Please, no more discussion of the Andy Stephenson situation.

[Skinner]

It is the opinion of the DU Administrators that continued discussion of the Andy Stephenson situation here on Democratic Underground really serves no purpose, and is only serving to make people more angry and suspicious of each other. We don't really see how any of this discussion can possibly get us any closer to the truth. Here is what the administrators know about this situation right now.

1. Nobody really knows the truth about this except Andy and his doctors.

2. The administrators of Democratic Underground have never confirmed or denied the validity of Andy Stephenson's claim. We have our own opinions on the matter. But we honestly do not know the truth.

3. At this time, there is no way for anyone to find out what the truth is. People keep telling me that I can somehow get to the bottom of this, but I assure you that I cannot. Federal privacy laws forbid the hospital from talking to me right now, even if Andy signs a waiver. Paper records can be faked. People can lie. (Please do not take my comments as a statement on the validity of Andy's claim. I'm just trying to be honest about the issues involved.)

4. We have already explained how we intend to approach this issue. If/when Andy becomes an inpatient at Johns Hopkins, and if/when he signs a waiver, then I will be able to call Johns Hopkins and get confirmation that he is an inpatient there. Before that time, Johns Hopkins assures me that they are totally forbidden from talking to me, even if Andy signs a waiver. I have been told that Andy's surgery has been rescheduled for May 26, so I can't do anything until then. If/when I get verification, I will report back to DU. If I get no verification, I will report that instead.

5. Many people have accused me of having something to hide here, or have insisted that I could have stopped any of this from happening. Both of these accusations are without merit. I have no connection to Andy Stephenson, I have never met him, I am not a character reference for him. I have nothing to hide, and nothing to gain from this entire situation. I could have stopped this whole situation from happening if I forbade people from raising money in the first place, but that would have (possibly) kept a sick person from getting treatment, and furthermore would have likely offended a large number of DU members who want the opportunity to help. You are all adults, and you can decide where you feel comfortable spending your money.

6. Further discussion of this topic is entirely speculative, and will get us no closer to the truth. In fact, it just seems to be making people paranoid, combative, and upset.

7. If Andy is sick, I hope that he gets well. All of this squabbling can't be helping him. I am touched by the generosity of this community. We believe that there is no shame in choosing to donate to Andy, and there is no shame in choosing not to donate.

8. I am instructing the moderators to shut down all further discussion of this topic. This thread is locked so no more discussion can take place here.

Thank you for your understanding.

Skinner
DU Admin