Meet Clyde: former coal miner, current Medicaid patient, and voter who had "put his hopes in Trump."

[Miles Archer]

Heartburn is just the latest problem for Clyde, a patient Keisha sees every three months. Like so many in this corner of Appalachia, he used to have a highly paid job at a coal mine. Company insurance covered all of his medical needs. Then he lost the job and ended up here, holding a cane and suffering not only from heartburn but diabetes, arthritis, diverticulitis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Because of the ACA, Clyde’s visit is covered by Medicaid. Before the law, most West Virginians without children or disabilities could not qualify for Medicaid, no matter how poor they were. The ACA — better known here as Obamacare — expanded the program to cover more people, such as Clyde, who can depend on Keisha to fix his heartburn without having to worry about the cost.

As for the other problems in his life, he has put his hopes in Trump, who came to West Virginia saying he would bring back coal and put miners back to work. When Trump mentioned repealing Obamacare, Clyde wasn’t sure what that might mean for his Medicaid. But if he had a job that provided health insurance, he reasoned, he wouldn’t need Medicaid anyway, so he voted for Trump, along with 74 percent of McDowell County.

Tug River Health Association treats about 8,700 patients, resulting in some 20,000 visits a year to its five clinics. In 2016, 12,284 of those visits were from patients on Medicaid, up from 5,674 in 2013, before the ACA took effect here. Without the ACA, many of those patients wouldn’t be able to afford care. Will they soon lose their coverage? Will they stop coming to the clinic? Lately, Tug River’s chief executive has been telling his staff, “The key word going forward is uncertainty.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/west-virginia-tug-river-obamacare/

[Laf.La.Dem.]

1. You guys must look at the BIG picture!

The 1% need more tax cuts and we need to balance the budget

[Mendocino]

5. Those caviar baths,

2nd and 3rd homes, private schools, vacations to Monaco and 250 ft yachts all cost a stack. Just take away healthcare, if those urchins die, so what. We'll be doing them a favor, getting them out of their misery!

[Yavin4]

45. The biggest problem in America is that rich people aren't rich enough

Imagine how someone worth a measly $300 million feels when they see someone worth $750 million. The shame and embarrassment is just devastating.

[Trekologer]

2. The realization that he's be had is going to be a crushing blow

"Then he lost the job and ended up here, holding a cane and suffering not only from heartburn but diabetes, arthritis, diverticulitis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol."

Assuming there was a sudden increase in demand for coal and there was a hiring boom, the chances that Clyde would be one of those hired is slim. His health issues and physical ailments would mean he would be passed over. But that assumes there is a coal hiring boom, which isn't going to happen. The free market is the nail in the coffin for coal, not environmental regulations.

[packman]

10. Sounds like the majority of Clyde's problems are diet related

heartburn- diabetes, - diverticulitis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Low income, stress = poor diet, poor food choices

[Warpy]

26. They are all stress related, could be because of shift work and could be

because he spent so much of his life in a dark, dangerous, and cramped space far underground. I don't know and I don't care, I just know that he's hurting and needs care now and should be able to get it. Look at his face, you can see the pain.

Now Republicans can point to his diet or lifestyle, thinking those made him volunteer to be sick and it's now his problem. They don't ever seem to realize that one day they're going to get sick, too, and they're going to need care and not be able to get it.

This guy is a typical Trump voter, IMO, not really educated about what "Obamacare" did for him and that it's the same as the ACA. He'd just been told that the black guy with the Muslim name was not doing anything for white folks and he believed it. When that's all you hear day in and day out, it's hard to resist believing it.

He's also why the Democrats need to sit on their hands this time and let the Republicans get stuck with their own mess. Every time they try to fix things, they only end up getting blamed because it's not absolutely perfect for everybody out there. Let people see there are serious real life consequences for sending Republicans back to congress every 2 years.

Yes, he'll get hurt. So will I as Medicare part B premiums keep going up and up and Social Security, not given COLAs many years, is actively cut. However, this is the only way to educate selfish people about what they get when they vote for a selfish party.

[LenaBaby61]

28. I agree with your sentiment 100% Warpy .....

"He's also why the Democrats need to sit on their hands this time and let the Republicans get stuck with their own mess."

And even THEN some of these folks like Clyde will be too dense to get it. Some are just dumb and some are RACIST as hell.

Oh well

[Adrahil]

32. In reality, he will probably....

.. find a way to blame it on Democrats and minorities. That's how cognitive dissonance works.

[BannonsLiver]

43. If he hasn't figured out he's been had by now he's a lost cause

[nycbos]

3. This classic clip from Airplane! keeps popping up in my mind.

They voted for Trump. They knew what they were getting into. I say let em crash.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. It is so frustrating that there are so many

out there like Clyde. What fantasy world was he living in that he thought his good job would really come back?

I ought to have a lot more sympathy for him than I do. It's just a shame that others who didn't vote for Trump will also lose their Medicaid, or their affordable health care.

[Adrahil]

33. They've been fed lies for decades.

Rush tells them that their coal jobs would roar back if it weren't for regulations and taxes. They are so desperate that they cling to that belief. Anything else would require them to re-evaluate their world view.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

40. And it makes me totally crazy that people can't think for themselves,

can't do just a small amount of reading, turn off TV entirely and learn some basic facts.

In truth, a lot of this comes back to religion. Religion tells its followers: Trust me, believe in me, don't think for yourself, don't look at any outside information.

They get this message every Sunday, and it's reinforced by schools that discourage independent thinking.

The stand-out exception is Jews, specifically Reform Jews. They're taught to think and to question, which is why they make such good doctors and lawyers. Even Orthodox Jews have a tradition of study, which serves them well.

A huge problem with Islam is that it has never experienced a Reformation, nor the changes that in Judaism led to the Reform movement. They are still stuck in the 6th Century, when Mohammed devised that religion. There is no room whatsoever in that religion for secularism, which is a genuine shame. I've known any number of Moslems over the years, and have liked, respected, and admired them. Because the ones I've known live in this country they are reasonably secularized, but there's still (in my opinion) a rigidity of belief that isn't good.

I will throw that same indictment on members of most other religions. It's my opinion that various churches will never change so long as good people stay there, never directly confronting the leaders about what needs to be changed.

Meanwhile, former coal miners, too ill to ever go back to that job, are bamboozled into thinking that their job can return, by some magic. They don't even begin to think about whether or not they could really return to that work, let alone think through all the reasons the jobs won't ever come back.

Ignorance is fatal.

[Achilleaze]

6. His long list of ailments all sound related to diet

alas, but it's true: eat crappy sugary chemicalized food and eventually you pay the price.

republicans will kick his hard-working American butt under their freaking Profit Bus, along with all the rest of the people who let themselves get SUCKERED by republican, inc. bullshit.

[underpants]

9. West Virginia

Yes this is a bit of a generalization but....

My family is from West Virginia. Due to the success of my mother's generation the family that I have in WV do very well. That's most of them but some of my generation have generally slacked off. You have a sharp divide there in terms of people who don't just have access to healthier living but who are at all concerned with it.

Huntington repeatedly is listed as one of the most unhealthy cities (this isn't actual coal mining territory mind you) in the country. They have TWO hot dog festivals there every year. Little or no park system that I've been able to see. Excercising is very hard outside of going to a gym ($). When I've visited there and was running a lot, getting in a run of any size was very difficult. Very hilly terrain (which I hate), no sidewalk system, and really unrunnable roads - simply not enough room to be safe. I had to drive to run. Food? In all the lists/articles about healthy eating in Huntington the health officials from WV repeatedly mention fast food and advertising. There are regular family owned restaurants but like a lot of the country they can't compete with fast food advertising. The officials state that they can't convince people that the KFC $15 family meal is not a good choice. Quick - cheap - easy - and everyone is full - pick it up on the way home.

This isn't isolated to WV by any means but the situation is striking when you are there just as a visitor. WV is also very typical of the sharp difference between the haves and the have nots in that the nots simply have no idea that there are other options.

[Tanuki]

12. Little or no park system? Check out Ritter Park next time you go.

It's beautiful, extensive, and convenient. There are also several other municipal parks (see link below). I agree with you about the unhealthy eating habits, but not the parks.

http://www.ghprd.org

"For many years Ritter Park has been considered the Crown Jewel of the Park District. The Park's 75 acres and numerous amenities contributed to it being designated one of the top ten "Best Public Spaces in America" by the American Planning Association in 2012. Ritter Park is known for its walking path with crushed limestone loop that encourages health as many walkers, joggers, dog walkers and bicyclists share the multi-purpose pathway. Another favorite at Ritter Park is the award winning Rose Garden and the Room With A View. With over 3000 roses, many of which are historic AARS winners, the Ritter Park Rose Garden is a top choice for June weddings and events throughout the season. Huntington's PetSafe Dog Park has become a favorite for dog-owners since its development in 2011 as a result of Huntington being the first winner of $100,000 in the PetSafe "Bark For Your Park" contest. If you're a tennis player, The Ritter Park Tennis Center offers 11 courts with attendants on staff. The park features a large picnic shelter, two playgrounds, and seasonal restroom facilities at the shelter. Many of the area's walks and runs originate at Ritter Park with several of the parks amenities available to rent. A wedding at the Stone Circle or a family reunion by the 10th Street Fountain are not uncommon sites during the season. Nestled in the pines near the top of the Park is the Ritter Park Amphitheater, home of the Huntington Area Regional Theater (H.A.R.T.) and other events! Outdoor community theater at its best in June & July each year and a number of seasonal shows and activities including Ritter Live Free Concert Series and the Huntington Music & Art Festival. Plenty of green space, walking, hiking trails, and many historic points of interest make Ritter Park a favorite destination for Huntingtonians and visitors to our area.

1340 Eighth Street, Huntington, WV 25701

Park
Open play space
Walking/Running Path
Hiking Trails
Parking
Children's playground
Restrooms
Water Fountain
Ritter Shelter #1
Accommodates 64 people

[underpants]

14. Actually I am aware of Ritter park

A few relatives still live near it. I was staying outside of town near the mall so I had to drive near Marshall and run on the flat riverbed area.

In the part of town near that park and MU yes there are options. Outside of town? No. at least not the part I've seen.

[hollowdweller]

29. Ever visited The Wild Ramp?

http://wildramp.org/about-us/


Cabell Co schools also buy from local farmers


http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/farm-to-school-program-really-a-win-win-for-schools/article_ea68a7a9-fc17-51a2-895b-2326228afe57.html

That's not saying people don't have poor eating habits.

[phylny]

13. Quick and cheap are the pertinent words.

Most of the poor people I work with do not cook - they heat stuff up. A box of chicken nuggets is a hell of a lot cheaper than a package of boneless chicken breasts. Chips are cheaper than fruit. French fries are cheaper than vegetables.

[underpants]

15. Fruits almost out of the question.

Not just for people on really limited budgets but for those on whose radar it doesn't even register.
$1 for an Apple? Uh no, that's a bag of chips near the register.


Also the big grocery trip once a week? That cuts out fruit for a lot of people. I'm not meaning to preach here but I prefer to make frequent small trips but that's just me.

[phylny]

16. We do several small trips as well. n/t

[LenaBaby61]

27. His long list of ailments all sound related to diet.

Unfortunately, this guy and many people who voted for tRumputin probably will blame Pres. Obama and Dems for tRumputin's FAILURES because tRumputin keeps saying he'll be blaming Pres. Obama for EVERYTHING that he jacks up, and MANY who are dim-witted will believe him and of course those who are racist POS will of course believe their president, and for those type of folks I have absolutely NO sympathy for. Not even one drop.

I only have sympathy for those stuck in red states who knew what time it was and who voted for Hillary, and for those of us in blue states who voted for her as well who'll also be suffering right along with the idiots.

[bottomofthehill]

7. Too bad Clyde

Elections have consequences, did you really think that you were going to get that good paying coal job back with all of your health issues. Really, "holding a cane and suffering not only from heartburn but diabetes, arthritis, diverticulitis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol"and going back to the mine......

[meadowlark5]

8. Now that polluting again has been given the green light, are we sure coal might not come back?

The infrastructure is all there in place. Fracking is cheaper but since there will be no regulations on the coal companies anymore, maybe it won't be too expensive to compete with fracking. There will be no need to provide benefits to the miners as many in those coal mining states would take a job just to have a job.

[Hortensis]

18. Technology advances got rid of most jobs,

that's not changing. Lower price competition from other nations got rid of more, that's not going to change enough. And there's something about reduced demand for this type of coal, and presumably that's not changing any time soon. Their problems are the adverse economics of coal. Costs of renewal energy are dropping all the time and will continue to. Costs from regulation were always minor factors.

These guys knew most of why their jobs disappeared when they voted. They looked for excuses to vote their jerseys, including adding the hope DJT might be somehow telling the truth to the list, and did.

Dumb, stupid jerks. We should be hearing right now about the roll-out of Hillary's major plan to bring decent jobs, schools, medical care, shopping, physical infrastructure, sustainability to this region. Starting with all the new jobs involved in making this happen.

[Blue_true]

20. Even with no regulations at all, natural gas from fracking will still

be much cheaper to buy than coal. Remember, Trump wants to strip regulations from fracking also. Businesses that buy raw carbon fuel will most likely chose natural gas due to price, ease of use, far less damaging to equipment, lower maintenance costs and lower waste disposal costs. Even if Trump gets to let fuel users dump ash into rivers, the rivers would occasionally need to be dredged, that problem does not exist with natural gas. In short, anyone that thinks coal is coming back in a big way are fooling themselves, coal is more likely to keep losing ground.

[ProfessorGAC]

47. Just Handling Fly Ash. . .

. . .and the sulfuric acid formed from conversion of SO2 costs money which adds to the overall cost of operating a coal fired system. Natural gas is simply easier to use and cost less whether there are no regs against pollution or not. Sure, getting rid of regs will lower the cost, but the stuff still has to be collected and moved somehow. Inherent cost that doesn't exist with NG.

There is nothing these guys in government can do to change that natural gas and cheap petroleum had more to do with the drop in demand for coal than any regulations ever did.

Of course, the coal industry won't admit that. They just want to, as you said, dump the flyash in the river.

[meadowlark5]

24. Thanks you two!

I don't know enough about coal to know if it was regulated to it's demise or if there were other factors leading to the end of coal as a major industry.

Donald dump doesn't give two shits about those people in those states. And with Ryan instrumental in the healthcare repeal and replace, forget it. Takers. Surplus population.

[Motownman78]

42. Coal jobs are not coming back

just like manufacturing jobs are not coming back. Coal is being killed by Natural Gas, Manufacturing jobs are being lost to automation.

[Historic NY]

11. Well they didn't have medical care before Obummer care & they won't soon again...

they hitched their wagons to Trump, the guy who bankrupted his casino.

[sunonmars]

17. Well, they were warned but they put their trust in a billionaire who does not give a shit about you.

[n2doc]

19. Ol' Clyde will just die of some preventable disease

Blaming Obama and Democrats for all of his problems to the end. I'll be he sits around watching Fox all day.

[Blue_true]

21. Yep. nt

[underpants]

23. Boy they're gonna miss Obamacare when granddaddy's pain pills start running out

Last edited Sun Mar 12, 2017, 07:00 PM - Edit history (1)

Friday nights just aren't going to be as much fun in Smalltown WV (and elsewhere)

Just thought of that and felt like piggybacking on your post was the best place for it.

[Crunchy Frog]

31. It's not that easy to get pain pills these days.

Hence the heroin epidemic. Fortunately, he won't need a doctor to get his hands on that.

[Adrahil]

34. Check this out:

http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/9-million-painkillers-shipped-to-tiny-west-virginia-town-895420995808

[underpants]

35. Mayor Sparks is everyone I've met in West Virginia

My family is rooted there.

This makes no sense. We're almost intoxicated to not se what is going on.

On edit - thanks

[Crunchy Frog]

37. Thanks for the link. It looks like they're referring to events that happened several years ago.

You could see the year 2008 on some of the footage. My point still stands, there's been a major crackdown, and the party's pretty much over as far as prescription opioids. The majority of OD deaths these days are from heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl.

[Bengus81]

22. He wasn't sure?? Trump TOLD you a thousand times last year he was taking your ACA away..

IF guys like you would only vote for him. So you ran down and pulled a handle for him and NOW your worried?? These stories keep rolling in and you almost want to slap someone up side their head.

[dalton99a]

25. So Clyde gave his vote to an asshole who promised a million times to yank his insurance

[LenaBaby61]

30. Clyde has so much in common ...

With the guy who OWNS this penthouse apartment, am I right?



tRumputin wouldn't give Clyde and those who voted for him the scraps off his dinner plate he didn't finish eating. Clyde and his kind are too dense or too racist or BOTH to realize this. Dems are by no means perfect. I have my difference with them. However, anything anyone EVER received which made their lives BETTER came from DEMOCRATS.

Thuglicans only give a damn about rich, white males, and they seek and want to DESTROY those who aren't like "THEM."

[adigal]

36. Ah, well. Too bad. I will move along, not shed any tears here

Sad!

[NurseJackie]

38. Maybe ol' Clyde won't be voting for Trump again... if you get my drift.

[Judi Lynn]

39. What a shame so many people weren't thoughtful enough to learn the facts before they voted. n/t

[Little Tich]

41. He should keep his hindsight regrets with him and make a more informed choice in four years.

It's of course also possible that Trump will kill him before that.

[BannonsLiver]

44. What a vile collection of drooling, blabbering and ignorant hayseeds

Here's what I have for them: Disdain and contempt. And loads of it.

You've got one fuckwit upset because his high paying mining job only pays 90 percent of his medical, and he resents those laying around.

Guess what asshole, the odds of you being one of those folks in your career are right at about 100 percent.

The woman who didn't know what a humidifier was?

The 55 year old obese diabetic with dozens of ancillary health problems who thinks Trump is going to get his coal mining job back, and that he'd have a chance at a job?

These people live an another universe. They're gone. They've gone 'round the bend and they aren't coming back.

[Buckeyeblue]

46. They've got to keep the Clydes happy

Which is why the house bill will fail. I look for something that tries to divert money from inner cities to rural areas. That's the only way the repugs keep their seats. If Clyde can't get healthcare and dies, that's a lost vote.

And as we know WV has already run out of money to bury poor people.