Just an Albany Trickle-Down?
Last Updated on Sunday, 8 April 2012 03:39 Written by harris Sunday, 8 April 2012 03:39
To be clear, this is not the same case as Middlesex; it is not one of the group homes moving people out in order to accommodate sexual offenders. Nevertheless, there is a common theme: “Money before people; injury to the community of the home by breaking up long term relationships, putting transferees at risk.” We notice a growing theme of indifference to people in need, and union-busting attitudes. If you don’t see it this way, register on SOS and share your thoughts.
Once the Feds get away with abuse from the Executive Branch, it is an easy trickle-down to the state, as we’ve seen in driving the Middlesex developmentally disabled from their long time home. From state abusiveness and bullying, secrecy and arrogance, it is an easy bungee jump to trickle-down at the County level. Is that what we are seeing with the threatened closure of the Ontario County home, showcased by Julie Sherwood in the Messenger on March 30, 2012?
Consider the words of resident of the Ontario County Health Facility, Arlene Dillon, asking “Don’t split up our family.” It is much the same plea that Middlesex neighbors made for the long time residents of the IRA at 6166 South Vine Valley Rd. There were some interesting statistics in Julie Sherwood’s article: “Transferred residents have mortality rates two to four times higher than residents who are allowed to remain in place.” By the third paragraph, the reader can’t have any doubt that it is all about money, and ignoring the needs of the most vulnerable.
This battle is bound to be waged wherever a community becomes aware of what is being done without transparency to the community. In our case it was NYS, in the case of the 98 bed Ontario County facility, it is the Ontario Board of Supervisors. Death panels take more than one form! Click on story to open, and again to enlarge for readability.