Posted on 08/21/2009 6:34:45 AM PDT by johncocktoasten
George and Porgy Schatzenberger of Greenbow, IL are just like your average ordinary American couple. George was laid off from a auto part manufacturer about 7 years ago, and Porgy is a stay at home mom, caring for the couples two hamsters and a pet tropical fish. They enjoy their simple life. Thanks to increased funding for EBT, they are able to have twice weekly steak and lobster cookouts. Just recently, they were able to purchase a new car using the “Cash for Clunkers” program.
George and Porgy might outwardly appear to be sedentary people. After all, George is carrying close to 300 pounds on his 5’9” frame, and Porgy needs the use of a Medicaid funded scooter to get around the house and grocery store. But mention the topic of Health Care, and they bounce up like spry chickens. The Schatzenberger’s had been without Health Insurance after George’s layoff. Although George was union, and was eligible to continue his coverage, over the years he had developed a gambling habit. When it came time to choose between his thrice weekly poker trips to the nearby Hollywood Casino, and paying the large COBRA premium, George decided he would take his chances at the tables. Everything rolled along smoothly for about a year, until disaster struck. George began feeling some intense chest pains one day, and after a collapse and subsequent ambulance ride, was found to have 90% blockage in 3 arteries leading to the heart. The next day, George had a triple bypass surgery and began the recovery process. George has since stayed on his pharmaceutical company provided medication, and his cholesterol seems to be under control.
The triple bypass surgery and subsequent hospital stay cost nearly $45,000. Without insurance and a steady income, the Schatzenberger’s decided to file bankruptcy six months later. “We didn’t have no money, but I got my surgery, and my heart is better now. I sure am thankful for those doctors. I just wish I was rich so I could pay ‘em,” George related. The Schatzenberger’s and their pets were able to remain in their home after the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. George has filed for disability, citing his weight and gambling addiction as preventing him from being able to work. Schatzenberger is hopeful that, “the TV attorney can pull thru and get me some money.” Income in this household is sorely needed. The house has a dank and musty smell, and personal hygiene appears to be a big issue for the couple. Which leads to their biggest health care concern, aid for people who need periodic post-evacuative cleaning.
Porgy explains that she hasn’t been able to wipe after a bowel movement in years. George is in a similar situation due to his weight. A lack of post-evacuative cleaning can lead to infection, and worse a death like smell. Recent polling indicates that the Schatzenberger’s aren’t alone. According to the research firm FOS/TERDS polling, 65% of self described “liberals” and “moderates” have a problem with appropriate post-evacuative cleaning. The issue even affects some Republicans, especially in the Beltway intelligencia. The Schatzenberger’s are huge supporters of President Obama, and his health care proposal. I asked them how they felt about the “death panels” charge that has so wrangled the plan. Porgy response was striking. She said, “Look, we are all gonna die. But what people like us need, is someone who can come and wipe our asses for free. I can’t live like this anymore. No one will help us, we called Medicaid, we called the public health department, and no one will help.”
Unaware of this provision of the current HR 3200, I contacted the White House Office Rationing Economic Stipends (the office setup to handle health care payments), and was able to speak with an administrator who confirmed that the new ObamaCare plan will, in fact, cover post evacuative cleaning. The administrator, who declined to be named, mentioned that they have already had over a million people sign up for the government post evacuative cleaning plan called, Winning In Post Evacuative Sanitation. I asked the administration how many workers they had for the WIPES program. He mentioned that they had just recently signed a contract with community organizer, ACORN to administer the program. “The ACORN/WIPES partnership should be a huge boost to the health and hygiene of Americans. There is a huge backlog and right now, those on this list can count on getting one visit from ACORN/WIPES every six weeks or so.”
Back in Illinois, the Schatzenberger’s continue to care for the hamsters and the fish. George doesn’t get to play as much poker as he used to as money is tight. When I called them back to let them know about the six weeks wait, Porgy said, “Hell, we’ve been waiting for 7 years for someone to come wipe our ass for us, what can six more weeks hurt. These people hung up on Death Panels need to get over themselves. Our home has smelled like Death for 7 years, and that’s no way to live.”
Govt buttwipe program, get yer free pre-moistened baby wipes! Mud flaps for all!
Unbelieveable satire.
The media’s job is to find cases that shock and amuse us. I am not sure if I should laugh or cry about this case. I give the reporter an A+ for propaganda about bowel issues.
Many people do not think they should pay for health care. I have no sympathy for this couple. I have anger that they would not pay their health care premiums. This couple is the new face of the nation. They want subsidies for health care, housing, transportation, food, travel, entertainment, and anything else. Most of all, someone else should pay for their health care.
Nicely done.
By HEATHER RICHARDSON HIGGINS
The political winds have shifted dramatically on health care in the last two months. Suddenly, instead of hearing that legislation is inevitable, some argue that it can’t possibly pass. But that conclusion is premature, and the odds still favor passage.
The left’s previous strategy was to get the bill passed with as little discussion as possible. Now, along with a coalition of self-serving corporate interests, it is gearing up for a fight. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent by unions and the trade association PhRMA on ad campaigns this fall.
This heavy promotion will manifest on the ground as well; the AFL-CIO just allocated $15 million for “mobilization and communication,” and legislation supporters are being coached on aggressively interrupting others at town halls as well as arriving in greater numbers and with more signage to affect media perception. Contrary to unsupported allegations, the efforts in opposition to the health-care legislation are relatively modest, largely voluntary, and funded entirely by individuals.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204884404574362353920424782.html#
And they accuse US of astroturfing.
Chutzpah doesn’t even come close.
I LOLed
There were 4 or 5 Larouche nuts who set up a table in the lobby, handing out their garbage. They had a poster of Obama with the hitler mustache, but they were told to take it down or leave. One of them had an outburst interupting a speaker. Other than that its was a great crowd, and the kind of people you would love as neighbors. I am sure among them were a few former Obama voters (seniors) who just wanted to learn more, and I think what they heard last night will make them see the light on this whole issue.
Obamacide.
Satire yes, but unbelievably truthful.
Unbelievable, except the death panels are real, a group like ACORN will make the decisions.
Can you place this on front page news?
ping
When Libs like Sheryl Crow don’t believe in using toilet paper . . .
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