As a Democrat living in a red state, it’s easy to become numb to the constant stream of stories of Republican corruption, irresponsibility and mean-spirited, self-serving stunts. But then something happens. Someone you know is directly affected, and you realize just how profoundly public policy can touch private lives. You are reminded that politics really matter.
Although the men directly responsible for Lee Leslie and his family losing their health insurance coverage are Stanley R. Joseph, Wayne Surman and Jason C. Joseph of Business Advantage, it’s John Oxendine who is ultimately to blame. Because John Oxendine apparently thinks more of his political career than he does of the citizens of Georgia, Lee and his family and thousands like them with preexisting medical conditions will not have access to a state or federal high risk insurance pool. For many, this denial of health insurance coverage will be a death sentence. It’s an irony of Republican policy that people who claim to be “pro-life” think so little of the living.
There are ten candidates vying for the job of Georgia Commissioner of Insurance to replace this horrible man. Nine of them are Republicans. Only one Democrat, former State Senator Mary Squires has stepped up. As a former soldier, Mary likely knows she’s outnumbered and outflanked, but she’s going in anyway. That’s to her credit.
I’ve known and admired Mary for years, but the best thing I know about her is simple. This would never have happened on her watch. I only hope the voters of Georgia come to realize this too, before November.
6 Responses to Because of John Oxendine, people will die
Help Daniel
Great post, Mel. I hope people will do more to emphasize that there are life and death consequences behind these stupid decisions people like Oxendine make for political gain.
Thanks once again for this Mel. Need we mention that he’s one of the most corrupt politicians in Georgia, and that’s saying something? And oh BTW, some of the fact & figures are here:
http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/americans-at-risk/georgia.pdf
JMP
Fun fact about Alan Grayson, who I chatted with at AFN earlier this week: he wears cowboy boots.
Why is this relevant? Because he seemed to be the only pol willing to say flat out that opposing health care for all kills people. Wish everyone could emphasize that.
The boots or the excess deaths?
Thanks for the post, Mel. I love Mary Squires, too. This absolutely would not have happened on her watch. In addition, Mary Squires is also doing great in her campaign. Anybody been keeping up with her fundraising numbers? I was impressed by what I heard.
wow, that just outright sucks.
i wish i had the energy to write more on my own personal experience with this.