500 or whatever the maximum pay is.

In an interview quoted in EW.com, Chestnutt says that he has flirted with death his whole life and has made 3 or 4 previous suicide attempts.

Note that Chestnutt was injured at age 18; he died at age 45. I doubt that hospital expenses from his injuries over 25 years ago had anything to do with his recent death. Note also that the Kristin Hersh campaign relates to expenses from his current hospitalization (ie: since his last and successful suicide attempt) and death (ie: funeral).

PS: We have the most most creative medicine and best health care in the world.