In this brave new neoliberal world of every man for himself and the destruction of public services, the shredding of the social safety net goes hand in hand. There are of course...victims, not the least of which is common decency and compassion:
Morgan had a heart condition and police believe he may have been in the truck outside his home trying to keep warm.
Broadnax is still awaiting autopsy results, but is angry that the power was shut off at the 86-year-old's home over what appears to have been a $291 bill.
"I'm thinking, '$300? Are you serious?' If I knew, I could have sent the money," she said. "I'm quite sure he had the money. I'm quite disappointed with Consumers (Energy)."
Consumers officials have said Morgan could have avoided a winter shutoff regardless of his debt if he had notified the company that he was a senior citizen.
A spokeswoman said Consumers representatives went to Morgan's home before shutting off the electricity but were unable to make contact with anyone.
But Broadnax said there should have been no mistaking the advanced age of her cousin because he held the account for decades.
"He's been in that house for over 60 years," she said. "If they would have just did a little check they would have seen that he was a senior citizen.
"I'm just shocked."
Discuss.