Hey Randi Rhodes --> I will do your new crowns/bridge for free.

[Mika]

I feel terrible about what has happened to you. :hug:

Drop me a PM if you want to discuss anything about getting things fixed and looking beautiful again.


===

Can you fellow DUers please kick this a few times so that she can see this if she pops in?

[meegbear]

1. I need some too ...

how about spreading the love?

[BOSSHOG]

2. Very kind gesture

[originalpckelly]

3. It's awful what happened...

I didn't hear about it until a little while ago, my goodness! My mom was mugged when I was much younger, and I'll tell you I've never seen her so scared. I can sympathize with that poor dear after seeing the fear in my mother's eyes when she arrived at home, even all these years later.

[DemBones DemBones]

4. You're a good person, Mika. I remember that

you said you'd do Condi Rice's teeth, too.

What happened to Randi?

[Billy Burnett]

5. Take Mika up on that offer, Randi. He's REALLY good.

I know Mika personally, and he's a fine dental practitioner. He has Air America on the office radio all day (unless a patient objects).

:bounce:

[Judi Lynn]

30. Now THAT'S cool! Wouldn't it be great to see this more often?

Way to GO, Mika, not being afraid to make a public statement in an explosive town!

I'll bet some people appreciate that kind of courage.

[Shredr]

6. What happened to Randi? n/t

[Billy Burnett]

She got her teeth busted in a mugging Sunday night. eom

[roxnev]

51. Getting money for the Republican party is not mugging

[bdamomma]

12. read this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2056883

[Mutineer]

75. Just read in Newsday that she wasn't mugged at all

and that AAR apologized for ever suggesting it was a mugging. Seems that she was walking her dog, fell, and doesn't really remember what happened but that no police report of a mugging was filed and now they're denying it was mugging. Stranger and stranger if you ask me.

[MrMickeysMom]

81. It was a fall, and not the earlier reported "mugging"

.... Me thinks she should get the free dental work and come back with a new do, while she's at it. It's the perfect occasion to get a new look, know what I mean?

[Ghost in the Machine]

7. Get thee to the greatest page!

What a kind gesture, I'm sure she will appreciate it and I hope she takes you up on it.

K&R

[Viva_La_Revolution]

57. I hope she asks him to offer those services to someone without dental care instead.

she has coverage and a paycheck unlike many thousands of people who need dental work desperately.

[Judi Lynn]

69. He's been working in clinics, and teaching in other countries over the years with TONS

of poor people, as well as poor people right here.

No one needs to give Mika any lectures on how he should conduct himself. He has done far more for the poor than most people here, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever.

It would seem admirable Mika has considered this offer to someone who has had the courage to make a very public stand speaking emphatically against the policies of a violent, barbaric, twisted administration. It's a gesture of respect, and friendship.

He has been making gestures of respect and friendship for the human race for many years, here and elsewhere, while others have been worrying their flying keyboards to death.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

83. glad to hear that.

but other's still need the help worse. Donating it in her name would be a beautiful gesture.

[Judi Lynn]

87. Do you have anyone breathing down your neck, announcing ways you could do things better?

I think Randi is wise enough to recognize a gesture, and if she contacted Mika, whatever business they discussed at that point would be private.

I think it's the gesture which counts here. Perhaps that's too subtle.

Mika carries his weight. No reason to cheap-shot him.

[Divine Discontent]

128. how dare you talk sense! n/t

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

8. k & r n/t

[bdamomma]

9. kick

[Spazito]

10. Very kind offer!

Kicking and recommending!

[Billy Burnett]

15. Mika is one of the kindest people you could meet.

He actually listens and takes time on patients. State of the art practice that uses only American made prosthetics too.

[Mika]

19. (blushing) Thanks Billy.

But I would have a Goregasm if I could get Randi in my chair. :loveya:

[sojourner]

11. heart-warming post...........here's a kick for Randi!

[Maat]

13. Oh, my Gosh! I didn't know.

Here's a prayer (or positive thoughts, if one prefers) for her successful recovery. What a traumatic experience! People are just getting desperate during these economic times.

[Elspeth]

14. Kick for Randi

:kick:

[Frustratedlady]

16. Strong thoughts and prayers for a speedy recover, Randi!

I am SO sorry this happened to you. Tragic is an understatement. I hope you were helped immediately and that those responsible will be caught ASAP.

Was someone able to take care of Simon? Scary situation, for sure!

[0007]

17. bttft

[stimbox]

18. Mika, you are a Saint!

:bounce:

[Samantha]

20. A kick for you

and cheers to you Randi. We care.

[MiniMe]

21. You might want to post this over at the Randi Rhodes message board

She is more likely to see it over there.

[Judi Lynn]

70. Randi indicates she reads DU regularly. Mika knows what he's doing. n/t

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

22. (((((Mica)))))), what a generous offer! You are amazing! I also suggest that

you post this at http://randirhodesshow.com

Kicking and recommending!

[renate]

23. how sweet!

Bless your heart! :hug:

I'm sure that receiving the kindness of strangers will go a long way towards healing her, inside and out.

[Breeze54]

24. Great sentiment but why not donate your services to a poor person, in her honor?

She has insurance and will be well taken care of but many don't have any at all.

I think she'd appreciate you doing that much more!

[walldude]

31. Beat me to it... While this is a very generous offer

Randi is probably well insured and can afford to have this fixed. Offer the service to someone who otherwise can't have it done.

[bobbolink]

32. Thanks for thinking of us poor folk! I thought that right away.

Too bad this sentiment won't get a response.... it deserves one.

[Billy Burnett]

63. Response? You want response? Here... it desreves one!

What a horrible thing to infer about Dr Mika. You have no idea how generous he is in helping poor people with their teeth. I can't believe that you would make such a judgement about such a fine person a Dr Mika. Why don't you read some of his threads and posts in the Cuba and Latin America threads. He's mentioned a bit of the charity work he does, not only in Miami and elsewhere in Florida, but also in many very poor countries. You might want to check out the organization called Smile Train www.SmileTrain.org . Dr Mika is a member of that org as well as Pastors for Peace and several othar charitable groups providing free dental surgery and free prosthetics.

"Too bad this sentiment won't get a response"? Shame on you.

[Breeze54]

66. Lighten Up, Dude!!

He HASN'T responded ...yet

and how was Bobbolink to know all that? :shrug:

Calm down.....

Poor people are used to being ignored!! He should know that too.

And he still has not responded to any of the poor people's suggestions.

Not that he has to, but if he's that caring, (not that I doubt it), it

seems like he would've responded here and not abandoned this OP he posted.

[bobbolink]

79. Thanks, Breeze! We poor folk are used to being blasted, but it never feels good, of course.

And, while it's popular to go to other countries to fix teeth there, that doesn't help those of us in *this* country whose health goes downhill because we can't get dental care.

Dentists in this country could do so much to help us, but it isn't very popular.

You point out that I certainly wasn't blasting Mika... to the contrary, but... that never matters to those who would just have us silenced.

Thanks! :hi:

[Billy Burnett]

90. You were blasting Mika...

... with the "Too bad this sentiment won't get a response.... it deserves one." comment. Mika has been responding to the needs of poor people -in this country- for a long while. I have no intention of silencing anyone here... but, I just think that coming off with a snide and negative remark directed at someone offering help, who you seem to know nothing about, is surely no way to win anyone over - especially if you are in need of their help.

I wish you well.

[bobbolink]

92. "I wish you well."

Yeah, I can tell.

You also need to remember that it's against rules to stalk people. This reply wasn't to YOU, it was to Breeze.

You are completely welcome to trade places with me, or to just walk in my shoes for a while and take the kind of hateful shit that poor people get here.

Then maybe you'd understand a little.

Until then, leave me alone.

BYE

[Dorian Gray]

138. This is getting out of hand...

Mika made a nice gesture. He's done loads of work for the poor within and outside of this country. It sounds like he is a very generous man and doctor.

I do think that it's fair that people feel the need to defend him, and I also understand why you feel that the needs of the poor are ignored often in our country. Both are valid reactions, but an offer to help Randi out doesn't need to devolve into an argument over this. I think that we should laud Dr. Mika for his generosity in this situation and throughout his life.

[Breeze54]

93. It hasn't gotten a response.

has it? I don't see Mika responding. But that's not the point at all.

I have learned now that Mika helps many poor people ...in other countries.

That's awesome but I don't blame any poor people in the USA asking for his

help as well. Poor is poor. Nobody was attacking. I think Mika understands

that, as he works with the poor and must understand, the resentment poor people

develop from neglect, year after year, even in the USA. I know I do.

[bobbolink]

98. It's interesting that if poor folk speak up at all, we're "blasting" those with more.

Yet, we take being bashed all the time, including by liberals when it really hurts, and we're just supposed to take it.

We are invisible, that's all there is to it, and of course it hurts, and breeds resentment, and eventually, riots.

I just saw a wonderful quote from Malcolm X.. wish I could post it verbatim. He said that the poor people will rise up, and it won't be a matter of race.

We're tired of the "help" going overseas, while we suffer!

We're tired of being invisible.

We're tired of being told to shut up.

[Breeze54]

104. I totally understand and I think there's been some here, trying to twist your sentiment.

:hug:

The poor are very often ignored by the middle class and the rich.

"They know what's best"...blah. (politically) Yeah, right! :sarcasm:

Now the middle class are feeling the economic pains that the poor have

felt all along and they are outraged!! :rofl: It really makes me laugh!!

"Dog chases tail. Dog bites own tail. Dog gets hurt and bad taste in mouth and cried, "Foul!" :rofl:

I remember when my jobs were being outsourced to Mexico, when Clinton was

in office, and I was shouted down by "the middle class" that it was 'GOOD

FOR AMERICA & TRADE" and now the middle class, white collar workers, are

REALLY feeling the heat and they are crying foul and writing books on "How

to Buy Groceries on $19.00 a month" (:rofl:) and they think they INVENTED

something!! What a fucking joke!!!! :P I watch and laugh at them and realize

that I know how to survive without $$ while they are just learning....

... "Life Sucks in the Big City"! I welcome them to my world! :hug: :P

Just have a laugh at them. You and I are survivors! :hug:

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

[Whisp]

36. kicking for this post. thank you, Breeze. nt

[Justyce]

38. That's what I was going to post -- I'm sure

she has no problem affording to get her teeth fixed & would probably appreciate that gesture instead.

[Judi Lynn]

78. Mika doesn't need a backseat driver to advise him on every choice he makes.

I can't begin to understand anyone's urge to devaluate Mika's offer. Seems second-rate.

He already has done charity work, for years and years. You'd know that if you had read more often at D.U.

[bobbolink]

80. Try living in our shoes.

Then you might understand.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

85. Believe me, I understand first hand - but this kind gesture is to Randi, n/t

[bobbolink]

86. OK, so we should just shut up and suffer quietly.

:shrug:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

106. No, I'd rather you suffer loudly & rudely try to weasel in on a kind & generous offer.

[Breeze54]

107. Your screen name doesn't reflect your true colors at all....

Here...have a heart...

You seem like you need one. :hug:

[bobbolink]

110. ~~chortle~~ My sentiments exactly.

I'm copying that post as another good example of when I talk about "liberals" who have NO compassion for poor people.

It's all supposed to be the RW who are hard-hearted.

Pah!

[AnotherMother4Peace]

115. That's because I'm undercover - I guess what it comes down to is manners

If someone is being offered a gift - Let him/her enjoy the offer and let the gift giver enjoy the giving. No one else should insert himself or a cause. This is not only a gift to help in a difficult situation, but support, a way of saying "we've got your back" we're here for you. It's about a person in need. It's about Randi. Sheesh, talk about harshing someone's buzz.

Edit to add: Last tag and good night

[Breeze54]

117. I think it's a grandiose offer to make the offerer look good.

If he truly wanted to give her free services,

then why post it on a message board, of all places?

Why not just do it?

Self serving "gesture"? I don't know.

But I've been told that he's very generous

but it does smell slightly of self advertisement.

JMO, YMMV.

[bobbolink]

145. BWAHAHAHAHA!

"Peace" and "manners".

wow...

:(

[bobbolink]

109. That's your idea of "PEACE"

No wonder we're bombing sovereign nations.

[bobbolink]

113. Love you too, sweety. How's that peace thing working for ya?

[Dorian Gray]

139. Who is asking you to do that?

But just because someone makes a generous offer to one individual doesn't mean that it's a blast against the poor in our country. Why does it have to be helping Randi or helping the poor? Why can't he do both?

[bobbolink]

144. Maybe you missed the other reply?

There are many here at DU who get angry when "the least of these" speak up.

It's hurtful!!

"Why can't he do both?"

Why, indeed?

Except that he hasn't even been back to reply......

Except that most dentists plead "lack of time".

The end result is that those of us with nothing get nothing in the way of treatment.

Those with lots get offered *free* treatment they don't need.

Try a bit of empathy. It works wonders.

[Dorian Gray]

147. Your response to me:

"Try a bit of empathy. It works wonders." That's bordering on rudely insinuating that I care not for the poor in the US. That's far from the truth. I am very empathetic for people who do not have the money for basic healthcare, including necessary dental work. In fact, I work very closely with a non-profit organization that provides health care and dental work to those in desperate need of it. It is a very important necessity in our society to make sure that people are provided with the care the both NEED and DESERVE.

So, again, I do not see why this is a problem for Dr. Mika to offer his services to a woman who was hurt in an accident. A woman who just recently went through the cost and the pain of extenssive dental work. She's probably frustrated, hurt and angry, and to go through the process is frightening. His offer was a kind one.

And I don't know why it is so important to prove that he is not supportive of the poor in our country because he made this offer. But, he is obviously not most dentists who plead lack of time." (And if you read further, he did respond in this thread, upset that his offer had upset some.) And, honestly, how wealthy is Randi Rhodes? I wouldn't think that being a talk show personality on a struggling radio station would net her millions. Perhaps I am wrong, and she does extremely well. I wouldn't begrudge her that. But, I don't think she's rolling in the dough like some are painting her out to be rolling in.

Honestly, I get where you are coming from... I really do. But, it seems as though you are trying to pick a fight where one is not needed. Nobody wants to give Randi treatment and make all the poor in our country suffer. So.... again.... why can't he continue to do the charitable work he does AND do Randi's dental work? Where is the problem in that?

[bobbolink]

148. I won't give up on raising awareness.

This whole thread is split between people who think it's great to give more to the have mores, and those who are concerned about those doing without.

There is so much ignorance about the level of suffering, and I won't give up trying to bring that to awareness.

"Honestly, I get where you are coming from... I really do. But, it seems as though you are trying to pick a fight where one is not needed. "

Good, I'm glad you understand, then. Just remember, pleeeez, that people thought Martin Luther King was picking "unnecessary" fights, too.

[Justyce]

91. I wasn't "devaluating" his offer, but I don't

think she needs his "charity work" either.... just agreeing that a donation to someone underprivileged in her name would seem much more fitting, as I'm sure Randi herself would agree. Not second-guessing his other charity work by any means. (And I read plenty often on DU, thanks.)

[Coexist]

25. knr

[babydollhead]

26. kick

[fed-up]

27. great idea-if she turns you down I could use some dentures....

[Breeze54]

33. Me too! I have no health or dental insurance.

My partial plate broke and I can't afford a new one. :(

I'd take that offer in a heartbeat! ;)

[Jackpine Radical]

28. I'll throw in treatment for acute traumatic stress reaction

and/or PTSD.

[Justyce]

42. A very kind offer, but I'm sure she can afford it & would probably

appreciate that donation in her name to a soldier instead, for example. Just a thought.

[Jackpine Radical]

48. I would do that.

BTW--re: "Can you impeach someone who was never elected in the first place?"

Sure--but the Senate votes have to be counted by Diebold machines programmed by a Democratic firm.

[Midlodemocrat]

29. What a sweet gesture. I wish you lived near me so I could

support YOU by using you as our dentist. :yourock:

[flyarm]

34. RANDI WAS NOT MUGGED!! ED SHULTZ JUST READ FROM AIR AMERICA..GO TO THEIR WEB SITE AND READ !!

RANDI WAS NOT MUGGED!! ED SHULTZ JUST READ FROM AIR AMERICA..GO TO THEIR WEB SITE AND READ !!

AIR AMERICA HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT THROUGH RANDI'S LAWYER..RANDI WAS NOT MUGGED!


from AAR:

October 16-NEW YORK-On Sunday evening, October 14, Air America host Randi Rhodes experienced an unfortunate incident hindering her from hosting her show. The reports of a presumed hate crime are unfounded. Ms. Rhodes looks forward to being back on the air on Thursday.

[Kajsa]

39. Here's the link. It states she fell- was not mugged.

If this is true, which it sure sounds like, then starting that
rumor was one bad idea!




http://www.airamerica.com/node/5528#comment

[Kajsa]

41. Self delete.

wrong spot

[debbierlus]

35. My finacee had his teeth bashed to smithereens during the Rodney King riots

And, never had the money to get them fixed. Wrong place, wrong time, just the first white guy that came around the corner. Do you know of a program that helps victims like this receive care? Your offer is lovely to Randi, but I think she probably has stellar dental insurance through Air America. There are regular people who need this type of help desperately. I haven't come across any help from my searches yet.

[Judi Lynn]

68. How is it this thread is a cry for racist comments? You have nowhere to go with remarks like this.

What does your white boyfriend have to do with this situation? Did Mika hear about him? Was he likely to be in Mika'a area?

Don't use any thread at DU as an opportunity for your own agenda. This topic just doesn't lend itself to crap like that.

[debbierlus]

82. Wtf? Racist comments? That is what HAPPENED

He had his teeth bashed out during the Rodney King riots. That is a fact. Not a racist statement. He was a victim of a crime. Whether the person is black, white, yellow, blue, or green, I could care less. It is the ACTION of the individual, not the race. Your defining it as automatically a race issue makes YOU the racist, not me. And, forgive me, but do you really think Randi Rhodes, friend of super stars, host of a top rated program in America, doesn't have a dentist???? It is a nice gesture, I said so in my thread. My point was their needs to be programs of ALL victims of violence.

Geesh.

[eShirl]

129. jeez... I can only assume you must be too young to remember that horrible riot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_riots_of_1992
Hard to believe it was 15 years ago, seems like yesterday.

[debbierlus]

132. I remember it - my fiancee was beaten brutally

He was in Grand Rapids Michigan. The riots were breaking out not just in LA, but incidents occurred all over the US. He was walking down the street when a group of black men attacked him, & beat him into a coma. The men did it in the name of Rodney King. I didn't tell this incident as a means to promote animosity towards African Americans, I harbor no anger at any person except those who perpetrated it. They brought themselves down to the same level as all those who have perpetrated violent abuse against the African American culture. Racism is a terrible thing no matter which side it comes from...It is really odd because when I have raised this incident on a discussion board, there is invariably a weird anger that stems from my talking about a white man being the victim of racist violence. I understand why the African American population would be really pissed at the way they have been treated historically, but that does in no way shape or form justify violence against innocent people. It is really offensive that I would be called a racist because I relay what happened.

It is NOT racist to relay a factual event. It is not racist to call for non-violence from ALL people. Any INDIVIDUAL who targets randomn innocent people specifically because of the color of their skin is a racist. And, it is really insulting to be called a racist when one is talking about the victim of such an event. There should be nothing but sympathy & compassion for ALL victims of such violence. It should be a responsibility of all people to address their individual prejudices & hate to ensure that we can live in a peaceful, loving world. I think Martin Luther King Jr would have agreed.

[Duer 157099]

37. Nice gesture, but I agree with what some others have posted

Maybe provide a similar service to someone who is truly in financial need and who otherwise will not have the work done, and just do it in Randi's name -- I'm certain she would greatly appreciate that.

Which brings up another thought -- I also would like to find a local dentist who would be a DU-type.

Maybe a DU professional referral service thread, or something?

[bobbolink]

94. Thanks for understanding.

I also agree that Randi would probably appreciate free service given in her name... matter of fact, maybe she should offer it herself.

I like your idea of a referral service thread! It could be very helpful!

[DrDan]

40. this was a generous gesture - . . .

Randi - I will join Mika - need any statistical analyses done?????

[coznfx]

76. What about the poor who can't afford to get their own

statistical analyses done?? :sarcasm:

Seriously - good on ya, Mika! You too, DrDan!

[earth mom]

43. You Rock!

:yourock:

[LSK]

44. K&R

[Kajsa]

45. What a nice gesture.

You are a good guy, Mika.

[Stardust]

46. Randi claims there's a "wall" that separates her from her fans, but

I'll bet she'll take you up on your very kind offer (if insurance won't cover it.) Poor Randi. Such an awful thing to do to anybody.

[Imagevision]

47. Mika> I salute you for coming forward, I hope Randy is made aware of your offer to help...

[Cleita]

49. I'm sure Randi has dental insurance.

How about helping out a poor person, who has no insurance or money to pay up front?

[Beelzebud]

50. Totally awesome offer. Good on you.

[Whisp]

52. kicking. I'm sure Randi has made arrangements

so it would be swell if you offered that to someone needy in your area. great idea.

[Judi Lynn]

72. Mika has been helping poor people for YEARS. If you had read at DU over the last years,

you would have known that long ago, and it would have saved you the effort at attempting to take shots at him now which are actually way, WAY off the mark.

Mika is very much the activist, and not anal with his time and resources. You are out of bounds attempting to ridicule him. Really foolish idea.

[Whisp]

84. I'm sorry if it sounded like ridicule to you.

I didn't intend that at all. No, I don't know Mika, but he does sound like a great guy from some of the posts here and I'm sorry if you took offense.

[Breeze54]

96. You need a 'chill pill'...

that post above did not attack Mika in anyway.

Have a beer and chill out.

BTW? I've been a member here since 2001 and I don't recall his name at all.

He sounds like a wonderful man to know. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Gato Moteado]

53. for all the poor people in this thread that expressed their need for very costly dental work....

...consider costa rica.

dental work here is state of the art and it's done at a fraction of the cost in the states. if you need $5k or $10k or more of dental work done and can't afford it, buy a plane ticket, come on down and stay at an inexpensive hostel and visit a dentist down here who will do the work at a fraction of the cost. crowns, bridges, dental implants, etc are all manufactured here so even those are cheap compared to the states.

just a thought.

[Breeze54]

54. Thanks for the info. ~ I didn't know that.

I'll see if my sister will help me. :hug:

[Gato Moteado]

56. in your case, if it's just a matter of repairing a partial plate or making a new one....

...you might not even have to come down here. we can ask some of the local dentists or dental labs if they can either repair it or have you send down your latest imprint and make a new one from that.

want me to help you out?

send me a PM and i'll give you my VOIP phone number if you think i can help out.

[Breeze54]

58. No, I need more work on teeth that

were capped and chiseled down so small, that they won't
take a cap now. My last dentist said I needed surgery. :(

Please send me A phone number (I don't have VOIP) to call with

but a clinic name and address that you trust would be great!

Thanks! ;) I accept all PM's here.

[Cleita]

60. Thanks Gato. Your heart is in the right place, but

think of the people who barely have enough to subsist. There just is no extra for airfare, hotels and cheap dental care.

[Gato Moteado]

61. yes, i realize that......

i was mainly talking about the people that need $5k or more of dental work but only have a couple thousand to spend.

as for the very poor, we need to come up with a different option. i definitely don't have the answers for those people. :(

[bobbolink]

100. " i definitely don't have the answers for those people"

And that's what some of us were trying to bring to light here, and were bashed for it.

It hurts, and I'm royally sick of it.

According to these "liberals", we should just hurl ourselves off a cliff, and maintain the "peace" that way.

[Gato Moteado]

121. my comment that i didn't have all the answers...

..wasn't meant to offend you.

i wish i did have the answers. i've spent periods of my life without health insurance and i even had some major health problems when i did have insurance and i experienced the same problems with my insurance company that the people in moore's "sicko" did. basically, they denied me all my benefits.

so i can sympathize with you.

i live in a place now where health insurance is more affordable and it really makes a difference. one of my uninsured friends in the states came down here recently because she had a heart problem and couldn't even pay for the first consultation with a heart specialist in texas, let alone any treatments or drugs that might be necessary. so she went to a specialist here and found that her problem was more serious than she thought. she was not only able to afford the appointment with the specialist here(i think it was $50 or $60 as opposed to $500 in the states) but she was able to pay for the minor surgery and the meds out of pocket. had she not come down for that, she could very well be dead right now. in addition to being able to afford the medical care, she was amazed at how genuinely concerned the doctor was for her health....he called her regularly while she was here to check on her status.

the system isn't perfect here, but it's so dysfunctional in the states.

[Breeze54]

126. ((((((((( HUGS )))))))))

I know your heart is in the right place.

Bobbolink knows it too, deep down inside...

Thanks for being so kind and understanding to her. :hug:

[bobbolink]

146. It's very sad that a poor country is doing all it can to help people in a rich country.

But, that's what I see on a personal level, also.

It's usually those with very little who do everything they can to help those with nothing.

I'm glad she was able to find a doctor in your country who saved her life.

Unfortunately, there are also so many others of us who can't do that, as you well know.

We need to come together and raise our voices!

:hi: :yourock: :hi:

[debbierlus]

88. Most poor people can't afford transportation to Costa Rica

And, I think what you are seeing in the thread posts is the anger of average people who need help & see it always offered to the rich & famous. I love Randi, but she doesn't need help with dental work any more then famous actors need their meals comped. I am sure the poster just wanted to express their love to Randi, & I don't think anyone here resents that...I think it is a broken system that people resent & it is coming out here. My fiancee's mouth is a mess from a violent crime, but we do not have the money for a plane ticket. It is a idea, though.

[Gato Moteado]

122. i understand

the bottom line is that we need better insurance or more affordable healthcare in the states. but we've known that all along. how can we get that? i don't know. i hope someone figures it out soon though.

i feel for you. i've been in similar positions. i hope you can find some good help for your fiancee. he deserves to have access to affordable care just as much as anyone else.

[bobbolink]

95. I don't even have a place to live, so how would I get to Costa Rica?

While I appreciate you posting this, it seems like you're missing a connection.

Remember, there were people who couldn't even afford to get out of NOLA??

[Breeze54]

97. The middle class are the 'new poor', so

I appreciate the suggestions. I think he had great information.

:hug:

[bobbolink]

101. Yes, the muddleclass are now getting the attention.

We who are lower than low are supposed to just... what?

It's time for people to understand it ALL.

[Gato Moteado]

124. we understand it....we just don't have the power to change it

but trust me, we all wish we could.

[bobbolink]

142. I understand.

I just want the poorest of the poor remembered.

We are invisible here, and skipped over.

[Gato Moteado]

123. i wasn't missing a connection

i was suggesting something for the people that needed very expensive treatments but couldn't afford quite that much or couldn't justify spending that kind of money.

many people from the states come down here to get great medical and dental care because it's a fraction of what it is in the states.

this isn't an option for you at this time, so we all need to work together to make it so you do have options. never forget that i'm on your side of the issue here, and so is everyone else in this forum. we're all doing the best we can do, we just need to do better.

[kineneb]

127. thanks

along with bobbolink and others here, we barely have enough to get through each month.

Flying to Costa Rica is not in the cards for me, even if I have a bit more money. I can't take off more than two days because Hubby can no longer be left alone that long... would have to find someone to care for him... he now needs assistance getting up the front steps... caregiving is hard.

[bobbolink]

143. "so we all need to work together to make it so you do have options"

EXACTLY!!

That is my whole point, and I'm pleased that you understand that.

I was making the point for DU, because there are so many here who just don't get it, and it makes the rest of us feel hopeless.

If we had more people on our side, pushing for those "options", it would happen.

Thank you for your kind understanding!

[Swamp Rat]

105. Yo sé

y puede comer gallo pinto y ceviche después... tuanis. :D

[Gato Moteado]

119. pura vida amigo!

si, con nuevos dientes puede comer chicharrones tambien!

solo bueno y tuanis!

[nadinbrzezinski]

55. How good of you Mika

:-)

[bonito]

59. K&R!

:yourock: :hug:

[Billy Burnett]

62. Just so you all know, Dr Mika does more free work for poor people than you can shake a stick at!

He's a super humanitarian who has traveled all over the world helping provide dentistry to poor people. He also provided fee care for people in need in his practice in Miami.

He does it to honor a promise he made to his now deceased wife.

Please don't rip Mika for offering this to Randi also. He's done more than his share of heavy lifting for underprivileged people.


I am honored to be a friend of his.


:toast: A toast to Mika :toast:

[Breeze54]

67. Nobody "ripped" Mika and I'm guessing nobody knew of his efforts.

He sounds like a great guy! But I can understand why
others made the suggestions they did, including me.

The gap between the haves and have nots is widening.

As evident by the few posts asking he donate to the poor.

We're all on the same side.

[Judi Lynn]

74. On the contrary, lots of us knew of his efforts.

It's unwise to rush in to attack people simply because you don't have the facts. A little restraint wouldn't kill anyone. In civilized groups, it's considered the appropriate way to behave.

He has given away his time and energy and resources going back decades, and covering thousands of miles. He has discussed it, when the subject arose, giving background when helpful, in threads here for years.

[Breeze54]

89. Nobody attacked Mika at all!! Get a grip, and tone down the repartee'

Maybe YOU knew it but I doubt the others did. I sure as hell didn't know at all.

I've never seen Mika's name posted on DU before today.

I didn't attack him at all, not once. Nor did anyone else!

I merely made a suggestion, as did others.

[bobbolink]

102. Poor people making a "suggestion" is equal to Blasting...

We're supposed to shut up and die quietly.

The hatred is so thick, it's no wonder people just give up and die.

Yet, they'll scream that poor people aren't voting in large enough numbers to suit them.

Pah.

:mad:

[Breeze54]

111. Very astute point!!

"Yet, they'll scream that poor people aren't voting in large enough numbers to suit them."

RIGHT FUCKING ON!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[bobbolink]

112. Yeah, I've been here long enough to see the circular blaming of poor people.

Isn't it interesting...

If these same charges were made against race, or homosexuality or peace.... it would be banned.

Yet, it's just fine to make these kinds of hateful charges against poor folk.

Isn't that an interesting fact of liberalism in the 21st century?

[rosesaylavee]

64. kick.

How very very kind of you.

[Canuckistanian]

65. Mika, you're a mensch

What a wonderful offer.

[mzmolly]

71. May I just say thanks to you Mika for your generous offer?

People like you make me proud to be a progressive.

K and R. :toast:

[burrowowl]

73. Kick for Randi!

[Judi Lynn]

77. After ANY traumatic event, who on earth WOULDN'T want to be able to find a great

PROGRESSIVE person in a critical time, to help them with important, personal matters?

There's a world of difference in the quality of PEOPLE who are intelligent, and conscienscious, like progressive people, and the grabbers, takers, and me-firsters from the right-wing realm.

Although Randi seems capable of holding her own anywhere, I'd bet she'd appreciate working with someone like Mika.

[bobbolink]

103. It's a damned good thing poor people never have trauma.

[BeatleBoot]

99. SHE WAS NOT MUGGED, PEOPLE !!!

Sheeeesh!

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/10/16/2007-10-16_air_america_host_randi_rhodes_wasnt_mugg.html

[WillyT]

108. So... She Shouldn't Have Her Teeth Fixed ???

:wtf:

[Breeze54]

116. SHE WAS PUSHED!! (maybe) and lost her teeth!!!!

Shehseesh!!! :sarcasm:

:wtf: does that have to do with her not remembering what or how it happened to her? :shrug:

And the fact she still lost teeth... that's plural, as in "more than one"

[Mutineer]

114. I hardly think she's a charity case

I'm sure that there are a LOT of financially needy people out there who do need it, celebs don't need our $$$. They have their own. They don't work for free you know?

[femrap]

118. Randi...

don't let these thugs overtake your life. You are the strength of my convictions.

[JoeySoCal]

120. Poor, Poor Randi.

I was aghast this morning when I read on ThinkProgress what happened to you. Just horrified.

I love you, baby!

[lpbk2713]

125. Oh the humanity.

:cry:

[Mika]

130. Hello to all.

I'm sorry that this thread has turned so contentious. I wish that I could have checked it sooner, but I had late afternoon/all night emergencies to deal with (its not just Randi who gets teeth broken in accidents).

Thanks to my dear DU friends for sticking up for me.

To all others: I am WELL aware of the circumstances of poverty and lack of health care. I have experienced it first hand.

I checked my DU inbox and found no new messages.

I am well aware of the health care (and dental) problems in the US. I do my utmost to alleviate as many problems as I can fit into my life. It can be overwhelming and heartbreaking for patients and practitioners. I am well aware of the frustrations and resulting anger from un affordable dentistry. I do what I can, but I still have to subsidize my charity work with actual paid cases.

If anyone here is in trouble and in need of dentistry then by all means feel free to contact me. I will see what can be done to help. There are vocational schools and/or dental clinics in many cities that will do free dentistry on people who cannot afford it. I participate in programs in S Fla. (A word of wisdom: don't bitch out the Drs and assistants who are doing charity work as being part of the problem. Most are doing free work because they feel a sense of social responsibility and sacrifice many long hours for free that would otherwise yield much income or time with their own families. Not all of us are uber wealthy dentists.)

I support Dennis Kucinich for his universal health care plans, and I have even talked to him briefly regarding the inclusion of dentistry in a universal plan. I have seen universal health care work well in Cuba, and it can be done here, but it will take a complete social change in order to make that happen.


That's it for me. My 2 cents.

Best wishes to all.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

131. Sweetie, it's people like you that give me hope for this country, for this world. n/t

[Judi Lynn]

140. Thanks for adding your remarks, Mika. I believe someone may have

forgotten some of us are somewhat busy on any given day, without the time available to monitor threads throughout the duration!

Real concern for others can either be given lip service, or it can be made physical, and you have chosen the REAL way of caring during your lifetime. I've been a witness over they years to the belief you have in people, and the energy you've thrown into your lifetime of REAL service to those in need.

[KalicoKitty]

133. How nice of you, Doctor!

:toast:

:kick:

[KalicoKitty]

134. Note to Randi....

So very sorry to hear what happened to you. Prayers and wishing you a very speedy recovery. Love ya!!!




:yourock:

[Catherine Vincent]

135. While you're at it, why don't you offer to do Bush's teeth?

Those baby teeth doesn't become him.

[Elspeth]

137. But there's no way to get rid of that sneer

Sadly

[backscatter712]

141. You might if you used enough botox.

Though he'd look like he had a stroke when you were done...

[Highway61]

136. Just came back from being away

I didn't know this about Randi...hope she is on the mend...we need her back on AAR. Very nice of you Mika