At some point you just say you are done. And I am at that point.

[The Straight Story]

I spent several hours with my X today. She has 11 prescriptions, some of which she cannot get covered with her state insurance (which runs out at end of month). She is going to the hospital tomorrow, I asked her to promise me she would ask them to admit her and try to find out what is all wrong with her. She is coughing up blood, has two brain cysts, parkinson's disease (though it may be MS), and can hardly talk right now.

She has been to urgent care and the hospital several times in the last few weeks. When my daughter is over I just tell her mommy is getting a checkup. And I hope she has not heard the conversations I have had with dad about it all. One Dr. thinks she may have brain cancer. She is worried our little girl will just remember as someone who is sick all the time.

I am done. Simply done with all this debate over health care and such.

She can't get her cough syrup with codeine because the state won't pay for it (I have given her my own codeine, which I only take when I am in really bad pain a few times a year - I guess by law I am a criminal for giving someone else my scrips).

I have an 8 year old daughter who wants her mommy to be ok - and I, and her new husband, cannot make that happen. All because we don't have enough money.

What am I supposed to tell my little girl? That her mom is sick and cannot get the care she needs because she does not have enough cash???

Should I tell her daddy is not able to help her because I was laid off? How do I explain to her that I worked my ass off for years for various companies but they laid me off because money for investors was more important than anything else? How do I tell her that doing your best means nothing really, and that the only thing that matters is how much cash you have?

I am done. I voted for change, and I want it. Change when it comes to wars (have two sons heading out to those wars soon), change when it comes to how we treat corporations, change when it comes to the homeless, etc.

My own issues are but are a small thing really, I know that. From gay folks wanting DADT repealed to folks fighting for single payer, from our homeless friends wanting something to change to help them to others like me unemployed with personal issues that are eating away at them - where is our help, our bailout?

I want to work. I want my X to have the health care she needs. I would work two or three jobs, if I could find them. I want my daughter to grow up knowing others are concerned about her well being and her health. Seems like the right was all concerned when the X was pregnant but the minute we had a child she was on her own - if I don't 'work' enough and she suffers, well that is her fault - if her mom cannot afford to get the care she needs, that is her mom's fault.

Done. Simply done with it all. All of the politics, keeping powder dry, making compromises, and so on.

You want my vote? Then do what I put you in office to do. If you are not going to that, then screw you.

[niyad]

1. k and r for laying it out so plainly.

[SharonAnn]

36. In a nutshell, we hired (elected) them, we manage them, and we give their performance appraisals.

And, if they don't measure up? Well, we lay them off (elect others).

The difference is that they'd just end up as lobbyists on K street.

[pokercat999]

283. Obama proves beyond any doubt that we can only elect the

pre-approved corporate candidate. There are no others to choose from except in a few minor house "races".

[bjobotts]

295. Dude, she qualifies for disability from social security where in a yr gets Medicare

[bjobotts]

296. Many will die wating for our dysfunctional senate to pass legislation.

[bjobotts]

297. If not for the abused filibuster we'd have already passed a strong HC bill

[bjobotts]

299. We have 51 progressive senators to get it done but they are obstructed by this rule

[bjobotts]

300. Try to keep holding on...this too will pass...just like last yr.We all want the same thing here.

[ixion]

2. kicked and recommended

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult times, and I share your frustration.

I hope you're able to get things stabilized, and that your ex gets better.

[TexasObserver]

3. It ought to be a crime not giving health care to those who need it.

[aquart]

6. Punishable by death.

Why not? They're just fine with killing us.

[niyad]

9. ABSOLUTELY AGREE

[Zoeisright]

50. +1000

It's deliberate murder, with malice aforethought. No question those insurance bastards are deliberately killing us.

[PSzymeczek]

266. Depraved Indifference Homicide.

in the first degree.

[NoUsername]

301. Ah, but not where there is a profit involved. After all that would be

un-American. As long there is a profit is to be made, no amount of human suffering is too great. Apparently that's in the Constitution because our so called "representatives" sure act like it is.

I have to disagree with the OP where he said that "My own issues are but are a small thing really." BULLSHIT. No developed society should subject people to that type of treatment. Plain and simple. Health care should be a right and not a privilege. It should be freely available to every citizen of the country and could probably be fully paid for by closing loopholes that allow rich people to dodge paying their fair share. If not, didn't Obama say HCR would be paid for by repealing the Bush tax cuts? So where is that part in the current HCR bill?

No, TSS, paying for or receiving health care is not something you or you X should have to worry about. At least, not in a civilized society anyway. Apparently the US has yet to rise to that level. So sorry for your troubles. Too bad we don't have elected representatives that are willing to do their jobs instead of sell us out at the turn of a hat.

[Enthusiast]

69. Actually there is no difference.

They just smile and joke about it. I guess we should feel bad since we want a pony.

[sabrina 1]

77. I always thought it was. I've learned a lot about this country

I didn't know in the past couple of years.

And Congress tells us, abused as the American people are, what a great job they've done by writing into this bill, that five years from now, Private Insurance Corps won't be able to refuse to cover people who are sick! How lucky are we to live in the 'best country in the world'! :sarcasm:

This is what SHOULD have happened. A law, separate from any health care legislation, should have been passed immediately making it a crime for a Health Ins. Co. to refuse to cover sick people. I didn't believe it when I first heard it. It is so unbelievable that this has been tolerated, it is nothing short of criminally negligent homocide or manslaughter at least.

They were entrusted with the health and safety of the American people, and they let them die rather than spend money to keep them alive. It IS a crime. And if they can't afford to do that, then they should get out of the business.

I am absolutely getting more and more angry at people who tell me how wonderful this bill is, because look how lucky we are, in five years Congress will make the Ins. Corps stop committing this crime. It is those people who are willing to accept this abuse from their government who are responsible for the rest of us not being able to force Congress to do what is right and accept the fact that Health Care is a right, it is not a commodity.

And the only acceptable solution is to get rid of the useless middle men who are sucking up money badly needed for health care, and set up a Single Payer system immediately. Clearly this is an emergency. If people dying every day doesnt' constitute an emergency, what does?

[truedelphi]

The only emergency that the Centrists of either party recognize

Involves declaring war on some third world nation.


I am right with you on everything you said.

[onpatrol98]

245. Agreed

[reggie the dog]

248. people here in France are shocked when I tell them

that in the USA companies have a legal right to deny coverage to people with "pre existing conditions" They do not understand how the USA can be so inhumaine. it is too "foreign" to them.

[tango-tee]

304. Reggie, I agree with you...

It is the same here in Germany. It is inconceivable to people that someone would be denied coverage due to "pre-existing conditions". For heaven's sake, *life* itself could be declared to be a pre-existing condition!

My son and daughter-in-law have invited me to live with them in Texas once I retire. How can I in good conscience do that? With the health care I receive in Germany there are no great financial worries if aches and pains or even serious illnesses strike. If I were to forfeit this coverage by moving to Texas permanently and then needed extensive medical care, I could possibly leave my son and daughter-in-law destitute. So I believe it is for the best to only visit them twice a year for a few weeks at a time and keep my health care coverage here in Germany. It is a sad trade-off... I have a wonderful grandchild I would love to see grow up on a daily basis, but worry about the possible consequences of my "indulgence".

[wakemewhenitsover]

185. K&R -- Exactly. This is cruel and, sadly, not unusual punishment of innocents.

All I can offer are my personal wishes for better days ahead somehow, Straight Story.

[Puglover]

189. As usual I agree with you.

:hug:

[reggie the dog]

247. it is a crime in France, really

not helping someone in danger, if you can help in a way that poses no danger to you, is a crime here in France "non aide d'un personne en danger". If I see someone drowning I dont have to jump in and risk my life but if I dont call a lifeguard, or the fire department then I have committed a crime.

[gtar100]

274. I agree

!

[tabatha]

4. What a horrible situation.

Sympathies to all involved.

But, please don't blame Obama for all of the delay trickery that has been done by the Republicans.
Obama had hoped for a bill by August.

Are there any Neighborhood Clinics in the area?

[Name removed]

98. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tabatha]

168. I think Obama tried to avoid what happened with Clinton.

[Devil_Fish]

277. he tried to avoid getting a blow job from an intern?

[tabatha]

282. you obviously don't know what i am talking about

[susanwy]

321. Thanks!

:spray:

you owe me a keyboard....

[tabatha]

182. It is not a walk in the park

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x111901

[Name removed]

102. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Jackpine Radical]

155. I keep thinking of what Feingold said.

Obama got the bill he wanted in the first place. No single payer, no public option, just a handout to the insurance companies.

[PufPuf23]

279. Feingold's statement is sobering

The Senate Bill impedes future improvements and is fascist (mandates for private purchase or IRS enforcement) and eugenic in nature.

[tabatha]

169. He has been very involved, not laissez-faire at all.

[rhett o rick]

292. So you are saying he is responsible for the mess? nt

[Jamastiene]

113. How can you tell a man, who is watching the mother of his child suffer

horribly right before his eyes, to not blame anyone in our government? They are ALL put there to get the job done and have not done it. In five years(which is how long this bill will take to finally start kicking in), you KNOW a person that ill will not fare well.

Sometimes sympathy means swallowing your pride for a minute for the other person's benefit. Pick another time to be all defensive about President Obama. TSS needs a shoulder right now and some understanding, not a lecture defending a politician.

[chimpymustgo]

124. +1. Important message.

[tabatha]

171. The reason there is a health care bill at all

is because of what Obama experienced with his mother.
The republicans HAVE delayed it as much as possible.

Yes, the government is at fault - because it is bought and paid for by the insurance companies.

Obama is trying to fix this with this bill.

And I did express sympathy.

[tabatha]

181. This is the same as what as I was saying.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x111901

[shadowknows69]

160. I'd love a map of where all these mythical "Neighborhood clinics" are

and help you can recieve from "Public Health" if you can't afford health care or insurance. I begged our "public health" people to get me a proper psychiatrist/therapist I could talk to and I got a reading of the yellow pages listings. They'll test me for AIDS for free, but they won't test my wife for the potential problems she might have. We need to come up with about $1000 to find out if she's dying or not.

[shadowknows69]

161. ETA that was hasty and I know a lot of people do a lot of good work.

Just sadly, in too few cities around this country.

[tabatha]

173. They have Neighborhood Clinics in our area.

I was just making a suggestion to help.

[shadowknows69]

179. I know. See post above. Just a frustration post Tabitha.

[Xicano]

322. And these "Neighborhood Clinics" have what capabilities?

Can they perform surgeries?

Can they treat cancer?

Can they deliver babies?

Can they conduct laboratory test?

Etc, etc, etc....


:shrug:

[Melinda]

203. Here you are: Federally Funded Health Centers Info and neighborhood maps:

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide
•checkups when you're well
•treatment when you're sick
•complete care when you're pregnant
•immunizations and checkups for your children
•dental care and prescription drugs for your family
•mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. Click on the link above, type in your address and click the 'Find Health Centers' button to find health centers near you.


As example, here is info on the neighborhood health care centers in my area of CA:

http://www.fhcn.org/

Family HealthCare Network currently has 13 locations throughout Kings County and Tulare County of which 11 are clinical sites. Family HealthCare Network is a community-based organization governed by a Board of Directors, which is composed of community representatives and patients consumers.

Our purpose is defined by our mission statement:

“We provide quality healthcare to everyone in the communities we serve.”

This clinic provides health care to everyone, regardless of income or lack thereof.

Hope this helps. :hi:

[TicketyBoo]

287. That may be very helpful to some.

For me, the closest clinic is 120 miles away.

[Melinda]

294. That blows. I know how that goes, I have to travel almost 200 miles to see a specialist

in San Francisco every few months, and I've had to cancel the last 2 appts because I can't afford the expense. I'm truly sorry. :(

[reggie the dog]

249. sell drugs, rob a store, that is the only options the govt leaves you

they want us to massacre each other.

[Nite Owl]

186. I do blame Obama

even more than Congress. He has the platform, he could have created the movement that they could not ignore. He didn't want to. He started out with single payer off the table and never pushed publicly for any thing that he campaigned on.

[rhett o rick]

214. Keep telling yourself that over and over as you watch your neighbors suffer and die.

There is a lot he could have done. He should have come out fighting. Yes he mite have lost, but at least the people would know he was on our side. It is clear to me he doesnt care. Profits are more important than human lives. He should take stories like the OP and tell the public that we wont stand for this. Go on TV and make it clear that no PO will continue these horror stories. Make opponents of HCR look like the bastards they are. Nancy Pelosi says we will try to hold the insurance companies accountable.

If rationalizing makes you able to accept this, then more power to you.

[Name removed]

216. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[reggie the dog]

251. I will strike, prostest, throw stones

and damn it if I need to be in "la résistance" if I need to in order to stop the oligarchs from doing to France what they have done to the USA. No way in hell i will sit there and let them destroy the world my little girl will grow up into.

[bobbolink]

285. I hope the great majority of EU people feel that strongly!

The multinationals are on the march, and there will be a struggle for power.

I hope all of you are up to it.

Seeing what has happened to the US should be a warning to all of you!

[tango-tee]

305. They're on the march...

...Yes, I can see "them" possibly having a go at this here in Germany as well with our Neo-Liberal Secretary of Health and his ilk. People are so used to our good system of health care that they will most likely miss words of warning which really should make their ears perk up. Too few Germans have any experience with the American "Health Care System" - an oxymoron if I've ever seen one.

Many years ago, I lived in various states (TX, CO, CA, FL, TN, NJ, MN) for 16 years as a single mother after the end of an ill-fated marriage; without health insurance, but blessed with youth and great health. At my current age (I'll be 58 in June) I shudder to think of the financial devastation an even minor illness might bring. Or perhaps even worse... not getting any care, knowing it would be available "if only". And all of this in the nation of "We're Number One".

It's not only sad, but it makes me want to bang my head against a brick wall in frustration and anger. I ask myself, how - just how? - can this be possible? And the only answer I can come up with is that corporate profits trump, always have and always will, the well-being of the individual human being.

How can we overcome these obstacles?

[bobbolink]

311. First, talk all you possibly can to young German people. Make them fully aware of what they can

lose, and why.

It's only that sort of awareness that can prevent that takeover. And YOU have the experience that needs to be heard!

And, please don't bang your head against that brick wall.... it will increase your need for health care. :) :hug:

[tango-tee]

312. Dear Bobbolink,

You're right. It's just so damn difficult when you're frustrated to "keep on keepin' on".

A big hug back to you. I've been reading your posts.... You are a stronger person than I could ever hope to be.

Sending you much love.

[bobbolink]

313. Thank you. That means more than you know!

I know how hard it is.... really, I do.

You have much to say to younger Germans, and if you can find support from others to keep you going, you have the ability to make a big difference in your society.

Much more opportunity than I have with mine!

So much depends on getting that support, and I recognize that fully.

Best to you!

:hug:

[bobbolink]

315. Tried to send you a PM. Please get your post count up so I can write to you.

:)

Thanks again for your kind words! :hug:

[tango-tee]

316. Good morning to you!

It's not quite 5 a.m. over here, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate being made to feel so welcome at DU by you.

We can and must stand together in solidarity from continent to continent.

Wishing you a good day, and I look forward to getting a PM from you soon!

[bobbolink]

317. Welcome to DU!!

:party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce: :toast::party: :bounce:

Sorry... I forgot my manners! :pals:

Now, here's an idea... if you can just get your country to accept poor folk like me as immigrants, understanding that our very lives are threatened.

This country accepted immigrants from all over the world on an humanitarian and economic basis, and now that we are being so ignored here, it would be nice to be welcomed SOMEWHERE!

[tango-tee]

320. Thank you so much, Bobbolink!

:loveya:

Being such a long-time lurker before finally taking the plunge here at DU, I recall from your posts that you have fallen on very hard times and are a vocal advocate for poor people.

I remained in the U.S. after my marriage fell apart, with a young son to raise and no support from his father; it was a horrible feeling to know I was only one missed paycheck away from losing my tiny apartment. For quite a while, ate bread with mustard to be able to afford my son's daycare and hot meals for him. And it was knowing I was all alone in this huge country, no relatives at all to turn to in case everything fell apart.

If only I could offer you real, practical help. I'll be glad when I can send and receive PMs so we can talk more.

Germany actually does have lots of immigrants, many of them from various African countries who came here to seek political asylum, other to simply seek a better life for economic reasons. The immigration procedures are a bureacratic nightmare, though, same as any other country. Our citizens often groan and moan because our taxes are so high, but the social services system financed with them is very good. Folks receive help starting with baby buggies, furniture, a fridge and curtains, etc. These days, there's no way of knowing when an individual might need help, so the complainers should just keep quiet and think about how quick and brutal the descend into poverty can be.

It's of little help to you now Bobbo, I do realize that, but you're always welcome at my house!

[bobbolink]

326. Thank you for sharing that info. The immigration is only for those who are able to work,

so the red tape nightmare doesn't even begin for me.... and those like me. We are outcasts everywhere..... and we would work in a heartbeat, if we could!

You are so right about the younger people who don't understand the REASON for those taxes! That is what is so scary! They can turn your system inside out in a short time.... and the threat is always there as long as there are people who don't get why it is structured that way, and how it protects them. And, NOT just as "insurance" in case the sky falls on them--it is important for them to remember that they live in a relatively Safe society, because when people fall on hard time, they KNOW there is a safety net to catch them. When people don't have that, there is the spread of disease because of those who can't get treatment, and eventually, the lack of hope breeds crime, etc.

Its not about having more "things"--its about EVERYONE being assured they are considered valuable as human beings!

[Nikki Stone1]

5. K & R

.

[StarfarerBill]

7. K&R and good luck to you and your family, my friend.

I don't have a family but I'm most unemployed too, with no prospects that I can see.

[DainBramaged]

8. I wish DU had a 'fund' through member donations, that could be used to help folks like yourself

and I wish I could win the lottery. That would make it even easier.


:cry: :hug:

[The Straight Story]

21. Folks on DU have helped me before, would never ask for such again - just kills me

Someday I will be able to help others. I do what I can now by paying it forward. I have given money to many over the last few years when I had it.

I was employed, but was on family leave act and did not get some paychecks (ran out of vacation days, thought I had more than I did, nd had issues with corp credit card where the company told me many things relating to my trip were covered then later told me they were not). DU'ers stepped in and helped me out. I still get ripped for it on some sites where some folks have nothing better to do than rip on us.

I only wish for two things right now - one is to get my X a gift certificate for skydiving and to help her find her real mom, and I am working on all of that and I might be able to do it all between now and April.

[liberal_at_heart]

70. You sound like an amazing person

Rarely do you hear of exes taking such good care of a sick ex. I bet you just being as supportive as you are is a great help to her and I'm sure your daughter appreciates it too. I hope your ex gets to find her mother, go skydiving. I hope she gets the medical treatment she needs and that you find a job you enjoy. Good luck. We are all pulling for you.

[shadowknows69]

163. Story has gone through Hell and back as has his ex.

And yet he still can't find it in his heart to hate. Truly one of the good people in this world. Which is apparently why the world shits on us. We're good people eh SS? Seems to be how things are wired these days.
/cyinic off

[shadowknows69]

162. My family once received a generous gift from DUers

that literally kept us off the streets. I had to chuck a lot of pride to cash that check.

[Ladyhawk]

230. Last time I talked about my health issues, a lot of DUers bashed me.

Some of it was because I bashed Obama for being right of center and not caring. I knew the HCR bill was going to be an abortion, but some of you were more concerned about championing a politician. Now it becomes evident to all just whom we elected...that is, if you dare to open your eyes for a second.

DU really isn't a very nice place. I'm in serious trouble and a lot of you took it as an opportunity to kick me while I was down. Fuck you for that. I guess only high profile people like Andy Stephenson (whom I tried to help and sincerely miss) get a little consideration from DU.

Yeah, I may be flawed. We all are. But that doesn't mean I don't deserve health care. BTW, fuck you too, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I don't know why the hell I've been visiting DU lately. Maybe I just like seeing the tide shift against Obama and the Democrats. Some of you will never learn.

It's already too late for some of us.

[PatSeg]

241. I'm sorry people were so insensitive to your problems

I guess that is a downside of online forums, where people don't actually see who they're talking to. That is no excuse for the lack of empathy, but I know there are still many caring, compassionate people here. The loud and rude often drown them out.

For many of us, it is not just about political objectives. It is truly personal and time is crucial.

[Ladyhawk]

243. Some of the people who are considered "compassionate" were the ones bashing me. nt

[PatSeg]

252. That sucks

Too often people don't think about the effect their words have on others. This is especially true on the Internet where we don't always see that effect. That is why I try to choose my words carefully and try not to be reactive.

I've been through some major health issues recently myself, but I know I'm much too vulnerable to share them with strangers right now. I've seen what a handful of people can do with a few poorly chosen words, when it might be better to say nothing at all.

[Ladyhawk]

262. Vulnerability: I SO hear you on that.

Right now I can't take any form of rejection. Period. Even if I deserve it.

So, generally I'm avoiding places like DU, except for today. I guess I'm just really pissed off and want to blow off some steam, inconsiderate assholes be damned. Maybe that's what those "compassionate" people were doing in my thread about how I might be dying from lack of good health care. Still...little ol' me: Isn't that a really bad target?

I'm also in the mood to say "I told you so" about the Democrats and Obama. That isn't very nice, but it does feel a little cathartic. Probably I'll regret it later. Maybe not.

[PatSeg]

268. Oh we're definitely on the same page

I've learned the hard way long ago to be self-protective, especially when I'm very vulnerable. The past few weeks, every emotion has come to the surface and it doesn't take much to set me off - both tears and anger. Out of self preservation, I'm trying really hard to avoid confrontation, at least until I'm stronger. Life really, really is short and I don't want to waste a single moment.

I'm trying to keep politics to a minimum right now, but it isn't easy. HCR set me off a while ago and drained me of much needed energy. I had very realistic expectations and the Senate didn't even come close to meeting those. Right now I'm really sympathetic to anyone who doesn't have the time to wait for them to get it right.

[bobbolink]

318. I hope your health improves quickly.....

..and I'm sad that you are not safe to even discuss it. That is a real tragedy.

Its sad we have to be so protective of ourselves, especially on a site where we should be able to freely share, but that seems to be how it is.

I'm glad you're choosing to protect yourself rather than becoming just as hard as the others.

To your health! :toast:

[bobbolink]

319. To your health---

:toast:

It is very sad that you aren't feeling sad to even discuss it here, but I understand, and am glad you are protecting your boundaries.

Be good to yourself, and I hope you feel better very soon!

[bobbolink]

10. You speak for many of us! Your voice needs to be heard.

I'm so sorry for all you are going through.

This is soooo wrong.

You are in my thoughts.

[HBravo]

11. "You want my vote"

Agreed. Sorry to hear about your troubles. My life is so uncomplicated in comparison. Thank you for the wakeup.

[niyad]

16. welcome to DU

[nightrain]

12. knr. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. I wish I had something to offer...

[PDJane]

13. Skip al Quada. Skip the war on terror.

Bring the troops home, give up on empire, and share the wealth. It is the ONLY way to fix what's wrong. Universal health care, a social service safety net, a government jobs programme, a socialist government and real democracy...and no, socialism and democracy are not antithecal concepts. Sweden is more democratic than the US. Education has to be a democratic process, not a process to fit people into temporary slots in the military-industrial complex.

I'm incredibly tired of the propaganda and the willingness of people to swallow it. I am amazed that the only people who don't think that America is an empire......are Americans.

[niyad]

19. wish I could rec this post

[Bluebear]

20. *****BRAVA******

[AspenRose]

38. Yep

*nodding*

[Lorien]

144. And lets not forget green energy and green jobs. They're the only way

that America will have any future with peak oil and the more severe effects of climate change just around the corner. How much illness is caused by all of the pollution, chemicals and GMOs that we're all exposed to daily? Cleaning up our act is a must, though corporate America will fight us tooth and nail every step of the way.

[TornadoTN]

237. Bra-fuckin-'O

[spanone]

14. damn. damn. damn.

r

[JohnnyLib2]

15. Painful to read.

I hope, really hope, some good break comes that way soon.

[endless october]

17. k/r

hang in there. i truly hope things look up for you.

[The Straight Story]

22. screw things looking up for me. I will deal - I hope they look up for the X and my little girl

If I have could have anything in this life right now it would be to see them both happy.

[reggie the dog]

254. grow and sell weed

it is not immoral and good weed gets you 3000 dollars a pound wholesale, and over 5 grand per pound broken up in most states... I would if I had to but I roll in social circles full of smokers.

[amerikat]

18. I guess the new underground railroad also goes to Canada.

I'm in eastern NY. 150 to the border.

edit to add: if I can be of any help please pm me.

[laughingliberal]

23. Can't add a thing to that except: K & R

[Odin2005]

24. K&R

:hug:

[Melinda]

25. Please let those of us who can help pay for her cough/codeine meds...

I am certain we can at least do that much. Please. How much does she need, and do you have a paypal account?

[The Straight Story]

28. No. I appreciate you asking, but just don't.

I have been ripped for years by others on other sites because folks here helped me out one time. I don't want to go through such again. Ever.

I'll make do, I have my unemployment checks. I already feel bad enough because of the help I got here once, and I won't go through all of that again.

I really respect your kindness and desire to help, more than you can know. If you can help folks near you please do so. I will make sure, come hell or high water, I can help my X out with things.

[w8liftinglady]

31. I admire you for standing by her through this.

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. Please don't worry about those folks on other sites

Those are the same people who caused Andy Stephenson to die. Why the hell do you care what THEY say? They are sick, evil, twisted human beings who get pleasure from watching others suffer. Fuck them.

And in case they are reading this, I will repeat: FUCK THEM.

And for you -> :hug:

[JoeyT]

205. That's just wrong.

"I have been ripped for years by others on other sites because folks here helped me out one time."
Then they're heartless bastards and their opinions should be utterly ignored.
You have my deepest sympathies and the offer of any help I can give.

[TornadoTN]

235. Don't let it prevent you from getting the help when its needed

Forget about what people say. If the community wants to help you out in your time of need, then that's really saying something about the community here.

I'd be glad to donate to help you out. It's clear the government doesn't care enough about the people to help, so its up to us to help where we can.

[Fumesucker]

26. I'm usually fairly good with words but your story leaves me at a loss for them..

I can only say that I hope you and your loved ones have a better year this year..

:hug:

[stray cat]

27. Thats how we ended up with Bush for 8 years - screw you to Al Gore

boy was that a mistake

[LoZoccolo]

29. Yep. n/t

[zalinda]

32. Wow, just wow

You two turned someone's pain into a cheerleading post for the dem party. How proud you must feel.

zalinda

[LoZoccolo]

35. Maybe I should turn someone's pain into a Democrat-bashing thread instead.

Oh, looks like I don't need to.

[PVnRT]

126. Death to all things that do not praise the Party!

Maybe you should go back to posting flamebait rather than taking a shit in other people's threads.

[Bluenorthwest]

136. The very nature of the form and much of the content of your

posts is a constant bashing of the actual Democrats, who are the voting members of this Party, not the elected officials suckling the milk of public monies. Right here you are bashing a Democrat who is dealing with a very hard time. All you do is bash Democrats. All day, everyday.

[Forkboy]

143. "All you do is bash Democrats. All day, everyday. "

:thumbsup:

The poster is a huge hypocrite. Claims he hates people who splinter the Party then spends all his time doing just that.

[LoZoccolo]

187. You keep coming back to this superficial irony.

I don't have to support a fifth column and even if I did, I'd definately be "bashing Democrats". Would you complain about that?

[Forkboy]

306. Nothing superficial about it at all. It's the crux of your problem.

And it's why so few take you seriously. When you figure it out get back to me.

[LoZoccolo]

310. Right, right.

The lack of coherence in your position is indicated by your inability and/or to answer simple questions about it's ramifications. The simple fact is that pretty much any group that plans to survive has to deal with unconstructive critics.

[shadowknows69]

276. .

[kenfrequed]

176. Maybe

Maybe you could just ignore everyone that bothers to complain or anyone that expresses the very grievances that ought to thrust a democrat into office in the first place.

That'll show them...I mean us... or maybe them.

[Tailormyst]

208. What a horrible thing to say

I hope in the real world you are a more decent human being.

[Bluebear]

244. You think?

By their words ye shall know them.

[Divine Discontent]

210. the party must be praised - no matter when the party is wrong, if it is wrong, see start of sentence

incredibly disgusting...

[The Straight Story]

75. I didn't say "Don't vote for dems" not sure how some got that idea

Don't vote for moderates and such, yeah I can see where some would get that :)

We want change, but change does not come until we get people into power who also really want change.

I don't vote for a party, I vote for an ideal. And SOME in the dem party don't share those ideals.

[M155Y_A1CH]

184. Dem Party loyalty?

"We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals."
This is a direct quote from DU mission statement at the About Us link on the home page.

There is nothing there about loyalty to the Democratic party.

I can remember when I myself was castigated for my own advocacy of loyalty to the Dem party by the many Greens that belonged to this site in it's beginnings. I was told "that kind of thinking won't fly around here".LOL

Progressives working with us does not mean that they have to join the Dem party or praise it's representatives.

[HughMoran]

195. Well, it gets a little bit more involved if you read more:

In the rules section:

2. Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

If you click into the detailed rules, it gets even more specific:

Democratic Candidates and the Democratic Party

Constructive criticism of Democrats or the Democratic Party is permitted. When doing so, please keep in mind that most of our members come to this website in order to get a break from the constant attacks in the media against our candidates and our values. Highly inflammatory or divisive attacks that echo the tone or substance of our political opponents are not welcome here.

You are not permitted to use this message board to work for the defeat of the Democratic Party nominee for any political office. If you wish to work for the defeat of any Democratic candidate in any General Election, then you are welcome to use someone else's bandwidth on some other website.

Democratic Underground may not be used for political, partisan, or advocacy activity by supporters of any political party or candidate other than the Democratic Party or Democratic candidates. Supporters of certain other political parties may use Democratic Underground for limited partisan activities in political races where there is no Democratic Party candidate.

Do not post broad-brush smears against Democrats or the Democratic Party. http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

I think this is very clear.

[M155Y_A1CH]

220. I concede the point to you sir n/t

:kick:

[apocalypsehow]

83. Twice yep. Excellent post. How soon the shallow-minded forget what eight years of Bush was like. n/t

[reggie the dog]

258. eight years of Clinton, welfare cuts and NAFTA fucked my

economic class buddy, how quickly the shallow minded forget that.

[katkat]

99. stray cat

Gore has integrity, Obama none.

[LooseWilly]

105. You have got to be kidding. Please provide some evidence that Gore would've done "more" than Obama..

"has done"... to justify your inhuman attempt to turn this into a "be afraid of Republicans, even though Democrats pass shitty shit shit even with a SuperMajority..."

You are a pimple on the ass of political analysis. I will, with only the greatest of effort, resist throwing epithets in your general direction commensurate with the offensiveness of what you have here said.

[ima_sinnic]

110. look for more of the same

your precious "democrats" are destined for epic fail.
they aren't worth bothering to go to the polls for, let alone taking the time to cast a vote.
I will, however, bother to go to be able to write in a name or vote 3rd party.
from now on, as a registered Independent, I will be voting only for candidates with a proven RECORD of legislation and action benefiting We The People, not wealthy billionaires.

[Name removed]

125. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[walldude]

183. What? Were you sleeping or living under a rock?

Bush didn't win that election. The Florida recount was illegally stopped by the Supreme Court and we all know now, well maybe not you, but the rest of us know that Al Gore actually won Florida and had the court not stopped the recount and APPOINTED Bush Gore would have won. So you can stop blaming people on the internet for "giving us Bush". The Supreme Court "gave us Bush". Get your facts straight.

[Tailormyst]

207. That was a HORRIBLE thing to say

Your lack of compassion for another persons pain is disturbing.

[reggie the dog]

257. we ended up with W for 8 years because of 2 stolen elections

Florida was fixed, need I mention more than the word diebold for 2004? I would say fuck gore for not standing up but I think both he and obama, and clinton for that matter, got a little talking to from people with pictures of their kids coming and going from school and told that if they push their kids will die. The forces we are up against are the most hardcore set in the world, the crips and MC 13 are bullies on the playground compared to the folks that really run the show, hell the real gangsters that run the world dont even answer to the sicillian mafia

[Name removed]

30. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Goldstein1984]

81. Principles before party

There are thousands and thousands out there with similar stories, and there's no excuse for it.

I have no problem empathizing with this man's story.

I'm fortunate enough to be employed in a field that is secure and which pays enough that I'm able to provide a house and utilities for our unemployed son, who like many is experiencing an attack of economically-induced patriotism and will be joining the Army for the "opportunities" it will provide for him to take care of our pregnant daughter-in-law.

And I still remember what it was like when I was a student, my wife waited tables, and my young family was without medical insurance. Our son needed stitches, the the cost of the doctor kept protein sources other than peanut butter off of our family menu for a month.

[Hekate]

33. KnR

[Bonobo]

37. I too have crossed that mysterious invisible line.

I am done.

I am leaving.

I recommend anyone that has the ability to get the fuck off this sinking ship.

[LoZoccolo]

40. But you'll stay on DU. n/t

[Bonobo]

41. Hard to leave this place.

Even though it is pretty hard to recognize now.

It's been fun watching YOUR evolution, such as it is, LoZo.

[TheWatcher]

101. If you consider watching train wrecks in slow motion fun, of course.

Or paint dry.

[liberal_at_heart]

44. According to the mission statement of DU all progressives are welcome

I'm not going anywhere.

[HughMoran]

46. ...who support Democrats

Why do people who quote the mission statement always leave that part out?

[liberal_at_heart]

52. you don't have to be a democrat to be here

I've stated many times that I will not vote for democrats who do not support real healthcare reform. Why have I not been kicked off the site yet? There is nothing saying that you MUST vote for a democrat to be on this site. I do support progressive democrats and if one runs I will vote for them if they have the voting record to back up their promises, but I will not vote for democrats who promise something and then don't deliver and I will not apologize for that and I will not leave this site either.

[HughMoran]

55. True, you don't have to support them

...but you can't actively campaign against the Democrat or for a third party candidate, so the statement about supporting Democrats does mean something.

[liberal_at_heart]

57. I haven't seen anyone actively campaign for any third party candadite on DU

I've seen people discussing the differences between progressive democrats, moderate democrats, and conservative democrats. I'm all for campaiging for a good progressive democrat if one is available, but when one is not available I have the freedom to chose to not vote for the moderate or conservative democrat.

[HughMoran]

62. Sure, nobody can make you vote for someone you dislike!

But I've been here for 5 years and I have seen DUers promote 3rd party candidates. Some would not stop after being warned and were banned. Suggesting that others not vote in the weeks before an election is not something I think is productive - at some point Republicans can benefit from Democratic ambivalence - they certainly aren't going to promote our agenda - that's for sure.

[liberal_at_heart]

63. We see things differentely but that doesn't mean we can't both share this board

Me and those like me want to see the Democratic party be held accountable to the voters. When the politicians are not afraid of the voters anymore they know they can do anything they want with no accountability. I believe in the Democratic Party. I have voted democrat in every election for 14 yrs and every year I've seen the party go farther and farther to the right and become more accountable to the corporate lobbyists than to the voters. I want to vote for a democrat but will not unless their voting record can prove that they are accoutable to the voter and not the lobbyists.

[HughMoran]

64. You know something? Posting here does not make them accountable. Calling them does

I disagree about the methods of some folks here - infighting is not going to do anything more than harden the resolve of either side and it also makes this board and others like it lose some ability to influence anything as the rhetoric is too 'hot' here and it drives away those who come here to see what's going on with the left. It may be inappropriate and infuriating that Chris Matthews called boards like DU "nuts", but he wasn't completely off-base in doing so.

[liberal_at_heart]

67. I can see discussing our right to post is pointless with you

Many of us do write and call our Congressmen and Congresswomen. I have a right to be here and express my views just as you are. I'm not going anywhere. I think I will just move on to another post now. Have a good night.

[HughMoran]

68. Are you kidding? Where have I once suggested you don't have a 'right to post'?

Seriously, what happened?? We were discussing this and all of a sudden you acted like I was suppressing you?

All I said was that I disagreed that posting here has any effect WRT holding them accountable - I never suggested that you not do it!

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[liberal_at_heart]

58. I haven't seen anyone actively campaign for any third party candadite on DU

oops that was a double post.

[apocalypsehow]

87. Oh yes you have. Either that, or you've been willfully ignoring it. n/t

[reggie the dog]

264. cool then

there should be no active campaiging for Liberman, who ran against a Democrat to win his senate seat.

[Dr.Phool]

180. I hear ya.

In 2006, I was a member of our DEC. I HAD to support Democratic candidates, and I actually held my nose voting for Jim Davis for Governor of Florida. Not that I liked Charlie Crist, but I didn't like Davis personally or politically.

I resigned from that DEC in protest, when our new majority in Congress voted to keep funding the Iraq war.

I changed my voter registration to "No Party Affiliation" when they voted for FISA.

As I say now, I'll never vote for a Republican, but there's quite a few Dems I'll never vote for either. You want my vote, time, and money? You gotta earn it.

[lumberjack_jeff]

280. Uh, yeah you do. n/t

[PVnRT]

127. In other words,

no criticism of Obama allowed.

That's what you and the rest of your gang want. Just admit it.

[Ignis]

190. Because that's not what it says on the "About DU" page.

Here's the quote:

We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals. While the vast majority of our visitors are Democrats, this web site is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, nor do we claim to speak for the party as a whole.

There's absolutely no party loyalty test there, nor does it say we have to support every Democrat in every single vote on every single issue.

[HughMoran]

192. I am looking at the "basic rules" here:

Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

I never said there was a party loyalty test, but it is clear that we are expected to support Democratic candidates at DU. http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

[Ignis]

193. All of them? Every vote? At every level? In every election?

What ever shall we do during primaries?! Must we support both (D) candidates?

[HughMoran]

194. 1) I didn't write the rules, email Skinner if you have a question, 2) it's not how you vote

that matters, it's what you post. You are not allowed to work for the defeat of a Democratic candidate against either a third-party or a Republican (obviously). I didn't make the rules, but I've been here long enough to understand them and see them enforced during the election season. :shrug:

[Ignis]

197. I'm happy you've been here so very long.

I've been here longer. Whee! Your point? :shrug:

The rules do not require DUers to support Democrats in every election. To suddenly shift the goalposts from "...who support Democrats" (as you posted above) to "...who don't make posts claiming that they're working to defeat Democrats"--and then to throw up your hands and claim that Skinner should be consulted regarding rules nuance and application--isn't particularly laudable.

[HughMoran]

199. It appears that further clarification is needed:

I was quoting the more detailed rules that I figured you'd look into - here are the sections of the rules (with links) for your information:

In the basic rules section:

2. Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

If you click into the http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html">detailed rules, it gets even more specific:

Democratic Candidates and the Democratic Party

Constructive criticism of Democrats or the Democratic Party is permitted. When doing so, please keep in mind that most of our members come to this website in order to get a break from the constant attacks in the media against our candidates and our values. Highly inflammatory or divisive attacks that echo the tone or substance of our political opponents are not welcome here.

You are not permitted to use this message board to work for the defeat of the Democratic Party nominee for any political office. If you wish to work for the defeat of any Democratic candidate in any General Election, then you are welcome to use someone else's bandwidth on some other website.

Democratic Underground may not be used for political, partisan, or advocacy activity by supporters of any political party or candidate other than the Democratic Party or Democratic candidates. Supporters of certain other political parties may use Democratic Underground for limited partisan activities in political races where there is no Democratic Party candidate.

Do not post broad-brush smears against Democrats or the Democratic Party.

[Ignis]

202. Ah, so your earlier statement was overly broad? Then we agree.

DUers are not, in fact, required to support Democrats. Rather, they're restricted from promoting other parties, smearing the party, etc. But frequent and colorful criticism of Holy Joe (before he became an outright traitor), other DINOs, and the DLC is certainly allowed, and in fact has been occurring since DU's inception.

I've read the rules many times, but I'm glad you posted them for others to see. That should clear up the whole "cheerleader vs. traitor" meme that's been floating about here for the past year.

[rhett o rick]

291. The problem is that the rules imply that Democrats are progressives.

"Democrats and other progressives". But the Democratic Party at least on the national level seems to have been taken over by non-progressives. The divisiveness I see here is between progressives and the new conservative wing of the Party. As the republican party implodes more and more republicans start calling themselves Democrats. We could work to defeat Sen Specter when he was a republican, but now he is a Democrat we cant (on DU). He is the same man.

[reggie the dog]

263. I support Democrats like Kucinich, and Dean

are we to understand that Liberman and Sanders supporters are to be kicked off this site because those senators are not Democrats?

[PSzymeczek]

275. Does the Democratic party

in Vermont ever run a candidate against Sanders in a general election? I'm sure he and Leahy are on different cycles.

[reggie the dog]

302. good point

so only Liberman supporters risk being kicked off seeing as he ran AGAINST a Democrat to win his seat.

[reggie the dog]

261. having left Elk Grove Village in the dust

I can say that my homestate of Illinois, and my homecountry of the USA are fucked. I will likely never live there again. I blog here because I hope that one day the USA will actually be run for the people....

[dysfunctional press]

107. i wish i could...but no other ships are available.

i'll have to ride this one all the way to the bottom.

[reggie the dog]

260. I left the USA nearly 7 years ago. I vote Green and Democrat

as well as Communist if I see it in the USA, in France I vote Communist, Green, and Socialist.

[UrbScotty]

39. Must be heartening to teabaggers to see people say they won't vote for even good Dems (nt

[eqfan592]

86. Teabaggers my ass.

This is a major pooch screw, pure and simple, and the Dems have nobody to blame for it but themselves. So really, how fucking good are these people if they are literally willing to let people get sick and die because they can't afford good health care, just so they can score some political points? These aren't "Good" anythings, buddy. So fuck the teabaggers, and fuck the dems for being so goddamned spineless it's not even funny.

Those of use who have lost or are in the process of losing loved ones due in no small part to our current health care system have every right in the world to be fed up with this bullshit.

[Lilith Velkor]

95. Fuckin' A.

[AspenRose]

151. Absolutely.

[peace frog]

250. I heard that

Fuck 'em and corporate whores they rode in on.

[PVnRT]

128. I love how any liberal not toeing the DLC line is suddenly like a teabagger

[freddie mertz]

135. Wow, I guess you have no heart at all. nt.

[liberal_at_heart]

42. Many of us are done as well. You are not alone.

I am sorry your family is suffering so much. We stand by you in your fight and are ready to fight along side you. My vote will only go to those who have voting records that prove they want real healthcare. I just found out my two democratic senators voted against allowing prescriptions from other countris into the US. Those are two democrats who will not be getting my vote and I know at least one of them is up for re-election in 2010. When those who suffer the most stand together the people can find their strength, their voice and make change happen. We can't rely on the promises of politicians. We have to stand with the politicians who actually have the voting record and throw out the politicians who only promise change but don't deliver.

[defendandprotect]

51. Sadly true --

but don't go wandering off alone --

try to unite with other liberals/progressives and discuss Plan B!

As long as the Democratic Party has only the neo-fascist GOP for competition,

it will continue to move to the right.

[reggie the dog]

265. fuck the USA, fuck the corporations

I really try to buy non corporate stuff, used things, I avoid name brands like the plague. I will not give my time, or money, to my overlords if I can prevent it. I dont even do it when I get high, my weed comes either from my friends house, or from Afghanistan, and yes i do like puffing on hash that funds fighters trying to kick the USA out of their country. I am an American but I dont know how long I will hold on to that nationality for....

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[caseymoz]

45. Man, that's bad.

However, things simply get worse if you don't vote. That's a half-vote to Republicans, whose influence got us into this huge mess to begin with.

For now, were stuck with a two-party system, and the problem is constitutional and not cultural. There has never been a third party, in the whole history of this country, that has gone anywhere. Even one headed by the best candidate possible, Teddy Roosevelt.

So, voting right now is more or less just holding the line. This political system can't do anything without sweeping changes, and those won't happen until things get so bad people don't stop voting, but they actually sweep it away.

For now, the best thing is to vote.

[Gravel Democrat]

117. You said:"There has never been a third party,... that has gone anywhere." yes there has

The (R)s

"Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the Grand Old Party or the GOP"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)

I'd bet there are lots of partisans here that believe Lincoln was a (D)

[caseymoz]

129. Wrong, the Repub Party came in when there was ONE PARTY.

The Whigs had collapsed. Nothing had come in to replace them. It was the Democratic-Republicans who ruled at that time.

That did leave an opening for a second party, and look at the turmoil it took for that to happen!

Unlike most any other constitution, ours does not allow for parties. Other Constitutions recognize parties as a fact and build their legislative structures allowing them. Ours doesn't even mention them. The Founders thought parties were a very bad thing and specifically wrote the Constitution to discourage them. Ironically, if it had worked as planned, we would have one-party rule. And we did for a few decades before the Civil War.

I always say to 3rd party people that we can't pretend we have a parliamentary system when we don't. If you don't vote for any reason, at least vote defensively, and get more involved with the primaries.

[defendandprotect]

47. What a nightmare . . . wasn't it supposed to end when we elected Dems...???

Remember Pelosi the day after the '06 elections saying ...

"Dems were elected to end the wars!" --

The reality is that not only was their a coup on JFK in '63, there was a coup on our

"people's" government -- and a coup on the Democratic Party.

They weren't going to let the party survive to actually investigate right wing political

violence, to bring them to justice!

The Democratic Party has been taken over --

We continue to hope that enough remained that we could resuscitate it --

We realize that the leaders we are given are selected for us --

but we keep hoping.

You and your family deserve all necessary and humane health care -- without profit.

I think at this point we have to start calling ourselves either "Used to be America"

.... or simply "America"/?

There can be no debate when people are suffering -- when children and mothers and fathers

are suffering. This is evil.

[No Passaran]

48. I'm sorry brother

We've all been duped

[glinda]

49. Thanks for your honest and amazing post.

[amborin]

53. K&R

[spoony]

54. Thank you for a powerful post nt

[AspenRose]

56. I can't imagine being where you are now.

I am so sorry.

[Juche]

59. You put my problems into perspective

I am damn lucky. No kids, no mortgage, no health problems. The rest of my family (siblings and parents) are doing ok and are not dependent on me.

Shit. I don't know. There is a rage and fear building in this country, and I don't know what is going to happen with it. The teabaggers use that rage and fear to retreat into their Reagan fantasy land, but I wonder about the rest of us. What is going to be the long term consequence of all this?

Will we get reform, despondency, or what?

What were the long term psychological effects of the depression?

[cornermouse]

60. I'm sorry about your ex.

I hope you can find the help she needs somehow. :hug:

[waiting for hope]

61. K&R

I am truly sorry to hear of your pain, you, your ex-wife and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[bridgit]

65. Dude...none of this shit is about you, but you do...have all day tomorrow to drop links

;)

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

66. Well said my friend. I hope things get better.

[PufPuf23]

71. Thank you

I understand you more from now many years.

You are kind and I understand this by experience.

Politics and policy in the USA is dysfunctional.

This does not help in personal relations.

Trickle down economy is an unscientific myth.

Trickle up kindness is not a myth.

Best to you.

[Desertrose]

72. I am so sorry to hear about your troubles.....

I can understand how you feel. Enough is enough...you do just hit that wall. Damn.


What I can't understand is how many people here have no compassion for what another...so many others, are going through. Like being a loyal Dem is what life is all about....party before people. What a crock.

:hug: Straight Story and everyone else getting screwed by our joke of a "healthcare" system.

Damn....just damn.

[GreenPartyVoter]

74. I hear all that. *hugs* I am sorry for what's going on in your own life. :^(

[kentuck]

76. Honest and from the heart...

remarks that touch us all.

[girl_interrupted]

82. The Straight Story... I wonder if this might help

The only thing I can say to you, is that you are not alone. There are so many people in your situation, and I undertand your frustration.

I don't know what state you are in, or what it's requirements are, whether your wife has any kind of insurance or if she owns a home, that often figures into what kind of help may be available to you. I only know in my state, this is what I would do, if your wife has no insurance. Contact your local hospitals and ask what types of financial aid they have for people without insurance. Most hospitals will have some form of donor-provided aid, though it often takes a good deal of persistence to find out about them. Don't know if you have tried that yet. Community & teaching hospitals tend to be more lenient. If she has insurance or not, if she is employed or not..they will base the fee for hospitalization on a sliding scale. I know this might not be much help, but it's the only thing I can think of right now.

You are right to urge your wife to get herself admitted, she sounds like she is very ill, and tests need to be peformed to find out exactly what's wrong, so she can be helped. Tell her she must, for the sake of her daughter. And for right now, forget about costs, they can't get blood from a stone. Worry about that later. And even if you can't pay for it later...to hell with it.

I know you are in a terrible situation right now. But I have to say this. I admire you more than I can say, for the concern you show your ex-wife & your child. With so many men running out on their families these days, I was stunned to hear of your love and compassion for your ex and your child. It's just not something you see a lot of these days. You are a wonderful man.

If I think of anything else that might help, I will pm you, my husband is in the medical field & i will ask him if he knows of anything else that can be done to help. I know it's not much, but I will pray for you and your family.

And please ignore some people and their insulting remarks. They're jerks and aren't worth a minute of your time. If they were in your situation, they probably run out on their families in a NY minute. Nothing about them is to be admired.

[Name removed]

78. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

79. Be assured, Straight Story, that SOME of us still have some human compassion

I hope you find some solutions for your problems.

[Ladyhawk]

256. Hoping and praying.

I mean no offense, but I am often told "I hope things get better for you" or "I'm praying for you."

Hope and pray in one hand. Shit in the other. See which one fills up first.

This message board is fucking meaningless and I'm just as guilty as the rest of you. We come here and bitch about our problems and do absolutely nothing to solve them. Currently, I'm seriously ill, so I think I get a bit of a pass...maybe not. The only thing I've done to help the situation was send some money to DFA recently.

So, here's a challenge (to myself as well): What are WE going to do to help those suffering because they can't afford health care? (Or in my case, don't have access to health care because all the good doctors got laid off.)

Tell me.

Show me.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

290. I don't have a lot of money at this point, so hoping is about all I can do

and I don't have medical training. There are a lot of hurting people out there that I would like to help on an individual basis, but I can't, so I work through my church's (NON-PROSELYTIZING!) programs, especially the one that provides meals and medical care (including condoms) to low-income youth, including street youth.

[anonymous171]

80. K and fucking R. nt

[HughMoran]

84. Hang in there. And I want to officially apologize for my dumb post

I was a massive dick-head. I know you're feeling a lot of pain right now and I should have taken the time to consider where you were coming from before posting my little fit. We're all a little on edge these days, but that doesn't mean that we should lose sight of our compassion as liberal Democrats. I did just that and I was wrong. And when you replied to my idiotic post, you didn't even respond in kind! :hug: You took the time to write a reasoned explanation of where you were coming from and why you feel so hopeless right now (glad I cut and pasted into Word as I can read it now). We did get that win in 2008. I haven't given up yet (I am incapable of giving up - it's just the way I'm wired), and I hope that someday soon we can once again unite to change the direction of this country. I know the change isn't (and never does) coming fast enough, but we can't give up now - the fight is too important and surely our opponents will take advantage if given the opportunity.

Anyway, all the best to you and your family. Sorry for all the fuss (and to anybody else who I upset). :hug:

[Skittles]

85. you and SS are tops

yes INDEED

[The Straight Story]

88. And to you my friend - I say thank you

Let's have a beer and forget it :) we got a lot to work on in the days ahead. And hell, you kept that thread going :rofl:

[HughMoran]

93. Mmmmm, beer :o)

Man, it's 2:30 AM and a beer would be fine with me :toast: Today was memorable - tomorrow it's back to grinding out a living and working to make this country a better place. Thanks for being a good sport.

[suffragette]

92. .

:)

[pollo poco]

96. Thanks Hugh

That was big of you. For real. A lot of us are hurting badly . It is demoralizing to come here and see slap downs of poor, sad people. You give me hope for DU.

[Goldstein1984]

89. Your story is certainly all too common in the U.S.

I know from experience with family, near and distant.

I'm going to keep it in mind with every election in which I participate and every political contribution I make.

As a nation, our priorities are completely wrong.

I am having trouble with the lack of compassion expressed by so many.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

90. Don't really know what to say to you.

So I'll just give you a hug across the internet. I know it seems stupid, but I mean it.

:hug:

Don't give up on DU, politics, or life. You're a great guy and I enjoy your posts. I hope the best for you, your X, and your family.

[The Straight Story]

94. Your name here brought a laugh to me, my middle son, Nathaniel

looks like Jesus (well, how we in the western world see him anyway). He is kind of messed up right now, won't go into details, but when Josh and Zach were here over Christmas (my other two sons) they showed me a video of him and Zach sent him a text message that said 666. Nathaniel freaked out (he is a big bible thumper, nothing wrong with that IMHO, but relevant to this story). Nathaniel called Josh 5 minutes later all freaked out by it.

Have not talked to him in 10 years, hopefully this year I will. My other sons have told him to call or email me. He is just not ready.

If there ever was a Jesus of Suburbia, it is him LOL.

[suffragette]

91. It's such a small thing but here it is

:hug: to you and your X.

[Name removed]

97. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[winyanstaz]

100. There is no doubt in my military mind that we have been screwed.

royaly.

[TheWatcher]

103. Powerful and Heartbreaking.

Hang in there SS. You are not alone.

Many of us share your sentiment, and we stand with you.

Peace be to you and your family.

:hug:

K&R.

[ima_sinnic]

104. I am so sorry for your family's pain and suffering

:hug:

I have not had access to health care for 10-15 years now. One of these days I will just lay down and die. I am blessed in having no one, really, who would have to be anguished by that. My heart goes out to everyone in the world who is made to suffer because of politicians' greed and cruelty.

[The Straight Story]

108. Now don't you go and say that

I don't know you, hell I don't even know if I have ever replied to a post you made (I don't keep track of such things) but if you feel you are not loved or cared about, you would be WRONG.

You replied to my thread - I am hurting, in a lot of pain emotionally, and you took the time to reply to me. You don't have 'no one'. You have me, and friends here.

If you ever need a friend, PM me - and I will call you up. I don't care about where you are or where you have been in life - let me know if you need someone and I will be there as best I can. Least I can do.

I have my issues, but I am not the only one - and if I can help anyone I will. I don't have a lot of money, don't have a lot of things, but I have a heart and love and I seriously care about others.

You PM me - if nothing else we can chat and you won't feel so alone. You have problems, I do too. Mine are not greater or bigger than anyone else's, I am just more vocal I suppose about mine.

[Jamastiene]

115. I would be anguished.

You have stood shoulder to shoulder (figuratively) with many of us on DU, fighting for real progressive values. I hope for nothing but the best health for you. :hug:

[ima_sinnic]

116. thank you so much

though I've felt myself to be overly negative and critical--a "thread killer"--it is just "me" to see beyond the surface and know that everything is not right in this country and with our government, and I can't be satisfied with mediocre "compromise" and lack of commitment to those real progressive values.

I bought a house this summer and, because I work at home (as a freelance copy editor for a couple of websites and a university far away), have had very little opportunity to meet anyone in this town. I live in the boondocks of Maine, and most of my family all live on the West Coast. Days and days go by when I don't see another human being, and then it is usually someone I've paid to do some work around here--I never have visitors, since nobody knows me. That "gets to me" every now and then.
I am so fortunate not to have any serious health problems--and what problems I do have pale in comparison to the moving story in the OP (and I don't want to hijack this thread). I need to get involved in some sort of volunteer work, but that is difficult because I never know when my schedule will be clear. Thank you again for your kind words.

[Melinda]

212. You can get free health care in Maine through Federally Funded Health Centers:

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide

•checkups when you're well
•treatment when you're sick
•complete care when you're pregnant
•immunizations and checkups for your children
•dental care and prescription drugs for your family
•mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. Click on the link above, type in your address and click the 'Find Health Centers' button to find health centers near you.

I don't know where in Maine you are (checked your profile) but there are 112 neighborhood health clinics in Maine... surely one is near you. You matter to me, to many other faceless people, and we want you to seek care. Please believe, please know.... we care. :hug:

[ima_sinnic]

224. thank you so mcuh--actually, I had become aware of the clinic near me recently

and am planning to call for an appt. soon to check a few things.
Thanks again.

[Ladyhawk]

253. What about the Land of the Lost here in California?

We're left to our own devices.

And a hearty "FUCK YOU" to all the California haters out there. You know who you are.

[Melinda]

293. I'm in CA too, and there are resources available to almost everyone...

I do not know your individual circumstances, but Federally Qualified Health Care Centers are here too, as well as the State wide County Medical Services program (similar to Medi-cal in that there may be a share of cost, but different in that you need not be disabled, over 60, or have a dependent child to be eligible). I've worked in both Fresno and Sacramento Social Services and am very familiar with these programs. Why are you unable to receive help? Do you receive SSD, SDI or SSI?

Mel<<<<not being nosey, jes' tryin' to help if I can. Feel free to pm me if you need to. :hug:

[pecwae]

106. Rec for you and your family.

[LooseWilly]

109. Sympathies for you and yours.

Nothing much else I can offer, as my vote was obviously rather a waste of time.

I apologize. (No apologist I...)

Sorry my tirades and votes and phone calls to the politicians couldn't do more...

[gleaner]

111. My best wishes to you ...

And my complete agreement with your post. I don't know what I would do in your situation, probably lose my sanity. When you need to tell your daughter what is happening, just tell her like you wrote it in this post. Explain that not all people are bad and uncaring but the people in charge right now are. Tell her you want her mother to get better and tell your daughter how much you love her. She will understand more than you think. Children often have an innate intuition for what is right and what is not. I think she probably does.

In the meantime hang in there as best you can. If your ex wife has MS there is an MS Foundation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I will get the link and PM you with it. They give grants of varying sizes for people with MS who are in need. I have MS and I got a small grant from them when my husband got too sick to care for himself and I have become his caregiver. They do not base it on extra low income and they are very understanding about what you and your ex an daughter might need

Your wife may be qualified for SSI title 16 as a disabled person. Try calling the 800 number at Social Security and asking them. It might not help with cash, but if she is eligible she could get Medicare to dovetail with Medicaid to cover her illnesses better. My husband worked that program for 30 years and it can help, but a lot of people don't know that they could be eligible. If you have any questions or anything PM me. Perhaps I could help with some other resources for you.

In the meantime let's keep working hard to throw the bums out of office and take back our lives and our country. It is not theirs and it is time they realized it.

[Jamastiene]

112. K&R

[spicegal]

114. It's a crime this country doesn't already have UHC, but NOT voting is NOT the answer.

I hear your pain and frustration. You're not alone. But, we're closer to UHC than we've ever been before, and we must take a first step. Then, we must keep fighting. Americans are always nervous about change, but I think once they take that first step, they'll realize healthcare for all is a good thing for them and the country. In fact, that's what the Republicans are so afraid of. Just like with Medicare and Social Security, Americans will like it.

[DemReadingDU]

118. Well, I'll be voting 3rd party

our political system has been hijacked by lobbyists who spend BIG bucks to buy politicians to vote for what the corporations and banksters want and to enact laws to benefit the wealthy. What convinced me that the people don't matter, is in 2008 when the politicians passed the TARP to bailout the banks against overwhelming opposition by the people. I've voted 3rd party before, and will do so again.

[democrank]

119. My heart goes out to you, Straight Story.

I share your concerns.

[mmonk]

120. That's putting it out there.

I agree with you. It's time to be selective in our support. Otherwise, we are going to keep getting the same old nothing over and over again as we struggle.

[BigBearJohn]

121. For whatever it's worth -- I AM WITH YOU 100%

[DisgustedInMN]

122. You echo the voices of many. We suffer..

... and the politicians play games. ALL of them, the Republicans and the Democrats alike. ALL whores to the corporations, with ZERO regard for those of us they have placed in an untenable place.

I don't need a job "maybe next summer" or to be made a criminal because I can't afford to pay for WORTHLESS insurance I can't afford to pay the copays and deductables to use anyway being shoved down my throat, just to hand EVEN MORE money over to the fatassed parasites in the insurance SCAM industry.

I NEED A FUCKING DECENT PAYING JOB TODAY AND BASIC HEALTH CARE NOW, NOT IN "MAYBE 2014."

Goddamn your lying ass, Barack Obama, goddamn you lying DINOs in Congress. You should be ashamed of yourselves. But somehow, I doubt you are.

[madokie]

123. I'm sorry that things are so rough for you and yours

but there is a lot of players involved so it to me is disingenuous to take it out on the one who is on our side. President O is not a miracle worker and never said he was. He has channels to go through and all this takes time. We have to continue to put good people in places where they can help and we do that by our votes. Sooner rather than later things will start looking up for all of us not just some of us.
I give you:hug: as I like your stories, your writing and feel you are a good person about at your wits end. Hang in there, its not just you there is many in the same boat, so to say, and we got a good captain but he needs all hands on deck not armchair quarterbacking his every move. Snap out of it Straight Story, things will get better.

[DisgustedInMN]

145. I don't recollect expecting "miracles"...

...but I damn sure expected for Obama to do as he promised he would. Insta=ead, he betrayed us and sold us out. Keep making excuses for the one term failure, it'll sell well come the midterms.

[blindpig]

130. Know them by their works.

talk is cheap.

k&r

[Christa]

131. K & R

My heart goes out to you.

:cry:

I have no more words :(

[Mad_Dem_X]

132. I wish I could recommend this more than once.

Yesterday I got a letter from the DNC asking for a donation. I told my husband that I was going to send it back with a letter reading, "Until you do your jobs, you aren't getting one more cent from me!" I am outraged and sickened by what is going on in this country.

[davidpdx]

133. Honestly I was reluctant to reply to your post and have mixed feelings about it

I agree with you that the health care in the US is terrible and that there is no reason why everyone shouldn't have health insurance. I sympathize with you as much as I can, not knowing you at all, but that your family is hurting.

I'm lucky enough to live in a country (South Korea) where we do have great health care and someone like your ex-wife would get the full medical attention she deserves. There have been many times in my life where I too haven't had health care (when I lived in the US) and have medical issues I've needed resolved (I take medications that are expensive without insurance and I'll leave it at that). I also had a root canal when I was in college (it was an emergency thing) and it sat on my credit report for years until I finally was able to clean it up by paying it (I'm sure the mark is still there).

My father-in-law had intensional cancer a few year back and he had two surgeries and that was hard on the family. Their family is very poor (no income, long story) and the government provides health insurance here as well as discounts their bills because they are elderly without any money (I think it cost him about $4,000 out of pocket for almost a full month in the hospital including surgery and everything, which was picked up by family). I can't imagine how much the equivalent care would be in the US.

This is where the mixed feelings come into play. I still believe we have a chance to change how things are done, but they aren't going to come overnight, nor in a year. We have to continue to put stories like your ex-wives in the forefront to keep reminding people that the fight is far from over. That if this isn't done, families will be torn apart and needlessly lose loved ones. I don't think giving up is an option, because the consequences are getting little or nothing if we do. No matter what, we must keep insisting for an affordable health care plan that allows most everyone to be covered and where preexisting conditions won't cause us to be turned away.

[Kitty Herder]

134. K&R

[invictus]

137. K&R

[Name removed]

138. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pleah]

139. K&R

[SlingBlade]

140. I cant fault your feelings, But ...

What's the alternative to the two party good cop bad cop scenario
that corporate America has instituted ?

I believe it is designed to foster division between Americans, To keep us at each others throats while
their corporate masters rob us blind. This last election pretty much sealed it for me.

Real Change ? Wow, Should have known it was a scam the moment BushCo was allowed to walk free

But once again, Whats the alternative ?
Drop out ? Throw away vote, What ???? :banghead:

[Lorien]

146. Third parties and election reform. It's not rocket science

it's just not easy. And nobody likes "not easy". DU STILL won't stop kvetching long enough to seriously talk about solutions to all of this. Election reform should be at the top of our priority list. don't expect the party or the MSM to even bring it up, much less make it a topic du jour. They like the status quo. Change is up to US.

Sadly, I don't expect any replies to this post. Election reform just isn't sexy enough.

[TheKentuckian]

323. Its not rocket science but it may be fantasy

there is no mechanism to make the corrupt bastards enact or enforce the rules to put a collar on themselves, especially the fucking Senate.

I'm afraid the only way to move the needle here is slowing the flow of commerce and torches and pitchforks on a regular basis. We just aren't going to be able to work a solution from within the system by making calls and voting or whatever.

I'd love to explore the ideas out there but I can't think of any real way to get it through.

I know peacable people hate conflict, especially against unwinnable odds but if we don't do something drastic quick the situation will only get worse and more deficult to break out of. A little unrest now might save a worse fate later.

[humbled_opinion]

141. The President Says...

He deserves a grade of B+ for addressing all your concerns....

you sound like you don't agree.

[Lorien]

142. There are people-even on this board-who will say "But NO ONE is denied

care in America"! Your story among millions more prove that this isn't true. A person's wealth determines their survival here in America, and that just isn't the case throughout the rest of the industrialized world.

[marions ghost]

172. People who deny this

are really out of touch.

Wealth determines survival in America. Don't we all know the truth of that, at some level of our beings?

[BlancheSplanchnik]

147. putting my head in my hands

to cry.

This can't go on!

Please, Straight Story, send this to any an all LTTE's, networks, political reps you can think of....

and I wish--so very hard, I wish--it would help your family's immediate situation.....

[patrice]

148. K & R

[Better Believe It]

149. K & R

[piratefish08]

150. K+R

[closeupready]

152. That's about where I'm at.

K&R

[sui generis]

153. there is a reason we need to have standards BEFORE we vote

all these people who told the rest of us to shut up and vote, or that the alternative would be worse - or that our vote doesn't matter anyway: these are your pigeons come home to roost.

The reason we need to be able to question our candidates and expect straight answers is so they CAN'T get off the hook with their cultist supporters playing apologist, or worse, playing semantics by claiming those things were never promised, or we knew what we were voting for.

At four o'clock this morning while I was getting ready to head out the door to beat traffic, it occurred to me that the most of the democrats in office now are not people I intend to blindly vote for, ever again. I would rather withhold my vote until I hear some real, honest and transparent talk AND promises.

I want populist candidates, not appeasers or people who stupidly reach out to the "other side" at the expense of their own people, and I want LEADERS with real vision, and a real understanding of right and wrong. Fuck the constitutional scholars and self-described philosophers - they are useless as tits on a boar hog.

When Feingold and Hackett say unwaveringly that all Americans should have the right to marry whomever they desire, regardless of whether they are gay or not, I hear a real message. BOTH men followed that up by saying anything less would be UN-American. That's leadership. When I hear a mush mouth person tell me that my primary healthcare should rely on paying a private insurance agency, and that my employer has a right to administer my insurance then I hear an idiot who should not be speaking on my behalf.

I'm going to vote for the guy or gal who can carry the ball down the field. I'm voting for a quarterback, NOT a scorekeeper, and so far it looks like we have a gaggle of accountants telling us what we CAN'T do, because numbers are easier to deal with than people.

I'm sick of it too.

[bigwillq]

154. K and R.

:hug: Thanks for sharing your story. I hope things improve for all of you.

I want change too, on so many fronts. Our government is failing us.

[hamsterjill]

156. Ashamed

I am so very ashamed of the people we put in Washington.

They should be ashamed of themselves and the pitiful amount of work that they've accomplished with the majority that they have. It's now or never, Democrats! Get of your asses, politicians, and do something to help people like this gentleman!

[Ticonderoga]

157. Maybe it's time for the American

people to circumvent our useless lobbiest controlled government and create amongst ourselves our own private "Public Option".

[peekaloo]

158. A friend calls this "out of G.A.S. "

as in out of give a shit.

I'm circling the landing strip myself.

[JaneFordA]

159. See PM I just sent you

This situation is completely unacceptable by any definition of "civilization" and now it's up to us to hand some backsides to some politicians during these spring primaries and get REAL Democrats on the job!

[midnight]

164. K&R

[d_r]

165. I'm so sorry to read this

I really do hope things get better.

[Sunnyshine]

166. Sad to have to rec a post of such grief. Hope your family has answers and help coming your way ss.

Our bailout is not coming any time soon. We have been waiting for decades- and it looks like we are still last in line.
Eventually, we will stop buying the snake oil these politicians are selling, regardless of which party it comes from.
Wish I had access to the multi-millions in bonus money the CEO's of the unsurance companies make-
I'd give it to those who need it and deserve it most- like your family and others I know.

I have a friend whose wife is slowly dying of CF and she can't leave the hospital. He just filed for bankruptcy and he works for the city. He had to sneak his daughter in the hospital for a Christmas visit. She wore a mask, tiptoed in, then squealed Mommy so loud, and they video taped it to keep. I cried myself to sleep that night knowing they were one of millions. This is America.

Also, you should check out this resource page:http://www.freemedicinerevolution.com/?gclid=CK-Q0oCSkJ8CFQkMDQod7Bsxhw

Shallow minded fools that we are- we must keep believing in the hopes we have fought for, the dreams that so many have died wanting for, and stand together to oppose those who work to further our suffering.

We must never give up. :hug:

[Xenotime]

167. There will be healthcare reform soon

[leveymg]

170. This is the sort of real-life, plain talk that is missing in the noises we hear from DC

I only wish that more of the Inside the Beltway plutocrats would hear this.

G-d bless you and your family.

[drm604]

174. K&R

Sorry to hear about all of your problems. You're not alone, I'm maybe 6 months from similar issues if I don't find decent work soon. As it is now I'm depending on the generosity of family, so I understand what a blow to pride accepting charity can be.

I think there are millions like us right now and there doesn't seem to be any help in sight. :grouphug:

[butterfly77]

175. Kick &Recommended!

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

177. Screw em is right!

[swilton]

178. I hope everything goes well for your family

[perdita9]

188. Don't lose sight of the enemy here

I feel very bad for this family's situation but don't heap all the blame on Obama's head. Not one Republican in the Senate stood up to improve health care for American citizens. (And only one jumped on the train in the House and that was after he saw that his vote wouldn't be decisive.)

We must all keep clamoring for Democrats to do the right thing--and heaping ashes on the heads of Republicans who won't.

[Ignis]

191. Hang in there, TSS.

It can all get overwhelming at times, but try to keep your chin up.

:hug:

[AngryOldDem]

196. Straight Story....

You're not alone. And I won't say I know how you feel, or hang in there, because that's all cliche.

I sincerely hope things work out for you and your family. I am so sick and tired of seeing good, honest, hard-working people getting the short end every single time.

K&R

[duvexy]

198. reply to at some point

Since you stated that she taking 11 prescriptions to manage her supposed disease are sure this is not drug induced?
I have taken medications for years, Goebbels would be proud.
People die from legal drugs too.

[Doctor_J]

200. Save up and go to a civilized country

Drive to Canada. They won't turn you away.

[David Zephyr]

201. K&R.

!

[prairierose]

204. Straight story, you are correct....

I wish I thought that there was any hope for change in this country but what I see is the triumph of corporatism.

[Laelth]

303. That's what I see too. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[Tailormyst]

206. I'm so sorry- I wish I could help

And I am right there with you. I am fed up. You should not be under such stresses this this country. We have so much wealth and do so little to spread it around.

[Hatchling]

209. K&R

Nothing I can really say, but I can kick your thread. :(

[Divine Discontent]

211. My sorrow for your condolences, thanks for sharing your pain. I will pray for them, and, the things

that are most important are our health and happiness. If teabaggers and hardcore repubs (and shit, even some Dems) thought that when this healthcare bill was nearly passed, that it meant universal healthcare, literally, then it shows how Obama & the Congress should have just went ahead and DID IT! I got emails in Oct-Nov decrying Universal Care and how Obama was going to do death panels, etc...

I voted for REAL change. We ain't getting anything but a 10 cent knockoff.

[Grinchie]

213. I am saddened every time I see a story like this, because it illustrates the dilemma...

It is shameful to see this story, because it illustrates the overall condidtionoing of the Modern American Person to the Social Norms that have been shaped and molded by the Media in regards to Health, Disease, and treatment.

It is apparent that your spouse is extremely ill, yet, in the same breath, you described 11 prescriptions, one of them explicitly by name, Codeine. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but Codeine is a very toxic substance. It taxes the bodies natural cleansing mechanisms, even though it has a side effect of dulling the pain.

I have found that the body is a very delicate, yet reslient machine that depends on Proper Nutrition, Hydration, and Oxygen to function optimally. Since it is all based on the conversion of energy, we need to be aware that this energy is derived from our food, water, and air, ultimately to be directed by our mind to where it is needed within our body.

This attitude is all but demonized by modern allopathic medicine, where we feed our bodies compounds that in many cases are quite toxic, in the name of flicking the off switch on pain or other systemic imbalance.

It is only when people realize that tyhe mythology of success, which is the Rat Race that consumes all of our time, without allocating the needed time or resources to maintain our body through proper diat, exercise and recuperation, that one can take control of their health.

I will no longer work in a 9 to 5 job anymore. I do what I am capable of doing each day that I wake up. One day may be heavy field labor, another may be desk work or computer work. Another may be phone work, or others may be a combination of all three. Our body does tell us what to do, and being closer to Nature helps direct our energies if we allow ourselves to be part of the natural system of life. Unfortunately, people are trained from birth to view the world from the confines of a Glass enclosure, breathing recirculated air that has been previously used by hundreds of other coworkers, in pursuit of a living wage that barely keeps us afloat. Everyday I do something that I want to do. I never have to do anything, such as what I would be forced to do when working in a Corporate environment. The foster an attitude for loving my Job, simply because every day is wildy different from the last, and I know that I am working for myself and my family, or those that really matter. People that see this become jealous at seeing this example. I marvel that they would rather be jealous than to actually take control of their lives and make it happen for themselves, but they are too timid to make the first steps, wheich requires that they QUESTION EVERYTHING they have been Taught or Told to believe in and look at the fundamntals.

Unfortunately, when one takes the first step and discards the well marketed Social Structure forced upon us from Childhood, you are branded as someone living and Alternative Lifestyle, regardless of the countless accomplisments one has performed, and continues to preform. When one takes responsibility for ones own health via maintenance and prevention, it becomes clear that we are much stronger than the current Social Structure would like us to know.

My advice to you is the get over your Rage, and strive to understand it. Channel it into self sufficiency and knowledge. Quest EVERYTHING you have been taught in regards to medicine, and actually look at the real data and see if it supports the Bombastic proclamations that the US has the best Medical System on Earth. You will find that it is just marketing hype, with a small basis in fact, such as mending broken bones and other accidental injuries. It does not hold up to scrutiny when the Social Organism is viewed as a whole.

Disease is nothing more than the result of some sort of imbalance within the system, which has allowed injurious processes to take hold and prosper, whether it is endemic, external, or parasitic.

Science is finding that the tiniest molecules can have devastating effects on the body, and some of them are so alien to our physiology that they remain trapped inside of us forever, inexorably changing things and ultimately causing disease.

Diat, Good mental attitude, hard work like we were designed to do in Nature as we evolved is the key. Clean air, Clean Water, and avoidance of the TV is another. Take control. Get mad first, then get to work and educate yourself.

The Politicians are no more qualified than you to make decision. Take back your right to think independantly and act on behalf of yourself and the world you would like to live in. Then promote it and watch the world change around you through your example.

It works for me and my wife, and it can work for you too. When we are well fedd, our minds expnds and become more sensitive to the subtle signals of Nature, fellow humans, animals, etc. These signal grow louder and louder, until our own perception or intuition becomes and undeniable and distinctive force in our own lives and decision processes.

[Melinda]

215. I forgot to add info on Free Health Care (Prescriptions) for the X

Seems not many DUers know of this resource, and it may be of great help to your X (and others you love)

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov /

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide

•checkups when you're well
•treatment when you're sick
•complete care when you're pregnant
•immunizations and checkups for your children
•dental care and prescription drugs for your family
•mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. Click on the link above, type in your address and click the 'Find Health Centers' button to find health centers near your X. :)

[alp227]

217. K&R. The health care bill should be a ballot initiative.

The people will get to vote on the bill rather than the "elected representatives" who end up representing the corporations and lobbyists rather than the people who voted for them.

[orion007]

226. I'm reading between the lines

and it lead me to wonder about a few things

1. Why is your ex wife and daughter loosing their government insurance at the end of the month?

2. Your ex has 11 prescriptions, what medical problems where these written for?

3. Did she see more then 1 doctor for any of these medications?

4.With all these prescriptions she's under a doctors care,and will be to the end of the month.
Why isn't she seeing him/her now?

5. Even if your Ex is loosing her govt. insurance why is your 8yr.old daughter loosing hers?
Many children are eligible for med.insurance when a parent isn't for whatever reason.

6. Has she been to the hospital, and admitted? I do hope so.

7. Why does the cough syrup need to contain codeine, which another prescription is needed for?

8. How are her brain cysts being treated?

9. Are the prescriptions that are not covered by her state insurance controlled substances?

10. Is it you or her doctor who feels she has MS or Parkinson's Disease< cause these are both very serious.

11. Is her/daughter covered right now under your state's Medicaid insurance?ans if so what won't they cover that you're speaking about.

12.. Have you ever thought of the altitude pressure of sky-diving on her lungs and brain cysts?

13. Do you know the health/medical conditions that are prohibited to have to be able to skydive?

Good luck to you and her, but especially to your 4 children.

[The Straight Story]

238. To answer your questions (and welcome to DU)

1. Why is your ex wife and daughter loosing their government insurance at the end of the month?

She got married last year, they just sent her the notice/determination that his income (which is not much) is too much.

2. Your ex has 11 prescriptions, what medical problems where these written for?

She has asthma, pneumonia, Parkinson's (or MS, still waiting to find out, all the docs so far say it is), and a chest infection.

3. Did she see more then 1 doctor for any of these medications?

I think you meant 'than' and not 'then'. Yes. She has been to urgent care, and they sent her to hospital. They have her meds, in addition to the ones her doc gave her.

4.With all these prescriptions she's under a doctors care,and will be to the end of the month.
Why isn't she seeing him/her now?

She is seeing him when she can, but he is booked up most the time. You can't just walk in there and see the dr.


5. Even if your Ex is loosing her govt. insurance why is your 8yr.old daughter loosing hers?
Many children are eligible for med.insurance when a parent isn't for whatever reason.

They were in a joint plan with the state. My daughter may be eligible for something else, and we are looking into that. It takes time. Ever try to apply for govt aid??

6. Has she been to the hospital, and admitted? I do hope so.

Not sure yet. And I hope she is too.

7. Why does the cough syrup need to contain codeine, which another prescription is needed for?

I don't know, that is what the folks at the hospital prescribed for her. I would imagine it helps with the pain she is in - and I know from previous times it does help her with the coughing. Not sure why, not a dr.

8. How are her brain cysts being treated?

They aren't. When she had the first one they basically told her there was not much they could do for her. They are called arachnoid cysts.

9. Are the prescriptions that are not covered by her state insurance controlled substances?

No idea - I didn't ask her what they all were (although I know one is an antibiotic, one is for her coughing, one is for sinimet (sp?) - none are narcotics as far as I know, except the codeine.

10. Is it you or her doctor who feels she has MS or Parkinson's Disease< cause these are both very serious.

It was the neurologist at first, and then many other docs we have seen here and in CA.

11. Is her/daughter covered right now under your state's Medicaid insurance?ans if so what won't they cover that you're speaking about.

See previous answer.

12.. Have you ever thought of the altitude pressure of sky-diving on her lungs and brain cysts?

Yes - but thank you for mentioning that. She still flies about once a year, no issues so far with that.

13. Do you know the health/medical conditions that are prohibited to have to be able to skydive?

Yep. Talked to a lady about that last night. Told her the situation, she is a professional in skydiving and said before she went she wanted her to get clearance from her Dr.

[bobbolink]

284. Why are you asking such personal questions, let alone a whole list of them?

[Uncle Joe]

218. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for sharing, The Straight Story.

[SunDrop23]

219. nice thread. i quit before christmas.

quit, dropped out, whatever you want to call it.
i've spent too much of my adult life thinking little of me could affect the process.
the process is buying and selling. not healthcare for the needy, but which special interest groups are buying off which congress members democrat and republican for votes. it's not about people doing the right thing and never will be again.
so i'm out. that's a whole load of stress i don't need.

[omega minimo]

221. It was clear prior to 11/4/08 Obama would continue the corporatism of Reaganomics

which is the real culprit here.

The American people let this happen. People who wanted to believe in Obama as a savior didn't want to hear anything else from those who did NOT hear him "saying what we want to hear," who were not dazzled by the glamour.

Sorry for your story, SS. Now why are those two sons heading out the door to these wars soon...................?

Hope your X finds the help and treatment she needs. :grouphug:

[Joanne98]

222. I'm so sorry. I agree with you 100% The health system is murdering Americans

In cold blood. It's an outrage.

K&R

[TMED]

223. At the risk of upsetting your daughter

Why don't you make a video of you explaining, as best you can, to your 8-year-old why Mommy can't get the help she needs and why Daddy can't find a job? She probably won't understand, at least at first, but in terms of making a video that can go viral, that's actually a good thing. She will force you to explain your explanations, but simply. And once an 8-year-old understands what you and your ex are going through, any adult seeing your video will understand, also.

I am basically saying "Put a human face on the suffering that we read about".

Oh, and please make sure that you work in some explanations about how Obama lied, as a candidate. 8-year-olds certainly understand the concept of lying, correct? At the very least, she will have some understanding about how hard you are trying to work with what you've been given, and how you have been betrayed by the political classes, both D's and R's.


for a Full Court Press

[treestar]

225. Too much personal information

That we cannot verify.

I don't find it credible.

I could just as easily claim this health bill will get me something I need. And you would be more important than me, why? that's why personal situation claims, especially on the internet, are meaningless.

Politics are about the community, not individuals. I'll vote for whoever is best for the country, even if I personally don't get something or end up with a new problem. It's not about just me.

[TornadoTN]

233. This has to be the single most disgusting post I've seen here

And that's saying something.

The guy pours out his heart about his situation, a situation I might add that many, many others go through on a daily basis, and you question its veracity?

Do you have to see it with your own eyes to believe it? Or will you even then say that it sucks to be them, but I'm told things will be better so screw you?


Pathetic.

[The Straight Story]

239. And it just about me - my post was not even really about me - it is about others

Me? I don't think I mentioned much about my own problems physically.

My X is but one person suffering in our community.

I write about what I know. My life. This post was about one small part of it.

I still, and always will, love my X. I have seen her suffer over the years - and part of the reason why is that under bush there was not even a potential of health care bills passing. I write about my sons because they are going to be going to wars soon that started under bush.

We all here worked for change - not JUST CHANGE IN THE NAME OF WHO WAS PRESIDENT but change in who held power, we voted make things better, to end wars, for single payer. MANY MANY people went out and busted their asses for such change.

I want that change. The end of these wars, and a good health care system where people don't have to make choices between having food or meds.

You can claim anything you like, complain about me all you want, but that won't change the truth of it all.

WE CAN DO BETTER. Period.

[Name removed]

255. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[carolinayellowdog]

270. Dehumanization is effective at hardening hearts

If the cognitive dissonance is too much, simply deny that there are real human beings suffering-- it's all propaganda from enemies of the state.

[Name removed]

278. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

281. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[laughingliberal]

308. Uh huh. Thom Hartmann read this post on the radio, yesterday!!

He may have seen some points in it which illustrate the problems we face as a community.

[Ladyhawk]

227. Yeah, me too. I'm seriously ill and can't get decent health care, either. There are many of us. nt

[Political_Junkie]

228. Proud to give

this is 400th rec. I'm with you there.

[myrna minx]

229. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[im1013]

231. K&R!!!!!

I only wish I could rec this a million times!

You have clearly stated EXACTLY how I feel.


:thumbsup:

[TornadoTN]

232. Powerful. And those who hold our party to this get accosted as "Freepers"

Or worse yet, people who want our party and our President to fail.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Your situation is a reality for many in this country and its a damn shame it's come to this. No one in a civilized society should have to go through what you and your family are going through, yet we continue to throw money at the corporations that keep this scam going - and we call it "change".

[Ladyhawk]

234. I'm there with you. Sadly, you aren't alone.

Where I live, no one can get help because everyone just took a kick in the gut of some kind: layoff, pay reduction, etc. A bunch of state workers had to take a furlough. Apparently, that was a no-no. Too bad it's just the tip of the iceberg.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because of the State of California.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because it's more important to bomb the shit out of random brown people.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because it's more important to give trillions of dollars to banks who put us in this situation in the first place.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because the Democrats are a bunch of spineless weasels with their hands in the corporate cookie jar.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because some of you find it easier to blame me than to take a look at the whole system.

I'm seriously ill with no health care because people would rather believe in "change" and "hope" than reality.

Shame on all of you who continue to support the Democrats and their corporation-friendly ideas of change and hope. I hope you get to see the results up close and personal, as many of us are doing right now.

[TornadoTN]

236. Right there with you

Something has got to give, and give soon.

[certainot]

240. your fight is still with the republican obstructionists and blue dogs

anyone who thought ANY dem president could march into washington and fix things is naive, especially when the left collectively abdicates its free speech responsibilities by allowing 1000 radio stations to yell over everything they want to do and attack their causes and candidates 24/7 without a whimper.

sorry about your troubles. if you want to get politicians and media attention try picketing the local limbaugh megastation that was instrumental lying us into these wars and making single payer and public option impossible politically.

until the left recognizes the radio problem they cannot really expect their candidates to do much without being superhuman.

[vietnam_war_vet]

242. Wow, simply wow!

Straight Story, from a former English teacher and journalist, the word smithing of your post is beyond excellent. A+++! You truly encapsulated and humanized the issues and pounded home the proverbial nails. Gracias and my best wishes and hopes to you and your family that somehow things will work out for you all. -- Michael

[reggie the dog]

246. tell your daughter exactly this

"What am I supposed to tell my little girl? That her mom is sick and cannot get the care she needs because she does not have enough cash???"
then she will know to hate the system in the USA. let her know if you were living in France the national health insurance would pay for everything, let her know that most other wealthy countries in the world try to HEAL everyone, let her know the USA is inhumaine. Seriously. Teach her early. She may just lead a rebellion one day or just leave and move to Europe where people value human life.

[Name removed]

259. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DailyGrind51]

267. But, who are "we" when compared with corporate "payolla" ?

[dajoki]

269. K&R

[TK421]

271. I hope things get better, I really do. I just wish there was something

I could do to help you. :-(

[shireen]

272. AMAZING post!

You're a very good writer.

Send this to the White House and your members of Congress. They probably won't read it, but send it anyway -- just cut and paste the entire text into the email fields at their websites.

My thoughts are with you and your family, wishing you all the very best.

:hug:

[shireen]

273. and send a copy to Bernie Sanders. nt

[OmahaBlueDog]

286. How is it that every "please read" e-mail I get is from some winger, instead of something like this?

This is the kind of thing that should be "forwarded" to everyone you know.

Instead, I get this......

<<Subject: When do we act? Please,please read.


PLEASE PASS THIS ON.......!!!!!

The Truth About the Health Care Bills -

Michael Connelly, Ret. Constitutional Attorney


Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional. What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected.

To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.

The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business, and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats, and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled by the government.

However, as scary as all of that is, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.

The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people, and the businesses they own.

The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with! I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.

This legislation also provides for access, by the appointees of the Obama administration, of all of your personal healthcare direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.

If you decide not to have healthcare insurance, or if you have private insurance that is not deemed acceptable to the Health Choices Administrator appointed by Obama, there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a tax instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the due process of law.

So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much, out of the original ten in the Bill of Rights, that are effectively nullified by this law.

It doesn't stop there though.
The 9th Amendment that provides: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people;

The 10th Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to control.

I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea. This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution. " If I was a member of Congress I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it, without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway, I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.

For those who might doubt the nature of this threat, I suggest they consult the source, the US Constitution, and Bill of Rights. There you can see exactly what we are about to have taken from us.

Michael Connelly
Retired attorney,
Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton , Texas >>


Thank you, Thank you, TSS, for an amazing and insightful post.

[dugaresa]

288. I am so sorry for the ordeal you and your family are dealing with, and we are all one job loss away

from the same situation. and it is so wrong, it is so inhumane.

no child should see her mother suffer for lack of care. no father, brother, sister, mother, etc should watch a loved one suffer or suffer themselves because they don't have money.

we are born with nothing when we come into this world and when we exit we can not take it with us. can we not just make that time in between good?

[BrklynLiberal]

289. K & R

[Raine]

298. On point ... TOTALLY nt

:thumbsup:

[NorthCarolina]

307. The problem Plain And Simple is the Corporate Conservative DLC Dems

We've all heard the stances of the Progressives like Sanders, Feingold, Kucinich, etc. with regard to Health Care, War, Wall Street Bailouts. It wasn't the GOP that reduced Health Care reform to a windfall for private insurance at the expense of the middle class. NO, it was the Right-Of-Center *Centrist* DLC Dems. It isn't the Progressives pushing for more and longer wars, rather they have actively spoke against them, but the DLC plods along successfully pushing their Conservative line while publicly boasting how they really don't care what the Progressives think.

The DLC is a cancer on the Democratic Party and it needs to be excised, sooner rather than later. Is there anyone out there that still wants to tell me that Obama is not a dedicated member of the DLC? I recall whenever I mentioned that Obama was likely a card carrying DLC member during the primaries I was lambasted on DU by the Obama pushers and DLC bots as quickly and harshly as if I had posted a pro-Kucinich article or statement. Well all you pro-"O" folks that chastised folks like me for making such a connection back then, it looks like I get the last laugh after all...of course, I ain't laughing.

Bottom line for me is, if you support the policies and direction espoused by the DLC, then GET THE FUCK out of the Democratic Party. We don't need you Corporate ass kissers, and the Country can no longer afford your politics. I promise to do my part to help you quickly exit the party at every primary opportunity.

[kjackson227]

309. First of all I'd like the OP to know that my prayers are with he and...

his family. NorthCarolina, you are absolutely right. The corporatists masquerading as representatives for the people will eventually bring this country down if we Americans don't do something soon. We most definitely have got to vote these people OUT! We are up against a strong force, but we've got to be more vigilante, and Dems in blue states AND red states must come together. We've got to use every mechanism available to us (DU, television, radio, grassroot organizations) in order help get our word out, to help EACH state monetarily and otherwise elect STRONG progressives, and to develop strategies. People this is SERIOUS. We may hear today that our intelligence agencies are working AGAINST its own people... agencies and higher-ups in BOTH parties (and suffice it to say, some in the Obama Administration) who absolutely do not like this president, and who will do whatever it takes to sabotage and endanger him AND US all in the name of "politics". There's a conspiracy forming, and we'd better stop with all of the bickering, and divisiveness and work together before we lose this country.

[Orsino]

314. The problem is *all* the corporate conservatives.

No need to distinguish the Conservadems from the GOP, when they play on the same team.

[TheKentuckian]

324. I know that good vibes and a dollar won't get you a cup of gas station coffee

but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you and wish the very best for you and yours.

[TheKentuckian]

325. Yeah, we need a hiring policy-corporate friendly need not apply

I thought we were hiring the best and most sympathetic corporatist money could buy and maybe we did but that can't be good enough. Now there will be a bigger mess to clean up when this group of sell outs run their course and I am sorry that I contributed to them being there almost to the point of letting the fundie corporatist imbeciles win and take the heat.

I hate most that liberal ideals are being conflated with conservative FAIL because everything is Democrat only. We're going to take the full measure of heat on our failed policies.

[LaPera]

327. The rich make the rules & the working poor are offered nothing when sick except to die(and quickly)

because there's always plenty more poor workers for the rich to profit on...

So why give the working poor who are sick anything to help them, the rich see it as money of of their pocket.

What has developed in our greedy selfish cold-hearted right-wing corporate nation the past 30 years is, they simply want us dead....if we can't contribute to their wealth, they certainly aren't going to even let us help ourselves (with OUR tax dollars, that they want) to make it easier for us to stay alive.