An excruciatingly sad story that drives home the importance of a Dem win

[CatWoman]

Last weekend a colleague was killed in an automobile accident, along with two of her daughters.

She had just dropped her husband off to work and was on her way home.

She was hit head on by a drunk driver.

I knew her, but I didn't "really" know her. My dealings with her were always pleasant, as she was a very cheery and helpful sort. Very friendly and outgoing.

Today I found out that her remaining two children are in the hospital, one fighting for her life -- lapsing in and out of a coma.

One of the children will be buried tomorrow. I believe it's her eldest daughter.

My colleague was a contractor and had no health insurance.

One of her coworkers said to me today that he found it beyond belief that a household that included a married woman who worked two jobs and her mate had no health insurance. I was dumbfounded that he said that. He also told me that the funeral home is being completely heartless, callous and cruel as they are demanding that her family pay $9K up front for the funeral arrangements.

Perhaps that's the general view out there by some, re: the insurance speculation. But a huge majority of us know better.

My heart goes out to the remaining family members - especially the husband. I can't imagine how he's getting through this.

An email went out late this afternoon asking for donations. One can either donate to the bank or the funeral home. Fuck the funeral home. I plan to donate Monday morning at a local branch.

This is one of my many reasons why it is IMPERATIVE that we get the Democrats into the White House.

I have faith in them doing the right thing on health care.

The Republicans are too busy mocking good people who actually try to help their fellow man.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. That poor family.

Twenty years ago, if her bill out rate as a contractor were set appropriately higher than an employee AND no one in the family had a pre-existing condition, she would have been able to pay for insurance coverage. These days I doubt that either a high enough bill out rate or her access to affordable insurance was there.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Although she was a contractor...

I would not be surprised if she worked under the same conditions, expectations and rules as the employees, save one: less hours.

Happily, the IRS is starting to crack down on that dodge. May they do that a lot. Those tactics have been used to abuse a lot of good workers.

[CatWoman]

3. her coworker told me today that their agency just cut their hours

:-(

[Wiley50]

6. I installed carpet for 30 years as a contractor

I had to furnish my own truck, tools, supplies and, when I could afford it, pay my own helper.
When I started in '72 I got $1.25 square yard and at the end it was only $3.00 sq yd
If I petitioned for raises they would hire my helper out from under me, so I stopped using helpers.
That's why my spine is screwed up like it is (no workmans comp either)

I fuckin HATE capitalists!

I feel for that family and wish I could help too.
Sucks when one can't even tread water and lend a hand too.

[NC_Nurse]

4. Can they sue the drunk driver's insurance? Or were they uninsured.

That's so terrible. :( My heart goes out to them.

[CatWoman]

5. don't know; that's a good question

but it would take some time before they would see the money, wouldn't it?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

7. If they ever collect.

My brother received a workplace injury. A huge set flat fell on his foot, causing a tampenade injury. The bones took a year before they even began to form callouses. 4 operations. Lots of loss of soft tissue. The employer's insurance company took 8 years to finally pay off. He became homeless on the streets of Newark NJ in the meantime. Workman's Comp also tried their damnedest to screw him. Took two years to give him a pittance.

I do hope I never meet the vermin who handled the case for the insurance company. I will not be responsible for my actions. They will be left in woeful, wretched shape.

[loudsue]

8. I hope you DO meet the vermin....

He has it comin'.