If only I had this kind of money …
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502770.html?hpid=topnews
The Washington Post calls it a record-breaking effort to influence lawmakers — a $1.4 million PER DAY effort. Think about how many people that much money could help with health care bills. That was more than it cost to treat Mike — once he finally was diagnosed.
That would pay to reomodel a dozen or more homes for soldiers coming home with spinal injuries.
It could pay for diabetes supplies for hundreds of people for the rest of their lives.
Instead, it goes to pay former staff members and friends of Congress who are lobbying for the moneyed interests and not for improvements in health care for the 52 million Americans who have none.
Sen. Max Baucus, who leads the committee charged with writing the health reform legislation, says having former members of his staff lobbying him for the interests of big business doesn’t sway his opinion. I say that’s pretty hard to believe. If a former coworker of mine — someone I trusted — called and wanted to express an opinion, I’d be far more likely to listen to that person than someone I don’t know.
$1.4 million every single day.
This is why we have to be heard. Take time today to write, call e-mail or fax your lawmakers. You have to be really loud to be heard over that kind of money.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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