Board Meeting #2

Some boards are like pieces of wood but not mine!  We had a full crew today and got so much accomplished.  Just like it's supposed to be.

We discussed projects, delegated responsibility and set deadlines. I know one thing for certain, this group wants to make this organization work.  So do I.  Mind you, all of us are volunteers.

We have two major projects in the works.  One will be putting together a potential curriculum on film making for a local tech school.  The other a possible film to teach kids about the arts. It's exciting for me to be working with such energized and creative people.

After the meeting one of the members nabbed me for a chat.  Mind you I'm just getting to know these folks.  We must have spent a half hour or more while this screen writer told me about his former career in law enforcement and how it ties in with his pre-production efforts for a big budget film based on these experiences.  To be filmed in this area. Cool.

The talent we have in this little town of ours is astounding.  To be continued...

Can My Organization Survive?

I have a dilemma with my film group.  It was first formed as a means for local film professionals to get together and shoot the breeze.  Then the founder got really busy with his own work and turned it over to a member to continue.

It was decided to change the direction of the organization into one that actually made films as a training mechanism, a place to learn and hone skills. As happens in all volunteer organizations people were given responsibilities that weren't fulfilled and in due time the new leader burned out.

A new board was formed to see if one more effort could save it.  This is when I came in.  Before I was merely a friend of a few of the members and was willing to advise but not join.  With the change I decided to give it a try.

So now our dilemma is getting volunteers re-involved.  I've developed a couple of wonderful opportunities and have been forging alliances with other arts organizations to enhance our exposure in the community but a membership used to nothing more than monthly meetings have a rather blank look when asked to get involved.

I think it's time for our president to ask them directly at the next meeting just what it is they expect for their membership dues.  If it were me I'd want more than a monthly meeting where there is nothing more than free coffee and speakers who may or may not be of interest to the group as a whole.

I sure bit off a mouthful.  Now I'm hoping it isn't too much to chew!

New Directions And A DIfferent Kind Of Politics

I've been thinking about this for some time.  Going a new direction with this blog.  I'm burned out when it comes to politics.

There are two reasons for this.  First is the 5 acres we live on and now that spring is essentially here we have a lot of  winter damage to clean up.

Secondly I have taken a board position with the Film Alliance Northwest which is a non-profit dedicated to providing a forum and educational opportunities for those in the entertainment business, those who would like to be and those who are merely curious.

The organization is in a period where it is redefining itself and there is much to be done.  Perhaps I'll muse on the politics of getting things done on this level for a change.  For instance what type of permits are needed to film in the city and county and their costs.

Perhaps most importantly, and one of my tasks, is figuring out how to generate funding to keep it going.  No easy task this day and age.

So there you have it.  A change of direction and pace.  I hope those who have followed me over the years will continue to do so and perhaps I'll pick up some new readers in the process.

His Own Worst Enemy, And Ours

President Trump has been made to look the fool.  So much for "the art of the deal".  Whether either is true is in the eye of the beholder but he didn't help himself for backing a very flawed bill.

One thing they could do now is to have Secretary Price just begin rolling back all those "secretary shalls" that Sebelius put in the original legislation.  I'm not sure why this hasn't been mentioned.

It's funny that the Republican leadership tried to do exactly what the Dems did do - pass it without knowing what was in it.  Those who say the Republicans don't know how to govern have a point. They made a debacle of this.

What worries me most, however, is the man at the top. He doesn't know how to govern either.  I'd like to think any other businessman we might have put in that office would have been a quick study but not so Mr. Trump.  He's bellicose in a controlled way, he thinks procedure doesn't matter, he attacks every and any body who he deems is against him. This is not the stuff of leadership.

He won't stop tweeting using the excuse it's his way of connecting with his base.  But when it's always negative does the base stick with him?  I doubt it.  At least not for long.  Soon they're going to realize they've been duped in their desperation for something other than rule by ideology rather than by the needs of the country.

He was a buffoon when the campaigns started and he remains one. He has appointed some very good people but some of his closest advisers are suspect to say the least.  They have their own agenda  and have found Trump can be manipulated.

I fear he has already become enclosed in the "bubble" that seems to encompass all of Washington. Those in opposition to him will run circles around him because he doesn't know how to combat said opposition.  He's too used to the positive results  for him from bullying and disparaging.

We're in a state of flux these days.  How it will all shake out is any ones guess.  My guess is it will go to those who best play the game.  And right now it's not the Republicans!

Rocket Science? Not Hardly!

Of course the Obamacare repeal failed!  But for all the wrong reasons.  Let's face it.  The proposed legislation was lousy. I can't imagine what Tom Price was thinking when he agreed to a three part plan.  Not with the opposition as rampant as it is.

And Paul Ryan.  He's beginning to act like a little dictator.  Fortunately it backfired on him.  I won't even get into the Freedom Caucus.  They plain don't think things through.

Being a senior, health care is important to me but then I'm lucky.  I have Medicare and it works fairly well. But for the really poor who slip between the Medicaid cracks and those not quite Medicare eligible the prospects are dim.

It might have something to do with the fact those creating the legislation haven't a clue what the real needs are out among we commoners. Nor do they understand the insurance industry nor the steps medical providers have taken to protect their interests. Men shouldn't have to pay for pre-natal care, no one should be paying for hair transplants nor Viagra. Get real! We could use a lot of help with prescription costs.  These are things they could address but won't because they just don't get the nitty gritty plus it's an issue that doesn't and won't affect them.

Actually, and I never thought I'd say this, Obamacare can be tweaked and retweaked and become pretty decent legislation that will provide affordable health care for all.  So why don't the politicians get off their high horses, quit the partisan bickering and get down to business.

So they hate Trump.  Get over it.  Your legislation should have to do with the people, not Trump. And quit spouting your vow to repeal to Obamacare is the reason why you were sent to Congress.  I'd bet if you asked your constituents they'd advise you to have a plan to replace it first. It's just plain common sense.  Get some.