The human face of this economy... a tragic murder/suicide.

[progressivebydesign]

I found this story on KOMOTV's site, here in Washington State. It's a horribly sad story. It puts a face on downsizing, health care, and the desperation in our country:


<<Why a grandfather killed his grandson and then killed himself outside the Monroe police department may be one of those questions.

But Friday night in an exclusive interview, the grandmother wanted to tell KOMO 4 News she doesn't know how her husband could kill. But she does understand what triggered it.

This is a story of corporate downsizing, unemployment, health care coverage for the few, and mental illness>> SNIP

more.... http://www.komotv.com/stories/32531.htm

[nannah]

1. WA has larger safety net than other states

In WA state, children from homes with limited income are eligible for health insurance coverage paid through the state. And the state's "Basic Health" insurance program was reopened a few months ago to offer coverage for uninsured adults.

Also, children under the age of 6 have extensive options for early intervention services through the school system.

There is also a resource called "Parent to Parent" to help family's work through the systems that offer help to family's struggling with children with special needs.

[wellstone dem]

7. Until you've tried to get mental health care for a child you do

not understand the problems with our health care system. You have to wait months for an appointment. If you have a child acting out, threatening suicide, self-injuring, etc., your only option is to take your child to the hospitals. Medications have not been tested for young people, many times a parent or guardian watches a child get worse and worse, while the psychiatrist that they waited months to see tries yet another medication. And then there is the examination both by one's self as well as the health care practioners consider whether it is something the parent is doing which is causing the symptoms. You can not believe the desperation and frustration until you have lived it.

[area51]

2. Economy

I wouldn't be surprised if the nos. of suicides & theivery of essentials are rising due to the economy. It's the 2nd Great Depression. How many more people are going to die due to suicide or lack of medical care before we can get universal health care in the USA?

[Unperson 309]

3. If Things Don't Turn Around, It'll Be Me In the News, Someday.

And many of my disabled friends as well. This society sucks.

309

[Kanary]

9. Exactly. But, that gets no attention. Only when it's "middle class"

I've heard some really heart-breaking thoughts that many are voicing.

Yet, there doesn't seem to be enough soul left in this country, or this party, to even hear.

Kanary

[depakid]

4. Washington state should expect a lot more tragedies

and adverse economic consequences due to their shortsightedness:

Mental care in turmoil
Hundreds in county lose treatment as Medicaid money dries up

They seem bound and determined to follow the same dysfunctional model that Oregon Republicans have hoisted on my own state....

[Window]

5. Lord! How terribly sad.

What is this world coming to???? I've been hearing so many horror stories lately. Damn, damn, damn.

[proud patriot]

6. so so sad

:cry:

[sonias]

8. heartbreaking story

This is the story of what can happen in this country right now. So many people looking for work, losing their health care and being overwhelmed with high health care costs. Any family with a serious medical need is in trouble now. So easy to give up hope, because this country is not addressing the medical health care needs of all citizens. There is no reason a county of this wealth continues to allow their citizens to die.

My heart and prayers go to Carol Hetherwick, the wife who is left alone to deal with this heartache. May Brian and Brennan rest in peace.

:cry:

Sonia