Though most of us know people who are getting sick or sicker because they don't have health insurance, few of them die on us. We all know of the countless people going to free clinics, and we see the news of the long lines of people going to fair grounds to get help.
One of the students in my wife's class had a cold right before Thanksgiving. We had a cold snap, and the cold didn't get better. She went into the emergency room, the only place she could get health care, because she couldn't breathe.
They checked into the hospital. She and her family didn't know where they were going to find the money for the hospital and the tests.
They did a few tests and found her lungs were full of cancer. She died last week, and her funeral was yesterday. Her daughter came to the Christmas Concert on Thursday the day her Mother died. She really didn't have any where else to go.
She came back to school today. Her dad has made promises to be allowed to raise her, but everyone in the extended family is deeply hurt.
When we give up on health care reform, we must come back to this mom. She was doing a great job of being a mom and protecting her daughter and getting her to love school. She cared deeply for her, and she did the best for her.
If we had health care, she would have gone to the doctor months ago, and she might have had an option.
This is not about midterm elections. This is not about Obama's presidency. It is about life. It is about 53 million not having the chance to go to a doctor. It is about bankrupcy. It is about opportunities.
These smug bastards on both sides can always say no! What are they going to do about this little girl's mom! Senator Harkin wants to use this story on the floor. I am working out the details. However, does it matter. She is just another rural Iowan who lost her life because this country doesn't give a shit.
I am not sure this rates as a diary, but I am so sad tonight. This little girl has lost her mother, she is living with an estranged father, and no one will tell her why. Because the rich son's of bitches in this nation want theres.
How many on this site are willing to give up some of their own health care for the benefit of the country. I am. I am not alone, I know, but I see so many analysis that want something for nothing. That ain't going to happen. I am ok with that. Raise taxes. Raise my taxes.
SHE DIED AND ALL i CAN DO TONGIGHT IS CRY FOR HER.
We can't give up the fight. If we don't pass this bill, we have to be willing to come up with a new bill.
Screw the republicans and the moderates. Reconicilliation - a single payer.