DJP Update 12-22-2011: While Congress plays games, read about a true leader & hero; Lagniappe
The chains will remain on doctors and patients regarding SGR with the usual last-minute follies in DC. Courage needed to restore liberty and end coercion and price-fixing.
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Thanks to Dr. Stormy Johnson, former AMA president, for bringing this wonderful story below to my attention.
This man, Van T. Barfoot, born in 1919, was told by his neighborhood association in December of 2009 he couldn’t fly the American Flag on a flagpole in front of his home.
His response at age 90,
“In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without
interference”.
Oh, by the way, he won the Medal of Honor in WWII. An American Hero! Yes, he continued to fly the flag.
Citation:
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to
BARFOOT, VAN T.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Carano, Italy, 23 May 1944. Entered service at: Carthage, Miss. Birth: Edinburg, Miss. G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot’s extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.
See the photos at this link: http://www.relentlessknives.com/MedalofHonor.html
He advanced alone through minefields to get to the first machinegun nest.
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Learn from heroes and leaders. They all have courage.
“Whereas, Sir, you know courage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other.
–Samuel Johnson
Quoted at start of chapter 5 in my book.
LAGNIAPPE
A few recent DJPNEWS tweets at: www.twitter.com/DJPNEWS
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DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
It could happen! Brokered Repub convention. No majority 1st vote; delegates on own; @RepPaulRyan chosen & @marcorubio is VP. #2012 #BigWin
51 minutes ago
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Want to improve the photos you snap? People: frame from chest up; no feet or empty space. Don’t jerk camera shutter #photography #PhotoTip
1 hour ago
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Treasure #Liberty – Must read article by @domjoly “A Strange Ride in the Totalitarian Theme Park”. His visit to North Korea 2010. #KimJong
1 hour ago
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Good for #Congress re #PPACA #Medicaid #PriceFixing RT @miss_quotation: Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. ~ Confucius
3 hours ago
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Fear no one will come to the price-fixing party? MT @texmed: Medicare extends Drs’ ann enroll period till Feb. 14-2012. fb.me/OMOEE8Cq
7 hours ago
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DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Dr Ezekiel Emanuel @nytimes wrong in critique re Medicare premium support http://tinyurl.com/844rpzz #PPACA & #IPAB = bad. http://tinyurl.com/yb9ge5o
20 hours ago
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Dr Corey Howard re no longer enroll in #Medicare – his reasons blogtalkradio 12-22-2011 “Live A Better Life” tinyurl.com/828qn9s #HR1700
21 Dec
DJPNEWS Donald Palmisano
Shame on Congress if 27.4% cut Medicare payments occurs 1-1-2012. Affects access to care for Seniors, military families, etc. #SGR #HR1700
21 Dec
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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a healthy & wonderful New Year! Think of the courage displayed long ago on the days we celebrate each year at this time.
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Stay well.
Donald
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
Intrepid Resources® / The Medical Risk Manager Company
5000 West Esplanade Ave., #432
Metairie, LA 70006
USA
504-455-5895 office
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