I guilted my right-wing mother into donating to Andy.

[Ladyhawk]

Was I wrong?

During the past two days I have had contact with my mother, I haven't shut up about Andy Stephenson and the serious dilemma he faces because he has no medical insurance. I left out the left-wing talking points and tried not to push my agenda. I did notice that she talked a lot about spending $200 here and $200 there for various things she seems to need. For me $200 is a huge sum of money. I lamented again that my mother's sense of social justice seems to stop at her own skin...and perhaps the skin of family members, although with me there seem to be strings attached.

I really hadn't intended to guilt her into donating, but yesterday, I felt tearful over the whole ordeal. I was afraid we wouldn't raise the money in time. Today, I expressed my sorrow again and asked if she would donate. She donated $50 through my PayPal account. I asked if she wanted to say anything to Andy on the PayPal note and she said, "He and I don't agree on anything...what could I say to him?"

Geez, Mom! How about, "Get well soon"?

For some reason, that remark of hers kind of pissed me off. Will the gap between the religious right and the reality-based ever be bridged? Had she known Andy's sexual preferences, she probably would have refused to donate...or at least thought privately that he brought this upon himself.

You know, I both love and hate my mother with equal fervor. The whole situation just rips me apart.

[Individualist]

1. Brava, Ladyhawk!

:applause:

[enigmatic]

2. You did good.

And your Mother needs to take a serious course in compassion, I'm afraid.

[Floogeldy]

3. Is Andy for sure legit?

I haven't followed it enough to know.

I'm scared of scammers.

[Individualist]

4. Absolutely legit

See this thread - www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3620788&mesg_id=3620788

[Floogeldy]

6. How do I know that guy is not in on a scam?

I'm not saying he is. I'm just asking, "How do you know?"

No disrespect intended to anyone. I simply plead ignorance.

Thanks,

Floog

[Individualist]

7. I've been a DU member since 2002

karlschneider is also a long time member, and he's a man of his word. Also, here's a statement from a nurse who saw Andy this weekend - www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3620788&mesg_id=3621101&page=.

[Floogeldy]

12. I hope you are correct

Do you personally know any of these people?

Again, I am not saying this is a scam. I just don't know.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. You were NOT wrong to guilt your mom into giving Andy some money!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! How screwed up is this country, to have no universal health coverage? I'm very proud of how so many people have come together to help Andy, but this can't go on...The system is so very broken, and needs fixing desperately...

But you did good, and please don't beat yourself up over it...Andy must have it to get well!

O8)


:toast:

[Ladyhawk]

9. Love you, CaliforniaPeggy. I would love to meet you someday. :)

You were so kind prior to my surgery when everything looked so insurmountable. Everyone was so supportive that it caused my eyes to get moist just to think about it. :) And yes, I agree. How many "Andys" are out there? Sigh. We can't help them all by donating. Too many people are getting rich at the expense of others' health. It makes me so angry. :mad:

Jeff Matson's death tore me up, as it did you. We can't just let Andy slip by the wayside without giving him the best chance we can. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Ah. ,my dear Ladyhawk! I love you too...How sweet your words are!

I'd love to meet you some day, too...Ya never know, though, do you? Everything you say resonates with me...

Sounds like you're healing...Take care of yourself! You are a very valuable member of the human race, not to mention DU!


:pals:


:loveya:

[Individualist]

8. Kick for Ladyhawk and Andy

[Kipepeo]

10. Love and Hate my family as well

*raises hand*

the fact that she loves you enough to donate to someone she is so at odds with in her life says a lot about the love/hate bond of family. She obviously loves you a lot, so be happy with that. :)

It reminds me of a Pat Conroy book (and I really don't like Pat Conroy but liked this part): about how anyone who grows up in the south has a very close love/hate relationship with it.

I have that with my home and with my family. I hate them so much but I love them even more. :shrug:

Be happy with what your mom was willing to do, that would be my advice...from someone who has to make-do w/ small gestures as well.


Love - K