DFA Progressive Values group name change to Empathy Cafe.

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Aug 10, 2009 11:19 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Alameda for Democracy, DFA-Link Organizers, Lake Park, DFA-Marin

Greetings

The DFA What are  Progressive Values? group
has not had much activity for some time. I wanted to let you know I've just
changed the group name to Empathy Cafe. http://democracyforamerica.com/groups/2285-empathy-cafe

 From my work of interviewing people about progressive values I've come to see empathy as a core progressive value. It's also the value that Obama ran on. See this compilation video I made from Obama's speeches on empathy.
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/Obama/ObamaOnEmpathy.htm

So with that in mind I've been refocusing my work on supporting Obama's call for standing in each other's shoes.  Below is some of the work we've been doing.  More to come shortly.
---------------------

Read more

Analysis of Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion “Savings” Proposal

Written by: Scott R on May 13, 2009 8:44 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Night School, Fair Share For Health Care Initiative, California for Democracy, Sacramento For Democracy, Blog For America

The private health insurance industry proposes to reduce health care spend and slow rate increases over the next 10 years to provide $2 trillion in “savings”?

Let's analyze what that might mean.

Analysis of Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion Savings Proposal

The purpose of this analysis is meant to provide grounding, and further the discussions and progress of US health care reform.

Please note that all statistics are rounded to make the calculations and comprehension of the concepts more straightforward.

Please provide feedback to make this information more correct and useful.

US Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion Savings Proposal

The private health insurance industry proposes to reduce health care spend and slow premium increases over the next 10 years to provide $2 trillion in savings.

2009 US Health Care Spend

Total 2009 US health care annual spend is widely accepted to be US $2.5 trillion.

US Private Health Insurance Industry Market

Today, 1200 US private health insurance companies make up the US private health insurance industry that insures 60% of the US population, or 180 million Americans.

Approximately 180 million Americans are covered by private health insurance.   At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to roughly $1.8 trillion annually.  

At $1.8 trillion annually, the private health insurance industry administers 70% of the total $2.5 trillion US health care annual spend. 

Whether for profit or non profit, the private health insurance industry is lucrative. In fact, of the $1.8 trillion private health insurance industry, 31% goes directly to private health insurance industry administrative costs and income.  So, for every US health care dollar spent by privately insured Americans, an average of 31 cents goes to the US private health insurers' administration and income, or approximately $580 billion annually.

If the private health insurance industry continues to administer 70% of the US health care industry at $1.8 trillion annually over the next 10 years, the total 10 year private health insurance industry would be $18 trillion at current US health insurance industry premiums and health care costs (obviously assuming no growth or reduction in the private health insurance and health care industries). 

Also, if the private health industry continues a 31% administrative costs and income at $580 billion annually over the next 10 years, the health insurance industry would receive $5.8 trillion for administrative costs and income at current US health insurance industry premiums and health care costs (once again assuming no growth or reduction in the private health insurance and health care industries). 

However, the US health care industry is estimated to grow as much as 60% or to a total of $40 trillion over the next 10 years.  

If the private health insurance industry continues to administer 70% of the total US health care annual spend over the next 10 years, the total private health insurance industry would be $24 trillion.  

And if the private health insurance industry maintains a 31% overhead over the next 10 years, a total of over $7.7 trillion would go directly to private health insurance industry operational costs and income. 

Over the next 10 years, the private health insurance industry could potentially see a $24 trillion industry that includes $7.7 trillion operational costs and income.

Does it really cost $7.7 trillion to write policies and process health care bills?  

With a potential total industry of nearly $24 trillion over the next 10 years, I am not surprised that the private health insurance industry proposed $2 trillion in reduced spending and slower premium increases. That's less than 10% in an industry that is projected to grow 60%.

US Private Health Insurance Industry Overhead

How does the private health insurance industry realize a 31% overhead today?

The 180 million Americans with private health insurance are statistically healthier, wealthier, and have less costly medical conditions (e.g. not terminally ill like a larger segment of those on Medicare, etc.).   By taking advantage of advances in information technology, automating business processes, and setting policies to deny coverage and insure the young, healthy, and wealthy is where the private health insurance industry realizes 31% overhead for administrative costs and income.

US Medicare and Medicaid/SCHIP Markets

How does private health insurance overhead compare to Medicare and Medicaid/SCHIP?

Medicare covers 45 million seniors or 15 percent of the US population. At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to $450 billion annually (including unfortunately $60 billion in fraud annually), with an overhead of only 3% or $13.5 billion annually due to no income requirement or excessive administrative costs and salaries. 

Medicare has some excesses and inefficiencies.   Also, seniors are statistically an unhealthier segment of the US population, while many require more expensive long term health care, especially the terminally ill.  The fact that this segment of the US population is growing the fastest will make matters even more complicated in the very near future. 

Medicaid/SCHIP costs are $300 billion annually (also including unfortunately $40 billion in fraud annually) for 30 million children, families, and seniors who are 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income, or roughly 10 percent of the US population.  At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to roughly $300 billion annually, with an overhead of only 3% or $9 billion annually due to no income requirement or excessive administrative costs and salaries. 

Medicaid/SCHIP also has some excesses and inefficiencies.  Additionally, low income groups are statistically an unhealthier and less literate segment of any population, and administering health care coverage and treatment can be more challenging.   Regrettably, this segment of the US population is also growing.

Analysis of Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion “Savings” Proposal

Written by: Scott R on May 13, 2009 7:53 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Fair Share For Health Care Initiative, California for Democracy, Florida DFA, Sacramento For Democracy, Blog For America

The private health insurance industry proposes to reduce health care spend and slow rate increases over the next 10 years to provide $2 trillion in “savings”?

Let's analyze what that might mean.

Analysis of Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion Savings Proposal

The purpose of this analysis is meant to provide grounding, and further the discussions and progress ofUS health care reform.

Please note that all statistics are rounded to make the calculations and comprehension of the concepts more straightforward.

Please provide feedback to make this information more correct and useful.

US Private Health Insurance Industry $2 Trillion Savings Proposal

The private health insurance industry proposes to reduce health care spend and slow premium increases over the next 10 years to provide $2 trillion in savings.

2009 US Health Care Spend

Total 2009 US health care annual spend is widely accepted to be US $2.5 trillion.

US Private Health Insurance Industry Market

Today, 1200 US private health insurance companies make up the US private health insurance industry that insures 60% of the US population, or 180 million Americans.

Approximately 180 million Americans are covered by private health insurance.   At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to roughly $1.8 trillion annually.  

At $1.8 trillion annually, the private health insurance industry administers 70% of the total $2.5 trillion US health care annual spend. 

Whether for profit or non profit, the private health insurance industry is lucrative. In fact, of the $1.8 trillion private health insurance industry, 31% goes directly to private health insurance industry administrative costs and income.  So, for every US health care dollar spent by privately insured Americans, an average of 31 cents goes to the US private health insurers' administration and income, or approximately $580 billion annually.

If the private health insurance industry continues to administer 70% of the US health care industry at $1.8 trillion annually over the next 10 years, the total 10 year private health insurance industry would be $18 trillion at current US health insurance industry premiums and health care costs (obviously assuming no growth or reduction in the private health insurance and health care industries). 

Also, if the private health industry continues a 31% administrative costs and income at $580 billion annually over the next 10 years, the health insurance industry would receive $5.8 trillion for administrative costs and income at current US health insurance industry premiums and health care costs (once again assuming no growth or reduction in the private health insurance and health care industries). 

However, the US health care industry is estimated to grow as much as 60% or to a total of $40 trillion over the next 10 years.  

If the private health insurance industry continues to administer 70% of the total US health care annual spend over the next 10 years, the total private health insurance industry would be $24 trillion.  

And if the private health insurance industry maintains a 31% overhead over the next 10 years, a total of over $7.7 trillion would go directly to private health insurance industry operational costs and income. 

Over the next 10 years, the private health insurance industry could potentially see a $24 trillion industry that includes $7.7 trillion operational costs and income.

Does it really cost $7.7 trillion to write policies and process health care bills?  

With a potential total industry of nearly $24 trillion over the next 10 years, I am not surprised that the private health insurance industry proposed $2 trillion in reduced spending and slower premium increases. That's less than 10% in an industry that is projected to grow 60%.

US Private Health Insurance Industry Overhead

How does the private health insurance industry realize a 31% overhead today?

The 180 million Americans with private health insurance are statistically healthier, wealthier, and have less costly medical conditions (e.g. not terminally ill like a larger segment of those on Medicare, etc.).   By taking advantage of advances in information technology, automating business processes, and setting policies to deny coverage and insure the young, healthy, and wealthy is where the private health insurance industry realizes 31% overhead for administrative costs and income.

US Medicare and Medicaid/SCHIP Markets

How does private health insurance overhead compare to Medicare and Medicaid/SCHIP?

Medicare covers 45 million seniors or 15 percent of the US population. At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to $450 billion annually (including unfortunately $60 billion in fraud annually), with an overhead of only 3% or $13.5 billion annually due to no income requirement or excessive administrative costs and salaries. 

Medicare has some excesses and inefficiencies.   Also, seniors are statistically an unhealthier segment of the US population, while many require more expensive long term health care, especially the terminally ill.  The fact that this segment of the US population is growing the fastest will make matters even more complicated in the very near future. 

Medicaid/SCHIP costs are $300 billion annually (also including unfortunately $40 billion in fraud annually) for 30 million children, families, and seniors who are 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income, or roughly 10 percent of the US population.  At an estimate of $10,000 per person per year, that amounts to roughly $300 billion annually, with an overhead of only 3% or $9 billion annually due to no income requirement or excessive administrative costs and salaries. 

Medicaid/SCHIP also has some excesses and inefficiencies.  Additionally, low income groups are statistically an unhealthier and less literate segment of any population, and administering health care coverage and treatment can be more challenging.   Regrettably, this segment of the US population is also growing.

Statement on the Economy by TJ Thomson

Written by: TJ Thomson on Mar 29, 2009 6:37 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Gem Count DFA, Boise D.F.A., DFA Film Club, Canyon County DFA, Bannock County Democrats

Linked to campaigns: TJ Thomson for Boise City Council

Statement on the Economy, by TJ Thomson:

Whether or not you agreed with President Barack Obama's stimulus package, we must now put these resources to use and confront our economic realities. But success is not achieved by simply writing a check and going shopping. The stimulus may help alleviate the problems we face, but it should not be used for more government programs today that we cannot afford to keep tomorrow. We must be sure to spend every penny wisely. Having worked nearly a decade as an auditor in both government and the private sector—seeking out fraud, waste and abuse in our budgets; finding ways to make government programs work more efficiently; and stretching taxpayer dollars further so that we can achieve more with what we spend—I am particularly interested in promoting fiscal stewardship. I will be watching closely to see that taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately. I hope every concerned citizen is watching.

Economic forecasts are bleak, and in Boise, we are feeling the effects directly. After watching several family members leave the city to protect their jobs and seeing many of my West Boise neighbors sell their homes to prevent foreclosure, I am more convinced than ever that we can and must do more. We must lay ideologies aside and do what we can to protect and attract good jobs, spark new business growth, and invest here at home. I praise efforts this year to reject any tax increases—this is not the year to require more of already over-burdened taxpayers, but rather a year to provide relief to the middle class. This is not a Democrat or Republican challenge; this is an American challenge. I am hopeful that our public officials will continue to find ways to see eye-to-eye.

We are faced with many challenges this year. It is not just our pocketbooks getting hit—our infrastructure is falling apart at the seams. I applaud Boise's mayor, Dave Bieter, for standing by the side of Gov. Otter last month on the steps of the old Ada County Courthouse in support of transportation, showing that we can find common ground during difficult times. I encourage our Legislature to do the same and find ways to seek an economic solution that represents collaboration from the best ideas available. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the governor's transportation plan, it's a fact that Idaho lags way behind other states in infrastructure spending. Our infrastructure is aging, including structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges across the state. We also lack an adequate funding source for public transportation which, combined with future growth, only adds to the concern. Transportation must be a priority.

Like many of you, my wife and I are proud to live in what we believe is the greatest city in America, and we want our future to remain just as great. We can either let the worst economic times of most of our lives become a catalyst for change in the way we do business, or we can do nothing and continue the same policies that got us into this difficult position. Now is the time for fresh ideas and proactive governance. We should work together to find ways to bring down the barriers preventing businesses from succeeding, bring a hyper-focus to small business start-ups and long-term economic opportunities in the Treasure Valley, and support efforts that increase purchasing and use of local produce and products to keep those much-needed dollars here at home. We must do these things because people are hurting, and it's not just in the news, it's in our neighborhoods and homes. Let's dig ourselves out, Idaho.
—TJ Thomson
Also posted in Boise Weekly: http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyroba    

RECENT ENDORSEMENTS OF TJ THOMSON FOR BOISE CITY COUNCIL:
• Former Governor Cecil D. Andrus
• Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Marilyn Howard
• Former Congressman Richard H. Stallings
• Former Congressman Larry LaRocco
• Senator Elliot Werk (Senate Assistant Minority Leader)
• Senator Les Bock (Senate Minority Caucus Chair)
• Senator Nicole LeFavour
• Representative John Rusche (House Minority Leader)
• Representative James D. Ruchti (House Assistant Minority Leader)
• Representative Bill M. Killen (House Minority Caucus Chair)
• Representative Donna H. Boe
• Representative Brian Cronin
• Representative Branden J. Durst
• Representative Elfreda Higgins
• Representative Wendy Jaquet
• Representative Phylis K. King
• Representative Anne Pasley-Stuart
• Representative Shirley G. Ringo
• Representative Elaine Smith
• Idaho’s Dem. National Committeewoman Gail Bray (Former State Senator)
• Idaho’s Dem. National Committeeman Jerry Brady
• Former State Senator Mike Burkett
• Former State Representative Margaret Henbest
• Former State Representative Jim Hansen
• Former State Representative Steve Scanlin
• 2006 Congressional Candidate Larry Grant
• 2002 Congressional Candidate Betty Richardson
• Former Idaho Dem. National Committeeman Peter Richardson

KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING! DONATE TODAY:
http://www.tj4boise.com/Donatese/Content?oid=oid%3A322018

Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy Group: Updates

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Feb 27, 2009 12:10 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA-Link Organizers, DFA at Netroots Nation (formerly YearlyKos) July 17-20, Democracy for Washington, Democracy for Illinois, Framing Committee

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The capacity to know emotionally what another is experiencing from within the frame of reference of that other person, the capacity to sample the feelings of another or to put oneself in another’s shoes.   D. M. Berger

Barack Obama is leading a movement based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy. Barack talks about empathy and the importance of 'standing in other peoples shoes', in many of his speeches (I've collected 50 so far).  Empathy is the most basic value he ran on and he says the country has an 'empathy deficit' that needs to be filled. We are forming an Empathy Values Group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. 

A sense of similarity in feelings experienced by the self and the other, without confusion between the two individuals.^{Jean Decety}

As part of this empathy movement, we are also putting together a video of his talking about this topic to give it some context and promote this foundational progressive value. Let's help fill the empathy deficit by making people more aware of the topic. This is a collaborative project and we invite you to take part.  See.

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy (rough cut 1)  (1 hr 15 min)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

A Chronological Video of Barack on Empathy - Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. 

Here's a review of the video:  Hi Edwin, It is truly wonderful that you and others have grasped the brass ring of the progressive movement by highlighting the core issue of Empathy. I now see that everything about the rising of Barack Obama and the revolution in America is based on this principle. Thank you, thank you for your effort and the timely reminder to me of what is really important. It's easy to get lost in the dust that is being raised by so many who sincerely want to see change and see it quickly. But it is crucial to remember why we are being called in this time in history to change. You are exactly right, it is Empathy. Warmly, Terri  Jan 28, 2009.
 

Some more Video About Empathy

•  
  •  
    •  
      •  
        •     Nova: Mirror Neurons and Empathy
              A video about Mirror Neurons which could be  the physiological source of empathy.

      •     George Lakoff on Empathy
            Lakoff talks about Obama and empathy.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = =
Next Empathy Group Meeting Dates
   (online and in person)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = =

How might we nurture, promote or foster empathy within ourselves, as a group and within the larger culture through a balance of action and reflection?

Attend In Person meetings in the Bay Area. El Cerrito, CA. Meetings are ongoing, every week .
Sign up at:

Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 2 - 5 pm  
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt2lv
At this meeting we'll brainstorm  about projects to work on.

Saturday, Mar 07, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrd

Saturday, Mar 21, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrg

Saturday, April 04, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrl

= = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = =

An affective response that stems from the apprehension or comprehension of another’s emotional state or condition, and that is similar to what the other person is feeling or would be expected to feel.   Nancy Eisenberg

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Resource Links
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Group  Website: Barack Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy
     http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/

Video: Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1 (1 hr 15 min)
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
    Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
    It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.

Online Discussion Group
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
     Take part from anywhere online. We hold ongoing online discussions, brainstorming and meetings.
      Join the project discussion list by sending an email to:
     ProgressiveValues-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
 

Best

Edwin Rutsch

Visit www.TJ4Boise.com today!

Written by: TJ Thomson on Feb 18, 2009 11:11 PM EST

Linked to groups: Canyon County DFA, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, Gem Count DFA, Boise D.F.A., DFA Night School

Linked to campaigns: TJ Thomson for Boise City Council, Obama for America

My campaign website is up and running!  Check it out!  www.TJ4Boise.com

Watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at http://liberal.democratz.org

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 4:04 PM EST

Linked to groups: Tennessee Trained Activists, PA Single Payer Healthcare Action Committee, Democracy for Tennessee, FairElections Oregon, Billy Reed's Democracy for America

Did you miss last night's episode of Countdown with Keith Olbermann? Does your tv system not have MSNBC? If so then you can watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at

http://liberal.democratz.org and if you can't get to that web page then go to

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2pnn4/dmocrats1/id2.html

Read more

Send this letter to congress to end Republiklan filibusters and get needed legislation enacted. http://write2congress.buyblue.biz

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 1:19 PM EST

Linked to groups: Obama for Pennsylvania, DuPage Democracy For Illinois, Empathy Cafe, Democracy for NYC, Illinois Sixth Progressive Dems

Send the following letter by fax to Senate Republican minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell. Tell other people to visit this site and have these people to get other people to visit this site.

Go to http://write2congress.buyblue.biz which will have the letter shown below in the text box and the fax information for Senator McConnell. Just enter your name and email in the left hand box and fill in the captcha code and then click on the button that reads send free fax now.


Dear Senator Senator McConnell

I want the following actions taken and legislation enacted into law.

Read more

Obama Empathy Values Movement Meetings and Video Now Online

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Jan 27, 2009 3:53 PM EST

Linked to groups: Michigan Democracy for America, San Francisco for Democracy, DFA-Link Organizers, Democracy for New York, Courage Campaign

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

I recently uploaded a video I compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.  You can see it here;

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1(1 hr 15 min)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

I've also collect about 50 speeches from Barack and Michelle where they talk about empathy. You can see the full list and text here
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy

Obama Empathy Values Movement Group
Barack Obama led a campaign based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy.  Obama repeatedly says the country has an 'Empathy Deficit'. We are forming a group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. We are holding weekly meetings to form a group to promote a  national ethos change to greater empathy.  The weekly meetings are from 2 to 4 in El Cerrito (near Berkeley),  CA.  You can also join us for online discussions on the Yahoo discussion list at  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/

At the next meetings we'll brainstorm about how to build the group.

As part of this empathy movement, we're also putting together a video of Barack's many speeches on empathy.  You can see the first rough cut here. Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
 

Read more

A message from a four-legged friend.

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 20, 2009 7:28 PM EST

Linked to groups: State of Oklahoma DFA, Blog For America, DEMOCRACY for Baltimore, Democracy for Colorado, Democracy for Montgomery County

Mitzy is a two year old Brittany Spaniel/Chocolate Lab mix.  She is a wonderful dog who loves to play, especially fetch, and loves to go for rides in the car.  She knows how to sit, shake and heel. 

Mitzy's family loved her very much.  They had her spayed, as all responsible pet-owners should, and took her to the Vet for the least little problem.  Mitzy was a member of the family, and when a member of your family is sick, you take them to the doctor.

However, about six months ago, the father of Mitzy's family lost his job.  The result was so financially devastating that they could no longer afford to care for Mitzy and were forced to surrender her to the Missaukee Humane Society.

Given the exponential descent of our economy, Mitzy's story has become all too common.  But, there is something you can do to help.  Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy.  They are one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan, and are currently running on a deficit, at full capacity.  Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com.  Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, a squeaky toy to play with, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country.  Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

Time is running out, so please don't wait.  The contest ends January 31, 2009, at 11:59pm.  After you vote, you will have an opportunity to forward information about the contest to as many people as possible so that they can join you in this worthy cause.  Vote, spread the word, be a voice for the voiceless...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

I thank you, and Mitzy thanks you.

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…

 - George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904