Much ado about the Neo-Con "culture of life" and this is no different. While Bush, James Dobson, and many in Congress froth at the mouth at possibility of criminalizing abortion, our neighbors, family members and friends are forced to make life and death decisions every day. Unlike Terri Schiavo, these folks have no rallying governmental values movement poised to swoop in with television cameras, enraged pundits, "right to life" leaders, or legislation signed by the White House pen.
That pen will never write the story of the mythical little guy living in Bellingham, WA. This guy has actually been sighted by many in his community. This elderly guy lives alone in a low-income retirement community. He still works at the age of 76. He earns around $950 a month and owes $900 for his room and board. That leaves him $50 for expenses. This guy has real health concerns that require real medications. Prior to Medicare Part D, this guy had access to the cocktail of 20 drugs necessary to control his diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart condition. Pre-Bush Medicare meant all he had to do was pick up his prescriptions at his local drug store, post-Bush Medicare Part D means he has to pay between $1 - $5 per prescription. Now this little guy has to choose. Will he treat his high blood pressure this week and hope his diabetes can wait until next month, or will he choose to focus upon his heart condition?
Believe it or not some myths are reality and this story is very true. It is played out across this country every day.
And the crusaders for the "culture of life" step over this little guy on their way to assemble a protest at the local low income women's clinic.