I just read this diary by Max Undargo. Not only does he sum up the facts of his mother's real-life health care situation succinctly, but expresses with crystalline clarity what I have been feeling for some time about the political gamesmanship exhibited by our elected officials. The word for that emotion, Congresspeople, is rage! More...
The reason I identify so strongly with the author is I too am a son, raised by a single (in my case) mom to be honest, caring, and compassionate. As a son, I know that there is nothing more painful than not being able to provide everything needed by the person who gave you everything, including life itself. Recently my mother passed away at the relatively young age of 64, largely as the result of poor healthcare throughout her life, as well as not taking care of herself as well as she should have. I make no apologies, other than to state that the treatment of poor people in this country leads to an almost inevitable sense of despair and worthlessness. We are disposable, replaceable, and fungible in the eyes of our consumption-driven economy. A couple of years before she was eligible for Medicare, my mother was hospitalized. Her care was covered in part by MediCal, but the local hospital slapped a $30,000 lien against the lot where her former home had been. Since the lot is only worth $20k at most, the only thing of any material value she managed to accumulate during her life will be liquidated. A sad legacy of a lifetime of love and generosity. Of course, her real legacy lives on in my sisters, myself, and her grandchildren. That said, the bone I am picking is about the antics of the "Billionaire Boys Club" aka the U.S. Congress, in particular, the subset that includes the Blue Dogs and the Rethugs.
Congresscritters, when are you going to quit playing games with the lives of your fellow citizens? Is it going to be after 44k+ per year die? If so, we've achieved that milestone! Perhaps we need to pass a law removing all your government health care benefits, including this little gem. Who do you really work for... us or the special interests? Remember, actions speak louder than words. If, as your actions indicate, you actually work for the special interests, the ethical thing to do is quit, go work for them and let them pay your salary.
Here's the bottom line, boys and girls... either you work for us or you don't. Not only is it unethical to be compensated for engaging in activities contrary to the best interests of your constituents, but doing nothing to justify your existence, let alone your position, is disgusting. I understand our political system respects the rights and ideas of the minority, but that does not excuse actively refusing to engage or to contribute to our nation.
As near as I can figure, roughly half of you are slugs... contributing nothing, doing nothing. In other words, you are the welfare recipients you claim you despise. As an aside, falling asleep on the job gets you fired in any other occupation, yet some of you do it all the time - on camera yet! Well, get this message loud and clear... we're watching, we're pissed, and we're coming for you!!!