H.R.3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

Herring RN:

You have given us a marvelous resource! It's a source of a sense of progress, however slow!! The commonality reinforces the certainty that all the presidents' men and women have been in accord, although hampered by wars and finances.

I wish we could put that historical strip on an airplane flying over beaches this month, to educate the public about the accord of all parties throughout our "modern" history.

I remember that in the 50's, when I was in nursing school in Montreal, Quebec Canada, that all the doctors saw nursing students for free, lab tests were done without question or charge, and hospitalization for any nurse cost nothing! The heads of departments all sent flowers and plants to "their own" nurses, and the chief of medicine visited any nurse while she was hospitalized, and called to see how she was doing after discharge.

Most of us lived in nurses' residence (due to the fierce winters) , and the kitchen sent us meals when we were sick...... it wasn't a lonely time. Often the House Mother had to shoo visitors out of the rooms of nurses who were ill........
I'm alone now, but haven't a fear of that when I'm sick, as I have my memories of those who still care about me.

Would that our communities would care about others as selflessly now.

You reminded me of a young woman seeking healthcare I met while volunteering at Remote Area N=Medical (RAM) http://www.ramusa.org/expeditions/2009/ramla2009.htm

She had completed her prerequisites and began the RN program at a community college. School had started with classroom and simulation lab for the first weeks.
She told me her prayers were answered because she would not be allowed to start her clinical rotation in September until she had a physical examination and PPD. She works a minimum wage job on weekends and lives with her mother. But after books and tuition could not find a doctor who would do this for the amount she has saved.

Herring RN:

Thanks for your response. How sad, for the young woman. To think that her doctor (if he knew her circumstances) was so unfeeling.....

I'm saddened today also, about Senator Ted Kennedy's death. His life was certainly tumultuous, and he believed in universal health care. When he talked to President Barack Obama during the campaign for the Presidency, he offered his support IF Mr. Obama would take a health care bill through, that would make health care for all a reality in the USA.

Even during his last days, Sentor Kennedy fought for that, and will be remembered for the great statesman he was (rather, I hope, than for the Chappaquiddick incident). It was his hope that a replacement for him in the senate would vote for the health care bill. That is my dream, as well.

Today I am starting my automobile trip across the USA with my 3 cockatoo parrots, and elderly cocker spaniel. While I doubt that I'll encounter town hall meetings, I hope to influence whoever I meet, about the need for universal health care.

Regards to all, and condolences to the Kennedy family and friends,

Lois

That young woman is in her early 20's and has not had insurance since her 18th birthday. I don't know if she has a doctor or what she told the many offices and clinics she called.
The school only treats acute accidents and illness.

BUT she got her physical free by the wonderful charity founded by Stan Brock! And the volunteer physician is having her come to the office and have her PPD result read free.
It is probably done.
I think that she will start her clinicals next week.

Remembering Senator Kennedy

Ted Kennedy 1978 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhYtMmw9OVk

Donna Smith - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuy6TKzgdLY&feature=related

On healthcare for children of working families - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8klQ7...eature=related