The half remembered wild interior of an animal life

(Post originally seen in this post by ramblin_phyl. I have been notified that it was originally posted by suricattus in her journal post. The story and words are hers, but I do believe that it needs to go viral and that as many people as possible need to get their stories out there. Only by making a noise about this can we make a change in our society.)

There is a move afoot in the nation -driven by the GOP - to repeal the new health care laws, to protect corporate interests, to defend against fear-mongering (and stupid) cries of "socialism!", and to ensure that people are forced to choose between keeping a roof over their heads or getting necessary health care.

This movement is killing people.

Think I'm overstating the fact?

Ask the friends and family of writer/reviewer Melissa Mia Hall, who died of a heart attack last week because she was so terrified of medical bills, she didn't go see a doctor who could have saved her life.

From another writer friend: One person. Not the only one. That could have been me. Yeah, I have access to insurance -- I live in New York City, which is freelancer-friendly, and have access to freelancer advocacy groups. Through them, I can pay over $400/month ($5,760/year) as a single, healthy woman, so that if I go to the hospital I'm not driven to bankruptcy. But a doctor's appointment - a routine physical - can still cost me several hundred dollars each visit. So unless something's terribly wrong? I won't go.

My husband worked for the government for 30 years. We have government employee (retired) insurance. It is the only thing of value he took away from that job. His pension is pitiful. He still works part time. My writing income has diminished drastically. Our combined income is now less than what it was before T retired fifteen years ago. Inflation has diminished it further. In the last 30 days I have racked up over $8000 in medical bills for tests and the beginning of treatment. Our co-pay is 20% after the deductible. And there is more to come. Our savings are already gone. I have the gold standard of insurance and I still can't pay all the medical bills.

Another friend lost her insurance when her husband lost his job. She couldn't afford medication and ended up bed ridden for three months at the end of over a year of no job and therefore no insurance until he found work again.

It's our responsibility. All of us, together. As a nation.

EtA: Nobody is trying to put insurance companies out of business. They will always be able to offer a better plan for a premium. We simply want to ensure that every citizen - from infant to senior citizen - doesn't have to choose between medical care, and keeping a roof over their heads, or having enough to eat.

We're trying to get this to go viral. Pass it along.

I'm going to post my story as the first comment to this post if anyone would like to read it. If anyone wants to tell their story, please tell it on your own journal and post a link in the comments. Maybe, just maybe, TPTB will listen to the slaves peons who clean their toilets before they have to clean their own.

Hey everyone!

Last night was, in a word, AWESOME! For those of you who happened to glance at this blog last night, you saw me mention that the concerts and shows were going out on live feed, right?

Well, this is where it gets better. For the balance of today, right up until TONIGHT'S live feed goes out, we are leaving access to last night's broadcast up.

That's right, y'all get a replay option!
If you missed seeing Kellianna's stunning opening act; if you tuned in too late to hear s00j and stealthcello play the Skinny White Chick set; if you didn't get to see all of the Gypsy Nomads; or if you're stuck down at New York Comic Con, and missing Catherynne Valente more than you can bear, and would like to have a slice of her readings -- Hint; there was new stuff. Oh yes, there was! -- and S.J. Tucker's awesome songspinnings around those words -- Hint; there were new songs too!; if you missed the pasty-splosion of Rogue Burlesque...
We've got it handled for you!

You will also notice, as you click over to check out the awesome that is the live stream replay , that there is a little widget to the right of the screen, which will let you tip the artists you like and love.

Let me say it again, because I am a busker myself, and this is Relevant to my Interests: Tip the acts you enjoy. Just a bit of pocket change adds up to make the difference for a Strowler, you know. In the words of a wise man: "A little money makes the difference between an adventure, and an ordeal."

Tonight's feed will feature Kellianna at 7:00, followed by Heather Dale at 8:00, Sharon Knight at :9:00, Tricky Pixie at 10:00, and the Vagabond Vaudeville show at 11:00.

And finally, SHILL THIS POST! Oh, beloveds, let the internet ring with this ephemeral opportunity to sample our awesome!