Empathy


IMG_2533Reading time – 31 seconds .  .  .

Watch this video. Really, go ahead, click on the web link (not the bracelet) and watch this amazing piece from the folks at the Cleveland Clinic.

For the longest time they have done miraculous things for patients in need at their award winning hospital and once again they show us the way with this video. Can you watch it without tearing up? If you can, look into getting an empathy implant. And, no, I don’t think they can help you with that at the Cleveland Clinic. They specialize in a different kind of heart operation.

The point is that we humans are supposed to care about others, especially those who really need our help. What would you do if you knew – like in the video?

My grandchildren know and two of them are doing something about it. They are making bracelets, donating their time, their efforts and the supplies. They’re selling their creations for $1.00 each and giving everything they collect to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

They are young – 13 and 11 – and they get it – by experience – and want to make a difference. If you’d like to support their efforts, write to Lauren and Aidan at [email protected]. Tell them how many bracelets you’d like and they will respond with the details. Note that their fundraiser ends on February 28, 2015.

And show this fundraising idea to young people you know, perhaps a child or a grandchild, and get them involved in giving to others. It’s never too early to learn to have empathy and to take action.

Come to think of it, send a link to the video to politicians who fight against the very things that would help people in need, like former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) who filibustered a suicide prevention bill for our vets. What if those politicians knew – like in the video?

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Ed. note: There is much in America that needs fixing and we are on a path to continually fail to make things better. It is my goal to make a difference – perhaps to be a catalyst for things to get better. That is the reason for these posts. To accomplish the goal requires reaching many thousands of people and a robust dialogue. Please help by offering your comments, as well as by passing this along and encouraging others to subscribe and do the same.  Thanks.  JA


Copyright 2024 by Jack Altschuler
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2 Responses to Empathy
  1. Jim Altschuler Reply

    “There but for the grace of God …”

    Our extended family has known far too much of far too many of these things. Children. Siblings. Parents. Aunts and uncles. Grandparents. All of us have been touched.

    But having “been there” doesn’t diminish the heart-tugging feelings for those who are there now. Sometimes seeing others in these circumstances, with these problems and issues, we look away. Is it the pain we see that we can’t look at? Is it the pulling at our heart strings? Or is it the “There but for the grace of God go I” that we feel guilty about?

    It’s okay. These feelings are painful, but they tell us that we still have our humanity, we have retained our consideration for others; we care.

    I’m the only one I can speak for. I still have those feelings; I still care. Do those of you who are reading this still have feelings? Do you still care? What will you do to help others who need the help?

  2. Don Zwiers Reply

    This video says a lot; but what can we do? suggestion:
    Affordable healthcare for everyone.

    I’m suggesting: “The only source of revenue each of our governments has, is an adjustable consumption sales tax on all products and services, created for profit. This has only the Federal, state, county and local governments collecting revenue; eliminating all special district governments.”
    Everyone has the healthcare they need, when they need it and paid their fair share, when the Federal Government uses their Special Adjustable Healthcare Sales Tax, to pay the doctors from their invoice, which is sent to the U. S. Treasury. Doctors treat and prevent patient diseases and insurance companies compete for their accident insurance. Doctors are responsible for their work to keep their patients healthy. Pharmacists bill the doctor directly, including tax. Doctors transfer patient’s care to specialized doctors, for additional care. Doctors, Hospitals, clinics and insurance companies are all competing for patients, but only doctors assume the responsibility for their health.

    Both, revenue and invoices are in the same data base; adjusting the rate as needed, creates a balanced budget. Can’t afford something; don’t do it, until it’s affordable. The Special Healthcare Sales Tax has 3 categories: low rate for necessities; higher rate for luxury and for everything else, a middle adjustable rate. Doctors will recommend a penalty tax, if it’s known to cause healthcare cost to increase.

    Using their PIN, (Personal Identification Number) patients and doctors have access to Patient’s Medical Record; with complete control of their personal information. PINs can be changed anytime, like our debit bank account. All the doctor’s Patient Medical Records are interconnected with the patient’s PIN. Federally authorized Researchers have access to all Medical Records, but patient and doctor personal data is blocked.

    I think this is possible and we can all be as healthy as we can and it’s affordable. Congress isn’t interested and doctors won’t discuss this concept so I’m inviting your thoughts. Maybe the President can ask Congress “Why Not?”