Issues that matter: Democrats and being the "party of the grasshoppers"

I've spent time trying to figure out why we have such a negative image among those we would help. My guess is that one perception of us is that we are the party of "the grasshoppers" (from the "Ant and Grasshopper" Aesop fable; this is the one where the ant works hard to build up supplies for the winter whereas the grasshopper just plays all summer long and expects the ant to help him out during the winter).

Well, consider the following letter to the editor from our local paper, the Peoria Journal Star: source.

Can't pay medical bills earning $9 an hour

Saturday, August 27, 2005

As I read a recent article on welfare, I got to wondering what the guidelines are to be "working poor." Does anyone care to explain these two words to me?

I work full-time now, making $9 an hour. Even though this is pretty good pay compared to what most jobs offer, I have absolutely no medical coverage or benefits. Recently I applied for medical assistance and was turned down quite quickly. I guess that means I am not considered "working poor."

My biggest dilemma with being turned down is how I am going to pay the mounting medical bills I am amassing. According to the Department of Human Services, my medical bills are not large enough to acquire a medical card.

Fine, then tell me, how do I pay for the six weeks of radiation I am getting ready to go through? How do I pay for the neurologist, neurosurgeon, radiologist, hospital, MRI, family doctor, medicines and rental of my oxygen and autopap machines? Oh, and the rent, food, vehicle . . . you get the picture.

I just hope none of these caseworkers ever gets to deal with a brain tumor. It really is a bit of a problem and not easy to afford. Since I have not been at my job for a year, I don't qualify for family medical leave or vacation time.

I have an appointment with Social Security. Wish me luck, not sure how it will go, hopefully better than at DHS.

Ruth Tinkham

Peoria

So, there you have it. We have people who work or want to work but are just at the mercy of what amounts to a cruel, uncaring system.

This type of situation should be unacceptable. We should make it clear that we are on the side of people like this and that the GOP's typical response is "oh, that's too bad; let her get free emergency room care when she is really sick" is immoral.