Posted On: March 31, 2006, 2:54 pm CST

Posted By: Marion McCleneghan

March 31, 2006

Mr. Compman:

I respect your opinion but WOW you really seem to be Lacking a whole lot of heart!

Our fellow human beings who become temporarily or permanently disabled during the course of employment - "work" -with the same aspirations as every other American Citizen seeking self sufficency whilst contributing to the progress of a greater America.

I hope you do not think I am too idealistic - but - why don't you think hard working people are "Entitled" to believe their efforts will be rewarded let alone safeguarded?

Unfortunately, once hurt on the job American Law Mandates a working person to utilize the Workers Compensation Insurance Program because Employees'/Employers' Private Health Insurers are legally obliged NOT to cover the medical costs of work related injuries.

So if you go to a doctor and he or she says what happened and you tell the truth - that when you were fixing an elevator - the machine malfunctioned and you crushed your hand - oh well - you MUST file for workers Compensation in order to get the medical bills paid.

Suddenly and unexpectantly fellow hard working friends, family and colleagues whom are injured on the job are thrust into a dehumanizing beauracratic system
which often delays/denies necessary medical treatment and monetary benefits - sometimes for years and years - even in cases where the disability is clear cut.

Let's face it - if all the Mr. Compmans were properly informed about the earning statisics of the average American Citizen I think the Mr. Compmans may realize most hard working contributors of this great land live paycheck to paycheck.

No one can deny - every job no matter how big or small; no matter how much one is well-compensated or ill-compensated; valued or devalued - every employed position supports the productivity and well-being of this country as well as every indiviual participant of progress.

Clearly, due to dangerous work conditions and the reality of accidents occuring during the course of employment the projections and facts of people becoming disabled on the job are staggering.

Aren't employees who contribute to our great land by performing arduous and often dangerous tasks "ENTITLED" to believe they will be protected in the worst case scenario?

Isn't the responsible white collar or office worker "Entitled" to believe he or she will receive proper medical care and the ability to sustain themselves financially if God Forbid the ceiling in their office falls on their head and leaves them disabled.

How would America raise a motivated work force if American Citizens really knew what was happening to hard working people hurt on the job? Clearly, the truth may not be told.

Who wants to believe their friends, family or hard working colleague's may actually be exploited by an incredibly sloppy and barbaric legal system.

Can you imagine one of your fondest most earnest co-workers becoming disabled on the job having to endure ruthless doctors, lawyers and legal institutions exploiting them at every turn only to find after 30 hearings and ten years of struggle that they were entitled to medical and monetary compensation all along.

This realty happens every day to tens of thousands of hard workers but the media does not cover it or exploit the truth because the facts damage the promotion of self sufficeny or the camaflauged version of the survival of the fittest.

Frankly - it seems much easier to raise a bunch of heartless Compman than it is to raise a community of concerned citizens who actually work to protect and encourage the greater good for all.

It is precisely because of the disturbing attitudes such as the ignorance displayed by a human being called Mr. Compman that so many terrific workers who become disabled are immediately stigmatized as being "free loaders".

I know - get off my butt and get a job!

With all do respect - even if you are stuck in the bottom line mentality consider my final comment...

Since most American hard working people do not have the resources beyond their benefits of employment - the laws of Workers Compensation were enacted to relieve employers and taxpayers from the fiscal burdon of properly protecting the well being of our fellow workers/ human beings.

All employers are required to purchase Workers Compensation Insurance - likewise if any one of us wants a car or a home we must have insurance - dito - if employers want employees they must have insurance.

Mr. Compman - I think you should be aware and alarmed to know...

If ever your tax dollars are used to subsidize injured workers it is only because many injured workers are unjustly refused adaquate medical and monetary protection - hence - forced to temporarily rely on other social insurance programs such as medicaid and welfare in order to survive.

So while tax paying dollars do support medicaid and welfare - tax payers dollars do not Support Workers Compensation Benefits.

Perhaps some people prefer to live in a world where our fellow human beings are persecuted as one of societys' enigmas - merely because they are disabled and can not get up and get a job - or simply "Get Over It" - even after they have been abused by so much ignorance.

Mr. Compman - you seem very concerned about the apparent appathy shown by people unable to work and care for themselves. Gosh and to actually complain about the lack of help - what nerve! None the less I believe there remains hope...

I do not know everything but I do believe - love, repect, responsibility, productivity and appreciation can inspire, motivate and heal!

Should you ever loose your fists during the course of employment - do not despair - I believe you will be compensated with a necessary heart of compassion.

Remember - "No Man is an Island"

Good Day and Good Luck!