Why do Republicans hate senior citizens?
Since his son died a few years back and with his nearest relatives in New Mexico, 86-year-old Phil Duran is mostly, but not completely, alone.
The Modesto man still has Maria Profeta, a Linkages social worker with Stanislaus County's Area Agency on Aging who checks in on Duran and steers blessings his way.
Like a powered wheelchair. And a hand-held shower wand. Also, a "reacher kit" allowing him to grab items, and night lights and a smoke alarm. And nutritional supplements to help Duran keep some weight on his frail frame.
In short, Profeta has made it possible for Duran to live where he's independent and happy and comfortable.
But in six weeks, she'll be gone. And no one will take her place, because of state and county budget cuts whose impacts are starting to emerge.
To close a mind-numbing state budget deficit, Gov. Schwarzenegger recently erased nearly $10 million for senior programs.
Republicans often frame "budget cuts" as faceless, sterile things that only apply to magical trains and volcanoes. But there are real people on the other end, and the character of our nation demands that we collectively attend to their needs. It's in the Constitution. "Provide for the general welfare," is the specific line.
Adding... And just when California needs it most, one of their senators is "concerned" about healthcare reform. Disgraceful.
UPDATE: Some good news.
Late Thursday, U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong ordered California to halt scheduled cuts to the state's adult day health care program, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.