mg...while I agree we need something that will cover more people living in poverty, we also need something for those of us who are not...Rog makes a decent wage, too much for me to qualify for SSI, BUT we still cannot afford high insurance rates. Also, be careful of the high protein thing. I did it, in moderation, for two years and nearly lost my kidneys to it. As it was, it took almost a year to recover. The metabolic studies are interesting and I do check my blood sugar on a regular basis. So far, so good.

Mudlark, thanks, you've pretty much summed up the way I feel about alternative and allopathic. At this point, I think I will look into catastrophic, since that is most likely the only time I'd really need it, anyway.

At some point, I think we need to take a stand, each as they are able. I took one 6 or so years ago and said "no"....feels as though I will continue to do so, but not without vocalising...so members of Congress will hear from me as will state officials and others. I might even start writing my column, again. Thanks very much to everyone who has shared.

kat