FW: Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas

This story verified in Snopes.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/parkland.asp

Bryanna Bevens is a political consultant and former chief of staff for a member of the California StateAssembly.

by Bryanna Bevens

Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texasis a fairly famous institution and for a variet y of reasons:

1. John F. Kennedy died there in 1963

2. Lee Harvey Oswald died there shortly after

3. Jack Ruby-who killed Lee Harvey Oswald, died there a few years later by coincidence.

On the flip side, Parklandis also home to the second busiest maternity ward in the country with almost 16,000 new babies arriving each year. (That's almost 44 per day---every day)

A recent patient survey indicated that 70 percent of the women who gave birth at Parkland in the first three months of 2006 were illegal immigrants! Crikey, that's 11,200 anchor babies born every year just in Dallas. According to the article, the hospital spent $70.7 million delivering 15,938 babies in 2004 but managed to end up with almost $8 million dollars in surplus funding. Medicaid kicked in $34.5 million, Dallas County taxpayers kicked in $31.3 million and the feds tossed in another $9.5 million.

The average patient in Parkland's maternity wards is 25 years old, married and giving birth to her second child. She is also an illegal immigrant. By law, pregnant women cannot be denied medical care based on their immigration status or ability to pay. OK, fine. That doesn't mean they should receive better care than everyday, middle-class American citizens. But at Parkland Hospital, they do.

Parkland Memorial Hospital has nine prenatal clinics. NINE. The Dallas Morning News article followed a Hispanic woman who was a patient at one of the clinics and pregnant with her third child---her previous two were also born at Parkland. Her first two deliveries were fr ee and the Mexican native was grateful because it would have cost $200 to have them in Mexico. This time, the hospital wants her to pay $10 per visit and $100 for the delivery but she was unsure if she could come up with the money. Not that it matters, the hospital won't turn her away. (I wonder why they even bother asking at this point.)

How long has this been going on? What are the long-term effects? Well, another subject of the article was born at Parkland in 1986 shortly after her mother entered the U.S.illegally---now she is having her own child there as well. (That's right, she's technically a U.S.citizen.) These women receive free prenatal care including medication, nutrition, birthin g classes and child care classes. They also get freebies such as car seats, bottles, diapers and formula. Most of these things are available to American citizens as well but only for low-income applicants and even then, the red tape involved is almost insurmountable.

Because these women are illegal immigrants they do not have to provide any sort of legitimate identification---no proof of income. An American citizen would have to provide a social security number which would reveal their annual income---an illegal immigrant need only claim to be poor and the hospital must take them at their word.

My husband is a pilot for the United StatesNavy (yes, he fought in Iraq) and while the health care is good, we Navy wives don't get any of these perks! Car seats? Diapers? Not so much. So my question is this: Does our public medical care system treat illegal immigrants better than American citizens? Yes it does!As I mentioned, the care I have received is perfectly adequate but it's bare bones, meat and potato medical care---not top of the line.

Their (the illegals) medical care is free---simply because they are illegal immigrants? Once again, there is no way to verify their income. Parkland Hospital offers indigent care to Dallas County residents who earn less than $40,000 per year. (They also have to prove that they did not refuse health coverage at their current job. Yeah, the 'free' care is not so easy for Americans.)

There are about 140 patients who received roughly $4 million dollars for un-reimbursed medical care. As it turns out, they did not qualify for free treatment because they resided outside of Dallas County. So the hospital is going to sue them! Illegals get it all free! But U.S.citizens who live outside of Dallas County get sued! How stupid is this?

As if that isn't annoying enough, the illegal immigrant patients are actually complaining about hospital staff not speaking Spanish. In this AP story, the author speaks with a woman who is upset that she had to translate comments from the hospital staff into Spanish for her husband. The doctor was trying to explain the situation to the family and the mother was forced to translate for her husband who only spoke Spanish. This was apparently a great injustice to her.

"In an attempt to create a Spanish-speaking staff, Parkland Hospital is now providing incentives in the form of extra pay for applicants who speak Spanish. Additionally, medical students at the University of Texas Southwestern for which Parkland Hospital is the training facility will now have a Spanish language requirement added to their already jammed-packed curriculum. No other school in the country boasts such a ridiculous multi-semester (multicultural) requirement.

In the meantime, I have to end my column here. I have to go buy a car seat. (Ed: Sorry for the length, but this needs wide circulation----particularly to our "employees" in the Congress.)

Quote of the Day "Once the coffers of the federal government are opened to the public*, there will be no shutting them again." -Grover Cleveland

POST SCRIPT FROM A U.S.CITIZEN.--- Many of us are now in the so called, "Donut hole" with our prescriptions. We paid our money to protect us in our later years, but our people in Washington have elected to give it to the illegal immigrants, How fair can that be?

Fw: Why Bicycle Shorts Are Always Black...

Fw: World's Tightest Pair of Jeans...EVER

Fw: Awesome Croc

Disgusting. Croc bites off Tiwanese vet's arm while he was attempting to medicate croc...for more, go to www.swimatyourownrisk.com.

Fw: Colonoscopies

Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite humorous . . . A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies:

1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!"

2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"

3. "Can you hear me NOW?"

4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

5. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."

6. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"

7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

8. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

9. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!"

10. "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

11. "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"

12. "God, now I know why I am not gay."

And the best one of all...

13. "Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?"

Fw: Two Choices...

Life decisions that people have to make are never simple. The importance of the initial decision should always be examined over the long run. Memories made and cherished are sure to be tempered along the way. Consider the following two choices...

-

Should I get a Dog ....

-

Or have children?

-
*Tough decision! Thanks Jeaneen! Baton Rouge, Louisiana*

Fw: The Cat

You Don't Have To Own A Cat To Appreciate This One...You don't even have to like them to appreciate this one!

"We were dressed and ready to go out for the New Years Eve Party. We turned on a night-light, turned the answering machine on, covered our pet parakeet and put the cat in the backyard. We phoned the local cab company and requested a taxi. The taxi arrived and we opened the front door to leave the house. The cat we put out in the yard, scoots back into the house. We didn't want the cat shut in the house because she always tries to eat the bird.

My wife goes out to the taxi, while I went inside to get the cat. The cat runs upstairs, with me in hot pursuit. Waiting in the cab, my wife doesn't want the driver to know that the house will be empty for the night. So, she explains to the taxi driver that I will be out soon, 'He's just going upstairs to say goodbye to my mother.'

A few minutes later, I get into the cab. 'Sorry I took so long,' I said, as we drove away. 'That stupid bitch was hiding under the bed. I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out. She tried to take off, so I grabbed her by the neck. Then, I had to wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching me. But it worked-I hauled her fat ass downstairs and threw her out into the back yard!'

The cab driver hit a parked car...."

*Thanks Anne! Lexington, Kentucky*

Fw: When it is okay to use the "F" word

*Thanks for the forward T! Baton Rouge, Louisiana*

Fw: Living in 2007...

You know you are living in 2007 when:

1. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on-line before getting your coffee.

11. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

12. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

13. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

14. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

*Thanks Nancy! Lexington, Kentucky*

Mastectomy Hospital Bill in Congress

If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.

Mastectomy Bill in Congress

It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important...please take the time and do it really quick!

Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women.

Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.

PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.

http://www.lifetimetv.com/health/breast_mastectomy_pledge.html

This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family, and on behalf of all women, THANKS.

*Thank you for supporting a good cause Vickie! North Middletown, Kentucky*

E-mail Addresses Gone Wrong...

Many colleges and business's tend to strip the last name down to 6 characters and add the first and last initial to either the beginning or end to make up an E-Mail address. For example, Mary L. Ferguson = mlfergus or fergusml.

They are just now beginning to realize the problems that may happen when you have a large and diverse pool of people to choose from. Add to that a large database of company/college acronyms and you have some very funny addresses. Probably not funny to the individual involved, however:

TOP TEN Actual E-mail Addresses:
===============================
10. Hellen Thomas Eatons (Duke University) - eatonsht@dku.edu

9. Martha Elizibeth Cummins (Fresno University) - cumminme@fu.edu

8. George David Blowmer (Drop Front Drawers & Cabinets Inc.) - blowmegd@dropdrawers.com

7. Mary Ellen Dickinson (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) - dickinme@iup.edu

6. Francis Kevin Kissinger (Las Verdes University) - kissinfk@lvu.edu

5. Barbara Joan Beeranger (Myplace Home Decorating) - beeranbj@myplace.com

4. Amanda Sue Pickering (Purdue University) - aspicker@pu.edu

3. Ida Beatrice Ballinger (Ball State University) - ibballin@bsu.edu

2. Bradley Thomas Kissering (Brady Electrical, Northern Division, Overton Canada) - btkisser@bendover.com

1. Isabelle Haydon Adcock (Toys "R" Us) - ihadcock@tru.com

Witty Company Signs...

Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:

"Dr. Jones, at your cervix."

**************************

In a Podiatrist's office:

"Time wounds all heels."

**************************

On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon:

"Yesterday's Meals on Wheels."

**************************

On another Septic Tank Truck:

"We' re #1 in the #2 business."

**************************

At a Proctologist's door:

"To expedite your visit please back in."

**************************

On a Plumber's truck:

"We repair what your husband fixed."

**************************

On another Plumber's truck:

"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber..."

**************************

On a Church's Billboard:

"7 days without God makes one weak."

**************************

In a church parking lot no-parking zone:

"No parking. Violators will be baptised."

**************************

At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :

"Invite us to your next blowout."

**************************

On a Plastic Surgeon's Office door:

"Hello. Can we pick your nose?"

**************************

At a Towing company:

"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."

**************************

On an Electrician's truck:

"Let us remove your shorts."

**************************

In a Nonsmoking Area:

"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."

**************************

On a Maternity Room door:

"Push. Push. Push."

**************************

At an Optometrist's Office :

"If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."

**************************

On a Taxidermist's window:

"We really know our stuff."

**************************

On a Fence:

"Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!"

**************************

At a Car Dealership:

"The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."

**************************

Outside a Muffler Shop:

"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."

**************************

In a Veterinarian's waiting room:

"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"

**************************

At the Electric Company :

"We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be."

**************************

In a Restaurant window :

"Don't stand there and be hungry, Come on in and get fed up."

**************************

In the front yard of a Funeral Home :

"Drive carefully. We'll wait."

**************************

At a Propane Filling Station:

"Thank heaven for little grills."

**************************

And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop:

"Best place in town to take a leak."

**************************

Re: All About Me

When is your birthday?
Today.

When was the last time you went to the bathroom outside?
Mardi Gras, about 5 years ago

Family member you most resemble?
I'm a pretty even mix of both my parents...

Do you own your own Bible?
Yes.

Do you wear deodorant?
Always.

When was the last time you tripped and fell?
Pick any day. Call me Grace.

Where was the last place you slept besides your home?
A friend's apt. and my Dad's house during Thanksgiving.

What are you listening to?
Legal minds at work.

Have you ever started an uncontrollable fire?
No.

Ever run out of gas on the road?
No.

Would you rather cut the grass or rake the leaves?
Cut the grass.

What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
Some stupid You Tube video that a friend's husband forwarded to me.

Last time you swam in a pool?
On my honeymoon in Mexico last June.

Have you ever been in a school play?
Grease.

How many kids do you want?
Two.

Type of music you dislike most?
Depends on the day and my hormone levels.

Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

You have cable?
Digital; hard to imagine life without it

Ever prank call anybody?
Years ago--maybe in middle school.

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Sky diving. Really want to!

Do you have a garden?
Last year we had one (when we lived on the farm).

What's your favorite comic?
Non Sequiter, Calvin & Hobbes, Scooby Doo.

Bath or Shower?
Bath to relax, shower to get clean.

Best movie you've seen in the past two weeks?
The Da Vinci Code

Best pizza topping?
Pepperoni.

Peanuts or popcorn?
Cashews.

Orange Juice or apple juice?
Apple juice (orange juice is too acidic for me unless it's in a Mimosa)

When was the last time you voted at the polls?
This past November.

When was the last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
This summer.

Ever order anything from an infomercial?
Yes, Proactive Solution a few years ago.

Sprite or 7-Up?
Sprite.

Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work/school?:
I had a uniform (plaid jumper) all throughout high school.

Ever thrown up in public?
Not that I can remember... (That doesn't mean it didn't happen; just that I don't remember...)

Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love?
Who says you can't have true love with a millionaire?

Believe in love at first sight?
Love, maybe. Lust, definitely.

Who was the last person you visited in a hospital?
T's great aunt.

What do you think about most?
T. Bills. Dogs. Work. Travel. Shoes.

Favorite form of travel?
Any type. Plane, train, camel. Whatever will take me somewhere else.

If you could have one magical power what would it be?
To make people care, and not to take people for granted.

SOME STRANGE QUESTIONS:

Something within 5 feet of you:
Bella and Zoe Catherine. Lots of dog hair on floor (Blah!)

Is your hair long enough to chew on?
Not at the moment. Just got a trim.

Least favorite color?
Orange & green combo

Ever had Dippin' Dots?
Yes

Ever played an instrument?
No. Sadly, don't have a musical bone in my body.

Ever been to a palm reader?
Yes. In NYC. I pissed her off & she got evil on me!

Last Pez dispenser you purchased?
Years ago.

Ever photograph something that was dead?
Not sure.

Are you ready for the holiday season?
Emotionally-yes; physically-no.

Current disappointment:
The fact that I still haven't finished a legal memo I am working on--answering funny questionnaires instead...

*Thanks for the questionnaire Nancy P., Lexington, KY!

REAL NEWSPAPER ADS

FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER.
8 years old.
Hateful little dog.
Bites.

FREE PUPPIES:
1/2 Cocker Spaniel,
1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.

FREE PUPPIES...
Mother, AKC German Shepherd.
Father, Super Dog...
Able to leap tall fences in a single bound.

FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat ...
been out a while.
Better be a reward.

NORDIC TRACK
$300 Hardly used,
call Chubby.

GEORGIA PEACHES
California grown - 89 cents lb.

JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $300.

WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE.
WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE.
Call Stephanie.

AND THE BEST ONE:

FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes.
Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer.
No longer needed, got married last month.
Wife knows everything.

Creative Tattoo...

Fw: Amazing Twins!

A mixed-race British mom gave birth to twins recently - one of each. No, not a boy and a girl. Two girls - one black, the other white. The odds of such a birth are about a million to one, experts said.

"It was a shock when I realized that my twins were two different colors," Kylie Hodgson, 19, told London's Daily Mail. "But it doesn't matter to us - they are just our two gorgeous little girls."

Hodgson and her partner, Remi Horder, 17, were both born to mixed-race parents. Little Kian and Remee share a love of apples and the Teletubbies, their proud mom says. Fertility experts speculate that a sperm containing all white genes fused with an egg with all-white genes, and a sperm with all-black genes fused with an all-black gene egg to produce the fraternal twins.

AMAZING!

Don't You Wish Your Boyfriend Was Hot Like Me?

This should hold you until I return from my trip on the 18th. Hope y'all are having a great week...and are not wearing shorts like the guy in the above photo...