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Government Priorities
Posted 6/13/2012 1:47:00 AM

The calls and letters are coming about the province deciding to once again fund gender reassignment surgery, while they plead poormouth about other procedures.  I don't mind if the government pays for GRS.  The concern is that while this type of elective operation will be covered, seemingly critical situations still are not.  Pam writes about her husband.  He has severe obstructive sleep apnea and needs a C-PAP machine or he could die.  $2,300 every couple of years.  Not covered.  Laura needs an insulin pump, over six grand every few years and another 6 thousand a year to run it.  Premier Redford said during the campaign that she would look at covering life-saving insulin pumps, but, nothing yet.  Sandra tells me she has spent over $30,000 on foot arch operations, five major surgeries to keep her out of a wheelchair.  Yet, her costs are not covered.  So, you can pay or you can suffer or you can die, but there is no financial help from the province for ailments you did not choose.  However, if you choose to change your gender, the province has tens of thousands of dollars with your name on it.  Maybe, the ignored afflicted need to put on a parade and see if Premier Redford will come and smile on them.  Let me know what you think.

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Posted By: Bob Layton  

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  • 20
  1. Bill posted on 06/13/2012 07:21 AM
    This is just another example of government in action. Surly you don't expect them to have fair policies on anything. After all, they have never had that in the past.
  2. Bill J posted on 06/13/2012 08:22 AM
    Loved your editorial this morning! This hypocrisy is a prime example of the "liberal" gov't Albertans have voted in.
    1. KimS_6868 posted on 06/14/2012 06:38 PM
      @Bill J Yea "liberals"!! I knew there was something different about this progressive government!
  3. Caroline posted on 06/13/2012 08:35 AM
    I too could not believe that these by choice gender surgeries have been reinstated. When these people and so many more are fighting for their right as an Albertan to receive coverage for their medical needs. Thank you for being their voice, I pray that there will be enough outrage expressed that action will be taken.
  4. Earl posted on 06/13/2012 09:43 AM
    Bob, This RED government makes me ill. I know, I know, there is no coverage for that illness either.
  5. Tony posted on 06/13/2012 10:32 AM
    Just plain ridiculous...
  6. fred posted on 06/13/2012 12:59 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:34 AM on 06/14/2012
    Bob, it is obvious that there more voters wanting to have a gender change than life threating operations.
    Those in government here in Alberta are not there to help the people living here, they are here to get re-elected often enought to get those pensions that regular Albertians do not get as well.
  7. Garry Chubb posted on 06/13/2012 05:11 PM
    What's next,...male enhancement surgeries? I'll get to work on the catalogue because I'm sure there will be a BIG demand,...know what I mean?
  8. The Infidel - Mr. John posted on 06/13/2012 05:15 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:36 AM on 06/14/2012
    "Premier Redford said during the campaign that she would look at covering life-saving insulin pumps, but, nothing yet."
    She also said that we would assure us and promised us that all those who took money from the NO MEET committee would pay it back or be booted out of her caucus.....same thing,...NOTHING YET!
  9. Geo posted on 06/13/2012 05:46 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:37 AM on 06/14/2012
    Oh Bob, this comment should go over like a lead fart considering the comments I have read so far but here goes anyways. With all the huge govt paychecks, bonuses, expense accounts, golden parachutes at retirement and a little issue regarding unpaid royalties...there should be plenty of money to go around for EVERYONE dontcha think? I dont drink, smoke or do drugs so no more medical treatment for smokers, drinkers or addicts of any kind...thats the body you were given and the choices you made so suffer because I dont want to pay for your stupidity anymore. Where does it end Bob ?
  10. Sharon posted on 06/13/2012 07:57 PM
    Applause, applause! Happy to hear someone speaking up for what's right, not just what's popular. Always love your editorials, Bob.
  11. KathrynT posted on 06/13/2012 08:30 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:41 AM on 06/14/2012
    Oh Bob, What a mess we have become. I know the people who want gender reassignment have feeling BUT peoples lives are just a tad more important don't ya think.

    Bob replies: As you can see from the other comments, there are arguments on both sides.
  12. KimS_6868 posted on 06/13/2012 09:02 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:48 AM on 06/14/2012
    Well Bob, I am an avid listener, but today I am disappointed in you. Although you state you are not against the government reinstating funding to cover GRS, the way you stated it only encourages the homophobic opinions that always seem to overshadow acceptance and diversity. Yes, it is unfortunate that so many people have to suffer with medical issues, but that certainly doesn't mean that people born of the wrong gender should spend a lifetime of suffering either.
    PS. I had the privileged of attending the PRIDE Parade in Edmonton and was simply amazed & thrilled that the Edmonton Public School Board played such an important role. I was also delighted that the only people in attendance were accepting and supportive.

    Bob replies: The point of the editorial was to show the continuing inequities in government funding through real examples. There are many more I could ahve used. I am sorry if you took it the wrong way.
  13. Rod posted on 06/13/2012 09:28 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:46 AM on 06/14/2012
    I have always considered you to be quite an outspoken voice for the little person, which is why I am very disappointed in your recent comment on gender reassignment surgeries.

    I would expect someone with your background for news would know that Lesbian, Gay and Transgender lifestyles are not a choice.
    I can’t speak wholly with regard to transgender people, as I am not one. That being said, I can’t imagine waking up each day knowing that I am in the wrong body.
    I really do think you owe the transgender community an apology, and really, your listeners.
    You are a voice.
    What you’re doing is another form of breeding hate.
    In this day and age, we all need to do what we can to stop this circle.

    I would happily discuss with you if you are so inclined.
    Thank you for the opportunity to message you.

    Bob replies: As I said in my written editorial, I am not against GRS, I was merely pointing out the inequities in government funding by showing actual examples. I note Danielle Smith also calls the surgery "elective".
    1. Angie M posted on 06/14/2012 06:36 AM This comment was edited by a moderator at 06:41 AM on 06/14/2012
      @Rod I just want to say that Bob did a great job getting the point out there. They may not have a choice in their lifestyles, but do people like myself have a choice living with a disease? I don't think so. All we want is what is right as well for the government to step up and help us out and stop spending money in other areas and to come through on empty election promises.
  14. Mike posted on 06/14/2012 01:40 AM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:57 AM on 06/14/2012
    You are ignorant, If you weren't you'd look into the facts:

    Example 1: http://www.bodieslikeours.org/pdf/gfriends.pdf
    Examole 2:http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Hermaphroditism.aspx

    So maybe before making such hateful comments in public, you should know the facts.. About 0.5%-1% of Babies are born in the USA alone as hermaphrodites, This is when the Doctor has to make a decision as to boy? or girl? What if the doctor makes the wrong choice? Is it fair to make that person pay to fix the error? OR Should the Government be obligated to pay for the mistake of the Government approved doctors??

    And as a side note you are like a lot of red neck Albertans a total bigot. I can not wait until the world is rid of people like you.

    Bob replies: The point of the editorial was to highlight inequities in government funding. I'm sorry if you were upset by hearing the examples people shared. As I said, I am not against GRS. I understand that people may not choose their sexuality, but they do choose the surgery, which is my point.
  15. Sanda posted on 06/14/2012 03:53 AM This comment was edited by a moderator at 03:55 AM on 06/14/2012
    I am wanting to say thank you to you for a job well done and for being a voice for me and others! I appreciate so very much all that you spoke today on tv and radio and I trust good things may come as a result.

    Bob replies: All I am hoping for is equitable funding. I am not against GRS, I just want to see others helped as well.
    1. Angie M posted on 06/14/2012 06:38 AM
      @Sanda Sandra maybe we all should get together as a group and stand together on this issue, maybe our voices will be heard a little more.
  16. Judy posted on 06/14/2012 06:34 AM This comment was edited by a moderator at 06:39 AM on 06/14/2012
    Thank you Mr Layton!
    A sane voice in Edmonton speaks up. I also have nothing against people striving and saving up for elective surgery, but please do not use our tax dollars for this. Support the elderly, how about juvenile diabetics? cancer treatments, hospice, We could go on and on.

    Bob replies: Just to be clear, I have no problem with those choosing GRS. I just want others needing medical help given consideration.
  17. aidan posted on 06/15/2012 07:24 PM This comment was edited by a moderator at 08:04 AM on 06/18/2012
    I think the government needs to give their heads a good shake and see what REAL priorities are. I was injured at work a year ago. WCB denied my claim my employr fired me because of that injury. My Dr. prescribed three months of physiotherapy as an alternative to having both shouders operated on, having lost my medical benefits when i got fired, i turned to Social services but i was denied assistance because they said their mandate is to "put people back to work". The orthopedic surgeon wont even look at my file with out me having had the recomended physiotherapy. Where are all of us supposed to turn to when the government is choosing to cover some procedures that to most of us are "cosmetics" but when the surgery is needed for us to continue on working and supporting our families the answer we get is "NO" your medical condition is not covered by the government.
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