American Dream --- dying in prison

American Dream

by digby

I think this illustrates how great it's going to be when the Catfood Commission reports out that the only way to save the wealthy "producers" this nation needs is to require the American people to sacrifice for their country:

Lawrence, 71, made his getaway in his wheelchair, with $2,000 in cash on his lap. He was headed back to his rented room at the nearby San Diego Downtown Lodge, but he took a meandering route down Seventh Avenue until the police caught up with him five minutes later.

And just like that, the rush was over. But that was all part of the plan.

The way Lawrence tells it, Monday’s robbery of a Chase Bank was just a desperate ploy to get back behind bars, where he believes he will receive better medical care than he has been able to obtain on his own.

[...]

Seeking out treatment for diabetes, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, gout, heart disease and glaucoma has just become too much for him to handle on his own, he said.

He’s been surviving on $949 a month from Social Security and other government benefits, and has been getting his health care for free via Medicare and Medi-Cal.

“It got to be harder and harder to get to the doctor in a wheelchair, using the bus and trolley,” Lawrence said. “I got to the point where I stopped going. I said, ‘Heck with it. Let nature take its course.’ My quality of life was gone.”

Marilyn Holle, an attorney for Disability Rights California, said Lawrence’s story is a telling example of the health care system many face.

“There’s a lack of stable housing and a lack of case management,” said Holle, who is based in Los Angeles. “It’s not only about getting someone the treatment, but getting them to and from. And without stable housing, you’re not going to be able to get the services you need.”

Holle said she can see the attraction of prison health care for some.

“You’ve got a place to live and ... a prison system providing nursing facility-type care,” she said. “And you live in a community.”


Makes sense. Alternatively, they can always move in with their children ...

And think of the peace of mind:


“I’ve been well taken care of,” he said of his prison experience. “I don’t plan to leave prison alive. I feel relieved and glad it’s over.


Via Tbogg.


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