Joel Patrick (7 yrs old) did not survive US healthcare. He was buried today

[SoCalDem]

He had cancer and for 20 months his parents' lives were a blur of bake sales, car washes, tears, fears and now, impending bankruptcy.

His Mom & Dad were not deadbeats.. Dad works for UPS & Mom works too (not sure where). They have "good" insurance.. Just not "good enough" for a 5 yr old diagnosed with cancer. In less than a year, Joel hit the "ceiling", and Mom & Dad started to sell stuff. They cashed in life insurance policies, they sold a car, their home had depreciated to the point that they could not borrow on it, but they did their best. they borrowed from family, and they worked extra jobs to make more money, but in the end time was their enemy.

Joel's little brother and older sister will feel the sting of the financial ruin, as well as the loss of their brother. Mom & Dad will always wonder if the delays caused by having to raise money, might had been what caused the disease to spread.

They are next door neighbors to my son & daughter-in-law, and little Joel used to always "help" our son as he worked on his '66 Mustang. His Dad & my son promised him a ride in it when it's all restored. That won't happen now.

No one should have to bury a 7 yr old in the country with the "best medical care in the world":grr:..and then go broke, on top of the horrendous loss.

[indy legend]

1. This is beyond

deplorable that this could happen here. I hate republicans with every fiber of my being, but while republicans are obstructionist, this injustice is on the gutless democrats (especially blue dogs) we elected to stop shit like this from happening. You were elected to change things, to stand up for the people, to fight for the powerless, to help the helpless. You have had the power for over a year now to make sure this NEVER happens in this country and you have dragged your feet, and reached across the aisle when all you had to do from day one is to exercise the damned power the voters gave you in November. This little boy is dead. DO YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND THAT. DEAD, and his family is devastated emotionally,physically and financially for ever. We can blame a lot of shit on republicans and rightfully so, but to you Mr.President and to you 59 democratic senators and to you the large majority in the house. THIS IS ON YOU. And fuck You for it.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. why isn't this right across the front page - headlines?

headlines!!!!

[tsuki]

31. Because Jiggles in the Morning (CNN) is obsessed about Tiger

Woods. I wonder if she feels left out.

[liberalhistorian]

6. Thing is, though, the fuckers in both parties DO. NOT. CARE.

And why the fuck should they? They and their families have the best fucking health care in the country, to which they contribute VERY little every month, that still covers pretty much everything. No bullshit waiting periods. No fucking pre-existing condition exclusions. No worries about what is or is not going to be covered and whether or not having a major illness will cost them coverage in the future. No worries about financial ruin and bankruptcy because they had the gall to get sick in the richest country in the world. And it's FOR LIFE. AND IT'S PAID FOR BY US, WE THE PEOPLE, WHO DO NOT HAVE THAT SAME COVERAGE. And they're the fuckers who voted FOR the bankruptcy "reform" bill when a major cause of bankruptcy is medical bills even by those WITH good insurance and medical bankruptcy is something they will NEVER have to worry about!

So, until they have to deal with the real world in health care and until their premium plan that they get FOR FUCKING LIFE is taken away, they WILL NOT UNDERSTAND OR CARE. PERIOD.

[laundry_queen]

16. Wish I could recomment this post. eom.

[truedelphi]

29. Sigh. Every ounce of my anger against all the "Who's" responsible for this

Crapola has already been played out by watching Olbermann's guest tonight. The guest explained that the Insurance companies in California have to, just have to, raise their premiums some 39%. Because younger people are not making as much per household and now opt out of paying for health insurance so the poor sad helpless Big Insurers are now forced to gouge the older Americans who are willing to pay for it.

I wanted to throw a brick through my TV - it just gets me that mad. No mention of the exorbitant salaries the Big Insurers pay to their executives.

And luckily Olbermann did have on Wendell Potter to refute everything that the man had just said.

I am sick of both parties. That day came for me when Obama announced the continued expansion of his war against Afghanistan, a war we cannot win.

We didn't have one trillion bucks for ten years of health care for people in this country but we think we can blow to smithereens people in some far off land because maybe 100 or 200 Al Queda are lurking about over there.

All the nations that have what amounts to Universal Single Payer Health Care also have a healthy political system, and those systems do not allow for funding from Corporations in infinite amounts, and those countries also have more than two political parties.

The two party thing is just so Good Cop, Bad Cop, and in the end, both cops treat us like scum bag criminals for the "crime" of getting sick, while they pick our pockets.

[catbyte]

81. AMEN, indy legend

You articulated your outrage and mine very clearly.

And welcome to DU!

:hi:

Diane

Anishnabe in MI

[SusanaMontana41]

136. Perfect post

Welcome to DU.

[sharesunited]

2. Hardship on top of injustice on top of injustice.

Nature has its domain. And public policy has its own domain.

The former has secrets which need to be decoded. The latter is an abomination lying in a vile heap for all to observe.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

5. the American people are at fault for not supporting this poor boy and his family

[Rosa Luxemburg]

3. Where are you USA Today, NYT, Washington Post?

where's your headlines?

[sharesunited]

7. You know what they would probably say? Happens so often it's not newsworthy.

Or they might say it is too inflammatory to introduce into the healthcare finance reform debate currently in progress.

Don't want to be accused of promoting a liberal agenda.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

8. perish the thought of upsetting the health insurance companies

what's taking the government so long in passing a health care bill that would help these souls. We had to go through this when my husband was denied insurance for radiation treatment.

[Joe Bacon]

37. Who owns the press?

The American press has sold it's corrupted sleazy soul to the Republican Party.

[Enthusiast]

53. The Republican Party and much of the Democratic Party

have both sold out to the corrupted sleazy soul of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. The M$M is wholly owned by destructive corporations.

[winyanstaz]

9. If this bunch of congress critters had done their jobs...

Thousands like this little child could have been saved.
This is unacceptable.

[WillyT]

10. Fuck

:cry:

:mad:

:nuke:

[Occulus]

12. I'll second that emotion

and I think the language needs a better word for things like this. "Fuck" just doesn't seem to convey enough anger, rage, or sadness...

[thereismore]

57. Yep, that sums it up. Shame on the US. The only industrialized country... nt

[Eric Condon]

11. You know what? I'm sick of beating around the bush.

I'm sick of acting like America is a place that's just not living up to its potential. I'm sick of pretending America is good at heart. This country is rotten to the core. This country has never done ANYTHING to help ANYONE except rich white people. I'm sick of having to tiptoe around and pretend I love this country just because through some royal cosmic screwup, I happened to be born here. Because I don't. I don't love this country, and I've had it with pretending otherwise.

[thereismore]

58. I'll say it. Fuck that selfish protestant individual responsibility gospel. Just fuck it to hell. nt

[driver8]

91. You just said what I have been thinking...

I am so sick and tired of selfish, greedy, ignorant, stupid people I could scream.

This country is fucked.

[Arugula Latte]

92. I am seriously considering telling my children that they should do what they can to settle elsewhere

I want to tell them "Make it a priority to find a way to live in a country where your ability to get healthcare isn't dependent on how rich you are. You know -- a civilized country.

[driver8]

105. Both of my children are in a Spanish Immersion program...

The majority of their day is taught in Spanish. My daughter is in second grade (third year in the program) and can carry on a conversation in Spanish with no problem.

We didn't put them in the program as preparation for them to live abroad, but it certainly can't hurt!!

[quark219]

111. +1 Well said. [N/T]

[laughingliberal]

130. That's what I'm telling young people. Find out what occupations are in demand & get trained for one

Then emigrate.

[FrenchieCat]

13. When I posted about my 7 year old nephew's battle with cancer......

I was unrecced into oblivion.

So the problem of heartlessness is big and wide
and resides here at DU as much as anywhere else.
So many people just really don't care.

Here's my thread that I requested locked
after I realized that at DU, just about everything
is a game. I sat in a corner and cried about it all,
then wiped my tears, and came back on DU to post some more....
cause I'll have to be damned!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=433&topic_id=181217

[SoCalDem]

14. Damn.. I did not see that thread.. and I too loathe the un-reccers

I'm so glad your little nephew got such good care and is doing well..

The damn shame is that it's always a crap-shoot, and some get lucky & get care and others don;t..:(

I will never understand why people feel the need to drop in and shit on threads.. if they don;t "like it", why not just leave..or comment and then leave :grr:

[FrenchieCat]

15. I cry for all children.....

They need us to behave as adults now more than ever.

[RedRoses323]

85. My prayers to you and your

family Frenchie. O8)

[RedCloud]

96. Good shall eventually triumph. There are bitter days ahead. Please hang in there.

I am sorry for those who hurt you in your moment of great need.

[Raster]

36. Because the un-reccers don't want you or me to be able to make the thread rise to....

..."the Greatest," nor, really, do they want people to see it. Because ultimately the "un-recc" feature is about censorship. Yes, I said it. Censorship. It allows the presumably moderate middle-of-the-road centrist DU faction the ability to censor the threads that will rise to Greatness or perish after a few minutes at the bottom of a forum. It also allow packs of un-recc jackals the opportunity to steer the discussion in directions they prefer. Censorship. It allows the "centrist" human shill-bots the opportunity to shut down discussion deemed not fit for public consumption. Censorship. It makes DU a nice, neat, tidy package, easy to support at fund-raising time.

[indy legend]

18. I am glad you nephew got help and is doing better.

I did not see your thread and apologize for people who would be so heartless in your situation. I'm glad help for you was there. If the people we just elected would do the job they were sent there to do, help would be there for everyone, including your family and the family of the little boy who was buried today. I have forgiven a lot of shortcoming and disappointments in the people I voted for 15 months ago but this is unforgivable that any child and any family would be faced with this in what is supposed to be the greatest country in the world. My prayer for your nephews continued recovery is with you and my prayers go out to the family who lost their child. I stand by what I said at the beginning of this thread. The last 30 years of the hell this nation has become is on the republicans. The last 13 months and the death of this little boy and the devastation that will befall his family for the rest of their lives is on gutless, compromising, sellout democrats who refuse to do the job they were sent to washington to do. Republicans are assholes my nature and don't give a damn about anyone or anything but themselves and money, but democrats who side with these bastards and stand in the way of real meaningful reform are a polyp in that asshole and deserve a special seat in hell.

[FrenchieCat]

21. There are people here who say Kill the Bill........

and part of the reason that folks stopped supporting health care reform
was the fact that too many were trying to hold out for what they wanted,
and in the end, they became part of the problem, and not part of any solution,
as did the media reporting lies, while showing up close only those few who were
loud and mad simply because they lost the last elections.

Barack Obama signed the SCHIPS bill shortly after taking office.....
this insured millions more, but didn't get rid of pre-existing conditions.

We can assign fault all day, but at the end, we are all a bit to blame,
mainly because most of us (I include myself) sat by and waited for others
to do the heavy lifting, when we weren't arguing with each other about
what would be best for us. We picked apart every proposal, and believed
that this was our only job. but it really wasn't.

There's a Health Care For America Now march tomorrow.
When it was posted, no one responded.
In other words, status quo reigns here as it has,
and folks, if they can't get exactly what they want,
they want nothing to do with it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=185201&mesg_id=185201

[PassingFair]

116. You blame people who want/wanted this bill killed?

And you wonder why your unrecc'ed posts sink into oblivion?

YOU can assign fault all day, but we are NOT ALL to blame.

Hopefully we can get something better under reconciliation.

[Divine Discontent]

118. yes, I really wish FC would not have drug her complaints over her recs/unrecs into this thread.

I was the last positive comment in her thread, and probably the last rec in her thread before she asked it to be locked for her own desire, and I agreed with her that it was VERY wrong of people to unrec a thread involving her young nephew, but I don't agree with dragging her disgust over that thread, into this thread for this boy who died.

I wouldn't say her thread was unrec'd into oblivion either, it ended up above water, that's not oblivion, sure, there were almost as many unrecs, but there weren't that many rec/unrecs to begin with!


And it's not the OP's fault that people have found anger over the sadness of this thread's story and rec'd it to the top, we are after all talking about the death a little boy.

[shireen]

19. i am so sorry to hear about this.

it's shocking that anyone would unrec that thread. sickening. And a couple of the posts in that thread were awful.
:hug:

[indy legend]

22. Every one get on here and rec this thread.

This story must stay in the forefront of this forum. This is a story that we can not let go. Contact any one you know and have them get on here and post in this thread. Have them contact their representative and contact MSNBC's Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann ( this needs to be one of his hour long special comments). Flood real progressive radio host like Bill Press, Thom Hartmann, Schultz, Norman Goldman, and Mike Malloy with calls about this story. We fought hard for change and now I'm convinced more than ever that there's a lot of fighting left to do. I'll be damned if I'm going to let the people we worked for to stop things like this hand this country back over to the repugs just because democrats don't have the balls to stand up for us. We worked hard to put these people in office. If they won't or can't do the job it's time to work just as hard to sent them home starting with the primary elections. If you have a conservative democrat support a progressive to oust him in the primary. People will say we can't afford to loose seats but if the dems are going to act like repugs they do us no good. The only thing I can think of that is worse than is a republican is a democrat who thinks he's a republican. Putting up with these middle of the road shit stains are why a year after they were given the power to change things, things are still the same. We can't let one more family go through this devastation. I hope you are all mad as hell. IT MUST STOP HERE,NOW.

[FrenchieCat]

25. There is nothing worse than a Republican.

and the fact that instead of encouraging us to solely do something positive,
instead you chose to continue beyond "there's a lot of fighting left to do."
which was a perfect end sentence as a call to action that no one could deny.

[indy legend]

27. I'm not sure where I lost you.

I'm on your side and this family's side. We have the power right now if those we elected will just do it. All I'm saying is if those who we elected to do this won't we need to hold them accountable. I'm sorry if you feel I went beyond where I should have but stories like this made me mad when republicans where in power. They infuriate me when democrats who have the numbers to to stop this today are in charge. I have no desire to scap the health care bill and start over. I just want to stop watering it down further and pass it already. People are sick, dying and loosing everything they ever worked for. I don't want this to happen to one more family.

[Brewman_Jax]

45. I'm sorry to hear

:(

I was out on a mission of mercy and not at home and missed it. That was sad, and the unrec's were absolutely disgusting! :grr:

[Odin2005]

51. OMG, people are such assholes!

:hug:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

56. missed that thread

I don't understand how anyone could unrec, or worse, say cruel things.....good idea to ask that it be locked.


this whole ...ugh *sigh* no words.....everything is beyond upsetting..... your nephew's case underscores the perversion of values, since it was only due to the "blessing" of the medical interest and rarity of his condition that he got care.

Contrasted with the stories of millions who didn't make it.....contrasted again with the extremely rich people who, struck by tragic illness, CAN afford every possible intervention.....

And then the layer of propaganda --sustained by the huge corporate interests-- surrounding the country, surrounding people's MINDS... and the leverage that corporate power/$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ has over the Government.....


ugh. I'll stop. Too many thoughts swirling around to even know what I'm trying to say!

[redqueen]

59. Wow...

[FedUpWithIt All]

74. I will personally apologize for the insensitive ones that unrec'd your thread.

I did not see the thread when it ran but i am glad you shared it here. I am pleased to hear that your nephew is doing well.

The people who would cruelly unrec a thread like yours do not deserve your tears. See that type for what they are and realize that they are pitiful and callow and remember that the more uncouth they are the louder they appear. Just because they do not have the good sense to restrain themselves, which causes them to appear in the majority, does not mean it is so. There are a great many good people who simply do not raise a ruckus and shamefully get overlooked in all the brouhaha made by those with less to offer and more need for attention.

Blessings to your nephew and your family.

[abq e streeter]

83. This is the first I saw of your locked thread

I want to let you know,that as, of course, just one person that speaks for no one but myself, that while I have vehemently disagreed with many of your posts, I have never unrecced a single one, nor would I. I am wholly in favor of a dialogue about how to achieve the things we all want, despite sometimes drastically different views on how to get there... I am very glad to to hear that your nephew is cancer free and I pray that he remains so. I also hope the unrecs were trolls, and not DUers but am not naive to think that it probably wasn't some of each...As far as the ones that were from DU members; I am ashamed and embarrassed even though they may very well have been people I agree with re: being an advocate for much stronger and more strident leadership by Pres. Obama; disappointment with him, etc...but to unrec a thread about a little guy with cancer, no matter whose nephew it is, much less "one of ours"; I just don't understand that kind of callousness; not from our side anyway (as opposed to, of course, republicans, where that kind of callousness is pretty much a requirement for membership), and I want to reiterate how ashamed I am of those who did so, and that I'm glad you came back to post some more, even though I, again, have many disagreements with you.
The story of the little boy that died, meanwhile, has me filled with so much rage mixed with sorrow that I can't adequately express it in words. There are none...Coincidentally, I signed in today in order to post a notice about a benefit concert/jam this weekend for a local New Mexico musician who has cancer, and his prognosis is not good. His medical bills are overwhelming, as if dealing with possibly terminal cancer isn't enough to worry about. We're going to try and help with what we can.
Anyway, to conclude, I am so very sorry and ashamed about the unrecs ; I just don't understand that, and am also happy to know your nephew is doing well.....abq e streeter

[KamaAina]

86. Hopefully unrecced by trolls

one of the problems with unrec is that it allows them to wreak havoc on real discussions like that without having to crawl out from under the bridge and exposing themselves to alerts.

[peace13]

97. One of the many problems.

UR breeds hatefulness as far as I can tell.

[babydollhead]

109. I wish him a long and heathy life

[Cali_Democrat]

134. Don't mind the trolls, Frenchie

That is a great post and I'm sorry that so many assholes had to unrec it.

:hug:

[ezgoingrl]

17. Friends of mine lost their 15 month old son today after being diagnosed with cancer in August.

They have insurance, but I can only imagine the bills they are left with. Injustice upon tragedy, the best healthcare in the world, I tell ya!

[FedUpWithIt All]

78. I cannot imagine such a loss. My most sincere condolences to them.

:-(

[Flatulo]

138. I cannot even comprehend such a loss...

[wisteria]

20. I totally agree. n/t

[Hugabear]

23. Here is a perfect example of rethug FAMILY VALUES at work

Alan Grayson described the GOP health care plan perfectly - if you get sick, hurry up and die.

[salguine]

48. Don't even think of laying all this at the feet of Republicans. You're blind of you think

that we'd have this solved "if only the Democrats are in charge". The Democrats are as up to their eyeballs in this travesty as the Republicans are, and you know it.

[indy legend]

66. I absolutely know it

That's my whole point.

[Hugabear]

120. No, but their version of health care reform is absolutely none at all

Our party may have differences of opinion as to how to reform health care, but at least most of us realize that it needs to be reformed. The rethugs, on the other hand, seem perfectly content to leave it the way it is, and actually make it more difficult for the working man to get access to quality health care.

[Nordmadr]

77. Yeah, our culture of life. He got born, that was all the

republicans cared about. After that, we're on our own. I'm precariously close to just being done. We are not salvageable. This country is lost.

[juajen]

24. Why didn't they go to St. Jude's where his health care is free?

Also, I believe Shriner's Hospitals treat children with cancer. I don't understand also why they weren't eligible for help from Medicaid. I know how horrendous health care is in this country; but, I thought children were always taken care of. What gives?

[Heddi]

26. fyi shriners is only for burns and bone disorders (previously called "cripples"

no cancer)

[unapatriciated]

54. Ii is not always possible fro many reasons

First the hospital has to have space and then you have to have enough money to travel and stay there.
You are not eligible for medicare if you have insurance or assets they deem unnecessary (I know this from personal experience).
In early 1991 my son was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis. It took almost a year to get an correct diagnoses and by the time my HMO referred him to CHLA he was very ill.
Since CHLA was out of network, I had to pay 20% of the first admission (three month stay over 200th) not to mention the constant fight with my insurance company who wanted him released and sent home.
My son finally qualified for medicare in 2001 after a ten year battle with my insurance company, losing my job, marriage gone, bankruptcy and finally selling my home.
We are luckier than the family in this post because my son survived. He is severally disabled because of constant delays and denials but he survived.

I have been advocating for single payer since late 1991 have sent letters, made phone calls to four administrations now and am tired of the excuses.
Attended many rallies and demonstrations that m$m never covers.
I'm sick of what I see as the intentional dismissal of the majorities needs and wants for profits for the few.

[laughingliberal]

133. I have always wondered when I see stories like this why they did not try St. Jude's first

There is never any charge to the family. I know the requirements are that it is a disease they treat (which this was) and that they not have had treatment elsewhere first. Perhaps it has to do with the diagnosing physicians and their recommendations. I worked there the first 4 years I was a nurse and I always got upset at stories like this when I knew they wouldn't have had this part of the financial burden if they had come to us.

[Mike 03]

28. I have nothing to contribute but tears. NT

[tpsbmam]

30. This is beyond infuriating & sad.

Every single legislator & our President should hear this story. WTF is wrong with almost every single one of them in Washington? They should hear all of the stories like this in this country -- they hear the statistics, which too many of them can clearly ignore. They need to hear about and, when possible see, the very real people who are being devastated by the "health care" industry in this country.

My heart goes out to the entire family & extended family at the loss of little Joel Patrick. And to the family having to continue living under the crushing venality of our health "care" system.

[spicegal]

32. This is a crime.

[sam sarrha]

33. so i guess we can call the GOP a Death Squad now.... a car has a problem 4 times and they recall it,

48,000 die needlessly every year and the only thing that happens is the GOP's angry old white men get a hard-on.

[demwing]

34. My heart goes out to his family

I have first hand knowledge of the trials they experiencesd. Read my blog, if you like. It's been just a year since my boy died, it is the hardest thing to experience as a parent. It is emotionally & finacially devastating, and it kills your hope.

[Mari333]

42. hugs. my son passed on also, so I know how you are

huge hugs. hugs all around you, with all my heart today and everyday.

[mmonk]

35. Recommended. Can I share this story on my blog?

[lostnfound]

38. Health insurance in America: Taking time and comfort away from the sick and dying.

Stories like this should be thrown in the faces -- over and over -- of every rightwing congressman who opposes a public health care system. It is inhuman that parents with sick and dying children, or the terminally ill, have to waste precious hours and emotional energy haggling over claims, caps and deductibles, or mortgage their house, or get a second job, or wait for necessary treatments. I recently heard of a stay-at-home mom whose 11 year old son had cancer -- she had to go get a job in the middle of it, to have a second income in the house, because they were going broke otherwise. In the midst of facing a terminal illness, and suffering through treatments, he deserved to have his mother there whenever he wanted her to be there.
He's gone now.

I've known adults with terminal illnesses who had to spend their remaining months fighting with some stupid insurance company. How the families suffer.

[wilt the stilt]

39. UPS is self insured

and administered by one of the big insurers. This falls on both the actual company and the health care insurer.
I used to buy my own insurance and when I read that they raised rate 39% that would have been me. They do it because they can. What they really want to move to is catastrophic insurance where one pays premiums and never go to the Doctor so no claims are ever paid. A system of pure profit.

[Lorien]

88. Yep. And catastrophic insurance is all that most of us who are self employed

can afford.

[DisgustedInMN]

40. Inhuman bastards.

Children dying and our Congress enable it.

[yellerpup]

41. Let the Teabaggers be outraged at this story.

If you're going to be outraged, be outraged at the loss of innocent life due to greed. Be outraged that our government DOESN'T get involved in supporting families in life or death situations.

[Shagbark Hickory]

43. Why didn't they become medical refugees and move somewhere that provides for it's citizens?

Was the progression of the cancer just too fast because at the first denial letter, I'd be sending in applications to any industrialized country that would take me and my family. I'd go door to door begging to be a dishwasher if that's what it took to get work permits.

[WinkyDink]

62. Sure, you would. Just take your sick child and family traipsing all over Europe. Right.

[Shagbark Hickory]

103. It wouldn't work that way.

I've done some reading up on gaining citizenship in some other countries. It isn't as hopeless as one might imagine. Those other countries are expensive places to live but generally speaking, if you have a job lined up, money to move there and behave yourself for a while, you can be granted citizenship. Wouldn't need to do any traipsing with wife and kid in tow.

[Echo In Light]

44. Profits over people = sicko value$

[maryf]

135. amen

America...

[salguine]

46. I wanna know when mobs of thousands of people will

march on the headquarters of Aetna, Pacificare, Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser and Cigna, burn their buildings to the ground, and drag their executives into the street by their hair and simply put them out of our misery? Why, why, why aren't we doing this?

[Lorien]

89. Because the MSM tells us that everything is fine, and the Authoritarians tell us

that compassion is for pussies and everything bad is our own fault. Plus, people fear that they might miss the next episode of "LOST" if they got locked up for a week.

[Brewman_Jax]

47. Another reason for gov't administered health care

health care and profits don't mix. Having dealt with this with my father, insurance is NOT going to let a few severely sick people cut into their profits.

There should be a special place in hell for insurance execs. :grr:

[piratefish08]

49. But how can such a problem be fixed with only a 58 vote majority???

The left is just as complicit as the right in the mass murder of victims of a failed HC system............


It's just plain fucking disgusting.

[Odin2005]

50. This is an atrocity!

:cry:

[ck4829]

52. Truly a victim of the "greatest healthcare system in the world"

You get sick, you pay, you have no money left, you die, your family is left with the bill.

[The_Casual_Observer]

55. Where does the "pro-life" right-wing come out on a tragedy like this?

I guess I really don't even want to know or care, since it's probably so twisted & crazy.

[indy legend]

64. For the last year this ones on the left

I hate republicans and the only words to describe the republicans and the right have already been used and I'm trying my best to cut down. For a year now we have had a year of a substantial majority in the house and senate and hold the White House. As repulsive as Repug are the last year is on the dems. If they really cared and had the political will to do so this could have stopped in January 2009. Enough of them have decided to stand in the way, compromise, and drag this process out and make concessions or sell out before the debate ever began in the name of bipartisanship, and they are still compromising, still dragging their feet and still don't have one republican vote. I'm beginning to think the dems have no desire to make this happen. The right have their wedge issues they bring out every election but for 8 years in power they addressed nothing about those issues. I guess I'm just cynical but I'm starting to believe this may be the dems version of a wedge issue. They will talk a good game but when confronted with the chance to do something about it they will do nothing. We will probably loose the senate in 2010 and maybe the house too. Maybe the White House in 2012. The Republicans will run the country further into the ground and in 2016 Dems will again bring up health care reform as their big issue and if regaining power again do NOTHING. Health care will just become their wedge issue (like abortion and gays for the right). Just a different side of the same coin. Mean while more will get sick. More will die, and more will loose everything while insurance rates continue to skyrocket. How many more families will have to loose a child or have to helplessly watch their husband, wife,mother or father die because they can't afford or get help? When do these people matter to either side?

[anachro1]

60. But on the bright side

Just THINK of all the money the insurance industry saved in letting the poor boy die.

[WinkyDink]

61. If we looked at the U.S. dispassionately, we would see a war-mongering, criminal , 2nd-world state.

Aiming for Third.

[AllyCat]

63. It ain't the best medical care if the people who need it can't have it

I weep for this little boy, his family, and your family. Godspeed brave little man.

[Zoeisright]

65. Try those fucking insurance company exec ghouls for MURDER.

Because that is what this is. I am BEYOND furious; I am ENRAGED.

Why no one has gone postal on an insurance company is simply beyond me.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

68. the venom should be aimed into the insurance companies

[KansDem]

70. Why not? After all, they're "people" now...

And if a person's negligence leads to a death, then prosecute.

[ChadwickHenryWard]

67. Imagine a Senator putting a hold on all nominations

until this injustice was righted. Instead, we only get that kind of extreme measure in defense of a multibillion-dollar corporation. This country is broken.

[indepat]

69. Welcome to Amurika, possibly the best RW corporatist society ever concocted by

man, a society wherein the Congress is solely beholden to corporate and wealty interests rather than the interests of we the people. :cry:

[riverbendviewgal]

71. Hope you can get the Public Option

and it is like Ontario's one payer Health insurance.

I love my health care here in Ontario. It is not Utopia but I walk in to see my doctor or his associates any time during a weekday and walk out with no bill.
The private health insurance companies still are business here.
I am under 65 and pay $142 a month for dental, prescription, eye care, hearing aid, physio, mental care therapy, semi private room.

The government pays for 500 bucks toward hearing aid, my private insurance pays 500 for my hearing aid. I am limited to one hearing aid every 5 years. I pay the balance, that would be that I kick in a thousand bucks. (expensive little things, eh?) but it's tax deductible.
When we turn 65 here in Ontario we pay 100 bucks annually for our drug prescription and then every prescription is just 2 bucks, no matter what you have to get.

I have peace of mind.
I didn't go bankrupt when my son and husband fought their cancers, They died unfortunately, after getting the best and jp to date care. My son had the same glioblastma multiforme brain cancer Teddy Kennedy had and from what I read my son had the same treatment Teddy got.

I am happy with my health care.. wish it could be France but it sure is better than in America.

[lurky]

72. Has anyone created a web page of stories like this?

You see tributes to soldiers who died in Iraq, or victims of terrorist attacks, but I haven't seen any one place that compiles and documents these stories. When we hear of them on DU, or through friends and relatives, its easy to dismiss them as isolated incidents. We never get a sense of how vast the problem is. For every case we hear about, how many thousands of other people have had their lives destroyed by our sick healthcare policies? Clearly, our news media is not willing to convey this. I would love to see a place where people like Joel Patrick were honored and remembered.

[indy legend]

73. Let's keep this story alive

The Ed Schultz Show and The Thom Hartman Show both start at Noon EST and they are both passionate about meaningful health care reform. They will call out both sides on this issue and have many times. They need to know we mean business and will do all we can to hold our sides feet to the fire. They both will blast republicans and they have no problem doing the same to the democrats if necessary, and have on many occasions. This story can not fall by the wayside. Call Ed at 1-877 934-6833 and email him at [email protected]. Thom Hartmann is 1-866-987-THOM. Both shows are live Noon- PM EST. And call you representative. He/she must know this is unacceptable.

[Dinger]

131. Let's Keep This Kicked Till We Get The Public Option Or Until Hell Freezes Over, Whichever Comes Fir

Kinda like this thread:

http://omgili.com/jmp/jHIAmI4hxg900A_WzI3jBqdwXnSG2BsKaZ8bwnv0FJPaNGygLlR8oE18SNoYV2diEnQnGn4i2sIy9yToH_rGoLxAITL..dqpV7np9AQOYhStOtKaCBlDWYdLLk55HvCHHi4J9FR0S7_Wb2ZhZgs4wfqrmytgdT.YBsxhHrZ8UwfX1Gkli9urjW9Z8Rqb2cGWIi4YtR7Z5MyYagFsgoas7NlELVdj9aJe4.NOjikI9YKeaJtldhGcoQPk3_pAej6IhIWMI_bUPbT3jIIWwDzLE.YWHMvSg6LD3Roq3lPdR9Xhw7B2NEf2SYN1AiZ7uHiFEj5rDJ4A6.o_GMsMIYkVJ.G4dyUjN5M9

[1776Forever]

75. I posted an article from David Degraw that puts this all in perspective - So many are suffering!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7727909

The Economic Elite Have Engineered an Extraordinary Coup, Threatening the Very Existence of the Middle Class

Amped Status / By David DeGraw
February 15, 2010

http://www.alternet.org/economy/145667/the_economic_elite_have_engineered_an_extraordinary_coup%2C_threatening_the_very_existence_of_the_middle_class

.....We also currently have over 50 million U.S. citizens without health care. 1.4 million Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2009, a 32 percent increase from 2008. As bankruptcies continue to skyrocket, medical bankruptcies are responsible for over 60 percent of them, and over 75 percent of the medical bankruptcies filed are from people who have health care insurance. We have the most expensive health care system in the world, we are forced to pay twice as much as other countries and the overall care we get in return ranks 37th in the world.

[slipslidingaway]

76. Very sad and this should not be happening in our country :( n/t

[FedUpWithIt All]

79. Kicked and rec'd. Heartbreaking.

Is there a fund for the family?

[bpj62]

80. Health Care

As the father of a child who had a life threatening illness I have this to say to those who unrecommend/diss threads by those parents, "THERE BEFORE THE GRACE OF GOD GO I". I hope all of your children never get a life threatening illness so that you can continue on your blissfully igmorant ways. You havent a clue what we or the child goes through so just STFU.

[colsohlibgal]

82. Best Health Care In The World?

We hear corporate toadies in congress say that all the time. They ought to be tarred and feathered for lying like that. Stories like this sadly are not uncommon, we frequently see segments about these kind of situations on our local news.

It is sickening that this goes on in the USA. That it goes on as insurance company CEOs rake in millions on such pain, suffering and grief is morally wrong.

If this family lived in Denmark or France or wherever the boy may not have died and the rest of the family would not be penniless.

Damn the politicians who allow this to continue. And that includes Obama, who has wasted a year plus twiddling his thumbs and selling out.

[RedRoses323]

84. RIP Joel

Heavens gain....a family's loss. :cry:

[Lorien]

87. Do you mind if I send this to my congressman Alan Grayson?

This is a story that needs to be heard. Everywhere. It's being repeated all over this country while our politicians are out golfing with Blue Cross lobbyists. Fighting cancer is hard enough. Fighting it WHILE fighting for the money to pay for it is uncivilized and inhumane. How can we as a Nation continue to allow this to happen?

Please PM me with your contact information if you would like me to include it in the message.

[bpj62]

100. Anthem Blue Cross

I live in Virginia and after my son came off treatment in 2007 my employer laid me off. Fortunately I was able to get a job very quickly but my current employer cannot afford health insurance for the company. My wife and I quickly discovered that the only carrier in Virginia who would cover my son was Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Because he has a "pre existing condition", my son has to have his own insurance policy. What a crock that is. In October of this year we received notice that Tylers premium would be increasing from $719.00 a month to $933.00 a month. That is a 29% increase. There explanation is that as people get older they need more health care. Tyler is 8 years old. They also raised the policy that I carry for my other family members from $617 to $735 which is an increas of 19%. My congressman is Frank Wolf and he doesnt give a damm. Virginia is about to pass law which will allow the state to op out of any public options. Its all about the money.

[Divine Discontent]

119. Thanks for doing that. I love my congressman, too!

[femrap]

90. Send this to Obama.

And all the other 'representatives' who voted against Public Option.

May these insurance companies' CEOs feel the full force of Karma on their souls.

[dflprincess]

94. Not only should this be sent to them

the family should send copies of all the outstanding bills. If "our" elected officials don't think we need Medicare for All (or, at least, a public option) they should be willing to chip in on bills like these. They can use some of the "contributions" they get from Pharma and the health insurance companies.

[femrap]

99. I remember when that Bankruptcy

Bill was passed in 2005 and Biden was a big pusher for it. There was lots of controversy over treating those who were irresponsible with their money (too many vacations, gambling, buying too many toys, etc.) versus those with huge medical debts.

And when it was all said and done....our 'representatives' said to treat these two groups the same. It made me absolutely sick. I remember ranting about it. I'll never forgive them for this.

This needs to be changed....NOW!!!!!

No one should have to declare bankruptcy because of medical bills. And if they are going to continue this, then they damn well better declare Assisted Suicide LEGAL!!! Many do not want their last dollar going to the 'Health Care' industry...and they make sure they get every last dime during those last 2 months of life.

Fucking corporations.

[Bennyboy]

93. Some info please....

Where was this? Are there any corroborating stories in the local papers about the car washes etc? I don't want to get into a "this kid isn't real" situation with the people I send it to or site I post it on....

Some of the stories here are great (in a very tragic way). Sorry for all of you. I have two kids with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and I understand this subject all too well. Pre existing condition for life. For those of you who lost children my heart goes out to you.

[RedCloud]

95. We will all need wind shield wipers for our eyes if this keeps happening.

I need mine right now.

[Vinca]

98. What a heartbreaking story. Here we are in the so-called greatest country

on the planet and a little boy has to wait for treatment while people wash cars and sell cakes and his family goes to the poor house to boot. This has got to change.

[FunMe]

101. What is it going to take to get people to protest and more?

Where's the outrage of people? Why aren't people mad enough?
I am surprise people are not out on the streets of DC protesting EVERY DAY this bs. Enough is enough!

This is beyond human. Those insurance companies have blood in their hands. They will get their karma.

They deserve their own living hell.

[gristy]

102. My concern is that affordable, quality health care should be available for all.

That concern should not extend to a belief that no expense should be spared in saving the lives of every sick American, as such a belief is obviously untenable.

The health care offered to this 5 year old boy perhaps could have been of higher quality or of greater quantity.

It is also just as possible that society could not afford the health care this child required, even (or perhaps especially) in a society in which health care is delivered in an optimum and fair fashion.

[indy legend]

104. Just heard this on Ed Schultz.

To find out where your senator , and representative stands on the Public option and reconciliation to pass it, and how to make your voice heard.The website is www.whipcongress.com. Time to let them know we are watching their vote and we will not forget when they are up for nomination or re-election

[tilsammans]

106. K&R!

:cry:

It's like the poor kid died twice. His family will be reliving his death over and over as they attempt to deal with the financial mess. :grr:

[Carni]

107. This is horrifying

When I read stories like this I just want to wring the necks of every greedy so called conservative SOB in this country.

[gorfle]

108. This is what they don't understand.

No one should have to bury a 7 yr old in the country with the "best medical care in the world" :grr:..and then go broke, on top of the horrendous loss.

And this is what my Republican friends and family refuse to understand.

It could happen to anyone.

They rail and rail against paying for other people's health care, with their "everyone for themselves" attitude, without realizing that it could be THEM selling everything they own in a futile effort to save their child from death. And then when they die anyway, they are then saddled with a lifetime of debt for their troubles.

It could happen to anyone.

It should not happen to anyone.

We've got money for wars, and banks, and domestic surveillance, and insurance companies, and auto companies.

But your average American? Well they can just fucking die or go broke trying to buy a little more time with their little boy.

[emsimon33]

110. This was NOT the change we believed in--GD Obama & the Blue Dogs!

[pitohui]

112. link? sources? what delays were caused by having to raise money?

do you know this family personally or something?

"good" insurance, the cap is $2 million, once you've hit that cap, no amt of bake sales and car washes is going to do anything, better to spend your time hustling overtime at your job, no offense, UPS used to be a good union shop (teamster's) is this not the case any more? been a LONG time since i dated a teamster

i'm going to say if he actually had insurance and actually hit the cap, he died because he had cancer and was going to die, for which you have my every sympathy, one of my cousins died in toddlerhood of cancer but it would not be fair to say that american health care killed her, sometimes there is no amt of money you can spend that will fix a problem and many forms of child cancer fit that category, unfortunately

most people i know who have had cancer, even w. insurance, do have to declare bankruptcy but it's because of the lost work

universal health insurance/care would only be a partial solution to that problem, we would also need some kind of guaranteed paid leave while the person/person's child was fighting cancer

i simply don't see this ever happening in america in my lifetime

but at some point while it's natural to blame anyone except god when a child dies, sometimes it's god who is at fault, once the insurers have thrown $2 million at it, and it didn't work, you weren't going to be able to buy a solution

money doesn't solve everything, would that it did

[texastoast]

114. Check the OP

"They are next door neighbors to my son & daughter-in-law, and little Joel used to always "help" our son as he worked on his '66 Mustang. His Dad & my son promised him a ride in it when it's all restored. That won't happen now."

[texastoast]

113. With so much sympathy for the family and you

I'm so sorry.

[Mz Pip]

124. there are two villans here

First the insurance companies who capped his treatment costs and the medical profession for not giving the kid a break and treating him anyway. He was let down by both IMHO.

[texastoast]

139. It's the insurance companies' fault more, I think

The doctors can't do anything that the insurers don't allow them to do. I went to the dentist the other day and was denied my little two-hour relaxation pill because the dentist wasn't allowed to administer it to me anymore like he had been doing for 15 years. WTF?

Still, there is nothing like a great renegade physician who saves someone's life by heroics committed in violation of terms of med mal insurance. It doesn't happen much anymore.

[midnight]

115. Two years ago while working on a local campaign I was introduced to a cancer

survivor. He said he paid a couple hundred dollars, only, for treatment of his cancer. He was from Europe and was surprised by the lack of support the sick in America have. I tell you this is a crime. If other countries can provide safety for their citizens, so can this country....

[lsewpershad]

117. I am at the point

where I believe all of us Americans are heartless because we continue to elect the "PUNKS" who do not serve our interest. Are we so DUuuuuuuMD that we allow ourselves to be bought???? My GOD when are we going to learn. To be honest, I believe even God is laughing at us.

[undergroundnomore]

121. This is a tragic story

and sadly there are untold tragic stories untold each and every day while we go without health care.

This insurance company has Joel Patrick's blood on their hands.

[SoCalDem]

123. one of thousands..

:(

[Vidar]

122. His death & many others are on the heads of the obstructionist Senators.

[Guilded Lilly]

125. I'm so sorry,,,and so helpless. (n/t)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

126. I'm caressing my 8yo with one hand and typing with another.

I hope this family puts the welfare of the two surviving children above any misguided "duty" towards the creditors.

[Uncle Joe]

127. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, SoCalDem.

[bobbolink]

128. Joel, I'm sorry your (our) country failed you.

You deserved to have every chance.

You are missed, and your potential contributions to this nation which let you down will hurt us all.

I hope your story will be told on Rep. Grayson's website. We need to honor and remember you.

:cry:

[Dinger]

129. This HAS To Stop

And ANYBODY, republican or Democrat, who wants to keep the status quo can kiss my ass!


My sincerest condolences to Joel and his family.


Can DU do anything for them? We sent roses to Helen, and we have helped out before. It won't bring Joel back, but it's something for this more than deserving family.

[zenprole]

132. Reality Check

Thus far, there are 129 comments on this story.
- One correctly calls this homicide (Zoeisright, "murder")
- One suggests concerted direct action to bring attention to this brutality (Salguine)
Hmmmm. Let's do the math. That's 1.5% who have come to grips with the problem.

This isn't Marquess of Queensbury rules, y'all. Like slaves on a plantation, you're already done for. How and when we start applying responses to that reality is the final test of American democracy.

For those with Dirty Hands Allergy (DHA), remember the death penalty litmus of the 80's? 'Would you be in favor if <insert loved one> were the victim?' If we had an opposition party, this tactic could be used to great effect: "If a health insurer cost <insert loved one> their life, would you accept a single-payer insurance system?" Go forth and take no prisoners.

You're welcome.
(update for 129 comments)

[Liberal_in_LA]

137. OMG... so sad

[indy legend]

140. Last post was 24 hours ago

Joel Patrick was buried yesterday. I sure hope he hasn't been forgotten today.

[texastoast]

141. Kick

[indy legend]

142. ...