Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Government shut-down 2013

I have a dear friend who proudly declares herself not merely a Republican, but a Libertarian.

When I tried to point out (the last time I dared discuss politics with her) that some of us, having truly done all we can for ourselves, find that we *need* the governmental "safety net" set up by our fathers, she smiled and assured me that she, personally, would always take care of me.

The horrible degradation involved in turning, hat in hand, to a wealthy friend and praying for crumbs has obviously never occurred to her. In the Bible, it's expected that poor people will sell themselves into slavery; it's expected that the wealthy will leave the edges of their fields unharvested so the poor can glean... but we're also urged to set up systems so that the poor and the sick will be supported without embarrassment . That's what our fathers did - and that's what her co-party-members are seeking to destroy.

Perhaps she feels it's more warm-and-fuzzy to be protected by a friend, rather than supported by a cold bureaucracy. Sure! - but friends have their own lives, and aren't always there for the needy. My friend is about to move out of state. Can I still ask her for help?

It usually takes repeated tries to be accepted to SSDI. I was accepted immediately, with the ruling, based on my history, that I have actually been eligible since the year 2000. I've really done all I can! - but my doctor thinks I should be on Disability, and SS clearly agrees. I'm scheduled to go on SSDI in November... if SS is back by then.

My fuel provider, hearing of my lost job and impending SSDI coverage, urged me to apply for Fuel Assistance. From what I can see, I've been qualified for assistance for over a decade, so I should have no trouble receiving help - if the DHCD has any funds to release this winter.

Shall I ask my friend to pay my fuel bills this winter? How about my health insurance - will she pay the $4,751 per month for my basic medication, as well as my regular specialist check-ups?

Or must I glean from the edges of strangers' fields?

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