At 44, I have finally lost my virginity!

No, not that one! I mean my Fox News one. While I was living in Germany, Fox News was never an issue. Believe it or not, they actually still have real journalists over there (and the physicians even make house calls!). I haven't had a TV in years and still don't since I've returned to the U.S., so my only exposure to Fox was through the occasional clips offered by Crooks and Liars or Media Matters. That changed 2 weeks ago when I took on an in-service hospice assignment. I'm a trained physician, but my credentials are not recognized here, so I'm keeping my head above water as a self-employed RN. But that's another story.

Two weeks ago I was sent to an octogenarian couple. The man had been released from the hospital because they couldn't do anything else for him. Although he wasn't directly aware of the situation, he was sent home to die. The two gave a lovely pair, full of tenderness for one another after 57 years together. I liked his vigor (in spite of his ailment) and his humour...but, there was this one thing. He ran Fox News 24/7, and I really mean 24/7. The only time he didn't watch the tube was when he was listening to Limbaugh or Levin, and, even then, the TV stayed on. Because of this, I had the opportunity, if you will, to actually form an opinion on the news quality of Fox. I saw them all; Megyn Kelly, Neil Cavuto, Shep Smith, Bret Baier, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity. To those of you out there, who are experienced, this will come as no surprise, but remember, I was still wet behind the ears when I went into this. Fox is an echo chamber. To be sure, they have different personalities delivering the message from dusk till dawn, but the message is always the same; fear. It's simply a joke with the "fair and balanced" label. They say they represent both sides, but it's all dog feces in the end. The liberal faction on Fox is anything but. Juan Williams, for example. Who the fuck is this guy? A strong liberal voice? Really? More often than not, he agreed with everything (enter Fox drone's name) said. Laura Schwartz? Is she really even a Democrat? Kirsten Powers (be still my heart!), brains and beauty, but liberal? If I didn't know better, I would have been scared that the sky is falling after two weeks of Fox. Sometimes, when my patient wasn't compliant with his treatment plan, I'd say something like, "Rush Limbaugh also takes Oxy" (he didn't want the stigma of taking opiates) or, in my best radio voice, "Mark Le-Vin! says to use the nebulizer!". He would laugh and comply. I really felt affection for the guy, although, in the back of my mind I thought, if we would have met under different circumstances, we would have detested each other. Last week I had the brilliant idea to take him out. I sold him on the idea because I felt sorry for him having to spend his final days in bed. We put on his Sunday best, a fresh shave with a dash of Davidoff Cool Water, some pomade in his thick, white hair, and then out for a walk (he was in the wheelchair). He was as happy as a little child to be outside, to feel the sun, and to breathe the fresh air, and it pleased me as well to be able to give him this. While helping him into his bed, his legs failed. I wasn't prepared for this and struggled with all my strength to prevent him from falling, and, in doing so, tore a ligament in my hip. For three days I was, myself, tied to the bed but kept contact with them over the phone. He was beside himself, gave himself the blame, but I calmed him down and told him it wasn't as bad as it sounded. Actually, it still hurts.

He died today, totally unexpectedly. There was no agony, no death rattle. He just slipped away. I learned that in the U.S. we treat our dead a bit differently than in Germany, but in the end they all look the same. What's left afterward is little more than a pile of clothes the person wore throughout their lifetime. I stayed with his wife, held her hand, gave her a shoulder to cry on. Now it's over. A life has ended and, although he was "the enemy", I'm glad I was there until the end. His wife wants to keep in contact and she means it sincerely. I will do it. Perhaps we'll hook her up with a computer and internet or get her a dog (I suggested a cat). Who knows?

I don't know how this post became what it did. I only wanted to write about my "Fox defloration" and ended up here. I guess, I've learned about another grey area, the area between 'us' and 'them'. I'm very radical in my liberal stance. When I see the pro Prop. 8 supporters here, I feel violent impulses. I absolutely loathe conservatives, teabaggers, birthers, deathers, palinites, Reagan venerators, and W. fellators. And yet, for the past two weeks, I gave my best for one of them. Would I do the same for Limbaugh? I dare not answer that question!

Fuck, I need a beer!

I am sure he was appreciative and I am sure his wife is too.

it wouldn't have done any good to try to change his mind. And look how much you learned! Now when you see faux bashing going on, you'll know why.

...convert him. That wasn't my assignment. I wanted him to be comfortable and without pain. During the time I was there, they received a summary bill from medicare for his time in the hospital. It was over $100,000. She praised medicare, as they would have been unable to pay the sum. Yesterday, she got a letter from the Heritage Foundation and gave it to me, because she wanted my opinion on it. The letter was an absolute joke, even going back to demonize FDR. She grew up during the depression and remembered the time. My only political comment was that the New Deal brought us from the Great Depression to the moon in less than 40 years, and for that reason, it was a success. In Germany I received a quality education in the medical field for nothing. It didn't cost me anything but the administrative costs of around $70/year. I am constantly reminded of the quote from Harriet Tubman, "I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.". That's how I see this struggle. We could do it. We really could form this country to serve the people, but...

I hold hospice docs, nurses, support personnel, volunteers *and* hospice families in a league of their own. Like long distance flight crews the goal seems the same - as smooth and safe a landing at the inevitable destination as possible. Hang in there. :thumbsup:

My job was in hospitals and perfectly reasonable people would keep Pox or bible swill on the tube in the room. That kind of ridiculous alternate reality was comforting to them while they were sick. The problem wasn't with the people, it was with the dreckmeisters who kept selling them that kind of rubbish instead of something that would have nourished them.

I save my rage for the soft, pink men who prey on ignorance and sell it fear and lies.

foot? Who knows but I sense a strong empathetic feeling from most of us 'libs', and rarely see/hear that in 'the other side.'

Welcome back! I liked your comments on your profile!

you have now watched more fox news than i expect to in my lifetime. take care.

You wetted up these old otherwise dry eyes, bless you.

I thank you.

for being a very caring person above and beyond all other callings. You are a great person.

There them damned eyes go again.
Peace

Thank you for making his last days something special.

I know a few RABID RWers - but I only know they're rabidly RW because they too always have Faux News on and various Mark Levin, Glenn Beck etc books scattered around the house. They know I disagree so they don't bring up politics, and they're very good people. I just think to myself, how can you REALLY condone the vicious hate spewed by these people you listen to 24/7? Here I am, a liberal, and they know this, and they are nice to me - even though according to their media idols I'm a traitor, a cowardly terrorist appeaser who hates America and God and grandma and all things good. How do they live with that kind of cognitive dissonance?

Unfortunately, most of those elderly people who are being propagandized by FOX News are just nice old people who live their lives in the most mundane way. It's too bad there is no way to get them to turn it off. I never watch FOX myself unless I'm forced to in a waiting room somewhere or at the gym. My blood pressure goes way up with what I see on it, even if only for a few minutes. I can't understand people who believe what they are watching on it.

...having lived abroad for over 20 years and not being bombarded with all the television BS that goes on in the U.S. Make no mistake, they have nonsense TV in Germany too (anyone know RTL?), but it is high intellectualism compared to U.S. programming. People here are very gullible and believe it because it's on the tube (and if it's not on TV, it never happened!). Fox appeals to that part in our neurocircuitry that also makes us believe that a "simple pill" can make a man larger and Al Gore describes this perfectly in "The Assault on Reason". What does it say about us as a nation that more people vote for "American Idolatry" than in a presidential election? That's the point where I tend to get pessimistic, because we've let an entire generation be nurtured on the monkey box (German term - 'Affenkiste') and now we're paying the price. Who would have thought that "Network" would be so prophetic and "Idiocracy" is just around the corner?

Yet, by the time it's on TV, he remarks that he read it first on the Internet. :)

Oh, and I'm sure you have been much appreciated by the elderly man and his wife, such a comfort to them.

I think we learn a lot from just being around the elderly people, too. I have learned a lot of patience. Much more than when my kids were little.

and hope to stay a little longer. It is so nice to be over there during such things as elections, deaths of celebrities, and this health care debate. I'm Stateside for a week and can not wait to go back. I hate meeting old friends and within a minute they sneer about Obama. And they are of course Fox New viewers. But all of the news here is awful - that one just more so.

...L.A. is more tolerable than Jacksonville, Florida from where I originally hail. I've faced up to the fact that I will always feel like a stranger in a strange land.

I'm not sure I would equate first exposure to Fox Noise to losing one's virginity. More like one's first prostate exam.

I almost spat out my beer, as I remember that examination all too well.

and I do remember it well as it was only a month or two ago.

but i see your username and want to tell you i've discovered a new beer i've really been enjoying.

Dale's Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado.


Best beer in a can i've ever had!

Cheers!

:toast:

I have wanted to make a trip of Colorado for the purpose of touring breweries as well as the natural beauty of the state. I am hoping to make it our big vacation for next year.

I have a package store near my home that has a very large selection of microbrews from around the country and I will look it up.

I enjoyed this very much. You're a good soul. It's very important to be there for someone who's nearing the end of life. Thanks for what you did and thanks for writing about it.

All the best to you.

:hug:

Welcome! :kick:

Just not in a good way.

Ask me again when I'm sober. I don't feel much of anything right now. I don't even care about his political affiliation. My thoughts go to his wife, who, after 57 years, is alone for the first time.

They are not evil, just foolish, and frightened.

I salute you -- your work is so important, and your attitude rocks.

:patriot:

to be my doctor.

And my friend....................

...although I'm not allowed to treat you, I will always be here for advice. I don't want to brag, but I'm a pretty intuitive diagnostician. As for friendship, I'm forever in your debt for your support in the Widow Penalty issue, which has become my raison d'être. Thank you!

thank you. I have a find physician who has my trust - no easy matter - but friendship, that's a whole different matter.

How goes the Widow Penalty matter? My fax machine and I are always at your service......................

...the House has yet to debate the appropriations bill. I suppose it has taken a backseat to the health care debate. I will inform you as soon as something happens.

it's the slow season - everything here in DC is stagnant, including the weather.

Yes, please do, and thanks for all that you do. Your OP here was a work of art..........................

I've seen so many people die, have held so many hands...I know the deal. I guess it was just strange for me as it was the first time in L.A. I love this city, the location, the parks, the mountains, and the beach. Perhaps it was also the cognitive dissonance I experienced. When I see Hannity on Fox, I swear I could slap him. I guess I'd have a guilty conscience afterward and would offer first-aid.

I'm just rambling now, but thank you for your comments.

listening to Faux all day and tending to a dying man who can't think of a better way to spend
his last hours on earth than listening to that crap.

If I don't die suddenly, I promise to have music 24/7 during my last days.

There is no place for hate in the heart of a wise person. Thank you for showing us how it's done.

a fresh shave with a dash of Davidoff Cool Water

Kind, compassionate AND has good taste?? You're definitely my kind of guy. :) Happy to rec

in America is. To progressives, he may be an obstacle but he's also a victim, too. We know who our real enemies are. They control/generate the propaganda.

Great post!

and drang that goes on here in the political world, that post was like a refreshing cool long drink. Thank you. May your spirit be contagious.

And I like the way you ignored political differences and simply cared for other human beings.

It is also a good reminder to us all. As much as we hate the right-wing philosophy, we need not hate the people themselves.

Well, except Cheney of course, and some others I can think of whose souls have been so darkened that there is just nothing else left.

your post made me :cry:

You made the man's days prior to his death easier by your compassion and sense of humor. I am sure that he and his wife appreciated the time and effort. I'm glad that you will keep in touch with the wife. It'll probably comfort her to have someone with whom to talk about her husband.

As for politics, there are good and bad people of all different political persuasions. I don't base my friendships on my friend's politics, but on their kindness, humanity, sense of humor and shared interests. I don't see people as enemies just because I may not agree with their political views. There is far more to life than politics.

:-)

...I base my friendships on political persuasions, but I really don't have any conservative friends. Liberals, like conservatives, tend to find each other and, as I am a very passionate person politically, I think I tend to scare them off. I have many family members, who still think W. is a decent man, which leads to tense situations sometimes at family gatherings. I never start a discussion, but I can't sit idly by when nonsense is being sold as truth (I'm the crazy uncle, cousin, brother in law, etc., who went to Europe and is a little different. Ha, ha!). In an abstract way I do see these people as enemies, not of mine directly, but certainly of humanity, for their acquiescence, if not downright complicity actually kills others. On a personal level, though, it's very difficult, counterproductive, and even unhealthy to maintain a high level of vitriol.

There are just some topics that I don't discuss with certain people because I value their friendship. On the other hand, they know better than to say that Bush was fantastic. Although most Republicans I know are perfectly aware that he was not precisely their best president.

As for the vitriol, I just pour it all out over here. It's very cathartic and no humans are injured in the process. LOL!!!

:D

I have met a lot of good hearted, wonderful people who I absolutely DO NOT talk politics with (unless I can't help myself, like with the birthers). They are people, just like us, who are being used by the elite to forward an agenda based on greed.

You sound like a great nurse. I hope you get to practice as a physician here, too.

...I never really wanted to be a physician. I dream of being a marine biologist when I grow up, but the only university in Germany that offers marine biology didn't accept me. I'm having my transcripts evaluated here and intend to complete the courses necessary for a biology degree. They've already said I need an English course!

I'm still digesting the entire experience. From afar, I see these people as drones; homunculi and hindrances to progress, which is necessary and, in the long run, inevitable. Up close though, I really liked the guy. I was never open about my political beliefs, I simply lived them. Although I did laugh to myself that I got him to take Oxy by invoking Limbaugh, but those are the tricks of the trade. Believe me, bedside manner is very important and although you represent a theoretical authority, you must also be something akin to a close friend and allow the person to be weak without shaming him or her.

One day in the near future, I'll be diving somewhere, counting fish or tracking whales. That's where my heart is, but this experience I will never forget, because it challenged me.

:toast:

Swamp Rat, as one who always appreciates your work, I thank you for responding. Sitting on the laptop now looking for my next assignment...and drinking Pilsner Urquell. I lived in Bavaria for quite some time before going north to Berlin and love their beer, but the Czechs give them a run for the money.

Here's to you and everyone else out there:



Be nice to people and read a good book now and then. Celebrate your life, because it's the only one you have.

:D

Da gibt's nur "die große Maß!"
Und wenn der erste Maßkrug leer,
Bringt dir die Reserl bald mehr.
Oft kriegt zu Haus die Frau 'nen Schreck,
Bleibt der Mann mal länger weg.
Aber die braven Nachbarsleut',
Die wissen besser Bescheid!

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus:
Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . .
Da läuft so manches Fäßchen aus:
Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . .
Da hat so manche braver Mann:
Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . .
Gezeigt was er so vertragen kann
Schon früh am Morgen fing er an
Und spät am Abend kam er heraus
So schön ist's im Hofbräuhaus.

:toast:

...at the end of every "g'suffa"! Yes, those were the days, although as a little insider tip: don't go to the Hofbräuhaus when in Munich. Instead, go to the Augustiner Keller or, in the summer, the Augustiner Biergarten. The beer is far superior and there are no tourists.

My father passed away on July 21st, in hospice.

I can't imagine doing the work that you guys do, but I'm so thankful for you for doing it.

Here's a beer. Heck, here's a case of beer.

You are the very definition of a liberal.

I have nothing else to contribute beyond my thanks...

they all look the same in the begining too.


Its just in the middle we have to divide them up and put them in boxes.


Nice job and well written.