The possible darker side of our helping Andy

[question everything]

Many years ago I read about Indian activists who did not like the work that Mother Teresa was doing. It let the Indian government, they said, abdicate some of its responsibility to care for the poor and the needy.

And I was reminded of this comment when I realize - forgive my cynicism - that some conservatives who abhors any government intervention - except for corporations that are major donors, of course - can now say: you see, people can take care of other people. Just like the "faith based initiative."

And I hope that if something like that does come out, that we are ready with our reply that the contract with our government is that we pay taxes and expect it to provide our basic necessities, including affordable health care. That one's ability to access medical facilities should not be dependent on one's association with a church, or even with a political activist group.

[mhr]

1. Hm, So Andy Should Suffer To Make Our Point?

eom

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. Not if this were made into a health care horror story

Isn't Michael Moore doing a new movie called "sick", about HMOS etc?

This should be news.

[Book Lover]

4. Take your pick

of the dozens of Du'ers who could equally use the help that Andy is getting, and the original point is made.

[question everything]

6. No, of course not. We just need to be prepared IF

the other side is trying to use this to justify their point.

If one thing we've learned from the swift boaters, I hope, is to anticipate all possible attacks and be ready with immediate responses

[bluestateguy]

2. The other thing I worry about...

is will Andy have to pay taxes on this money? And then if we raise money for him to pay the taxes, the IRS could tax that too.

[yvr girl]

5. I see why you chose your screen name

I think Andy's story will spur many people into action.

[WI_DEM]

7. What was done for Andy couldn't be put off

We still need to fight for National Health Insurance for all--so that people without insurance aren't considered less worthy of medical treatment than those with insurance. That should be our #1 priority in this country--take the GD money that we are throwing in the sewer in Iraq and do something meaningful. I'm sure if other DUers were in an equal need of help that we would come forward again. When a persons life is at stake we can't simply ask, "how will the opposition react to this." I would hope that if I were in Andy's shoes (and Thank God I have insurance) that my brothers and sisters on DU would be equally generous. That is what a community like this is all about--it is what is best about DU.

[brindis_desala]

8. perhaps we should be asking our representatives

why the war on terror is more important than caring for our sick.

[cornermouse]

9. Sometimes you gotta go with your conscience and do the right thing.

Sometimes it really is as simple as that.

[fooj]

10. Amen!

Peace.

[question everything]

17. Of course. And I do not question our assistance.

I stayed up until after 2:00 am last two nights helping with spreading the word and, of course, donated a small amount.

I just want us to be aware that, while we all agree that this can be an example for the sorry state of health care in our country, that it can also be used by the dark side.

We should not, cannot, underestimate the power of Karl Rove and Bill Frist to find any opportunity to promote their agenda and to weaken the democratic spirit of this country.

[Donailin]

19. I wonder what would've happened if we solicited rightwing websites

for money to save Andy?

I think we all know the answer to that. What would happen if some rightwing blogger/activist solicited the money from us? Would we give it? 50K in less than a week?

Food for thought. . .

[Jackpine Radical]

20. Another question...

Would the FReepers even do this for one of their own?

Or would they let market forces prevail?

[question everything]

21. Among the donors last weekend was a self-described freeper

and several wondered about posting on their website but, thankfully, we managed without them.

Here is the post - NOT MINE! I am not the freeper, just posting it! And when I first reposted it generate a huge amount of positive responses. Unfortunately, someone thought that I was the freeper, alerted the moderator and the thread was gone (I seem to generate a lot of misunderstanding on these pages..)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3561640&mesg_id=3572687

lemonlime (7 posts)

Sat Apr-30-05 01:09 AM
Response to Reply #506

522. I will snail mail $15

I tried numerous times tonight to give it right now via Amazon. I am a FReeper and a Bush supporter and I realize I will be tombstoned for saying so, but I hope this post doesn't get deleted. I disagree with Andy's politics but I have followed his health issues and I wish him a successful surgery and a swift recovery.

Whoever receives his mail will know it's me because I'll mention my screenname when I send it out tomorrow. It will be postmarked from San Antonio, Texas.

I hope one day we can all get along, and I wish nothing but the best for Andy. My father died of cancer, so it is in good faith that I pass along a few bucks to help a fellow human battling this disease.

Stay well, Andy, and best wishes to you. Also, good work sfexpat2000 for spearheading this effort for a friend. That is admirable, and you are to be commended.

[SGBL]

11. How old is Andy?

I'm glad he was able to get help, but at the same time I wish donations could have been obtained for children that need medical care.

If you are looking for a poster-person there are plenty of children in situations worse than andy who are getting NO medical care.

[Jacobin]

12. Right. If you see a blind man walking off a cliff, don't tell him.

Because then the city will never put up a guard rail.

That's the ticket.

[question everything]

18. I am sorry that you interpret what I wrote this way.

And I doubt that going back and reading it, with open mind, will help.

[BigBearJohn]

13. I think the fact that so many people across the country joined hands to

help a fellow in need speaks VOLUMES for us and our cause.
'nuff said.

[applegrove]

14. Obviously this is not a solution to the problem. Obviously not. That

is not why all of you have been helping him out. You help him because he is a friend and you can get together and this one time make a difference.

But stories like his just show how much we should be focusing on the health care issue. SS broke? In 40 years? How about health care that is broke now and costs jobs and is inefficient in its present form. Where all the money goes to people spending time to pass the buck rather than to the actual treatment.

Andy is a wake up call. Any one of the donor and well-wishers themselves could soon be in the same position.

Good that you all saved Andy. Now - time to fight for our own dam families.

[Chomp]

15. question everything

is probably my favourite single philosophy on life.

[question everything]

16. Thank you. Especially when the alternative is to accept everything

because it is "in the bible" or because "god commands us."