At the park this morning, I watched a whole lot of birds. And I figured out American politics in the process.
Specifically, I learned that we’re not eagles.
Google Image, of course
No, I didn’t mean those eagles, although we’re not them.
I meant these eagles – and we’re not them either. We’re not golden eagles either.
Naturally I am confused about this, since I thought all Americans were cunning, smart and resourceful, just like our national symbol.
We're Not?????? http://www.strangefarmer.com/images/content/155616.jpg
But we’re not at all like eagles. I’m pretty sure we Americans are much more like woodpeckers.
Pileated Woodpecker. Thanks, Google
We come in all shapes and sizes.
Redbellied Woodpecker (yeah, I know it has a red head. I don't name these things)
We’re black and white and red and gray and brown.
Smoky brown woodpecker.
And we hit our heads against hard stuff all the time. Repeatedly.
Take the issue of health insurance, for example.
The people who need it most are the ones who oppose it most. They just slam their heads into those trees, again and again. But at least woodpeckers get bugs and build nests. Human woodpeckers get nothing for their troubles. Well, except troubles. Oh and large bills.
Who can’t afford medical care? Where do they live? Let’s look.
Poverty in the US
Then Check out these maps showing US distribution of diseases and conditions that, well, just might need a visit to a doctor from time to time:
Diabetes
Distribution of cardiovascular disease:
Heart Disease
Distribution of obesity:
Obesity in US, 2007 (http://www.americanobesity.org/obesityInAmerica.htm)
Now, look at the map of folks who don’t have health insurance
Who DOESN'T HAVE Health insurance?
And the map of states whose government are fighting Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
States trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Can I see a show of hands of who sees a pattern here. Yeah, I knew you’d notice that it’s all the folks who probably need health insurance most have elected governments that are fighting against insuring them.
Yup, we’re a nation of peckers.
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Bird images from Google unless otherwise noted.
Maps from the U.S. Centers from Disease Control unless otherwise noted on the map or here:
Diabetes map:
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDT_STRS2/NationalDiabetesPrevalenceEstimates.aspx
Poverty map:
http://www.censusscope.org/us/map_poverty.html
Heart Disease map:
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/maps/national_maps/hd_all.htm
Who has Health Insurance:
FiftyFourandAHalf 
