Perils darken a shadow economy

[Monkeyman]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0609040132sep04,1,6227911.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

By Stephen Franklin and Darnell Little Tribune Staff Reporters

Illegal immigrant workers,the health care system and taxpayers all pay a steep price

Raul Rosas lies in pain in a dark,foul-smelling hovel that resembles a shallow cave more than a basement.

Paralyzed in a workplace accident five years ago,he survives by selling fruits and vegetables from a wheelchair on a Chicago street corner. But now he is sick with a stomach infection and can't buy medication because he has no way to get to the drugstore.

Since losing the ability to walk,Rosas' life has shrunk to the barest existence.He is a veritable ghost, and a depleted one because he is an illegal immigrant and therefore ineligible for all government assistance beyond emergency room care.

I don't know what to do! Do you guys?

[TygrBright]

1. Yep. Cut out the article, and...

...hand it to the next Christianist nutjob who annoys you and say "What Would Jesus Do?"

::sighs::

Alright, having given in to my worser nature and gotten it out of my system, I can recommend only two things:

One: When confronted personally with pain and tragedy like this, do try to do something, but don't try to do it alone. Bring the individual to the attention of a community of helpers, like a local charity, church, etc., and offer to volunteer in helping them alleviate the tragedy.

Two: Condense the story into twenty-five words or so, and go to every elected official who serves you, from city councilcritter to county board member to State Assembly rep to Congresscritter to Senator, and say: "This concerns me. It SHOULD concern you. What can you do to make a real and immediate difference for this person and others like her/him?" Let them know you'll be keeping an eye on them to see if they deliver.

Alas, that's all I can think of...

sadly,
Bright

[Monkeyman]

3. Thanks

[Olney Blue]

2. The compassionate conservatives believe a faith-based group should

help Rosa and people like him. Well, where are they?

:cry:

The GOP government is not working. Their approach to immigration reform and health care is not working.
This story illustrates to me more than ever that I don't want republicans in control of this country.