I've got cancer and I appreciate my friends at Democratic Underground

[Jeffersons Ghost]

When I was in the VA Hospital undergoing two months of radiation therapy, I appreciated the outpouring of support from members of DU.

I also appreciated the good medical care that I got at the VA hospital. I guess, someday soon, some politicians will call care like I got an "entitlement" and cut funding for the VA. At the VA, doctors see you when appointments are scheduled, unlike civilian medical doctors. Also, VA personnel treat patients with respect. I appreciate their dedication and kindness.

I'm lucky compared to many Americans. Recent medical reforms didn't go far enough for the homeless and underprivileged.

Worse than cancer, I've got a broken heart because our great nation has fallen prey to ultra-rich monsters intent on bleeding our republic dry. I might not be able to fight off the cancer, but I'll keep fighting to defend our republic with my words.

I'm just an old hippie; and we scared the crap out of the top 2% of wealth-holders in the 60s and 70s with large scale protesting. It ended a war. We can do it again, if we do the same things we did back then.

I know that I'm rambling. The main thing I want to do is thank you all for the supportive posts and PMs that you generously gave while I was undergoing radiation therapy.

[derby378]

1. On many levels, my Ginny never stopped being a hippie

And I know she supported you during her life. She was a cancer survivor, herself.

I'm pulling for you on behalf of both of us. :hi:

[madmax]

2. Thank you for your service, Sir.

Your compassion for others is beautiful.

Wishing you the very best always.

[rhett o rick]

3. I often wish I was an old hippie. I am just old. Best of luck. nm

[Jeffersons Ghost]

12. It's never too late to be a hippie

[Jamastiene]

4. ...

:hug:

[Mz Pip]

5. Your post just highlights

all of the individual battles that so many Americans are facing. Some are fortunate enough to have coverage and a support system. If this is due to some "entitlement", so be it. It is something we all deserve and shouldn't have to go on national TV to beg for it.

I wish you a speedy recovery so you can be back protesting with all of your former vigor. Keep fighting. We love you.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

13. Only death will keep me from posting and standing up for what's right

[The Wizard]

53. Jimmy Valvano said it best

"Never give up. Never ever give up."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E

[OhioChick]

6. ........

:hug:

[lonestarnot]

7. Oh no.

:cry:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

23. i like your OPs keep up the good work

[CTyankee]

8. Oh, Jeff, I hear you! AS another old hippie wish you well!

It is a hard time. Please hold good thoughts...keep the faith that we can do it again, what we did back in the day...

I remember so well...

[Jeffersons Ghost]

25. What we need is young hippies that don't just dress retro but THINK retro

[calimary]

29. I remember those "scare the crap out of the top 2%" days. I miss those days.

Much love from one old hippie to another! Glad you're here!

[kath]

80. yep - when see all the peace signs on clothes and jewelry in the stores where my kids shop,

I think --okay, all you young folk, WORK for peace, don't just wear the symbol. Perhaps because there is no draft, not much attention is paid to our illegal fucking wars that just go on and on and on and on...

[senseandsensibility]

9. Keep up the good fight, Ghost.

You have many friends here. We all wish you the best. Don't lose heart. Keep inspiring others. Actually, I'd like to hear more ideas about how to change things like you did in the sixties. We need advice and help at this critical time. Peace.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

32. One major difference between then and now....

We believed our efforts would work, if kept up long enough; and we were right. Now, progressives don't believe large-scale protesting will work. America seems to have conceded to the top 2% of wealth-holders.

[axollot]

41. I hope you feel better soon! But think today's progressives and

those raising families are to broke working longer hours at odd hours, with both gone all day but making only 300 dollars more than 1970's levels - to take time off to riot.

That's their plan, to keep it that way. =(

Cheers
:hug:
Sandy

[Jeffersons Ghost]

61. It's a Catch 22 type trap

[kath]

81. Good point -- pretty freakin' obnoxious that today TWO people working make about the same as just

one did 30-40 years ago.

:grr: :grr:

[senseandsensibility]

77. Good point.

Attitude is everything, although I can sympathize with the poster below. Today's workers are under a lot of pressure. Hope you're feeling okay, and try to stay positive. :)

[LibraLiz1973]

10. Sending you good vibes

DU is lucky to have people like you!

[TacticalPeek]

11. Heard all that, brother.

All that.

Army, US, 69-71

[PDJane]

14. We need more old hippies.....

I'm one of those, too. No military service; I'm a Canadian. Law, for the most part, here. Hold on......you are appreciated.

[avaistheone1]

37. We do.

[PDJane]

15. pete and repeat...

[avaistheone1]

38. We do

[donco6]

16. I've been there, JG.

Chemo, radiation, surgery - 2Xs now. I'm glad to hear you got good treatment. Every day is precious - at least, that's what I've learned.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

36. I agree, every day is precious

[emilyg]

46. I've been there, too. Love to you.

[David Zephyr]

17. Hey, Jeffersons Ghost.

Here's a hug from an old gay hippie!

Thanks for the update. Radiation is tough. But you are tougher!

K&R. My favorite post at the DU today! :)

[kentuck]

34. Thank you!

You old hippie!

[Jeffersons Ghost]

75. you should do more OPs like the old days. I like your work

[David Zephyr]

18. Hey, Jeffersons Ghost.

Here's a hug from an old gay hippie!

Thanks for the update. Radiation is tough. But you are tougher!

K&R. My favorite post at the DU today! :)

Oops. Old hippie makes duplicate post. K&R.

[Laelth]

19. I wish you well. n/t

-Laelth

[sohndrsmith]

20. massive ((((hugs)))) ((((positive/healing thoughts)))) to you...

... all I can muster (countless).

s.

[pinboy3niner]

21. We appreciate you, too, JG

It's good to hear the VA has your back. Hang in there and stay strong...

Love & Peace,
pinboy3niner

[bigtree]

22. heh, hippie

we were hippie lovers, little hippies. Hilarious. Nixon resigned when I was 12 . . . went straight looking in the 80's and I look like an 'old hippie' now. I'm still a hippie wannabe, hippie lover. Keep on truckin', man!

[dixiegrrrrl]

24. Ya know, I STILL have my original peace emblem, from those "good ole days".

And I keep saying here, our protesting worked because it went on and on and on and on UNTIL we got what we wanted.
Scared the shit out of a couple of Presidents, too.

I hope your health will return, your broken will mend, and that you will remain here with us for a good long time.

:hippie:

[jhrobbins]

78. I missed the 'hippie' years by just a bit, but my older cousin was right in there

and took me along on some of his 'adventures'. If my Mom had only known......

[Dystopian]

26. Welcome back...

Jeffersons Ghost
Ramble on...old hippie.
I'm happy that the VA took good care of you...you'll be fine.
I believe that you've won this battle with your health.

I know your sincerity when you write of how lucky you are ...
You have a heart of gold...giving of yourself to the homeless and underprivileged.
You give what money can't buy....
You are loved.....

See you soon
Hope. Patience. Peace.

[azul]

27. Dang

Guess I be singing in Jeffersono's Broken Hearts Club Band, if I pass the audition.


"What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
I get by with a little help from my friends,
I get high with a little help from my friends,
Going to try with a little help from my friends."
-Lennon/McCartney

[progressoid]

28. As discouraged as I am with the state of affairs,

you give me a little hope. :hug:

[ZombieHorde]

30. Recommended. nt

[mod mom]

31. Good vibes directed at you Jeffersons Ghost.

[Winterblues]

33. "When the Power of Love Overcomes the Love of Power the world will know Peace"

Jimmy Hendricks......

[Hell Hath No Fury]

35. Old hippies remember what it is like --

to care, to fight, and to make change a reality.

We have forgotten far too much as a Nation. :(

All the best to you is your fight and The Fight. :hi:

[AndrewP]

39. Best wishes on your health

[Desertrose]

40. Hang in...we will be OK....

sooner or later...truth will win out.

Take good care of yourself fellow hippie!! :hug:

[roguevalley]

42. I hug you, Jeffersonsghost. I hear ya. Take care and hang in

there. And I hope to be in the streets some day about things.

[Enthusiast]

43. We appreciate you, brother.

:hippie:

[malaise]

44. We love you back old hippie

:grouphug:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

71. thanks for all your K&Rs over the years

[BrklynLiberal]

45. I am so glad that you are still here to post this great note.

Stay strong...take good care of yourself...
You are not alone. There are many of us out here who are heartbroken at what has been going on in the upper echelons of our government. It is mindboggling....I am numb with disappointment and frustration

[Jeffersons Ghost]

67. I'm glad to see you're still here too... thanks for all those K&Rs over the years

[BrklynLiberal]

84. ....

:thumbsup: :hi:

[Vinnie From Indy]

47. Cheers old friend!

And, I thank you as well!

[democrank]

48. You hang in there, JG.

Thank you for your service.

Your poignant message is appreciated as is your inner strength. Stay strong.

Add me to the old hippie list. My last car was $50 off a guy`s lawn, my latest wardrobe addition from "The Benefit Shop" for $1.00. I was with you as part of that large-scale protesting in the 60`s and 70`s. I often mention how much we accomplished back then without the benefit of the internet or cell phones. We were driven by principles, weren`t afraid to take a stand and didn`t sit home and make excuses for feckless "leaders." There wasn`t a one of us out on the streets during the Vietnam War that could have been convinced by party leaders to stay home, be quiet and don`t make waves. That`s one difference between then and now and those operating the Beltway Machine know it.

The ones doing the excusing and the nodding are partly responsible for what we have become today and it ain`t pretty.

[unapatriciated]

49. keep fighting on both fronts.

from another old hippie.:hug:

[Jackpine Radical]

50. Ramble away, man.

Just another old hippie/veteran here, and I know exactly where you're coming from.

How is your health doing these days?

[Jeffersons Ghost]

55. I'm still a little run down from the radiation...

They claim this round of radiation treatments will clear up the cancer. They'll run another test in a month to see if the treatments worked. I'm on pins and needles until then.

[Jackpine Radical]

63. For me it's heart disease.

Had a double bypass 18 years ago. The VA just gave me a 10% disability for it due to the Agent Orange connection. Whoopee--$123 a month.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

73. It took too long for the VA to acknowledge Agent Orange

[Jackpine Radical]

76. And for the heart disease connection.

I was among the first to qualify for that disability, just last month.

[leveymg]

51. Aging hippies have more fun on more dimensions. Keep on truckin'

[ProudDad]

52. I hope you are doing well!

My S.O. is a registered nurse whose "day job" is at the UMC Cancer Center. She is definitely fed up with the corporate "sick care" delivery model...

She's also adamant about how important diet and exercise are in fighting cancer and its recurrence...

She also started her career as a nurse in the military and appreciates Socialized Medicine such as the VA system as the most stress free method of providing care; for the care-giver as well as the patient...

My best wishes to you... :hi:

[Stinky The Clown]

54. ...

:hug:

[Mimosa]

56. *Big hug* for Jefferson's Ghost

You're always wise. :)

And try to stay well. We need you.

[puebloknot]

57. Your pen is mightier than their swords. Keep rambling! nt

[laughingliberal]

58. K & R We can do it again nt

[Joe Fields]

59. J.G., not being a regular here anymore, I missed the thread...

where you told us you had cancer.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. I also pray for a better day for this nation, but I give better odds to your well being than to this once great country of ours.

Keep fighting the good fight for yourself and never give up. You are a much valued individual here, and I will assume that is the same in your personal life.

Beat this scourge upon your body. This world, your family, your friends and this DU community needs you.

Joe

[madamesilverspurs]

60. Another old hippie, here,

also a cancer survivor. My care came via the "socialized medicine" provided by Medicare, and I tell that to as many people as will listen. Without it, I tell them, I would have been dead years ago. And without it, others ARE dying. So, like you, I'm still in the fight.

And you'd better believe all the prayers and good vibes helped, so I send them on to you. In my case it very much proved the vital energy of "Yes WE can!"

-

[tpsbmam]

62. So glad you had great health care -- you deserve it!

And thanks for thinking of the rest of us. I have skin cancer and there isn't one damn thing I can do about it. I have other health problems that are being addressed through local programs (thanks to the docs who give me health care for free....they're fabulous!) but there are limits to what I can access for free.

It's not just the homeless & underprivileged. It's all Americans who aren't rich and are subject to the profit at the cost of human life insurance industry.

[MindandSoul]

64. I'll pray for you in your fight against cancer. . . and I will pray for our country

to shake off those greedy elements that hold all of us hostage. . .including our President.

[Odin2005]

65. (((HUGS))) & rec.

:hug:

[prairierose]

66. As an old hippie who is still a hippie, take care and keep ...

up the good fight. And you are correct, we need more hippies and young hippies to win this fight against the forces of greed and hate. Yes, we scared them and that is why they have worked so hard to destroy the middle class and the education system. We were educated and saw through the lies. Our parents money gave us the freedom to fight back and so we find ourselves here today.

Thank you for your service and I hope you are feeling better soon.

[EFerrari]

68. I'm happy to hear they are taking care of you.

Get better because there's some people who need the crap scared out of them again. :)

[barbtries]

69. i'm an old hippie too

and i wish all the best :hippie:

[molly77]

70. Old Hippy

thank you for your service. My partner has multiple myeloma and non hodgins lymphoma. she has been getting well with the Indian herb formula Essiac. Google it . Earthclinic also has some good information on it. If you can email me, I will send you a packet.

[Swamp Rat]

72. .

:hug:

[Mike Nelson]

74. You missed traveling with Elizabeth Edwards, so...

... stick around, okay!

[Richlu]

79. Wishing you the best

and all the healing you need.

Interested in alternative resources? http://alternativecancer.us/pawpaw.htm

[midnight]

82. K&R Apparently the rich are the crowd that continue to be rewarded

for finding ways to implement their entitlement programs. Glad you are feeling better....

[Raine]

83. (((((((((((BIG HUG)))))))))))

:hug:

[abq e streeter]

85. From yet another old hippie--all my best wishes for you, JG

[proud patriot]

86. "I'll keep fighting to defend our republic with my words"

shoulder to shoulder

[whathehell]

87. Another old hippie here....

who's always had a soft spot for soldiers...She thanks you for your service:hug:

and wishes you all the VERY best:hi:

[whathehell]

88. dupe n/t