Dear VP Pence, What Exactly Do You Mean by "Personal Responsibility"?

Dear Vice President Pence,

I was scrolling Twitter last night and came across this tweet. And, I’m going to be honest, it triggered something in me. You see, I’ve been angry for a long time now, about a lot of things happening in our country. But my anger has been simmering, controlled. Tonight though, it reached a boiling point. I realize I no longer live in a country with values I recognize, or with leadership I trust. And that’s infuriating.

Personal responsibility, Mr. Pence? What exactly are you referring to here? Because I really don’t know how my six year old, who is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, exclusively tube fed, vision impaired and medically fragile, who relies on me and a handful of other caregivers for literally everything, is supposed to take personal responsibility for his own health. You know, since it was his fault he was born with an incurable genetic disease. I don’t know, maybe if he had just worked a little harder to eat as a baby, instead of throwing up every ounce we gave him, he wouldn’t have needed that feeding tube. I guess the hours we’ve spent in therapy trying to get him to achieve milestones like sitting up and crawling just weren’t enough. He should have tried harder, right?

Regardless of how much he’s slacked off in the personal responsibility game, here we are. I have a child who is not, and will not ever be healthy, and you and I both know that’s no one’s fault, especially not his. But seriously, answer this question for me. If lifetime caps on insurance are allowed to be re-instated, and Medicaid is gutted, how is Grayson supposed to get the thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars (and honestly, it’s likely millions) worth of healthcare products and services he needs to LIVE? Without access to the health care our private insurance and Medicaid provides, he will die. If I sound a little shrill and dramatic, it’s because I am. Put yourself in my shoes, and the shoes of my friends with medically fragile kids.

Hundreds of miles away from where I tucked my little boy in bed last night, positioning him to ensure he sleeps safely and comfortably, there are a group of white men (no women or people of color, really?) who secretly wrote a bill that makes it clear that the value of my son’s life has a limit. You’re a father. Think about that- what if someone told you that about one of your kids? Would you not fight like hell and maybe get a little dramatic and shrill?

Oh wait, you say you aren’t talking about Grayson himself not having any personal responsibility for his health? Ok, so you mean me? And my husband? Well, my husband works really long hours as a high school teacher and coach, pouring into teenagers and trying to teach them that personal responsibility you seem so fond of. But it’s no secret teaching doesn’t make one wealthy, and it certainly isn’t going to provide the funds necessary to keep my child from dying if we lose insurance and/or Medicaid for him.

And me? You want to know the weight of my personal responsibility? The crushing weight that every single special needs mother feels, and can’t unload? How I lie awake at night wondering, and worrying, about a child’s future who has no future apart from me. How sometimes I feel more like his nurse than his mom, or his manager, with all the phone calls and paperwork I have to do on his behalf. How keeping myself healthy (physically and mentally) is so crucial, mainly because how would I take care of Grayson if I were sick or dead? What would happen to him? Don’t you dare suggest that I haven’t felt, or acted, responsibly.

Mr. Pence, I know a lot of people who really like you, especially where I live. They voted for and tolerate that moron who picked you as his running mate, but you are the one they think is going to turn this country around, and make it “great” again. Why? Because you’re a Christian, and are pro-life. You claim to have Christian values and are going to bring God back into our country. Ok, great. I’m a Christian too. And I love Jesus. But like Ghandi, I don’t really like a lot of Christians these days, because they are so unlike my Christ. And honestly, I’m sticking you in that category too. There is absolutely nothing Christ-like or pro-life about gutting Medicaid and making the sick and the poor suffer while the rich get richer. Your brand of Christianity is the prosperity gospel- work hard enough, and be the right kind of person, and you will be rewarded. Real life, REALITY, doesn’t work like that. Good, hard working people get sick all the time and need expensive care, care that is often the reason they are poor. You think Jesus would agree that the value of Grayson’s, or anyone’s life, has a monetary limit?

I noticed you tweeted again the following statement, referring to the original tweet:

You may be right, that may be the Republican way, but I sure as hell hope you’re wrong about it being the American way. This is not the America I want to raise my children in, and they surely won’t be taught to embrace these values. Being sick or poor is not a character flaw. We are supposed to take care of each other; instead, you want only those who are rich, able-bodied, or have lived up to some arbitrary measure of “personal responsibility” to have the America you are making to be “great”. Well fuck that, Mr. Pence. I am angry, and I will stay angry and fight like hell for my child and all the children and Americans who are being screwed by this inhumane, ridiculous bill. That, I believe, is MY personal responsibility.

430 Comments

  1. Judi on June 26, 2017 at 12:58 am

    Very well put, I hope he reads and it pains his cold heart.

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  2. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:59 am

    Christians? what Christians.

  3. Katherine Towers on June 26, 2017 at 12:59 am

    Well said Elizabeth. Humanity is in a sad state.

  4. Annie on June 26, 2017 at 1:00 am

    As a mom of 3, and simply as a human who cares about other people, i send you love and peace and hope that you can find the strength and support you need to continue to care for your most precious baby. Your words are POWER. You are POWER. Love to you.

  5. Jenni on June 26, 2017 at 1:02 am

    My heart bleeds for her. But RIGHT THE FUCK ON MOM!

  6. Ani Dadron on June 26, 2017 at 1:03 am

    Brava!!!!!

  7. Ktwebb68 on June 26, 2017 at 1:05 am

    Pence does not care. He doesnt. As long and those n!@#$%s and f@#s are getting free healthcare your child is collateral damage. These are the people that will destroy this planet if allowed to survive and thrive. Its pathetic the democratic party is so poorly led they cannot expose this heartless gutless disgrace of a party to the sheep who nelieve Sean Hannity and Steve Bannon give a shit abiut anyone but themselves and the top 2%.

  8. WolfsKat on June 26, 2017 at 1:07 am

    I think Mr.Pence is the worst kind of human….he presents as a pious Christian, while advocating VERY UN Christan-like ideas…. he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

    • Anonymous on September 10, 2020 at 2:18 am

      Absolutely true. Like most of these “pro-life” hypocrites, they want the babies to be born to rape victims ( of course not if it’s their daughter’s child), but then that family is on its own. His daughter would get a clandestine abortion to not shame the righteous “Christian” family.

  9. J Moreno on June 26, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Not walking the walk that Jesus taught. Just like their Faux news, their Faux Christianity

  10. Rae on June 26, 2017 at 1:09 am

    How can we make sure he reads this?

  11. A real Christian grandmother. on June 26, 2017 at 1:10 am

    all those people who agree with Pence and call themselves Christians are lying, look it up,there is nothing Christian about them, they are hypocrites.

  12. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:10 am

    This is awesome. Thank you for speaking for so many people whose children are suffering, whose spouses are suffering, whose parents are suffering. My husband has a progressive, incurable, extremely rare disease. He was ALWAYS an extremely hard working man, until he was diagnosed at age 37. We had 3 young children and I worked. To this day, he lives in inexplicable pain, and our family struggles. Thank you for speaking for all of us.

  13. Denese Bass on June 26, 2017 at 1:11 am

    Even if he does read it, this entire administration does not have a warm heart among them. They all act like alien implants — reminds me of a sci-fi movie.

  14. barbarac on June 26, 2017 at 1:12 am

    I weep for us all and especially children like Grayson.

  15. Cici on June 26, 2017 at 1:13 am

    My heart goe out to you and your family. Mr. Pence is incapable of understanding. Pence and the so called Christians who support this Wormwood's administration are dead to Christ's teachings.

  16. Jamee on June 26, 2017 at 1:13 am

    Very well said. I agree!!

  17. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:13 am

    Couldn't have been said better. Hugs.

  18. Alison Farmer on June 26, 2017 at 1:15 am

    Bravo. Thanks for taking the time to pen this. I'm sorry for the additional stress your family is experiencing because of the ACA repeal – sounds like you have enough on your plate without having to worry about coverage and funding. I hope constituents reach out to their Senators and show them – like you've done – the very REAL, HUMAN consequences of this legislation. It seems they're so busy trying to advance it for the sake of “winning” that they've lost sight of what they've actually been sent to Washington to do. I remain optimistic that if they hear from enough of us, they'll make decisions that ARE in line with their Christian values. Keep up the good fight.

  19. Beth Smith on June 26, 2017 at 1:15 am

    Elizabeth, I pray Pence will read your comments. Sadly, even if he did, I don't have faith that he will be impacted by them. BUT, your words are so honest and true my hope is that some Republicans on the fence will be swayed. And get active in condeming this administration for it's unconscionable stands.

  20. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:15 am

    You are spot on. You are not alone. Millions of us will suffer so the few can have more to horde. WE are mad! WEr=2.

  21. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:16 am

    Pence is right–that IS the republican way! Cruel and compassionless.

  22. Sally Smith on June 26, 2017 at 1:16 am

    Very well said but unfortunately those totally heartless, hypocrites who call themselves Christian and want to “Make America Great Again” are so heartless and self centered they won't even read your letter. Their souls are made of stone and they have NO moral compass. I can only hope the #45, Pence, McConnel, Ryan, the whole lot of them get removed ASAP or so mired in legal problems they disappear.

  23. ENFPwoman on June 26, 2017 at 1:17 am

    I guess you meant to say, “Humanity in AMERICA is in a sad state”.

  24. Deanna Denmead on June 26, 2017 at 1:17 am

    I like that term! I'm going to use it from now on.

  25. patrick krienke on June 26, 2017 at 1:17 am

    You deserve a standing ovation. If Mr. Pence is any kind of man, he should respond to you. And Mr. Pence, it takes a real man to admit you are wrong.

  26. Randall Pope on June 26, 2017 at 1:17 am

    Go..Girl….Gooooo!!!

  27. bejbenn on June 26, 2017 at 1:18 am

    Well said. I can only hope Pence reads your letter and it wakes him up. Trump, Pence, and their cronies don't give a rat's ass about the working class, the poor, the sick, the aged. They only care that they, the wealthy, get wealthier. So sad that our great nation and it's citizens are being dragged down into thevsewer.

  28. kathy madore on June 26, 2017 at 1:18 am

    Heart? In order to have heart you need compassion…..sorry, he lacks sorely in both. Decided to sign on with #45…why?….good chance he will end up in the Oval Office soon and being 'a' President is far more important than being 'the' President. In the first case the office is solely to further ones self and in the second case the office is to take care of all the people, those who voted for you and those who didn't. “The citizens of this great country called America” Heart? no, not there, just money grubbing 'christian' there.

  29. Craig Weir on June 26, 2017 at 1:20 am

    He will never walk in your shoes. He and the rest of congress walks in the shoes of those that fill their pockets the most. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and the likes. They live for money and power and they can never get enough of either.

  30. Penina on June 26, 2017 at 1:20 am

    My child was not born ill. She developed Pediatric Onset of Multiple Sclerosis, which is chronic and expensive, but treatable. She was going well, caught up to graduate HS with her twin sister, then developed an ultra rare autoimmune vasculitis, Behcet's Disease.
    She knew in general how much more expensive a rare disease with no approved treatments, that put her in and out of the hospital was, and was dreading coming off of our insurance…then she saw the immediate viciousness of the incoming President and Congress, and became very fearful that she would lose all coverage, not just in 5 years when she hit 26, but a double pre-existing disease, and lifetime cap. She voted for the very first time in November, voted to see if she could prevent what we now see.

    There was NOTHING that she did to develop these diseases. NO genetic background that we have uncovered. Nothing that she did wrong, that we did wrong, nothing else we could have done to prevent any of this.

    Do you have any idea how hard it was to hear her matter of factly discuss that she knew she would die way too soon because she and we would shortly be unable to pay for her care, that she feared what these men were going to do to her, and by extension, bankrupt us?

    DO you know how miserable it is to feel that maybe it was better that she quickly slipped into a coma and died in April, before she could see that this was really coming true?

  31. ENFPwoman on June 26, 2017 at 1:21 am

    Send Elizabeth's statement to all the major tv networks and newspapers. Someone will read it out on camera, and/or it will be featured on the front page. Bad press will always get his attention.

  32. dogtired on June 26, 2017 at 1:21 am

    Amen and Bravo!

  33. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:21 am

    Thank you for writing this beautiful message. I will be fighting alongside you.

  34. Margaret Siemers on June 26, 2017 at 1:22 am

    My heart goes out to you and your family. I didn't vote for them because I actually saw all this coming. I am sorry I was right. This isn't America, this is a bad dream.

  35. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:24 am

    I found this because Dan Rather posted it on Facebook. I'm so glad I did. As a mother of three (one of whom is also a 6 year old boy), and as someone who agrees 100% with you, I support you. I stand with you. I thank you for speaking out. Pence doesn't care, but so so many of us do and we have the power of our votes. Love to you and your family.

  36. Renae Douglas on June 26, 2017 at 1:24 am

    He won't. He does not care about anyone. Even if we mail him 100,000 printed copies he'd never read it. He's too nasty and hatefilled.

  37. MarianoMama on June 26, 2017 at 1:24 am

    Everyone should print out her letter and mail it to his office. He should be flooded with this letter until he replies to her/America.

  38. Stacey's Blog on Everything on June 26, 2017 at 1:25 am

    What he's saying is that being sick or poor is a moral failing. Apparently, he's an old testament Christian forgetting Jesus.

  39. Becky Wardell Gaertner on June 26, 2017 at 1:25 am

    This should be printed as an op-ed in newspapers across the country.

  40. Stephanie Schiltz on June 26, 2017 at 1:26 am

    Thank you, Elizabeth, for such an eye opening post.Politicians need to hear Grayson's and your story. It seems like the Repubs live in their chrystal palaces, where they have no real contact with real people with real problems. Just like the 13 white , male Senators, who hid behind closed doors making life and death decisions about Grayson's future and the future of the elderly and sick and disabled, and now 23 million Americans are waiting on pins and needles to see if this Wealth care bill passes or if they will have a reprieve from their death sentence. Stay strong and know that my prayers are with you and your family.

  41. Colleen Mason on June 26, 2017 at 1:26 am

    We have to start paying attention to what these people are doing to us. And we have to say no more.

  42. susanwritesstuff on June 26, 2017 at 1:28 am

    My younger foster son got off a feeding tube at the age of 13. While medically fragile, is stable and healthy, despite the fact he cannot eat solid food and lives off 8 cans of high-calorie Ensure a day. Any little cold risks putting him the hospital, because cerebral palsy has left him with a very weak cough, which means a runny nose can become pneumonia that he can't cough out. Any interference in his breathing – like a runny nose – means he won't drink, because his swallowing is difficult and he can choke. He had prenatal anoxia because of his twin. He will never be healthier than he is now. So, come one, Mr. Pence. Come right here to my house. I can bring him to you, but I will bring a camera crew. I want you to put the needle in his arm like some troublesome dog. I want you to look in his eyes when you kill him – because without medicaid to pay his bills, that's what will happen. He has no income to buy $800 worth of Ensure a month; that comes on his insurance, which is state aid, a medical nutritional supplement – because it's that, or the more invasive and expensive feeding tube. So go ahead Mr. Pence, but have the balls to pull the trigger your very self on each and every person you plan on killing. L. loves the band Journey, the cat who sleeps on his head, and his 13 month old little niece. He loves to do math, and go to Disney. Push that plunger, you inhumane hand of Satan.

  43. Debbie on June 26, 2017 at 1:28 am

    I'm so sorry for your loss. It is a terrible way to have to feel, but it is a product of our “new” leadership. You can be grateful that she is now at peace.

  44. Christine Snyder on June 26, 2017 at 1:28 am

    Sadly, I doubt anything, including pain, can enter that frozen, hateful heart of his.

  45. JTRnhtoday on June 26, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Fabulous letter. VP Pence, does this mean our elected officials have no personal responsibility since they have exempted their own taxpayer-paid health insurance from all this austerity you're so fond of espousing?

  46. Cindy on June 26, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Thank you for sharing this. Fighting alongside you from SoCal.

  47. jerry rasen on June 26, 2017 at 1:29 am

    So sad for Grayson though in from another country. If there are issues reach out to other countries in the world though without the status of the US but the best free heath care in the world. The island of Penang Malaysia only a stone's through away from Bangkok and Singapore. May the angels always watch over Grayson and God Bless…

  48. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:31 am

    He doesn't have a heart.

  49. Paper Loon on June 26, 2017 at 1:33 am

    My son is also six, non-ambulatory, non-verbal, tube-fed. You just wrote my life and the lives of so many of my friends. You kick ass. Thank you so much for being in this fight with every single one of us.

  50. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:34 am

    FANtastic … what a strong and purposeful message to the VP, and I agree, he's not any better than the rest, and also agree that the person who chose him as a running mate is a total moron with no sense whatsoever. I wish you and your son well, and hope it turns out as best as can be under the circumstances.

  51. cherylw on June 26, 2017 at 1:34 am

    Right on, Mom! I'll give you another senecio. My parents worked hard all their lives and built up a considerable savings account. My dad passed away 18 months ago after suffering with Parkinson's and rheumatoid arthritis. My mom has Alzheimer's and I am an only child. A few months before my dad died, they needed 24 hour care. I worked during the day and stayed with them at night. We hired sitters to stay during the day. After my dad died my mom's mental health went into a downward spiral. She doesn't remember people and has forgotten how to walk.She can't care for her basic needs alone. She was in a nursing home for 100 day with Medicare, but then we came home. I am 60 years old and still work every day. I am unable to lift my mom and give her the care she needs. We have 24 hour a day sitters and I take care of the house, bills, groceries and stay with her for short times. By the end of the year we will have exhausted my parent's savings. Mom will have to go to a nursing home and we will sell her house. What will happen when that money is gone? I know my parents were in better shape financially than many. I think we have been personally responsible. What will happen to their generation and to my generation?

  52. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:36 am

    Maybe a better idea is to sent this to our congressmen. VP Pence doesn't have a vote next week (unless there is a tie) while our congressmen have a vote either next week or when the revised plan goes back to the house.

  53. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:38 am

    Who was your comment about? Say what you mean, no characters. Did you mean niggers and fags? Then, you pathetic worm of a human, just say it. Let your hatred out for all of us to see. You are such a coward. Tiny, little, hateful coward.

  54. Greg on June 26, 2017 at 1:40 am

    Mr. Pence will have a sad legacy when the history of this era is written. I daresay his grandchildren will say to each other, “What the hell was he thinking?” Yes, you're right… he has been purchased by the fossil fuel barons, the greedy pharmaceutical owners, and the “health” insurance companies. I feel sad for him and for those who he and his selfish associates are going to end up hurting, including Mother Earth herself.

  55. Pete Schellenbach on June 26, 2017 at 1:41 am

    You and Grayson hang tough! There are more people who care than you can possibly know.

  56. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:43 am

    Bless you, your husband and precious child. I hope this makes as big an impact on Mr. Pence as it has on me. Hugs and prayers to you.

  57. Kelly Warren on June 26, 2017 at 1:44 am

    Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your story. I read your About Me and Grayson's story and saw his sweet face. Prayers for your sweet boy, you and your family are headed your way.

  58. DJM on June 26, 2017 at 1:49 am

    💜 Amen. This was well worth the read and it says exactly what we parents with special needs children are thinking in every conceptual moment. I am afraid for my sons in a country with so many in it so blatantly only cares about them so long as they do not have to deal with them.

  59. Shawn Thacker on June 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

    Well, we will just have to wait until it passes to see exactly what's in it, like Pelosi said, remember? Keep your doctor was what everyone said it was going to do, but it didn't. So, maybe what everyone says this is going to do, be a total catastrophe, well, maybe it won't. And the last time I remember a party trying to deem people unworthy of life due to their genetics and ancestry, it was the progressives. There is absolutely no progress in that.

  60. momma bear on June 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

    God bless you and your son. You are a very strong woman and I hope with all my heart that your son wins the fight you are fighting for him. Sending healing thoughts and love.

  61. Penina on June 26, 2017 at 1:50 am

    I've been saying that THIS is the Death Panel the Conservatives were really talking about…and, I honestly think that if this passes, people thrown off insurance, who cannot afford to continue any of their lifesaving mediations, should just drag themselves to the front lawns of the politicians who passed this…how will their families react to having dead and dying people right there in their faces?
    Horrid to think about, but where are people who can't get care, who cannot stay healthy enough to work to afford housing go?
    None of this was thought out, at all.

  62. 100,000 ... or ... bust on June 26, 2017 at 1:52 am

    So…..SEND HIM 100,000 PRINTED COPIES ! ! ! ! And then send another 100,000 to the White House. And then send another 100,000 to the Capital…. and every political place in Washington D.C.

  63. Fatrat on June 26, 2017 at 1:53 am

    He's not a Christian, he can't even trust himself to be in a room with a woman. Usually a person that is uncomfortable around another woman is because they have guilt for something they did in the past. All the Christians I know trust themselves any place, anytime, and with anyone. He is so fake it's ridiculous. I personally don't know how those two criminals can look at themselves in the mirror. They won't have to run for a second term they already have our country torn apart not even six months into their first term. It would be exciting to see how bad they would lose if they ran again.

  64. Penny Lynch on June 26, 2017 at 1:54 am

    Send it to Fox. He won't see it if it's on any legit news station.

  65. Elisa Hanson Casey on June 26, 2017 at 1:55 am

    I am so sorry for your loss…
    These are the kinds of stories that our elected leaders need to hear, and if they cannot listen and show a modicum of compassion, they need to be removed from office.

  66. Penny Lynch on June 26, 2017 at 1:55 am

    Invasion of the Body Snatchers?

  67. Michelle on June 26, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me…

    I am too angry over this issue myself to write anymore!

  68. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:58 am

    The “personal responsibility” Pence is speaking about is the one where, as a chronically ill person (read: 'drain on society'), you come to realize you have no value and you take “personal responsibility” by ending your pathetic excuse of a life so the rest of the world (read: 'rich') can have your resources.

  69. w5ego on June 26, 2017 at 2:03 am

    Agreed. He has a cryogenic refrigerator, circulating liquid Helium through his body. Old, cold man, devoid of compassion.

  70. bohemiangirl (sacil) on June 26, 2017 at 2:05 am

    Thank you for this letter! So many people feel like you do. I hope Pence reads this, but like the others said before me, I don't think he has a heart. This administration is hell bent on punishing anyone not like them, and they don't care who gets hurt. They forget that but for the grace of God, any of them could be in our situation. Then they would want mercy. I wish you and your family well. Thank you again for such a powerful statement!

  71. LDFirth on June 26, 2017 at 2:06 am

    Need to change the Republican term of “pro-life” to pro-birth. They don't give a damn about anyones life except theirs. Once you are born you are SOL>

  72. Action now on June 26, 2017 at 2:06 am

    They claim to be pro life — but they're really only pro fetus. Once the child is born they want nothing to do with him or her.

  73. Wendy Cameron on June 26, 2017 at 2:07 am

    I am so sorry for what this must be doing to your daughter and your family. I can't even imagine the stress you must be experiencing. I don't even know what to say…

  74. A concerned citizen on June 26, 2017 at 2:08 am

    Elizabeth…what a powerful and heartfelt message. I am so sorry for your personal struggle, but the love you have for your son is beautiful. So many of us will be hurt if this horrendous piece of legislation passes. Yes, Pence, it might be the Republican Way, but it is certainly NOT the American Way! How can these people be considered human beings, let alone Christians? They have no heart, no soul. They do not deserve to call themselves Americans.

  75. bon hurley on June 26, 2017 at 2:09 am

    Your story breaks my heart. Before Universal health care in Canada there was a hospital in Quebec run only by volunteers. They cared for people who couldn't afford medical help. Maybe Americans should start taking care of each other rather than keep paying for people who won't.. Every day I thank God I wasn't born in the USA.

  76. 100,000 ... or ... bust on June 26, 2017 at 2:10 am

    Should get 100,000 people to carry a sign in front of the White House with this amazing letter. AND……send 100,000 to Pence's home !

  77. hellova1 1 on June 26, 2017 at 2:12 am

    SHARE IT PUBLICLY AND REPEATEDLY!!

  78. Cassandra Jarrell on June 26, 2017 at 2:16 am

    Unfortunately it's not just America. Check out what Theresa May and the Tories are doing to the UK. Appalling.

  79. Meri Boyer on June 26, 2017 at 2:17 am

    Thank you so much for putting all my anger into words. I'm a mom with special needs kids also. I hate how the Republicans can't see how incongruous their pro-life stance is with this horrid bill. They are only pro-birth. Then if you're not wealthy, you're on your own. It's unbelievable.

  80. Saundra Anderson on June 26, 2017 at 2:18 am

    I have a similar example in my family. A child that we would do everything in our power to help, but there is only so much we can do. I wrote a letter to our lone Wyoming representative (not the title I give her) yesterday explaining what our family's sweet little girl's future look like. I will be very surprised if I get anything but a form letter from Congresswoman Cheney.

  81. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 2:19 am

    you are one sick bastard.

  82. Becky on June 26, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Bravo momma, Bravo!! You have been saying what I've wanted to but haven't felt I could since my girl is flying high. Prayers for you and your whole family. Make sure you are taking care of yourself too. From a previous special needs momma to another. Blessings

  83. sglyko on June 26, 2017 at 2:21 am

    He doesn't have a heart. He has a wallet though, and investments, and a healthy portfolio, and fat bank a/c's

  84. Becca on June 26, 2017 at 2:23 am

    Let us all continue to pray that God deliver us from these, things, that have been put in power. I refer to them as 'things' because I am not aware of any existing word that can adequately describe the evil incarnate, selfishness, narrow mindedness, misogyny, narcissistic, greed and hatefulness encompassed within one. How they can justify targeting the most innocent and blameless in our country, our children, defies comprehension.

  85. karen Hoopengardner on June 26, 2017 at 2:28 am

    Our Country needs to hear more of this, not about your son , in which my heart breaks and as a mother it tears me up even more so, but to hear any and all stories that we can somehow (maybe a miracle) get through to this so called government. I have been blessed with four healthy children, now adults, but I'm a grandma and I would love it if I could even be partially convinced their future would be better than how we are headed. Since this President took office our Country, or any and all who stands behind him are making what was in my eyes with Mr. Obama, going in a great direction and now we are the joke with to many excuses and lies. I am for the 1st time, and by the way I'm in my 50″s, ashamed to say I am an American. Not because of any past errors , not because mistakes are made but because Americans allowed and still are allowing these tragedies to continue. Without speaking up, without trying to fight their battles, only to continue to wisper and some even yell, behind closed doors to their families, or to neighbors . People may be mad, they may be angry but I don't hear them. I am grateful when I read a article like this one, and seriously??, Is this what we want to continue to read ? Continue to hear about without doing one thing about it. This is a person here, a real person who found her strength to tell her story, to offer her truth for all to hear. I am sure this was very difficult for her, however this writing this was by far not her most difficult part of her life. We , or those who took time to read this are as angry as she is. I know that I've had it, I know I'm willing to do whatever it takes to reverse our Country before it goes any further. We all need to find a way together to stop further damages. I'm willing, are you?

  86. JT on June 26, 2017 at 2:30 am

    Ari Melber at MSNBC ran a heartwrenching story this weekend about Mike Phillips. You can see it on Ari's FB page. I'm sure he would be delighted to share this letter with his audience. I'm not sure how to get it to him. I'm unable to share this with him via FB. Anybody know how to get it to him?

  87. Becca on June 26, 2017 at 2:31 am

    Penina, I was diagnosed with MS much later in life. Although devastating, I'm an adult. I'm replying to you because after 4 years of taking traditional medications and getting worse on them, I found the high dose Vitamin D3 Coimbra Protocol. I have been stable for 8 months. It is for autoimmune diseases. The FB page I'm attaching has some good information. This is a treatment program, not a cure. https://www.facebook.com/groups/vitamindprotocolnorthamerica/?ref=group_header

  88. karen Hoopengardner on June 26, 2017 at 2:32 am

    It is not just America, your right. But this is our America right now and just hitting this reply button cannot be all we do. It can't be, we all need to find someway to fight this New America.

  89. Tiffany Bond on June 26, 2017 at 2:32 am

    As a Canadian with American family members it truly pains my heart to see what is happening in your country. The people running it are cold heartless men from the old white boys club.

  90. Becca on June 26, 2017 at 2:34 am

    Well said.

  91. Howard Malley on June 26, 2017 at 2:36 am

    Pence=$! No care about the 50% he will be hurting!

  92. kool-ade smile on June 26, 2017 at 2:43 am

    I!m so sorry for your loss. Your response has really made an impact on me.

  93. Buddy on June 26, 2017 at 2:47 am

    remember morality is seen as a weakness.

  94. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 2:48 am

    If all the politicians had to use the same program as the rest of the people, it would look much different 🙁 until that happens we all will pay…

  95. ALICE on June 26, 2017 at 2:51 am

    Doesn't seem to have a brain either!!!!

  96. trish on June 26, 2017 at 2:52 am

    Heaetbreaking but oh so powerful and palpable. I felt your emotions through every word. We will never give up. I challenge each of us who reads this to please call your senators tomorrow and each day to voice your outrage of this wealthcare bill.

  97. Txdkmw on June 26, 2017 at 2:52 am

    There are reasons for his lack of ability to comprehend your words. They all fall under the category of FAKE. Fake christian, fake american, and fake man. But mainly you are just a fake. As a result you have no ability or redeeming qualities to be able to serve this country or its citizens as you are the enemy.

  98. Julianna L. NM on June 26, 2017 at 2:55 am

    Send it to Jimmy Kimmel. ? Just a thought. Bless you 💚

  99. Idontreconginzethiscountryanymore on June 26, 2017 at 2:55 am

    When pence says responsibility he means it as a strategic statement to manipulate people / there is no heartfelt morality in his heart. Just like when he says he is christisn he says that strategically to manipulate people since there is no Christian values in his heart his intentions or his actions.

  100. Mark Wheeler on June 26, 2017 at 2:55 am

    Paraphrasing Kelly Ann Conway, all you need to do is get a better paying job to cover those millions in expenses. 🙁

  101. Andrea ferris on June 26, 2017 at 2:57 am

    True. Seems most of them are heartless

  102. scouter9933 on June 26, 2017 at 2:59 am

    I hope she endures and WINS and that we get relief and that those who see the struggles stand up, fight and WIN!

  103. Diane on June 26, 2017 at 3:00 am

    Thank you so much for speaking out. You are so strong to tell Pence how it is and what you think of his sorry tweets. Amazing mother, you are!!
    God Bless You and Your Family. Praying for you all.
    Peace to you.

  104. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:02 am

    one of my senators, Cory Gardner, is responsible for this. He will hear from me tomorrow. You, your son, your family and others like him deserve so much better.

  105. Lou Ann Johnson on June 26, 2017 at 3:06 am

    Until you have a sick child you have no idea what you will do to help that child recover or attempt to live. Mr. Pence has NO IDEA what a parent goes through nor does any congressperson have any idea. You go to work without sleep just to attempt to keep the day count in order. The child's health becomes the most important thing in your life. Mr. Pence and others with healthy children have no idea how wonderful their lives can be and how little of importance is their need for health insurance. Those of us who have had to worry night and day over the lives of an unhealthy child do understand and religion has very little to do with this.

  106. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:07 am

    Dear God -I have no words. Please comfort this mama and let her voice be heard. Let her angel daughter rest in peace, until they meet again. Amen.

  107. i am a on June 26, 2017 at 3:13 am

    Unfortunately we all blame 45 for all this evil doings but the truth is that if we continue to follow the Republican party it will be more of the same until there is no middle class and the poor have died off..

  108. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:13 am

    Thank you for this. You are right on target. I am a single parent and custodial grandparent. My granddaughter suffers from ADHD, ODD, aniety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, deression, mood disorder to start off with. Due to this, I have had to miss 2 years of work to help her. Medicines are outrageous and therapy and psychiatry is very expensive. Our system has deemed her a normal child as long as she takes her 6 pills a day plus extra vitamins and foes her therapy weekly and psychiatry monthly. This, my working hours are restricted to ensure that she is safe and acting safe. And let's not forget time needed off work for all of these appointments and anything else that may arise that you are summoned to school for the child.Our government needs to realize that the cut back on our children's health should not be a game.
    I do realize that there are children that have even more health problems, but these health problems are just as serious.

  109. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:15 am

    Pence and Co. are all hypocrites. That's what it comes down to. That pro-life crap they spew? HA! That offer expires at birth. They don't worship God, they worship the almighty dollar. That, my dears, is the republican way/

  110. Another Thought on June 26, 2017 at 3:21 am

    The ultimate irony is, he is against Planned Parenthood, against abortion, and now he is also against taking care of those who are born. I sense he is against everybody but himself.

  111. Antoinette on June 26, 2017 at 3:23 am

    So sorry to hear about your situation. Fight every day for your son and I will fight every day for people like you.

  112. RestEZ on June 26, 2017 at 3:24 am

    I believe we all know of, or have known, a child or adult, with a progressive health issue. In my case, it is my son's best friend's daughter. The best friend and his wife found out, through ultrasound, that their baby had something wrong with her heart. Their baby has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (some people call it “born with half-a-heart). Within hours of being born, their sweet daughter had to have major heart surgery to live. Their little girl spent months in the Neonatal ICU at a Mayo hospital. One or both of the parents were by her side almost every minute of every day. Their daughter had seizures, lungs that collapsed, developed anemia, suffered from fevers, had a stroke, had a tube in her stomach to eat, and was close to death several times. Had their insurance had a cap of 1 million dollars, the parents stated the amount would've been reached within the first few weeks of her life. Their daughter made it through all of this. They knew that two more surgeries had to be done before their daughter was three. Fast forward through many trials and tribulations and two more surgeries on her heart, and you will see a little almost 4 year old who is very active and loves her little sister. The little girl cannot speak and was recently diagnosed with autism. Would these parents have lost everything and ended up on the welfare system if their insurance had a lifetime benefit maximum…absolutely! I would like to see a petition with millions of signatures stating: “If Senators believe that 'Trump Care' is good enough for the citizens of the United States, then every governmental employee, from the lowest level to the highest level, shall accept 'Trump Care' as their health care provider.” There is no reason for our government to have benefits greater than the people they serve.

  113. minerva on June 26, 2017 at 3:24 am

    It would be fitting if someday Pence would have something befall him or a loved one that is so horrendous that he would be made to be open his terrible, cold heart and realize what a monster he is for saying this. But unfortunately, bad things don't always happen to bad people. That is why it is so important to pull out his fangs and those of his vermin crowd and render them powerless by getting them out of office.

  114. Oz on June 26, 2017 at 3:25 am

    Well said. As a doctor who has been in the front lines of life and death decisions, any decent human would know that human life is priceless. Mr. VP would say and do anything the boss asks him, at any expense. A bunch of hypocrites acting as if they are God's children on earth. Any one who knows Christ would never do this even if meant giving up power and money.

  115. Kathie Bartlett on June 26, 2017 at 3:26 am

    He and others MAY read it…but pain would be emptying his bank accounts.

  116. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:35 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  117. Spencer Taylor on June 26, 2017 at 3:36 am

    EXACTLY!!!!!

  118. mrwarnix on June 26, 2017 at 3:39 am

    And still 45 and Pence have supporters that just blindly do not see anything wrong with any of the things they are doing. Making America great again….yeah riiight. We who see the emperor has no clothes are simply libtard snowflakes.

  119. Jan on June 26, 2017 at 3:44 am

    Ditto!! It's hard to be articulate with tears in my eyes. Not to mention while I'm hollering
    “Right On”. All the very best to you.

  120. Maureen on June 26, 2017 at 3:45 am

    I wish I believed in hell because then at least I would feel at peace knowing where these politicians would spend eternity for their evil acts. They know exactly what they are doing when they talk about “personal responsibility”. If they say it enough, their followers start to believe it, they start to believe that we must have done or not done something to deserve the poor health we or our family members are experiencing. I'm sure that millions is spent on the psychology of how to get us to blame each other. Make no mistake, your story will never touch the hearts of these evil-doers. They do not care. Their thirst for money and power cannot be quenched. I pray for you and your family and others who have ill family members. My heart aches because we haven't figured out how to properly treat the most vulnerable among us.

  121. Valerie Setzer on June 26, 2017 at 3:48 am

    I'm so sick and tired of the “Christian” label being used to excuse actions and behaviors that are the antithesis of Christian values and beliefs. Saying one is a Christian, and living one's life as one are entirely different. From all I've learned about this administration, I've neither seen nor heard anything that convinces me that they are Christian in the truest sense of Christian dictates.

  122. MARY WILLIS on June 26, 2017 at 3:50 am

    How can your letter and all these heartbroken stories be delivered to Pence? Would it make a difference? I doubt it but none of us can sit back anymore and do nothing…..WE HAVE TO FIGHT COLLECTIVELY TO STOP THE TRUMP/PENCE ADMINISTRATION FROM VIRTUALLY DESTROYING ALL OF OUR LIVES BY KILLING MEDICAD, IMPLEMENTING A HEALTHCARE BILL THAT HURTS CHILDREN, SENIORS, POOR, CHRONIC ILLNESSES, ETC. I CAN'T SIT BACK ANYMORE AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU!!! GRAYSON IS DEPENDING ON US….

  123. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:50 am

    This is coming from a man who believes in electroshock therapy for gays. Enough said. From one mother to another, i feel you. Although i am fortunate to have a healthy family, I've always said I'm fine paying extra taxes if it will ensure the wellbeing and health of others. That is the cost of living in a compassionate, civilized society. We have to keep fighting for the america we want.

  124. Micro Parents on June 26, 2017 at 3:51 am

    My sweet girl is 8 (feeding tube, wheelchairs the whole thing) I just wanted to say thanks for writing this. You said what we are all feeling beautifully. I tweeted it at Pence (know he won't read it but could not resist). Sadly some of the “GOP Nos” from Friday are already turning to yes. We are keeping up the good fight on this and hopefully it will make a difference.

  125. Jan on June 26, 2017 at 3:53 am

    If I were forwarding. I'd just copy and paste to email, Facebook, or to a specific person. Believe me, somebody from some media outlet has already seen this and Elizabeth will be invited to GMA,TODAY, MSNBC, CNN, AND ALL SORTS OF PLACES. HELL HEAR ABOUT IT.

  126. coachteacher on June 26, 2017 at 3:59 am

    There will be a new healthcare law. Calling the president names will do no good. People in this country that are in a condition as is this child will be taken care of. Our country has plenty of resources for this to happen. Our elected officials will not put this burden on folks that can't care for these people young and old by them selves. The health care problem has become a boondoggle run by the insurance companies and lawmakers who do not know what they are doing. Health care is not a Right but a responsibility. It is something that each individual should take active part in and try and insure they are as healthy as possible. If I don't change the oil in my car when it should be changed and it quits running the government should't have to buy or help to buy me another car. If I don't take care of myself and smoke,drink,do drugs, don't exercise, and live dangerously that is my fault. I shouldn't expect the government to bail me out for my bad choices. I should be able to purchase health insurance that I believe is the best deal for me and my family. Not what the government wants or needs me to purchase. Just like I can get full coverage for my car, house, or any other property I have or I can choose to just buy a certain amount of coverage for those things. I should be able to purchase health coverage for things that could go bad for me that could cost lots of money and pay what me and the insurance company thinks is a good deal for both of us. Free market. I shouldn't have to pay for someone else to have insurance because I can't control what makes them healthy or not. What I would be willing to do is contribute to a fund that would take care of the citizens who are the unlucky few who are burdened from birth or by circumstances beyond there control and need 100% care for their entire life. I believe if our health care system was one of very little to no government interference free market competitive there would be a place where everyone would be able to purchase a policy to meet their needs. Eye surgery has come down in price in recent years and most of it is not insurance driven. People shop around for these doctors just like they do when they need a tooth filled or other dental work. Ok lets end this by saying what we have now is not working and there will be a change and I don't believe the Vice President is for throwing the baby out with the bath water.

  127. Paul on June 26, 2017 at 4:00 am

    Well said, much love to you and your family <3

  128. Teresa Wilson on June 26, 2017 at 4:08 am

    I'm pretty sure God is NOT a Republican.

  129. Venita on June 26, 2017 at 4:13 am

    This.

  130. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 4:16 am

    Actually, I suspect he thinks he is a good Christian. And as a good Christian, he thinks that little boy would be happier in Heaven than here, fighting for his life every day. He thinks his death would be a MERCY to the whole family. If he has his way, the medically fragile will slowly, but surely, be swept from the population. Add a little of the good ol' Christian distrust of doctors, and they will not even survive, thereby making the population stronger. (Side note: Irony of using Natural Selection which he does not believe in) I suspect that is the real VISION he really has for America.

  131. Kathleen Dynes on June 26, 2017 at 4:18 am

    Maybe everyone out there who needs help like yours will video tape their family member with incurable diseases and show what you all go through 24 7 and ask if they are ready to end these lives personally do they and the rich can have a bigger boat more exotic travel because this is the worst health bill I have ever seen,it's all about winning and destroying Obama they don't care as long as they get what they want I will pray for you and please make a vision and and show them your beautiful child who represents million of more children and let them know that they are executioner of all these beautiful children love and praying for you

  132. dscribing on June 26, 2017 at 4:20 am

    Brava! Posted and shared.

  133. George Kinnard on June 26, 2017 at 4:20 am

    Or a soul!

  134. Jennifer Anne Jacobson on June 26, 2017 at 4:21 am

    Not being a Christian I have to question the morality of those that loudly proclaim themselves as being followers of Christ. I've read the New Testament and find that the Christ of the bible is nothing like most people who currently call themselves Christians. Today, the label Christian seems to be translated as cruel, uncaring for others, greedy, and hateful. It will allow others to die because of money, to be openly hated for who they were born as, to be racist, and xenophobic. From what I read in the Bible, the Christ of that book was compassionate for the poor and ill and scornful of the rich and privledged. He was tolerant of sinners, compassionate enough to feed the hungry and cure the ill; this being without care of who they were or how much money they had. I could go on and on, but I really think that true charitable and compassionate Christians would be ashamed to even call themselves by that label; this all do to the cruelty, hate, and greed of those who these days loudly proclaim themselves as Christian. BTW, I fully see Pence as one of these religious phonies. He could care less for those less fortunate

  135. Venita on June 26, 2017 at 4:22 am

    My sympathies to your and your family, Penina, for your loss. Maybe it was better, and, yes, it is miserable to feel that way. Hold your daughter tightly in your heart and know how blessed you were to have her as your joy, though for but a short time.

  136. expatstef on June 26, 2017 at 4:23 am

    Well said. I agree whole-heartedly. I want to point out there are also women out there finding out that their unborn child has some sort of medical issue that they are unprepared for, but they are not given the option of aborting because of faux Christians, such as Pense, who are making it harder and harder for women to exercise family planning and their right to choose. These women are trying to exercise their personal responsibility over their bodies and families, yet the GOP wants to take all of that away. Then, when the child is born, the woman (&/or family) wouldn't have the financial support to get the medical support and could be bankrupted. It's a cruel sentence.

  137. brenda on June 26, 2017 at 4:24 am

    None of them have hearts. Their fake phoney smiles make me puke

  138. brenda on June 26, 2017 at 4:28 am

    Im so so sorry. we must fight these people. We MUST FIGHT BACK for dignity to Iive

  139. Micki Sharpe on June 26, 2017 at 4:33 am

    In the meantime WE are paying for HIS health insurance. Only fair uf tgey gut ours than we stop paying for theirs.

  140. Sandi on June 26, 2017 at 4:34 am

    He doesn't have a heart. Or ethics. Or a soul.

  141. Vic&apos;sMom on June 26, 2017 at 4:41 am

    I'm with you 100% My 12y/o fits this same description. He has no known syndrome for his medical complexities that leave him non-verbal, inability to properly chew/swallow food, multiple seizures/day. He didn't ask for his condition, whatever it is that has forced us to place a gj feeding tube in his belly and require suctioning through the day along with breathing treatments 3x/day and occasional o2 assistance. We never wanted this for our child but we continue to fight his battles along with him. He and all who make up the disabled community deserve so much better than this crap legislation that fake “pro-lifers” are waiting to sign. They all disgust me. I am living Pro-life!

  142. Linda Stafford on June 26, 2017 at 5:12 am

    Yes, he is a faux christian. no capital “C” here, this man, and many like him, are not representatives of Christ, or CHRISTians!. They are more anti-Christ than anything! it is not just the sick, poor, disabled that get kicked in the teeth with this bill, but the elders, the ones that fought and built this country that made it great!. They will die off, because they cant get the care they deserve. and the rich get richer, which is really what this is all about!!!

  143. Shelly Henley on June 26, 2017 at 5:22 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  144. James Evans on June 26, 2017 at 5:24 am

    To be a true Christian, means that you will be Christ like. These nit picking, judgemental people who call themselves Christians are in all reality more like the Pharisee's of Jesus' time. They act all pious and holy but in the end are just hollow shadows of a true Christian. This is why so many people are confused is because supposed Christian groups are supporting these people.

  145. Shelly Henley on June 26, 2017 at 5:25 am

    (copy link above)

  146. Linda Stafford on June 26, 2017 at 5:25 am

    Faux christian, but not even that!. There is nothing Christian about his views. he is more anti Christ than Christian!. Do you see the first two Commandments being met here?!. No! many are nearly sociopathic about their views, their lies, and their demeaning and vile treatment of other Americans….and people! They are giving tax breaks to themselves, the rich and priviledged, lining their pockets with money!. And who pays?. The disenfranchised, the poor, the sick, those with debilitations, and the elders!. The very people who fought and built this country into greatness. many will die and more will suffer terribly because these faux christians and power mongers just dont care!. They want to defeat Obama and anything with his scent on it! they want to defeat the Dems in the worst way!. They care not about their constituents or the values and ideals of humanity!. They are the most vile members of society, and deserve to be voted out, debunked, and held responsible for crimes created against humanity!

  147. Gloria White on June 26, 2017 at 5:25 am

    I think what VP Pence is talking about when he says personal responsibility would be those, that abuse alcohol, tobacco, food, drugs. That I think is his definition of personal responsibility. Those who never exercise. Those irresponsible people.

  148. Shelly Henley on June 26, 2017 at 5:29 am

    This explains all. . .
    (copy link below to view)

    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10209543414530937&id=1494376394

  149. LuLu on June 26, 2017 at 5:34 am

    This needs to go viral. It sums up the “Republican way” so aptly and calls them out on it. It is not all Trump – it is the GOP. Never forget that.

  150. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 5:37 am

    Mike Pence is not a good Christian, any more that any of the rest of the money grubbing, greedy republicans are. Jesus Christ taught “Do unto other as you would have done unto you”. Neither he nor his disciples taught that only the rich were deserving. Everyone who is a member of the GOP care nothing about anything but themselves. They want healthy, ignorant drones to do their work and make their money, no one who is not in the top 2% of income in the country is deserving of any assistance. Just because we pay into the system does not mean we are entitled to any of the funds. It would cost the government no more than it is pay out now to go to a single payer system. To enter the 21st century with the rest of the world. The GOP has no interest in making America great, they are solely interested in making the rich portion of the GOP great, to hell with the rest of us. Got news for VP Pence, that has NEVER been the American way. https://www.facebook.com/tiverjacob/posts/1874282076161609

  151. Katherine Larsson on June 26, 2017 at 5:46 am

    Email the letter to every Democrat who sits on every committee having anything to do with healthcare and ask they use some of their time in hearings or floor debate to read it and have it entered into the record. Email or fax it to every republican who is on the fence about voting yes to the AHCA. I just wonder when Pence and those like him will decide that Christian values are more important than Republican values, because they are obviously not interchangeable.

  152. Dee Omally on June 26, 2017 at 6:02 am

    In the time of Noah, and we are “in the time of Noah” once more, millions fell away from God. No doubt many who perished were “religious” outwardly but inwardly deception on two feet. In the time of Jesus, many “religious” were exposed by Jesus as quacks. Today, very few walk in the authentic narrow path. Many once again are claiming to be Christ-followers but are mere impostors. Be of good cheer all. God is watching and will soon step into time and deliver us from evil.

  153. Sophie Kisker on June 26, 2017 at 6:15 am

    I'm so, so sorry. I can't imagine how much you hurt right now. Thank you for the courage it took to write this. This, exactly is the evil we must fight against. <3

  154. Monica Feeley on June 26, 2017 at 6:17 am

    My heart goes out to you!

  155. Little Sis on June 26, 2017 at 6:24 am

    I weep as well. For the children, the young and the old. Can you imagine the explosion of homeless demented baby boomers if this administration is allowed to continue? Nobody can work hard enough, and be good enough to dodge the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in America, unless they are millionaires. My father, who is in his 80's worked his butt off his whole life in the building industry. He aches to keep working, but can't, and his work ethic will not do him any good now. My mother, his wife, died of Alzheimers in 2013, and Pence would be pleased to know she never took a dime of medicaid. She died in her home. My father paid for everything, and is continuing to pay for everything after several strokes, and fractures. He has been more than responsible his entire life. He lives on his savings and his meeger social security. This pays for all his care in home, his non medicare covered RX and medical, his taxes and insurance and everything that continues regardless of how young, old or unhealthy you are. The money will run out. And eventually he will need help. What will we do? I don't understand what these people in charge are thinking. It's all heart breaking that they are all scrambling to see how much profit the insurance companies can make, not how well we can care for each other.

  156. bforaker on June 26, 2017 at 6:25 am

    Amen, sister.
    If I could meet you in person, I would hug you and Grayson and high five you for saying what has been on my heart so clearly. Thank you! You rock!

  157. Little Sis on June 26, 2017 at 6:26 am

    Oh dear I am so, so sorry. What a horror.

  158. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 6:27 am

    This letter needs to go viral, and quickly. I couldn't have written a more perfect letter that expresses what needs to be said. But thank goodness I didn't write this letter. Or it would have had a heck of a lot more “f” words in it!

  159. Alyssa Freeman on June 26, 2017 at 6:33 am

    By “personal responsibility,” he's not talking OUR personal responsibility. He's talking about HIS personal responsibility – as in, “You're not my PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (because yo're not rich or powerful enough).”

    Republican mantra (repeat after me):
    Keep 'em poor.
    Keep 'em sick.
    Keep 'em stupid.

    >:-(

  160. Chloe on June 26, 2017 at 6:40 am

    For those of you who have written to share your personal stories:
    You, your family,and your child have risen to meet formidable challenges. I hope you have sent copies of your words to newspapers and television programs, as well as to each of your elected representatives and those who hold leadership positions or aspire to run for president. They must be forced to SEE all of you in a personal way and to identify with your struggles and fears. Those who fight for the right to life must be willing to pay to support the right to live.

  161. originalkitten on June 26, 2017 at 6:55 am

    Sadly it's the same in uk

  162. Diana Crandall on June 26, 2017 at 7:01 am

    I despise those righteous politicians who preach the anti-abortion rhetoric while turning their backs on helpless children who need stable health care to survive and thrive. If life begins at conception, and is precious enough to be protected by law, regardless of the parent's desire or ability to care for it, how is that law so quickly thrown aside once that child is born? And, if you are a Christian, or of any other faith, how do you claim to worship a higher power when you are so willing to choose for their parents (because of your political agenda), whether that child lives or dies? Is it because you are so wealthy that your own children will never have to rely on healthcare that you cannot afford? Does that help you determine whether a parent, or that child, is responsible or not? The hypocrisy is astounding.

  163. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 7:05 am

    I am an Englishman living in Spain and who has previously lived in France. The UK system is free medical care for all, it is not perfect but at least it is there. In France I received the same care as any Frenchman, the State paid 70% of any medical care and I paid the remaining 30% although I could take out insurance for that. If my condition was life threatening or a long duration illness I paid nothing.( http://about-france.com/health-care.htm ). I have now been living in Spain for 3 years and the Spanish system is excellent, all treatment is free. ( http://www.expatica.com/es/healthcare/Getting-healthcare-in-Spain_101467.html) . I cannot believe that in the 21st century in one of the richest countries in the World, the health system is so bad. In fact according to the WHO it is rated as the 37th in the World. Us foreigners are following what is going on in the USA closely and we cannot believe what is happening. Those who voted for Trump are like turkeys voting for Thanksgiving. The damage being done will take years to undo once he is gone.

  164. anitar on June 26, 2017 at 7:06 am

    Their crazy brand of Christianity it to do everything in their power to make sure babies are born, but then once they are born, to provide no practical resources and just “pray” for the lord to heal illnesses, and if your child dies as a result, well that was just God's will, not a result of their callous indifference.
    You can't logic away crazy. Even if Pence saw this, his response would be, “Maybe its God's will for your child to die, and that will bring you closer to Jesus.” I swear some of these guys are as bad as the Jihadists.

  165. kitten on June 26, 2017 at 7:09 am

    Trump and Pence don't care. Caring about sick kids is too much to expect from sociopaths

  166. Mander on June 26, 2017 at 7:47 am

    You think this is limited to America?

  167. Multiple Me on June 26, 2017 at 8:16 am

    This disabled mother of 2 Special Needs Sons, APPLAUD YOU. I was sitting here in TEARS because on top of everything else, last week I had a mini stroke which has made me stress even more for the future of my children; and then I came across your blog. My mother keeps yelling me she wishes this administration didn't make me so upset and angry. Your words express exactly why I cannot feel anything else; and have never felt this way about any other administration, even those I have disagreed with. Thank you; keep fighting, keep speaking up, we ALL MUST for the future of our country.

  168. Jenny O&apos;Neill on June 26, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Maybe it needs to get to his wife. She seems to wear the pants in the family. Maybe as a mother she has a bit more empathy.

  169. vtelesford on June 26, 2017 at 8:22 am

    Brilliant letter. Unfortunately what is needed here is a bit if old style Biblical wrath visited upon him..how about a plague of boils for starters?!. Maybe that is the only response(apart from monetary ) he would understand. I am not a US citizen, but I fear for you.

  170. Jenny O&apos;Neill on June 26, 2017 at 8:27 am

    He's (she's) saying that's the Republican view. Because of their hatred of minorities, the rest of the US are going to suffer if you have anything in common with “them”. Read it again.

  171. Cari Clark on June 26, 2017 at 8:28 am

    I have more Christian values than Pence and company, and I'm an atheist.

  172. Jane Jennings on June 26, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Not that my words can help, or change anything at all, BUT… thank whatever god we may or may not have, for you. Let's hope words do have strength, yours spoke of Truth, Reality, and Strength. May your God look kindly on you for your Truth. And fuck all those cutthroats currently in the Whitehouse.

  173. happy soccer on June 26, 2017 at 9:15 am

    My heart goes out to you for ever having the need to write this letter. The state of our supposed leadership is absolutely appalling & I don't think we're on the fast track towards it being mended anytime soon. Your letter is spot on & says what so many people are feeling & thinking, some in a similar place & others like myself, that have empathy for your situation, unlike the current supposed leaders. I hope things go well for you & your family.

  174. wntrgrrl on June 26, 2017 at 9:48 am

    your education leaves much to be desired and your bigotry is disgusting… most Medicaid recipients are white and hetero, esp since almost half are elders in nursing homes and white ppl have longer lives than black, just Because of a substantial lack of healthcare all their lives…
    you are Clueless. Healthcare is a human right regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation and this person's son is Not “collateral damage”, he's a child of extreme disability, like yours cld someday be… and how do you even know this person's race or gender? he cld be a gay black man, for all you know… not likely, but just underlines how stupid you sound…

  175. Cathy Vincevic on June 26, 2017 at 10:58 am

    Wow, these statements from the parents who care for their children with such profound disabilities are heartbreaking and strong. You are all fabulous people and I wish the monsters in power cared about what happens to you and your children. I, also, do not recognize the country of my birth that used to have such high ideals and worked towards them, even while we recognized our failures, or some of us did. This is the cost of privilege–all those disgusting repubs, the koch bros, and the rest that are going along with this and pure evil.

  176. revmom on June 26, 2017 at 11:22 am

    Jesus had much to say to people in power like Mr. Pence. Most of it began with the word, “Woe.”

  177. ducky on June 26, 2017 at 11:25 am

    I cannot understand how pro-life includes abandoning babies to health care once they are born.

    Except pro-life is not about protecting life. It's about having power over others. And living a fantasy of power over and over again. Power. It's the Republican way.

  178. Jamie Lyn on June 26, 2017 at 11:26 am

    You're a fugging bigot!

  179. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Mail copies to Ivanka and Melania as well as to the media and the representatives from your state. The do not have any power but I d think that somewhere in their addled minds, if they get enough of these letters, they may at least say something to trump. They are both mothers.

  180. Linda Fletcher on June 26, 2017 at 11:39 am

    This was a very powerful letter, and it needs to be widely read. Just in case, I tweeted the link to Pence and on my own timeline. Even if he doesn't read it, hopefully some of the people who follow me (admittedly, not very many but I'm trying) will read it. My heart aches for your and your family in this uncertain time, and while I'm not a praying person, please know that if virtual hugs could be felt, mine would be bear hugs for all of you.

  181. Jennifer Rappaport on June 26, 2017 at 11:40 am

    Great letter. As you note, a third-grade understanding of genetics is enough to understand that many healthcare expenses are no one's fault–and certainly not the patient's. This has nothing to do with Jesus, God, or religion. It's basic biology. So yes, “personal responsibility” makes no sense, Pence.
    -David Rappaport, MD, pediatrics

  182. K Burley on June 26, 2017 at 11:47 am

    I am one person who feels your pain. I have a child, that is an adult, but is totally dependent upon me to survive. While we have been fortunate, to have decent insurance in the past. I now have to worry about her medical care for the future. I am constantly fighting this new healthcare bill. It does not benefit the ones who really need it. Mr Pence and his crew does not understand how it works. The only reason why Obamacare is not working is because the insurance companies are jumping out, because the MANDATE is to low to offset the cost. They want the mandate raised to offset cost. In other words, to prevent people from buying out of health insurance, raise the cost of the mandate so it would not be cost efficient. This whole thing about the government forcing us to get health insurance is a stupid. They have been forcing us to get insurance for many years. You can not own a home without insurance, you can not drive a car without insurance. Trust me I worked in the insurance industry, there are many who do not believe they should have to pay, but learned the consequences of not paying is far greater. I am in this fight with you, not because of our children, but because it is the right thing to do for all Americans.

  183. Sue Cline on June 26, 2017 at 11:48 am

    It's not humanity in America that is in a sad state. It is humanity in the Republican Party, the Trump administration and the rich people/ businesses of America that is in NO supply!

  184. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Personal responsibility VP? I take personal responsibility by NOT going to the doctor when I need to. You and the rest of the responsible republicans up there in Washington made sure the insurance corporations got to write the rules for the ACA so now I have a 4500 deductible of which I have to pay 100% within a year before my policy pays a cent toward my medical care. I am 59 years old and can foresee a future with NO way to get medical care while you sit up there on your throne lacking for NOTHING. Do you know how much we HATE you?

  185. tfpld1963@aol.com on June 26, 2017 at 11:54 am

    you refer to “niggers and fags” getting free healthcare.. YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. YOU BIGOT.. YOU RACIST.. YOU HAVE NO BALLS TO EVEN SPELL IT OUT. GO HIDE IN A HOLE AND NEVER SPEAK AGAIN.

  186. John Carver on June 26, 2017 at 11:56 am

    “Personal responsibility?” That “kristchun” make has no clue abiut “personal responsibility.” For 4years I worked in home assisting parents by taking care of their children who are very similar to Grayson. The parents didn't ask for their children to be in this situation, the children didn't ask o be in this situation, the family members who have adopted similarly afflicted children did not ask for them to be so afflicted. But they ALL love their children and want them to be cared for. Every parent I was exposed to, via that time in my nursing career, were the most responsible people I have ever met. Take your”kristchun” family values and shove it where the sun doesn't shine, along with your “personal responsibility!”

  187. Katherine on June 26, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Pence is all about being pro-life from conception to birth, and after that you are on your own. And everybody's mom obviously lacked personal responsibility or she would have kept her legs together — your real lack of personal responsibility was in HAVING a child in the first place. That is really what is in the Republican leadership's (and I can only assume the many of their followers') hearts. There is no love thy neighbor, no what you do to the least of them, you do unto Me, no brother's keeper mentality, and they lack any compassionate imagination to consider for one millisecond how hard many people work to achieve nothing more than treading water in this country. I am so ashamed, and so disgusted by this Congress. this is a wonderful and fiery response, and I hope it does get national publicity.

  188. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    His tweets were dead on accurate and do any of you idiots really believe he was addressing a child. Assuming that story isn't complete fiction drafted by a Trump hating liberal fucktard. Of cousre Pence wasn't talking to a child. Also considering is this story might be based in reality does anybody question what the mother and father did to prepare and care for their unborn child? A question none of you considered! Did the mother drink, smoke, do drugs before and during the pregnancy or did not excercise proper medical due diligence during pregnancy? That leads to more birth defects than what naturally occurring, per multiple leading medical studies conclusions. That would be sole resposibility of the parents to plan and understand what is required of them for a successful pregnancy.
    Perhaps our Vice President was talking about all you big mac eating, big gulp drinking, smoking, drug using overweight slobs that f up their health and demand free health care. Oh and all the sluts out there that demand free birth control. Have all the birth control you want/need, just pay for it yourselves. Personal responsibility!!!

  189. Anonymous on June 26, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Thank you for writing such a great letter that represents not only you and your son, but millions of American children, men, women, seniors, and the disabled. These so-called Christians do not honor Christ's message, to live as he lived. These Christian Extremists sit in judgement of others and want to impose their standards on others, they wish to impose some higher moral authority on American's yet they are hypocritical and do not hold themselves to the same moral compass. Well written and understandable for even the feeble minded – I hope they understand your message loud and clear. You are a better woman than I – good luck to you and your son – and may God strike down these evil bastards who value some lives over others. They may believe that this is the Republican way, but it is not the Christian way, not Christ's way, nor the American Way. We will overcome this tyranny in 2018.

  190. Jim Vasconcellos on June 26, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    I admire your self control. Your boiling point is my calm and collected. Probably why I don't play well with these subjects.

    To add to your argument, health care and free markets are not fundamentally compatible. Markets are about individual choice and the ability to select other vendors. Patients don't always have that choice. Your child, and an unconscious car accident victim are good examples. They cannot shop around.

    You hit this nail squarely on the head. Republicans are willing to let people die. And Mitch McConnel owes his polio-free life to the benefits he would take away from others. I'm sure he'll figure a way to keep them for himself.

    Great blog post!

  191. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I'm confused. What side of the aisle are you on? What words are you disguising with all those symbols? Because it looks to me like you're saying “niggers” and “fags” and describing them as the people who “will destroy the planet if allowed to survive and thrive.” ??!! Really?! Please clarify your statement because that is Sime ugly, racist language and from where I stand you are no better than Pence.

  192. Christina Gabriel on June 26, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    THANK YOU for this! I believe that even most of the rich in this country don't need — AND DON'T EVEN WANT! — yet another tax cut. Most of us understand that we are part of a community. We take care of each other. We were able to afford this decades ago and we can afford to do it today.

  193. Melissa Miles on June 26, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    Pence, like all his ilk, has sold his soul to Mammon.

  194. Phyllis on June 26, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    only thing to change his point of view would be if HE or HIS children had children with health care problems, then, MAYBE he would understand but probably not as he is rich

  195. Jackie on June 26, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    I'm fighting for you, Elizabeth, and your sick child. I want to stay angry too and I want your anger to be permanent not emotional but deep seated. I want America to get angry at these Con men who think they can steal our children, our disabled, our elderly, our poor and throw them out into the trash bin because they cost too much. I am a born Again Evangelical Christian who is saved by the blood of Jesus.
    Mike Pence: YOUR ARE NOT IN MY LEAGUE. You are not saved. You are a fake, a phony, a pretender, a sheep in wolf's clothing. You are the hypocrite that is spoken about in the Bible. You are a “whited sepulchre” full of dead man's bones.
    True Christians, true followers of Jesus Christ and his teachings:
    love the poor,
    have mercy on the sick
    visit those in prisons
    seek peace
    hate riches and money
    are not greedy
    do not seek their own personal gain
    are humble
    and give all they have to the poor so that they may attain eternal life.
    You don't do any of these things above so when that last judgment comes where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats…..Guess where you'll be. See Ya.

  196. David on June 26, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    Do you mind telling me what n!@#$%s and f@#s are?

  197. Jen Timko on June 26, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Please send a copy of this to every Senator. They need to understand what it is they are saying to families like yours. God bless you and your family.

  198. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    Mr. Pence. As someone who has served in Healthcare my entire career I would say the “republican way”is careless and reckless. We have tried to get people on Medicaid to use ambulatory clinics which cannot financially operate with Medicaid reimbursement yet is more clinically and financially efficient than emergency rooms. If you cut Medicaid these patients will flood ERs which will be more expensive, irresponsible and backwards.

  199. Leslie A. on June 26, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    I fear this is the GOPs version of a final solution – to remove health care from the old, the ill, the vulnerable, the poor… to get rid of them.

  200. Larry Scheemaker on June 26, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Its not a moral failing, its a social failing. Society is pushing the poorer people to the curb so it seems. Those people on the Hill dont give a hoot about anyone but themselves. They get paid and all the perks they get they dont give a damn about anyone anymore. Our forefathers, the founding fathers of this once upon a time great country weep for what this is coming to

  201. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    I completely agree with you. I worry for my daughter, who at age 12 was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She did not bring this horrible and expensive disease on herself by eating too much sugar or being overweight or any of the stereotypical ways people think diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2 – and T2 is not always caused by poor choices, genetics figure into that in a big way). How is it her responsibility to care for this disease? She can die simply by having a severe drop or spike in her blood sugar. It's a daily responsibility for her to keep her numbers in check to stay alive. And even with halfway decent insurance (that is very expensive!), we pay a fortune for her supplies that she needs to LIVE. VP Pence is so out of touch it's ridiculous.

  202. Trish Guarino on June 26, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    They can't help but know how violently opposed sooooo
    many Americans are to this heartless and cruel program. BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY DO NOT CARE!!!
    Elizabeth, I can't even imagine how terrified you must be right now as all this looms on the horizon. As if your 24/7 work keeping your son safe and alive isn't enough, you have to now worry about what pieces of your health care will still be left standing when this bunch of elitist are finished.
    I want to vomit whenever any politician mentions Christ or Christianity. Christ would not recognize anything that this crowd is proposing as principles even remotely resembling his teachings.
    I pray and hope enough Senators are left that will look into their hearts and refuse to pass this travesty.

  203. Stacey Hays on June 26, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    Amen!

  204. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    Personal Responsibility – in this case – means to me that when you got pregnant you took on a life that was not guaranteed to be perfect. People have been dealing with chronic problems with their children for a long time without total government money. If you didn't want to deal with an imperfect child – which is always a possibility – then I personally think you should have chosen not to have a child. Don't blame others when you didn't take personal responsibility.

  205. Janet&apos;s Beloved on June 26, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    I am now 64. I was born with mild scoliosis at the shoulder area and the lumbar area. My mom and dad had 7 children, I'm the oldest. We always had enough to eat but my father was abusive and my mother was a passive bystander. This caused every one of us to have depression, weight, and 3 brothers and a sister with alcohol problems. We also have familial diabetes. That is our background and nothing my siblings and I caused it. My scoliosis caused 2 openings to my spinal cord. Those syrinix are ripping nerves to my legs so I have some problems walking. It also caused me to have 2 different sleeping disorders. 1 when I go to sleep my brain stops sending the signal to breath so I stoop breathing about 50 times an hour for up to 12 seconds. I wear a mask at night. Then after 13 years of trying to find out why after getting the night time sleep under control i felt like i was falling into unconscious everyday and found out i have narcolepsy. So I have 3 rare syndromes that there is no cure for just manage with expensive medications and a mask. Depression, diabetes, thyroid all under control. So where am I supposed be more responsible. I do what the doctors tell me and have become vegetarian. I so dislike this brand of Christianity it is not mine. I really feel the anguish of mothers and children. Taking care like that is also a health risk. You choose responsibility for the care of your child while the stress and physical demands can cause illness itself. My heart is with you and speak out about this murderous bill.

  206. NastyWoman on June 26, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Can he read words written by a WOMAN who is not his wife?

  207. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    I am disgusted by people who pretend to be Christian. Newsflash pretenders, real Christians see you. People who have truly accepted Christ into their know that he is love. You have NEVER met Christ is you think let his sick children suffer is good policy.

  208. Amy on June 26, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    Well said. There's nothing “pro-life” about Pence. Nothing.

  209. Aftaid on June 26, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I never believed this before but I believe it now. I am 69 years old and have seen a lot. Is this the way they will get rid of those of us that depend on Medicare and Social Security? Just let us die? Yes, I worked hard and EARNED a small retirement check but it takes all three to just exist. What has happened to our America? WE will all pay for all the bad decisions Congress has made in the past!

  210. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    He is not pro-life

  211. lexiwords on June 26, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    Sadly. Pence et.al. are NOT in any way shape or form Pro Life. They are Pro Birth at best. Virtually all including Sen. Dr. John Barasso, MD R-WY and especially Mr Pence Devout Christian along with their blind supporters have stated in one way or another that if you have a chronic debilitating condition is your fault and in their Godlike fashion they are working to condemn their constituents to death. To these people it does not matter if you were born with a genetic problem or acquired a chronic illness as a combat vet via blood transfer or a nurse / medical provider via a needle stick or blood contact PRIOR to the implementation of universal precautions. Illness is not pretty so their philosophy is to blame the victim and ensure the death of the victim.

  212. Aftaid on June 26, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    Amen to JTRnhtoday.

  213. Ronald Harris on June 26, 2017 at 1:28 pm

    Sadly the republicans just don't get it.

  214. Stephanie Norman on June 26, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    God bless your child, you and your husband. I agree with every thing you said and you are the kind of Christian I am. I know my Jesus is smiling on you and your precious child.

  215. LMD21 on June 26, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    I am a pediatric physical therapist who works with children with challenges similar to Grayson's every day. I am also a Christian who does not see how I and these politicians see and serve the same Christ. Thank you for eloquently and intelligently expressing the emotions that so many of us feel. I will be praying for your family among many others during this trying time

  216. Linda Flores on June 26, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    This is the big question….Will he read it, will he ever see this letter??

  217. Courtney on June 26, 2017 at 1:43 pm

    Shawn, these are two very different scenarios. Obamacare did fail to deliver on some of its promises (and let me state that I was opposed to the ACA) but it still extended Care to millions of Americans. This plan cuts care. It says that. It cuts care. So maybe (I doubt it) it won't CUT CARE as much as they say it will (I'm laughing as I write that), but make no mistake about it… Its goal is to cut care and it will succeed at that goal.

  218. Courtney on June 26, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    Shawn, these are two very different scenarios. Obamacare did fail to deliver on some of its promises (and let me state that I was opposed to the ACA) but it still extended Care to millions of Americans. This plan cuts care. It says that. It cuts care. So maybe (I doubt it) it won't CUT CARE as much as they say it will (I'm laughing as I write that), but make no mistake about it… Its goal is to cut care and it will succeed at that goal.

  219. Marilyn Gilmore on June 26, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Well he obviously has not read the New Testament, and even if he did scan it, he is not a follower of Christ. As another reader said, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. As for #45, he is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

  220. Adrian P Baxter on June 26, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    The GOP, like the Nazzis, want your sick children, the elderly, the poor, and all people of color to die. They're social darwinists.

  221. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    THANK YOU Elizabeth VERY WELL PUT..and TOTALLY agree…

  222. Wendy S on June 26, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Does he read? Not sure.

  223. caroline hayes on June 26, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Unfortunately.pence,trump all of them,they do not care.They do not come from a world of caring.These are the”Scrooges” of the world”let them DIE and be done”in fact they are worst,at least “Scrooge awoke”these are those with so much they could live many life times with the money they have,the rich stay within there own world,they will never have enough ,money,power,or lies to feed their want.One day they will be held accountable…….

  224. such amazing possibilities for change on June 26, 2017 at 2:11 pm

    If everyone reading this, took fifteen minutes to intentionally make it go viral, it may help. This is the most eloquent response I have see as of yet to the critical needs of the moment.

  225. Sharon Richard on June 26, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    Thank you and God bless you and your family. We join you in fighting this heartless administration, all of them.

  226. Robert Christian on June 26, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    Pence will say it's gods will that your child is sick, nothing can change their love of money.

  227. Jason Golden on June 26, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    Personal Responsability is refering to ways to encourage perfectly healthy 20 year old's, with no need for any health insurance, to pay for the millions of dollars in expenses that your child requires to live. You should be greatful, not spiteful, that perfectly healthy children are paying for your family's care.

  228. William Johnston on June 26, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    If Mike Pence cared enough to read this, he wouldn't be a Republican.

  229. Tracy Bramlett on June 26, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    My daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 0f 2016, at the age of 39, when her children were 3 1/2 and almost 2. Surgery removed as much of the tumor as possible, but the remainder will continue to grow. Last summer, she had 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week, along with chemo 5 days a week. Mercifully, the remaining tumor shrunk, but can continue to grow. Therefore, in October 16, she was put on a regimen of oral chemo that she is supposed to be on for a year. Unfortunately, the chemo was doing such bad things to her blood that they had to keep postponing it, so she will still be on it well into 2018. That chemo costs 5,100 dollars a month. How much money do you have to earn to even clear $61,200 a year? That is to say nothing of the MRIs she has to have every 2 months, all the labwork (every week), and the neuro-oncologist visits every 2 months. She is on her husband's insurance, which is good, but because of all the copays and deductables, she still has to work to help pay the bills. What if something happens to her husband – he loses his job, or dies? She has a pre-existing condition, and will never be insured again. Will she have to choose to die so that she can feed her childdren until she dies? This is disgraceful. Well said, Mama! Your family is in my prayers. My actual CHRISTIAN prayers.

  230. Gary B on June 26, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    it doesnt mater if he reads it or not he cant change he has a reprobate mind.

  231. LindaJ on June 26, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    IT reads as if he approves of assisted suicide for those born handicapped. That could be a strong thing to start commenting to his phone and email. He will not get support from his constituency if they see that. And it is true…

  232. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    No heart and cold.

  233. Joanna Sawitz on June 26, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    No heart, no conscience, and cold.

  234. grandma julia on June 26, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    I agree. I have found that many people who profess to be “Christians” are just saying words to get into the good graces of other “Christians”. It is sad when other religions are excluded, like we are not worthy of the same considerations, nor are we caring people. That's just crazy11

  235. Charlie Pollock on June 26, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Unbelievable!!! My blood is f'ing boiling. These are not public servants—they're not even “men”, they are barely human… they're monsters. I am curious however, and perhaps I may have missed this, as a “pro-life” Christian herself, who did you for in the November election?

  236. Charlie Pollock on June 26, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    Unbelievable!!! My blood is f'ing boiling. These are not public servants—they're not even “men”, they are barely human… they're monsters. I am curious however, and perhaps I may have missed this, as a “pro-life” Christian yourself, who did you vote for in the November election?

  237. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    This letter brought me to tears…my granddaughter was diagnosed with CDLS and epilepsy, plus global developmental delay. I totally agree with everything you said, Elizabeth, and understand your frustration with Pence, and the current government. It makes me sick to watch our kids go through one ordeal after another, tube feedings, multiple meds, endless dr and hospital visits, pt, ot, speech therapy, eating a popsicle without choking, trying to hold a spoon, oh I could go on. The stress of seeing her try so hard to be like her sister. When she sleeps, we are praying she doesn't have a seizure that could end her life. I pray that I die a day before her. Because I could not bear with the loss of this little girl. We are currently fighting the school system to follow her IEP…one excuse after another…thanks to Betsy DeVos. I thought Pense was a smart man who could take over when we impeach Trump, but I don't trust him or the billionaires in the cabinet who are looking for ways to get richer at the expense of the elderly, disabled, and those with pre-existing conditions (me). I feel your pain and disappointment. How do we get the Republicans to stop thinking of only themselves. Do we send pictures of our kids with a bullseye on their faces? Can we send a copy of your letter to congress?

  238. Sheila Fay on June 26, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    or some bizarre reason…no one is able to get through to these present republican politicians and that in and of itself s terrifying…it reminds me of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”

  239. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    This monster has NO HEART

  240. Roxanne Larson on June 26, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    I wish there was a way to take away some of your stress and pain and for Grayson to have an easier life. Your letter, though most of us aren't experiencing the same type of situation, I think there are millions who would like to help if we can work together to convince many of those christians to recheck their values. As far as 'personal responsible', keep in mind that poor Pence is looking for money because he's had to hire lawyers. Shouldn't he have planned for this when he joined the orange one? You and your family are in our thoughts.

  241. Robert Polhemus on June 26, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    kOCH Bros, and many more-Actually he personally met with one of the Kochs about a week ago…They have kept him in Congress

  242. Doni Won on June 26, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Absolutely heart breaking and none of these decision making leaders care about anything but themselves

  243. Robert Carr on June 26, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    And he “thinks” he is a Christian

  244. Debbie on June 26, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    Never a truer statement written.

  245. Mo Smith on June 26, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    When 'good' people become politicians, they lose the moral fiber they had and become more concerned about what will get them re-elected. Worse they start to play the POWER game and lose sight of their personal responsibility !

  246. Rogue Moon Farm on June 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    This administration is not Pro-Life. It is Pro-Birth. And once a child is born, no matter what the circumstances, they wash their hands of it. They do not care if the child is fed, clothed, housed or cared for. I want someone in the administration to state what they expect will happen to children (and adults) like this. What is their plan? What do they envision for their future?
    No one is answering this hard question. I think the answering may be too horrifying to think about. It seems to me that MANY (but not all) Republicans simply feel that if it does not affect them, it does not matter, they can not be bothered and that they are somehow separate from the rest of society. Money is the new morality. Not community Sickening.

    This is not a Christian value.

  247. Debbie on June 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    I too am a mom to a little boy with special needs that is now flying high. I have never and will never be glad he is not here with us but I am glad he will not ever have to suffer under the current administrations healthcare “reform.”

  248. Mary on June 26, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    I am the mom of a young adult with cerebral palsy. We are blessed that she is relatively healthy in most ways, but her mild disability is a pre-existing condition. We have become single issue voters. Everything for her is harder – dressing, transportation, etc. Her level of “personal responsibility” is remarkable. All she wants is to lead a normal life and be able to purchase reasonable health insurance. I hurt for you and for all of us who have family members with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Sadly, the issue is not Mike Pence, even though he, with his fake sanctimonious behavior, is, in many ways, worse than Trump. This issue is our fellow citizens and neighbors, who have become so lost in their own struggles that they have forgotten how to care and have empathy for others. “If you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for me”

  249. ChrisFromSunPrairie on June 26, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    Thank you so much, I'm in tears from reading your letter, my heart goes out to you. My daughter who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 19 is also in the cross hairs of the GOP. You nailed it when you said, “Being sick or poor is not a character flaw”. I've been very actively fighting the GOP since it took control of the State of Wisconsin in 2011. I will continue to fight for #allofus until my least breath.

    Solidarity and love from Wisconsin

  250. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Christ would have labelled him a money changer in the temple and would have healed your son. Pence and 45 believe the Beatitudes to be a Chinese conspiracy.

  251. wouldliketo retire in peace on June 26, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    the republican party has morphed into a bunch of crazies. there is a reason the founding fathers included “separation of church and state”. the gop adopted this fake religious crap because it has helped them screw a lot of people

  252. Ivan Rosenberg on June 26, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    Well stated! May I add that republicans who cry “personal responsibility” regarding health insurance fundamentally misunderstand what insurance is. When you buy into an insurance plan, be it through your tax dollars or a corporate insurer, everyone is pooling their money so that *the people who need it* get it. Those who embody the mythical “personal responsibility” who then get sick will benefit from the hard work and money of everyone who paid in–rich people, poor people, and everyone in between. Insurance is inherently a socialist program, and the only alternative view with any internal coherence is to treat insurance as gambling, which most of us do not. So insurance is a socialist concept intended to benefit those who need something paid for, and funded ultimately by everyone involved, including people who pay in but are never beneficiaries. In the good ol' USA, health insurance is a for-profit racket. In addition to paying for your own healthcare, you're paying the salaries of hundreds of thousands of people in billing and health management. As a percentage of GDP, the USA (its citizens, not just its government) spends significantly more on health care than any other country on earth, and it's been this way since the 1980s. The unbridled profit motive means that at every turn, someone is trying to milk another dollar (or another billion dollars), so that the result is an impossibly inefficient system that hurts people if they hurt the bottom line. In a single-payer system, the motive becomes efficiency, cost reduction, and the health of citizens–it's less expensive and more humane, and it removes the horrible stress of impending financial doom if you or your loved ones become ill. Absolutely zero people living in a single payer system would trade what the have for what the GOP is proposing. Well, maybe a handful of billionaires. ACA needs improvements, and a lot of people got hosed on it, but when there's a little grease fire on the stove, the answer isn't to douse the entire house with gasoline. Moreover, it's easy for the rich to claim “personal responsibility” when they've accrued their millions or billions via unfair tax rates and loopholes that have prevented them from paying their fair share for decades–their wealth was built off the work and misery of the poor and middle class. Some villainous pharmaceutical CEO who earns $100MM per year is, I guarantee you, not working 5,000 times as hard as someone making minimum wage.

  253. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    True for special needs children. True for elderly parents, too. Clockwork Orange movie about to become reality? Where only the young and fit are allowed to thrive? Be careful what you ask for aging male “representatives”. YOU AND YOUR PARENTS are next if you don't teach our children and grandchildren compassion and love and responsibility. SHAME ON YOU, Mike Pence. You took an oath.

  254. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I read this via Dan Rather's blog. I am so glad this is making the rounds. I am also grateful to see Grayson has such a loving, caring mom. Stay strong. We fight alongside you.

  255. Ben Moffett on June 26, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Pence, the only thing we out here in the sticks like about you is your gray hair and your kissing up to Trump and your running errors, and waiting for him to be impeached so you can have the job, and if he does, he'll have a footnote in his will asking the government to get rid of you and let his wife, or daughter's brother, or daughter, to be put into the job.

  256. Ivan Rosenberg on June 26, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Hey, “Unknown,” you really misunderstood what Ktwebb68 was saying. Ktwebb68 was summarizing what Pence and his ilk presumably think, including the slurs they're probably thinking. Maybe quotation marks would have made it clearer. You and Ktwebb68 probably agree 100% on the issues.

  257. Stephen on June 26, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    Christian is a label some smack on top of their identity when it's covenient; such as atheist Trump…and Christian was a term made by unbelievers in order to point out a specific sect at the time that was in the process of turning the world upside down to prevent humanity from destroying itself until the time has come…even so The Promised Land is not of this world.

  258. Barbara H on June 26, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    I am a 65 year old left-leaning independent raised by Republican parents. I always understood the concept of “personal responsibility” to mean that those of us who were lucky enough to be born healthy, middle class and educated had a responsibility to help others not as fortunate. Conservative as they were, my parents never failed to vote for millage increases for public education, even though they sent us to the local Catholic schools as long as they could, and even after all their kids were graduated and out of the system. Whatever happened to that concept of “the common good” that Republicans and Democrats used to agree on? (Both sides agreed on the concept at least, even if not particularly on how to go about it or who was included.) Now it just seems every group is out for its own gain and doesn't give a fig for anyone else. I am still a practicing Catholic (not sure how much longer I can hold out) and I think Jesus is weeping!

  259. William Bonwitt on June 26, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    in their concept of “free market” Penina's daughter did what any entity that can't compete does, she left the marketplace, i.e.she died. I suppose as a non-productive 78 year old partial paraplegic who takes a cancer drug that costs the insurance company $7,700 per month I should simply leave the marketplace as well.
    What Pence and Friends don't seem to realize is that economic life may be governed by the marketplace but human life is lived by a different set of rules.

  260. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I am near tears while I read your story. You and Grayson are so strong. I am ashsamed to be an American right now. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Shame on you Mike Pence, may god have mercy on your soul.

  261. pgatlanta on June 26, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    I know since they were elected they feel no responsibility to the American people. They are too busy pleasing the insurers, lobbyist, wealthy, and medical conglomerates to give a rats ass about us. if that health bill doesn't say anything else it shows where they are true loyalties lie. I believe in the next election if Democrats platform is healthcare they would win. that's the only hope we have. So sad and so sorry for so many who will be hurt. My heart breaks, truly

  262. Sandbear on June 26, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Please do not confuse what is happening in the USA with the rest of the 7 billion people around the world.

  263. The Gent on June 26, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Let me ask a question of all of you who are damning Pence, Trump and the rest to various and sundry forms of Hell. Are YOU perfect Christians? Lets check… do you tithe 10% or more at your church? No? Strike One. How about that guy standing on the corner holding a sign saying he's homeless? Do you stop to try to help him? No? Wow. Strike Two. And Christmas… the day named after our Lord… do you put anything in that red Kettle? Do you give to charities to help the less fortunate, however little it might be? No? Oooh Strike Three.

    My point here is you are all not perfect Christians. You just claim to be. But words help no one and attitudes are doubly worthless. There was but one Perfect Christian and he died 2,017 years ago. Unless YOUR house is spotless, don't criticize others.

  264. Stephanie Mayer on June 26, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Have you tried responding this to his original tweet on twitter? That may be the best way to get it seen by him.
    My heart goes out to you and your family. My 4 year old son is in the evaluation stage of getting diagnosed. The ACA has me terrified. What will that mean for the help my son will need? Treatment for mental health is already a problem in this country, that problem is only going to get much larger if this is passed ��

  265. Mary Nealon on June 26, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Cruel beyond words. I'm a nurse practitioner & used to work in Peds epilepsy w/medically fragile children w/refractory epilepsy & other complications. What you say is painfully true. There wasn't a parent I worked w/who wouldn't switch places in a heart beat w/their child if it meant he/she would become a normally develop child. I now work in school based health w/immigrant families, almost all the children are on Medicaid & the parents are hard-working poor at places like the Dollar Store w/out health insurance themselves. These GOP white male pigs are greedy heartless & downright cruel. I hope to G-d they rot in hell if such a place exists for all the pain suffering & death they are abt to cause. They are not Christian, they are not even human. They are worse than vultures. My heart goes out to you & Grayson, I will think about you and pray for you both in the days & months ahead.

  266. krista on June 26, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    Same with our son Josh who is 23, lives with my husband (his Dad & is our only child), has severe Autism & needs 24/7 care. We want him to live with us for as long as we are physically capable. The government saves a SHIT load of $, by giving him $ for community, self care, behavior therapy, residential & respite. If Josh was to live in an assisted care facility it would cost around $1000 a day for 24/7 care. That amounts to roughly $365,000 a year. Physically Our son is healthy, besides allergies, & about 20 pounds overweight. He could live to be 85! Now let's figure that math, beginning when he turns 24 up till 85. $22,265,000. His current budget is less than $90,000 a year. By government strictly bottom line $$$ thinking, they would save almost $17,000,000. Hmmm.. & he is just one person.

  267. krista on June 26, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    Same with our son Josh who is 23, lives with my husband (his Dad & is our only child), has severe Autism & needs 24/7 care. We want him to live with us for as long as we are physically capable. The government saves a SHIT load of $, by giving him $ for community, self care, behavior therapy, residential & respite. If Josh was to live in an assisted care facility it would cost around $1000 a day for 24/7 care. That amounts to roughly $365,000 a year. Physically Our son is healthy, besides allergies, & about 20 pounds overweight. He could live to be 85! Now let's figure that math, beginning when he turns 24 up till 85. $22,265,000. His current budget is less than $90,000 a year. By government strictly bottom line $$$ thinking, they would save almost $17,000,000. Hmmm.. & he is just one person.

  268. shelley on June 26, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    Invasion of the Body Snatchers has happened

  269. Kellyann Brown on June 26, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    Very strong message! My thinking is that the man in question has had very few dealings with a medically challenged population. As a speech therapist, I have worked alongside those incredibly dedicated parents who have worked long and hard to ensure that they children live and prosper and have a decent life. I am now part of a caregiving team for my four elderly parent ( mine and my hasband's). They have been blessed with a nice long life, but growing older comes with so many health challenges. I worry that the aid they receive in Medicare will be cut and so will their lives. This is an important issue on so many fronts. As the wife of a teacher, I'm sure you are also concerned about the educational cuts that were announced the other day. Is this how we want to run our country: restricting health care and then not providing for our most precious asset, our children? I think not!

  270. Janet Martin on June 26, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    Actually he's more like a weasel in sheep's clothing. Wolves are more upright and honest than him.

  271. Cathy Emrick on June 26, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    I am so, so sorry. I cannot imagine your family's pain. Thank you for speaking up and sharing even in the midst of your grief. <3

  272. Robin Merrick on June 26, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    This is so right on the mark! Exactly what I have been thinking and feeling… He is as despicable as the rest of them are… Everyone must keep fighting!!

  273. Tory on June 26, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    You know what he means, why the dissembling *innocence* at not understanding? Why are you conflating his comment with your child's needs? Instead of taking personal accountability and doing your own due diligence on healthcare reform, instead of refusing to let go of the baseless and false canards of the left—'gutting Medicaid', etc., you would see that you are citing false information to perpetuate what appears to be a deep and irrational ideological hatred that is impenetrable by facts. Medicaid spending is expanding, but the left chooses to contort that as a *cut* because the spending is not increasing at the percentage they demand. medicaid is also proposed to move into the purview of the states in the hope that the funds will be spent more efficiently and therefore make more actual dollars available by cutting out the Federal middle man. reading not just yours, but the bulk of the comments, it is shockingly clear that people are allowing themselves to be used as *useful idiots*. You are adults with unprecedented access to facts via the internet and access to the actual bills you won't bother to read, and access to the context of Pence's comment, which you refuse to comprehend. The very fact that everyone here feigns bewilderment at the concept of 'personal responsibility' is very revelatory of the mindset that Pap Govt must act as sugar daddy. Please…please…stop exploiting your kids' health as a tool to make an intellectually and morally dishonest justification for refusing to understand what is going on around you. sheep to the slaughter. How do you folks propose for your children to sustain a multi-trillion dollar debt, much of which derives fron the massively unsustainable 0bamacare? Rhetorical question only, because the content and tone here are obviously impervious to facts and reality. Now, let the predictable Two Minute Hate begin,lol.

  274. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    He and people like him are the reason most of us with nrains have left the Catholic faith…great holy Christians while in church. Scum sucking heartless assholes outside

  275. Bob Onnit on June 26, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    So everyone else is financially responsible for the “millions” of dollars in care for one person's child? It is extremely sad, but the personal responsibility lies with the parents, not with society. That said, people should step up to help this child, and I'm sure no hospital would allow the child to die if they could prevent it.

    So, personal responsibility of a child rest on the parents shoulders. It's not the government's responsibility to take money from everyone and distribute it to one persons child. But people should be and would be willing to help of their own free will.

    So stop your lecturing and maybe try humility, and be thankful that people are footing the bill for YOU.

  276. Maria on June 26, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    so you are implying that it's only the republicans that are doing this? I believe it's ALL POLITICIANS!! Nothing has changed over the last how many years!!!

  277. Maria on June 26, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    ENFPwoman – you mean that warren's a reputable person?? She has lied her whole life to get what SHE WANTS! She is NO DIFFERENT then any other politician!!

  278. Darci Monet on June 26, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    Vice Demagogue Pence seems to enjoy creating legislation that kills people. His anti-LGBT policies in Indiana have done exactly that. And now he wants to do it to the whole country with this draconian torture decree. This bill isn't “America first,” it's “millionaires first.” We are not numbers. We are human beings and that has to matter. And if it doesn't matter to ReTHUGlicans, then f**k them.

    Thank you for this amazing letter. I'm sharing it all over my social media. Wishing peace and blessings to you and your family. ♥

  279. Darra Moore on June 26, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    I guess I go back to Galatians 5:22. The fruits of the spirit:love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self control. The world will recognize us by the fruit we bear. This administration's fruit tree has a bad case of root rot. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not automatically equal a good politician. I'm a firm believer Christ but I'd make a lousy politician even though I enjoy serving others. We need to quit assuming that all Christians are the best person for all the jobs.

  280. Brenda Carpenter on June 26, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    The pro-lifers in the Republican party will do anything to ensure that extreme special needs babies are born but then will abandon them after they are here by cutting off their access to Medicaid and other social programs. They are not true “pro-lifers” they are “pro-birthers”. They don't give a flying duck what happens to them after that!

  281. kim morse on June 26, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    I think America has fallen to a level that only one person can not stand up to who one calls powerful. So, I say, lets unite and message pence until he realizes he is in deep shit. this wont be very fun for pence. him standing next to trump and his creepy self, is going to be his downfall as well as trumps.

  282. kim morse on June 26, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    he is cruel and him saying he is a christian, only God can deal with a false claimer of christianity.

  283. Debbie Foley on June 26, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    We see right through your thinly veiled racism and homophobia.

  284. Patti on June 26, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    Reminder: Trump, by his own admission, doesn't read. (or think)

  285. Patti on June 26, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    But Trump doesn't read!

  286. Beth Sarazen on June 26, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    Responsible. In meaning no more freebies, also meaning and a big one, no more government forcing you to enroll or face penalties on taxes! My do we love to hate.

  287. Aprilcontessa on June 26, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    so true, they are liars.

  288. Beth Sarazen on June 26, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    Responsible. In meaning no more freebies, also meaning and a big one, no more government forcing you to enroll or face penalties on taxes! My do we love to hate.

  289. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    What heart? Penceless has none.

  290. Jeannie Keller on June 26, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    Thank you for voicing what so many of us want to say. I myself work my ass of to get medical care my husband works his ass off and then some, so we can always be in debt because of my own medical condition. My dr pleads for me to stop working I am slowly killing myself. But what about co pays , deductibles , food , shelter etc. Or I can have my husband work his self into a early grave at the age of 60. To leave me homeless and dying in the streets. Thank you for voicing what so many of us need said. It probably wont do anything . But at least you spoke for us. THAN YOU !!!!!

  291. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    It 's not just the medically fragile; a young friend of mine has DS and will need careful caregiving her entire life even if she can 'take care of herself' in most ways. Then there are those of us who are aging and rely on Medicaid in some small way to help us deal with costs from Medicare because we have no other means of support other than SS. There are millions of kids who need help because they either live in poverty or danger or both. Tell me Mr. Pence, is ignoring these people the Christian way? If it is the Republican way/it can't be the loving, caring, American way. You know what? I HATE YOU, THE GROUND YOU STAND ON, AND THE OFFICE YOU 'BOUGHT'.

  292. JLC on June 26, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Your homophobia, racism, and intolerance are showing.

  293. Purrna on June 26, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    I hope your husband gets the treatment he needs. New advances are coming.

  294. JLC on June 26, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Your racism, homophobia, and intolerance are showing. LGBT+ and people of color are not to blame for this shameful page of American history. It's the destructive attitudes and violence toward them that are, among the greed, apathy, and entitlement exhibited by those who would destroy them.

  295. davegrant on June 26, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    His facial expression is zero which tell me there is nothing there. I mean nothing. The guy may be a robot.

  296. Heather Duff on June 26, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    He sold his soul months and months ago.

  297. durwood.mackey on June 26, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    Mike Pence is one of those barbarians who learned early on that if you pretend to be a Christian and say things like “personal responsibility” you can swindle votes out of good people who are likely to take you at face value, which will put you at the table where allc the goodies are. He won't change. Don't expect anything out of him but greed and vanity.

  298. Donna Blosser on June 26, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    Dear Penina,
    I am heartbroken for you and the loss of your young daughter!! You have my deepest sympathy!! I can only pray that the current politicians will be kicked out when the reality of the Russian connection is fully exposed. Waiting for the day when people will get the healthcare that they need.
    I am so sorry this happened to your daughter!

  299. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    Love the idea.

  300. Concerned American on June 26, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Very well written. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope it goes viral.

  301. Concerned American on June 26, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Very well written. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope it goes viral.

  302. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    thank you for giving a voice to all those who can not represent themselves. You are a hero of our time.

  303. Silvia on June 26, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    I echo your sentiments 100%. My son was born with a genetic skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa, the Recessive Dystrophic type, and at 21, he still needs me for everything, including hours spent changing bandages and help him do the most basic things my healthy son could do by himself by the time he was 2. Personal Responsibility, really? I had to have 2 bankruptcies because health insurance refused covering the most basic items for his care. I could go on and on, so much so I even wrote a book about my experiences. I have a blog also (blog.silviaskingdom.com) where I recount our daily life. Thank you for fighting, I am right there with you!!!

  304. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    how much damage is this government going to do before something is done about it the only one that will be OK after 4 years is Donald Trump

  305. Nina Pierce on June 26, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    You speak for millions of Americans (like me) who lived well, but developed a debilitating disease. In my case–MS. I'm already having trouble getting much needed medications to keep me ambulatory and functioning with an electric wheelchair. I was a teacher until 10 years ago when I could no longer stand. I can't even imagine what will happen if there are lifetime caps implemented. I only wish one of the Republican leaders crafting this bill loved someone with a lifetime illness to perhaps they'd understand.

  306. PK Smitty on June 26, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    This may be a facetious comment…..anybody considered moving north of the 49th. We can certainly use more decent minded Americans in our country! 🙂

  307. connie cunningham on June 26, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    he just doenst care

  308. Ralph Vendegna on June 26, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    Pence and all the other morons in Government positions Federal/State/Local that stick together like glue will never change their minds/hearts/and attitude. They only care about Power and getting their pockets full of $$$$$ Thats all it is. And the percentage of legislators that oppose and fight for these morons like Pence/Trump etc will never stop fighting. The Republicans that have this pissy attitude their God are DICTATORS no Human Beings that fight for the people who elected these assholes.

  309. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Most of America cannot afford the shoes they walk in.

  310. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Really Mr. VP…….how about we ALL get the same insurance benefits including you, Mr. President, congress, senators, etc. Problem would be suddenly solved!

  311. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Maybe we all need to repost this and make sure it is read by many. I plan to repost this.

  312. Herman Morgan on June 26, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    He's too busy hiding his own Homosexuality to worry about Kids like Grayson, or for Anyone or Anything that doesn't promote his King's Ego.

  313. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    A strong and heartfelt message. I think many Americans are simmering,with anger just below the surface. I have never seen such disgusting comments, thoughts and and uncaring message coming from any of our so called leaders. You have let the American people down.

  314. Sunset Park Autonomous Zone on June 26, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    I was raised Catholic but now I see religion as the problem.

  315. HsEnglishTchr Chunn on June 26, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    Praying….Father God, allow these words to pierce the heart of the Vice President. We ask that you pierce the heart of our lawmakers who have sooo much and do not think of those of who need a helping hand… in the name of Jesus. Amen.

  316. nightowl223 on June 26, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    You would trade one hate for another hate, neither of which solves anything. How do you know this mother and her child are not the race you obviously hate? How pathetic. Hating others for their skin color or who they love is as evil as someone who wants to let this child die from lack of healthcare.
    And I must take time to explain that those two groups have been thriving on this planet a very long time. Many societies have embraced homosexuals as the perfectly normal people they are, and there is overwhelming anthropological proof that the first humans were the skin color you hate. Sucks to be you, I guess.

  317. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    You are pathetic and are just as bad as the Mike Pence's of this world, just for a slightly different reason.

  318. nightowl223 on June 26, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. I lost my mother last December, after they were elected but before they took their oaths of office and began the plans to dismantle every bit of our social safety net. The changes they are currently threatening would affect her drastically, too, as well as cause her great worry for my oldest son who is disabled, and my younger son who appears to have fibromyalgia (still in the diagnostic stage). I am thankful that she didn't have to live through this awful time, even as painful as it was to lose her. I absolutely understand your feelings of relief that your daughter didn't have to face this dreadful future, as I feel the same about my mother. :'(

  319. Karla on June 26, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    Baseless liberal garbage. Just because you claim a high victim status, doesn't make you right. You're completely off the mark on this but are so blinded by liberal nonsense, it's unlikely you'd ever realize how wrong you are.

  320. Autymn Renee Allen on June 26, 2017 at 9:35 pm

    Personal Responsibility means YOU are responsible for your condition, no one else! So, your child is your responsibility, not the government, not the church, not your neighbors! Owning your situation is the first step to resolution, not perfection. IF you receive an outpouring of help and goodness from others, great. If not, then your child and his condition is your “cross to bear”. Your frustration is understandable. I have great compassion for your condition, but I am dealing with my own condition and my own frustration, just as everyone else is on this planet. You are not any more a victim than anyone else on this planet. You miss the point of life when you decide to play the victim card. Life is about learning to survive being human, flaws and all.

  321. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 9:52 pm

    Thank you for saying this – I hope this article gets to the people who need to HEAR these words and I hope that it can change their hearts and minds. I'll do my part to make sure it gets heard, wherever I can spread it.

  322. unidentified to keep peace on June 26, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Why not wait and see – your fear is speaking for you. Learn to trust….give the new people in office a chance.

  323. unidentified to keep peace on June 26, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    Why not wait and see – you are all speaking out of fear. Trust instead and give the new folks in office a chance. Choose to see the good in people and your life will improve.

  324. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    What heart? Sorry to say the only children they care about are unborn! Hypocrites in the biggest sense of the word!

  325. bugzey on June 26, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    You need to get over yourself! Calling names like that is not only childish you put yourself right down there with Trump and the rest of the hypocrites! You don't know anyone's story. There are people who abuse the system of all races. You are the type of pathetic person who will ruin this planet!

  326. Mettabud on June 26, 2017 at 10:58 pm

    Great Idea! I am going to print it out and send it to the Faux Christian.

  327. Thirtywhatever on June 26, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    My five year-old just finished treatment for Leukemia. Three and a half years. Countless blood draws, spinal taps, daily chemo, lots of other drugs, scans, tests and I lost track of how many hospitalizations.

    I'm one of the people Kellyanne CONway referred to yesterday. I am able-bodied with a job that has the best group insurance. MESSA. The Cadillac of insurances. My family is fortunate because my son's treatment costs… I don't even want to think of the amount. We are lucky. We were treated like royalty at the hospital because of that insurance. We were able to afford our high deductible and the insurance covered everything else. Everything.

    I have witnessed other cancer families lose their jobs, thus their insurance, housing, etc. They ended up completely bankrupt and living with family to survive. Fortunately Medicaid and CHIP made it possible for their kids to continue treatment. But they still lost everything, many lost their child too. Too many.

    What Pence and the Repubs talking about this bill seem to forget to mention, even those of us with great insurance will feel the effects of Trumpdoesntcare. The caps, no regulations on the insurance companies, etc. Now do I not only live in daily fear of my son relapsing, which his chance of survival will be slim, I now also have to worry about losing everything my husband and I worked for. What if the insurance company won't pay because his cancer history means he has a preexisting condition? The caps? Yea, we would hit that in six months or less.

    So no matter how “personally responsible” a person is in Pence's book, the majority of Americans are a diagnosis or major accident away from being impoverished by medical bills.

    I don't understand what the hell is wrong with these people. And the voters that think this is great? I advise you to save every penny you get back (if any, I doubt there will be any savings.) you will need it, and then some.

    What a sick, selfish world we live in.

  328. Nan Reed on June 26, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    amen,brother

  329. Unknown on June 26, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    It won't phase him or trump at all…and they are not Christians – not at all. You can call yourself a Christian, but if you don't live by and practice the beatitudes, commandments, and you know walk the talk then you ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN.

  330. sheblooms on June 26, 2017 at 11:36 pm

    It's Alternative Christianity. Don't you know? These people aren't Christians. They only play them on TV.
    I'm so sorry. I too, have serious chronic health conditions, although not nearly as serious as Grayson's.
    I will be praying for Grayson and his healthcare. I will pray for you and your husband to stay well. God bless and keep you all.

  331. Delvina Fiducia on June 26, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. God be with you, her twin and all your family.

  332. jillrstanton on June 26, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    Thank you sweet mama for such a beautiful and articulate voice. I too am extremely grateful for the care I received under the ACA. I couldn't be more blessed than I am today. Because you see I was able to read that letter. Or year and a half ago I began to lose my vision. Without Obama care I would not have been able to have the surgery and today I would be blind and more than likely on welfare. Instead I found a wonderful I surgeon who will except the insurance and was able to replace the lenses in my eyes. It was like having my own personal miracle. I could see again immediately. I am also able to work and sustain myself As a kindergarten para, who also works with special needs children. Your voice matters! Printing your letter, I love the beauty of your transparency, I could feel the heat from your anger come right off the page. I even love that you said fuck. Righteous! Not a word that I use my vocabulary. As a rule. But you had my attention. I will continue to pray for you and your family, and definitely for our country. Keep fighting! Love from Seattle.

  333. J D on June 27, 2017 at 12:01 am

    This whole Republican way” reminds me of the Nazie's genocide of the poor, sick and disabled…..keep fighting Elizabeth!!!

  334. Peter on June 27, 2017 at 12:06 am

    Do not email! Print it out and send it in an envelope. Mail sacks stacked up in the hallway send a real message that even the good Voce President will find hard to ignore.

  335. Gillie Waddington on June 27, 2017 at 12:06 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss of this precious life.

  336. Concerned Brit. on June 27, 2017 at 12:19 am

    AT last someone who says it the way it is. As an outsider looking into the US I am horrified that the nation is now living in fear of the sheer lunacy of the Trump administration. Anyone with any sense of decency or compassion should realise that a governments duty is to care for its people, ALL of its people not just the fit and wealthy. This Republican administration is selling its soul to the ignorant, grasping, lying bastard Trump, I am amazed that so many people were so gullible to believe the hogwash of his campaign promises. I am finding it beyond belief that so many cannot see this asshole is on the make big time, making a mockery of his office (he certainly is no President) and systematically destroying the fabric of the USA. How long will it be before we get reports of the sick being turned away from life saving treatment and being dumped in city backstreets because they were too poor to pay. Elizabeth has written a wonderful letter how can anyone not see the concerns of this parent for her child. I expect it will be labelled FAKE by Trump and ignored by the righteous Pence. Wake up America or Trump will privatize the nation and sell to a Russian oligarch.

  337. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 12:49 am

    do it

  338. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 1:07 am

    I can't help but think that the Republican “way” will certainly take care of the sick, disabled and poor…they will all die and the problem goes away. There are no words.

  339. Liz on June 27, 2017 at 1:09 am

    I can't help but think that the Republican “way” will disenfranchise the sick, the disabled and the poor who will then die and that will take care of the problem.

  340. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 1:37 am

    15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

    21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

  341. dali on June 27, 2017 at 1:45 am

    ……….and this is for all those fools who thought that Trump/Pence would make America great again… Those bunch of old white men will only make their profits, and the profits of the rich, great again. They never did, and never will, give a fuck about the rest of the population, especially the less fortunate.
    Pro-lifers care about the unborn, after that whatever happens to you is your problem… your responsibility…. amazing take on christian faith indeed.

  342. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 1:55 am

    The beginning of legalized genocide…if won't matter how long we fight or resist, this is a loosing battle….as long as the Republicans are in power, we will have to live under the strong arm of fascist dictator. Seig Heil Trump!!

  343. Elaine on June 27, 2017 at 2:12 am

    I am so very sorry for your loss, your family's loss. What heartbreak you must feel. Please know that people out here care. Please keep telling your daughter's story. It needs to be heard. Be certain your Senators and Congressmen hear your story too. No one should ever fear they won't have the care they need to live.

  344. Elaine on June 27, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Very powerful, Susan. You are the voice that needs to speak. Please put your words out there. Please use your gift of words to reach your Congressmen, your Senators. Forget those empty spirits in the WH; they are soulless. But do try to reach the ones who will vote. My best to you, and your son.

  345. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 2:36 am

    Print this out a bunch, and have them mailed to him, one at a time. Keep them flooding his mail box.

  346. Why not? Sue on June 27, 2017 at 3:52 am

    So sorry for your loss. This is a horrible place our country is in. I pray we recover before we lose our humanity entirely.

  347. cherittfn on June 27, 2017 at 3:58 am

    If you do not have the guts to say those words out loud, keep[ your fucking mouth hut asshole.

  348. Pete Field on June 27, 2017 at 4:40 am

    I am sorry for your child, and Hope he finds peace. But,do you really know,blaming Trump, is blaming who? Were you taken care by Obama care. I wasn't, but many Americans, who pay Taxes were not either, but we payed regardless. Nothing is for Free. Somebody has to pay. ! I imagine they still will. Your situation is unfortunate. Teachers do not make enough, I would imagine, that is Trump, Pence, and my fault. How about the disabled troops, that were abandoned, by the VA.under the
    Obama admin. Or maybe the 15,000,00, Illegals, who go to emergency rooms, and never pay. The pharmaceutical companies, who for the most part, are owned, by mainly the Democrats, that pushed opiates,made a fortune and now own rehabs. Making Billions.Blaming Trump, who has not affected you as yet, is B.S. Americans making Americans, pay for everyone, while I can not afford, Obamacare,is really onesided.You sound like a Democrat, just by the Hype, and will soon become the poster Mom, used by the media,and will be taken well care of, by your party. But the other Moms, who struggled thru Obamacare, is kinda one sided. I can't imagine how hard it must be. This did not happen overnite. Exposing how America, got to this point, is easy. While many Americans were asking what's in Obama care, Pelosi said, ” we have to pass it to see! That's funny! Instead of being told how a watch works, we were told, not to worry, be a good American, just watch the hands!

  349. Misty on June 27, 2017 at 4:44 am

    I am sorry about your child. Are you getting SSI money to help you? Trump has $8 Billion proposed for catastrophic illnesses which is more than Obamacare but is not enough. We have 109,631,000 people on Welfare. We have 105,862,000 people working full time. Half of Americans pay zip in taxes…. Where do you think the money is going to come from? Borrow some more???

  350. C on June 27, 2017 at 5:21 am

    Brava Elizabeth. Your post is hard hitting and honest. Pence scares me more than Trump. I think he's insidious and spreads his disguised hatred like a malignancy. I really don't think he cares about our histories or concerns. He is evil.

  351. joh on June 27, 2017 at 6:02 am

    So, this is what conservatives think will “Make America Great Again”? There are no Christian ideas at work here. Just a hypocritical, self-serving administration that cares only for the rich. Children like Greyson lose their health care while the 1% gets a huge tax cut. Can democracy survive in this increasingly toxic environment? I think we're facing the biggest challenge America has ever known. You've sent a strong message to a man who claims to believe in God. Unfortunately, he chose to work for a madman who thinks he is a god.

  352. Michael Keller on June 27, 2017 at 6:16 am

    It's not just a problem in America.

  353. Donna Hess on June 27, 2017 at 6:19 am

    he's a non-person, a shell, so self rightous and smug, I would love to take his and his families free healthcare on our dime away and see how he whines and freaks out. These people have no empathy what so ever they have lived charmed lives thus far and I hope it changes for all of them. Put them in people's shoes who has not had the luck, the support and who have had to struggle but still yet dont begrudge their fellow man nothing but the best.

  354. SMF on June 27, 2017 at 10:23 am

    See the piece MSNBC did that is very similar – different Mom and different child – but right there in the same place.

  355. Hollis on June 27, 2017 at 10:32 am

    Sing it sister!! Right there with you with my 17 year old multimillion dollar kiddo! ❤️
    http://hollisbrainsurgery.blogspot.com/

  356. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 11:10 am

    How is it the taxpayer's responsibility to subsidize your selfish decisions? You chose to have a child, and there are no guarantees in life. It is your responsibility to provide health care, as well as food, clothing, and shelter for your child, not anyone else's. Evidently, you believe that other people should be forced to pay for the consequences of your decisions, particularly when your life does not turn out as you expected it would. No one owes you anything; you are responsible for yourself and your offspring as long as you are an adult.

  357. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 11:18 am

    Ahem. I thought the United States of America (which excludes the larger part of “America”) was founded on the principle of “separation of church from state”. I haven't lived there for a very, very long time (no, don't miss it either) but what in the world has happened to a country which once placed such a high value on freedom of choice???

  358. Dorothy on June 27, 2017 at 11:56 am

    You're too kind to call him Mr. Pence…MP for mostly putrid.

  359. Carl Kelso on June 27, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    If the Democratic party hadn't let 3 generations of their supporters become habitual welfare recepients with no desire to actually work for a living and extending benefits to people who are in this country illegally, then Trump/Pence would haven't had a chance in hell of winning. (It wouldn't have even been close!) As a result, deserving people like these medically challenged children (and adults like my wife) get thrown under the bus because of the backlash against abuses by the unresponsible that form the backbone of the Democratic party's core constituency.

  360. Carl Kelso on June 27, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    If the Democratic party hadn't let 3 generations of their supporters become habitual welfare recepients with no desire to actually work for a living and extending benefits to people who are in this country illegally, then Trump/Pence would haven't had a chance in hell of winning. (It wouldn't have even been close!) As a result, deserving people like these medically challenged children (and adults like my wife) get thrown under the bus because of the backlash against abuses by the unresponsible that form the backbone of the Democratic party's core constituency.

  361. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    Is it the responsibility of the People of the United States to pay for a child who was going to turn out this way? Did you know before hand? If so my not terminate the pregnancy and try again for a more healthy baby. I don't think your religious views were fair to both parties involved.

  362. Philip Machanick on June 27, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    If he supported universal healthcare he could get one transplanted.

  363. Pat Jett on June 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    My sister has battled Behcet's for about 20 years. I always thought it was something she had to live with but recently learned it is something that she could die from. I feel for your daughter.This administration is a nightmare.

  364. Sarah Craig on June 27, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    Amen! And you know, I never really thought about it that way before, but it really is the prosperity gospel. Which explains a lot about why some Christians think that way. Bless you for all you do for your family, and to share your true life situation. I'll be praying for you and sharing this post. Together we can make a difference – I hope!!

  365. Mom on June 27, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    My heart goes out to you, Elizabeth, and the struggle you have dealt with in caring for your son Grayson for the past 7 years. I can only guess at the tremendous weight you are under on a 24/7 basis. We personally know of another family who is dealing with this health issue in their son. So I can, in some small way, understand the extreme emotions something like health care funding would bring out. I do not know VP Pence, but assuming he is as represented, does anyone really, honestly think that he, personally, as well as countless other christians lumped in this, is a callous, hateful man who only cares for the rich. When he talks of personal responsibility, does anyone really, honestly think that he would be referring to Elizabeth and other folks who find themselves in such a perilous and unasked for position? When I hear him or anyone else speak of “personal responsibility”, I assume they are talking about those who choose to harm their body, soul and mind with behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, unprotected and extra-marital sex, and lack of discipline when it comes to eating and exercise. None of us should be exempt from the responsibility for the harm these particular choices may bring. We hear so much extreme rhetoric from those of a different persuasion who have voiced such things as “thousands are going to die”. AP FACT CHECK says that the “proposed medicaid cuts” are to the INCREASE ONLY and not to actual spending and “So, yes, Medicaid spending would increase by $4.7 trillion over a decade.” , in spite of the proposed cuts. So much twisting and biased information on both sides these days that it is almost impossible to find out the true picture of anything. Sad, sad commentary on our times. Elizabeth, I wish you well and that God would grant you peace, comfort, strength and a renewed spirit as you daily deal with Grayson's illness. Elizabeth, thank you for your blogs so we all might be less self-focused and more aware of how others are having to deal with ongoing struggles and perhaps be more compassionate and, when possible, personally get involved in offering a helping hand whether physically, financially or even praying. We have, for the most part, corporately opted out of our own personal responsibility to be our brother's keeper and have laid it all at the feet of our ever-increasing, ginormous, inefficient government to do the job and as we all know, that hasn't worked out too well.

  366. Mrs. Christmas on June 27, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I think we should expect healthcare bill, not a second republican tax bill that redistributes the wealth furthering the gap between the haves and have nots. It is not questionable, people will die if this bill passes, families will bankrupt. Any politician who supports this bill should be thrown out of office for their inability to represent their constituents. Instead of finding a way to give tax breaks to the wealthiest, we need leadership to find a way to cut the cost of drugs/treatments, make healthcare more efficient, available and affordable. We need solutions not worse problems.

  367. Cliff Judge on June 27, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Like all GOP-ers, his heart belongs to mammon.

  368. Wrighty on June 27, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    Bravo and thank you. A link to this article at the Huffington Post popped up on my news feed and I'm so glad it did. I'm a new fan of your blog. Best wishes to you and your family and good luck to us all moving forward. I hope more of us choose to stand up, speak out and take care of each other.

  369. angmag55 on June 27, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    Pence is one of those greedy morons who hides who he really is by saying he's a devout Christian using God and Jesus! Pro-Life?? Just for the unborn they all are proving that with this new healthcare mess they think will make America Great Again roflmbo but mess over Families and children are a big part of this Republicans well they have had years that they controlled Congress and Senate and they run on the Pro-Life ticket and have done nothing and I mean nothing till now! Taking away Birth Control for women means unwanted pregnancy and backroom abortions if Congress and Senate have their way!! America will never be Great Again with Trump and Pence running things 🙁

  370. Libby Berger on June 27, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    I can't imagine your pain. She sounds like a wonderful young lady. I am sorry you lost her.

  371. Ronald King on June 27, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    Gal 6:2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

    Did Christ ask if they deserved to be healed when he healed the sick? Did Christ ask if the 5000 deserved to be fed? What part of Christ's ministry was built upon modern conservative values?

  372. Suzannebyshore on June 27, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    Heartless, cruel and evil with only one agenda. To better himself and the lives of his equally disturbing cronies. This country's administration has it all wrong… and, we the people are their victims.

  373. amfl on June 27, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    My sister just found out that kidney she received from another of my sisters is failing. She has been working full time for the last five years since receiving that kidney. Now she faces treatment that may or may not save her life. She had also fought luekemia and breast cancel and beat them both. She will probably have to retire on disability now and faces being left to the consequences of this administration's rush to gut health care for people like her. Perhaps all the wealthy folks who will benefit from this bill will donate some of their wealth to fund health care for the hopeless. Yeah that's not happening. Maybe they'll send flowers to the funeral. You will never meet a kinder more Christ like person than my sister. But I don't Mr. Pence or any of his ilk would recognize Christ if he hit them over the head with a crucifix

  374. Lynn Tkachuk on June 27, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    Democrats and some smarter Republicans have spoken out and share our outrage, but the ignorant sheep who believe everything told to them will not suddenly become less ignorant. Maybe if they suffer and can understand why their government is making them suffer, some will finally get it. Unfortunately I have heard many make excuses for little t and his thugs, say “he doesn't really mean it.” refuse to believe facts. Republican assaults on public education have really worked for them!

  375. Debra Curran on June 27, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    OMG THANK YOU!!! You've said everything I want to say as the mom of a medically fragile special needs child – better than I have so far. Thank you.

  376. Unknown on June 27, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    I'm afraid appealing to Pence as a father will just slide right over his head. He horrified me when he said he hoped God would ask him to sacrifice his children to prove his love, that hew would put them on an altar and kill them if God asked. So, instead of killing his own children, he is supporting a bill that will kill ours. Yeah, what a guy. I bet God is thinking he's some fantastic Christian!

  377. Suze6022 on June 27, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    Love our POTUS & VPOTUS❤️������MAGA

  378. Margaret on June 27, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    I'm Canadian, so frankly, the whole idea that health care is a marketable commodity confuses the heck out of me…but I have been in your shoes as the caregiver of my husband, who died from Type 1 Diabetes in 2006 at the age of 53 (he was diagnosed at 7). We couldn't have survived without our health care system; that any civilized, democratic government would do this to its people is beyond comprehension. You are not alone in your anger and dismay. Not only do your fellow citizens understand and fight with you, but many around the world. Make sure you take time to 'lie down beside still waters' and let the Good Shepherd restore your soul. God be with you.

  379. Lynda Richter on June 27, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    2 Timothy 3 NIV
    / Bible Versions / New International VersionToggle Dropdown / 2 TimothyToggle Dropdown / 2 Timothy 3Toggle Dropdown
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    1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

  380. Lynda Richter on June 27, 2017 at 9:13 pm

    2 Timothy 3 NIV
    / Bible Versions / New International VersionToggle Dropdown / 2 TimothyToggle Dropdown / 2 Timothy 3Toggle Dropdown
    0Save
    Previous Book Previous Chapter Read the Full Chapter Next Chapter Next Book
    Scripture Formatting
    1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

  381. Lynda Richter on June 27, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    A Final Charge to Timothy
    1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

  382. MaryinNaples on June 27, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    So true!

  383. Marc Andresen on June 28, 2017 at 12:04 am

    I pray Mr. Pence sees this and takes it to heart.

  384. No name on June 28, 2017 at 12:09 am

    Well said. Pence uses the abortion issue to get uninformed Americans to vote against their own best interest. That's what the hate mongering was for in last election. He is no Christian that's for sure. Jesus had a lot to say about the hypocrites. If Pence walked in you shoes for just one day, I wonder if he would repent.

  385. Laura Kate MacArthur on June 28, 2017 at 12:38 am

    Penina, I am truly sorry for the pain and loss suffered by you and your family. I search for words that can provide comfort and strength to you and I come up empty. As empty as you must feel at this time. Accept the grief and move past it, holding onto the memories of your daughter, the joy she brought you. Use the joy of her life, and the grief and anger at her death, to move forward and to help others in the same situation. Others suffer now and will suffer under the 45's policies. Don't let their suffering diminish yours but rather build upon yours and create the force that will help all of us move forward and move against these policies. Good luck and God bless.

  386. Susan on June 28, 2017 at 1:21 am

    Every person who has a story to tell about the challenges of their ill children needs to tell it to SOMEONE, get it published somewhere – Facebook, local papers, local TV stations, and DO IT NOW!! Until people SEE the EXAMPLES of the disaster, and the reports from LEGITIMATE families, (not scammers like they want to pretend are the only people who benefit from plans like PPH and Medicaid), and OH!!!! Be sure to send copies to the VP of the US and and anyone else you've noticed doesn't “get it!” But time is important! DO IT NOW!!!

  387. scruffy&apos;s dad on June 28, 2017 at 1:31 am

    Sorry Elizabeth, you have run into “Alternative Christianity” this is something that began in the last hundred years so it's not all that well known. You can see signs of it everywhere, In huge beautiful churches, in private jets that the preachers need so that they can talk to God “up close and personal” It shows up when people refuse to give alms to their fellow man for all sorts of reasons like “well he's a Muslim” or “If they were responcible they wouldn't need food stamps.” One I really like is when a Church allows it's priests to molest children (and then hides it) If you just look around you will see it everywhere.

  388. Melissa on June 28, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Guess what? We are pretty pissed of that Obamacare was shoved down our throats. It is not my responsibility to pay for your child's health care, that's yours. Hence personal responsibility. Our country runs on capitalism not socialism and it's time we got back to that.

  389. Melissa on June 28, 2017 at 1:59 am

    You guys are pathetic assholes! Just because he's asking you to take personal responsibility, which liberals don't know how, you think he's hateful? YOU are why we elected Trump! #MAGA

  390. Ellen on June 28, 2017 at 3:12 am

    The problem with Trump in particular and also with other Republicans is they lack the ability to put themselves in other people's shoes and empathize.

  391. Leah Baugh on June 28, 2017 at 5:12 am

    I would like to take a whole other direction and question the churches for a moment. Im addressing the church body,—essentially, the believers in Christ the Son, God the Father, and The Holy Spirit—what role should all these huge mega churches that claim His leadership play in caring for one another. Unfortunately, the church has failed its mission, therefore, government has had to step in and push it's agenda on everyone. Also unfortunate, is that government has been separated from Christianity far tooo long. At the hands of unbelievers it has grown greedy, cold , and moved only by its own agenda!

    I say let the government protect its people through military and law enforcement and God's people step up and help our fellow man through private healthcare and hospitals and facilities that care for all of its citizens the same!!
    It's time for believers to rise abd follow ALL of God's precepts. He promises to heal our land if HIS people turn and pray. We are the ones with the power to transform this country; that power dwells in us as the Holy Spirit. #letthespiritmoveinourland

  392. Kit Prate on June 28, 2017 at 8:05 am

    Just once — since Pence, Trump and their devotees proclaim themselves to be Christians — I would love to ask them the question “What Would Jesus Do?” and then watch them squirm as they attempt to answer the question. Preferably in front of a camera, in the full view of the entire country. And, Elizabeth, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband and Grayson. God Bless you all.

  393. TheVacationValet on June 28, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    Why should something like medicaid, that is designed to be part of a larger social safety net, be utilized as a personal life support system for your child at the expense of everyone else? How many millions of dollars should be spent and who should have to pay for it and why? Are those valid questions. I'm not trying to be insensitive to your situation or of your sons condition. I just think you may have misplaced expectations.

  394. Holly Patterson on June 28, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    I have worked for years in Special Education. I have cared for and loved your child (children) too. I am not their mother..but I see their worth. I have celebrated milestone…and advocated for your kids, I have had to be their voice. Parents like you are my hero's….Thank you for sharing your very personal story..my voice joins yours!

  395. E on June 28, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    I just discovered your blog and have been so very impressed by your immense intelligence, your fantastic writing, your loving heart, and now this letter. Wow. I'm Jewish and have not had a lot of exposure to true Christianity. Thank you for showing me how very much we are actually sisters in faith. <3

  396. Karen Silvi on June 28, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Thank you for your insightful and moving comments. I urge EVERYONE…PLEASE turn your anger and your frustration in to ACTION!! Get involved and work to vote the Republicans out of office in the 2018 mid-term elections. I'm not so happy with the democrats either (WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY GOING?!?) but we need to put the brakes on trump and the Republican Party as much as we possibly can. God help us if we have to endure the full 4 years with the Republicans and trump running this country.

  397. Bunny on June 28, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    Truth!

  398. Bunny on June 28, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Truth!

  399. bob holliday on June 28, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Pence is a straight laced right winger who apparently hates anyone who isn't rich. Simple Don is just that. Listen:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D49XA8c761o

  400. bob holliday on June 28, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Republicans resent anyone but the wealthy having healthcare:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D49XA8c761o

  401. Dottye on June 28, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    Too bad it doesn't happen to someone in HIS family. I hate to wish that on anyone, but if it has to happen in someone's family that people are sick due to no fault of their own, why couldn't it be in his family instead of someone else's?

  402. Mel DiGiacomo on June 28, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    I'd hope to post this Al. let me know and I'll remove it.

  403. Shari DeCarlo on June 29, 2017 at 12:41 am

    Thank you for this. I am also the mother of a child with severe disabilities. You've said exactly what I feel.

  404. Donna Sullivan-Thomson on June 29, 2017 at 3:59 am

    Humanity across this whole EARTH is in a sad state!

  405. OneDay@aTIme on June 29, 2017 at 4:38 am

    Mo Republicans do.

  406. Shodo on June 29, 2017 at 8:40 am

    I'm so sorry. I was going to say that she needs to leave the country to go somewhere that has compassion. But I guess she did.

  407. joy on June 29, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    Sincerely i was so crushed when my Husband of 8 years left me and moved to Quebec City to be with another woman.The pains was just too much for me to bear that I couldn't just bear it anymore. So i had to reached out to the Internet for help until i found out that Dr. PETER was the real deal.. I had tried the whole lot I knew, and with your spells, blessings and extraordinary magical powers, you did all the work for me, which you have guaranteed me positive result in 3days, my Ex Husband came back to me and he was remorseful for the whole lot he has done And now my life is balanced and i am happy again. Dr. PETER you do a great service to people. Friends in case you need the help of Dr.PETER kindly mail him on ayokospellcaster@gmail.com

  408. Unknown on June 29, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    Well said

  409. Beau Sinkler on June 29, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Extraordinary letter. I'm going to share it on my FB page. Thanks for taking the time to articulate what MOST of us have been thinking ever since our incompetent president took office. Our country is going to hell in a handbasket FAST. Did you see Trumpty-Dumbty's tweet this morning bashing the Morning Joe hosts? I've never been so embarrassed for my country as I am now. He needs to RESIGN, and quickly. Otherwise impeachment for incompetency will be forthcoming, I hope.

  410. Unknown on June 29, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    Why dont' they just call it “Survival of the Fittest Health Care?”

  411. Unknown on June 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    Where were you when I was growing up? Born in 1941, no health insurance for anyone then nor as I raised my 4 children into their early teens. Your employer did not provide any insurance, medical or dental as there was none. Each family was responsible for their own medical and dental care. And we did get it. Our Doctors made house calls and took whatever payment we could afford. We learned to sometimes set our priorities differently if we needed to pay for something than came up like stitches or broken bones. Mother's had babies, we saved our money to have them and hospitals and Doctors took monthly payments. And what about those who had children who had diseases or born with something that was considered a handicap. As a neighbor, family or friend, we rallied around those who had those problems and helped them. None of us protested to the government about our health care. We did what we needed to do. And as a Christian nation then, families prayed for miracles and miracles did happen. There was no entitlement mentality then as their is now. It was Americans working together. Not too long ago a woman I know, posted on her facebook page that she had cancer and was undergoing chemo treatments and an account had been set up for her as she need funding n support from her friends. She came through the cancer and is now is buying a lovely new home. My question is why did she ask people to donate to her fund and the turn around and a few months later buy this lovely home. I thought we helped people who were down and out. When I had breast cancer, no health insurance, I just did radiation, to the tune of $75,000.00 it never occurred to me to set up an account and ask people to donate. My husband and I had to sell our little home to pay part of the cost and then make payments for years, many years until the balance was paid off. We did it and I never thought anyone owed me anything. I have some friends who have adopted 6 children from China, all with special needs. They both work, the mom works out of the home the dad works from home part time and home schools the children. Before Obamacare their yearly copay for health care for the family was 14,000.00 after Obamacare it went up to 24,000.00. One of my sons is an insulin dependent diabetic since age 35. Just one of his medications is 700.00 a month. Before Obama care, he had some help paying for it, after Obama care, nothing. Taking responsibility for ones own life period is what this society now days does not get.

  412. Shelly Quigley on July 1, 2017 at 2:37 am

    These bastards force women to have children and they say F__you when you ask for help to care for them. Dispicable hypocrites!

  413. Merillee on July 1, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    I loved reading this. Here in Indiana Pence is viewed as some sort of savior and I am left sitting taking care of my medically fragile daughter feeling very alone. People I thought were friends have turned on us, one yesterday said that asking her to help pay for my child was akin to being robbed at gunpoint but my dramatic advocacy makes her feel like she has lost the right to even complain about it. Really? We have been told by our Christian church leaders to settle down because we are offending people by being so in your face about our feelings on this. I'm in your face? That's because my child's life is being decided right now by our government and I live in fear. Thank you for this. I feel less alone.

  414. […] had two blog posts go viral this year. You can read them here and here. Both posts were re-published on HuffPo (and one also on Scary Mommy). The second one was shared on […]

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