Masters of the Universe

I've been reading alot about revolutions lately. After considerable study, it seems to me that the phenomenon arises more as a result of natural causes than artificial ones. People speak of revolutionary leaders in a way that elevates their name to almost mythical proportions. They're the fathers and mothers of nations and the pioneers of social change. Yet, in any period of history other than their own, I'd like to believe that their ability as leaders would hardly amount to anything above and beyond those of their lesser known peers who were met with the misfortune of failure. The leader is a piece of the puzzle, and like all other pieces, he is mutually reliant upon the coming together of each respective piece so that he may play out his role.

In all successful revolutions, problems will appear at times to resolve themselves, financial crises averted, ruling tyrants assasinated, unlikely allies appearing as if compelled by some inexplicable force (one I would not hesitate to call God but do concede that it may just as well be the natural flow of the universe, like El Nino or the hole in the Ozone). These are signs of ripeness.

A revolution is not so much the product or charge of one man as it is the will of the times. It is the coincidental or perhaps even providential meeting of countless factors and the execution of their common will. It is the merging of tributaries and the crowding of stormclouds. It is the rise and fall of entropy.

A profile of the uninsured

In theme with Michael Moore's recently released documentary "Sicko" - which I have yet to see - I have compiled a list of traits that paint a rough portrait of America's uninsured.

Profile of the Uninsured

Data taken from an analysis of 2005 CPS data conducted by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services

Percentages are expressed as proportions of the total uninsured population

- Income between 100-200% of FPL* - 28%

- Between 25-34 years of age - 22%

- A childless non-elderly adult - 57%

- Non-Hispanic White - 48%

- A US citizen - 79%

- A full time worker - 46%**

- Employee of a firm with less than 10 employees - 26%

- Has been uninsured for at least 12 months - 51%

*Federal Poverty Level - $1383 per month for a family of 3

**74% of all uninsured individuals are employed or reside in working families.