Now that I'm through crying...

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

the anger and frustration are setting in. Background: my husband and I manage a homeless shelter. We work 7 days a week, 12 or more hours a day, and our only other staff member is a night manager who makes $7.00 an hour. Our night manager is a former Resident who lives in a low income apartment and barely makes it. None of us have health insurance.

Mike became ill several weeks ago and spent a week in the hospital. He was scheduled (by the hospital) for gastro tests and a liver biopsy at a local clinic for today. My husband dropped him off and fifteen minutes later Mike called. The doctor would not see him without a $500 prepay. WOULD NOT SEE HIM. Needless to say, Mike's big salary disqualifies him from financial assistance through the clinic.

Fortunately, our shelter has well-off and well-connected supporters. We are in the process of raising the funds so that Mike can determine if he is dying or not. Please send him your good DU vibes, thoughts, prayers. I appreciate that.

Folks, this election is important. With the economy tanking Mike's story--already too common--risks becoming the norm for many of us. We are not expendable. There is no reason that Mike's quality of care should be any different than that of any member of congress. We cannot let it be acceptable any more.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. May that Hospital and Doctor...

Receive their just rewards. After all, karma can be both cruel and fair.

[boobooday]

2. Obscene!

This is the stuff that sends me right over the edge. If the Republicans had their way, I guess they wouldn't mind stepping over the dead bodies in the street of the people turned away from health care facilities.

Best wishes to Mike -- I hope he is able to get the treatment he needs.

:hug:

[Maccagirl]

3. No words

Only prayers that your donors can come up with the money in time. Why is it that good people like you and your husband get emotionally bruised simply by caring for others while 90% of the population goes about their business?

[bobbolink]

4. My thoughts are with Mike today!

However, I cannot and will not put all my "faith" in the next election.

I've seen first-hand that "progressives" aren't willing to actually work for either health care OR homelessness.

It's simply not that important, and until it is, nothing will change.

You can get mad at my reaction, but I will say it again.... I've seen it firsthand, and I know what I'm talking about, and I'm not happy about it.

Mike deserves better. Much better!

[sandnsea]

5. Is there a Catholic health system?

It's not as true in the east, but in the west, most Catholic hospitals don't turn patients away under any circumstance.

My son had that happen to him a few years ago. He had a herniated disc and the surgeon would not see him without $500 advance payment. He actually ended up at an acupuncturist, who cured him for $50. He hasn't had a problem since. But I know that's not an option for your friend.

[tblue]

6. You wouldn't want to tell us the name of the doctor, would you?

I'm just sayin'.......

[bananas]

7. k&r & hugs

:grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Big vibes for Mike!

And swift karma to that doctor... :grr:

Unbelievable.

And of course, completely unacceptable!

K&R

[Marrah_G]

9. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG This is SO wrong

I am so sorry that you are all going through this.

Single payer Universal Healthcare !

NOW!

[bobbolink]

11. Yes, it's wrong. WHAT are we going to do about it?

Has anyone checked Obama's policy carefully.... would it change for Mike under Obama's plan?

If not, then what are WE going to do about it????

[K Gardner]

10. Oh, c'mon.. that $500 was probably at least half of his Jaguar payment ! These poor docs are

barely makin it..

:sarcasm:

When we ask for the same coverage Congress has, they call it "socialism".

[PeaceNikki]

19. Don't act like it's the doctor's fault.

It's the system, not the individual.

[Javaman]

12. But but tbut the dow went up 400 points today!!!

I'm sorry to hear about Mike. My prayers are with him.

Is there an address that maybe I send a donation?

[Juche]

13. What state is this

Perhaps the laws say you can force the doc to look at him.

[windbreeze]

16. It shouldn't matter....what happened to the Hippocratic oath??

my thoughts of well being go to Mike...I sincerely hope he gets A Dr. visit...but not with that Doctor, who could be busy dealing with karma...wb

[Joanne98]

14. Let's nationalize the doctors!

[barbtries]

15. i commend you

for writing such a succinct, powerful recap of what you're dealing with. please send it to the local paper. best wishes for Mike's good health.

[MorningGlow]

17. I believe that violates the Hippocratic oath

You should report the doctor.

Sending good vibes for Mike. :hug:

[WhiteTara]

18. Thank you for your work! All three of you!

I am so sorry to hear about Mike and am grateful that I am still healthy. Best of luck getting the money for his diagnosis.