More of Texas's ugly side
For those who can't get enough. This story in the Chronicle today is extremely sad. It's about an incident that happened back in April when a grad student at UT's music school, who spent quite a bit of time helping out one of the professors who had MS, flipped out and killed her one day. The whole thing could have been avoided if the student had gotten proper care for his mental illness, which he tried repeatedly to do. But since he was a student, he had to use the state services, which are unsurprisingly over-booked and underfunded. He was repeatedly diagnosed as bipolar, a misdiagnosis that ended up costing a woman her life and him his freedom. Even the cops who were called to the scene--by him--realized that the young man was suffering from schizophrenia, since he seemed to be unaware that he had killed someone but insisted that he was trying to get a computer chip out of her head. This tragedy has only helped increase the volume of requests that state services be funded and managed properly, but I don't expect much to come out of it.
And then there is this item from The Daily Texan about a group that doesn't want UT to move a statue dedicated to the Confederacy off the South Mall. It's a mind-bending story, where the group suggests that racial harmony is nice and all, but not if the price we pay is moving this stupid statue. And for those who think that "Christians" only hate gays, here's a nice reminder that there's room for hating blacks in the name of Jesus, too.
After praying in front of the statue of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Texas Division declared their opposition to a proposal to move Confederate statues off the South Mall.
Not to leave the homo-haters out, here's a news item about how Texas legislators, feeling left out of the homo-hating legislative race, are proposing amending our constitution to ban gay marriage, too. Granted, we amend our state constitution like 200 times a year or something like that, but this is still a big, sucky shame. If this gets on the ballot, and it almost surely will, I plan to harangue my friends until they remember to go vote against it. Not that it will help, but you do what you can.
30 Comments:
The story about Ngai really struck home. My adult son has bipolar disorder (although he was misdiagnosed as OCD for a couple of hellish years) and the struggle he had trying to get help through the Texas system was horrible. First, they intentionally hide services to make it difficult to make a claim. The offices you had to go through weren't even listed in the phone book or on the state's web site and it took literally dozens of calls to various offices before we found the right people to talk to. I had three different people in that office tell me it was the wrong place before a fourth finally admitted that it was the right one. Then they required reams of documentation and kept changing what documents were required every time they were submitted. They eventually determined that he would receive nothing because he made too much money per hour during the periods he was working, despite the fact that the periods in between were so long that he earned less than $3000 per year. That didn't even cover his medications ($5000 per year at the time), let alone treatment or anything to live on. We payed what we could (but we still can't claim him as a dependent since he's "high function"). Without a doctor who was willing to sometimes wait for payment and low-cost drug programs from phamaceutical companies that we found out about on our own (our informal national health plan), there's no way he would have been able to maintain his treatment. He's doing pretty well now (which means he's also able to work enough to keep his health coverage) and we think he'll be able to move out on his own in the next year or so, but no thanks to the state. The Texas system is to deny him care until he breaks down completely and then (if he hasn't committed any crimes) give him some treatment. But it keeps taxes low and that's all that really matters.
Mojo
11/13/2004
Gosh, I'm glad things are getting better. Yeah, that story nearly made me cry--on top of his misdiagnosis, he was too shy to really pursue the help he needed. I remember when it happened. Even the cops and the crime scene people were flummoxed. In this story, it makes it sound like he picked up the cleaver in order to attack the police, but from what I understand, the police on the scene thought he was going to further mutiliate the corpse. Classic example of why we have the insanity defense.
11/13/2004
Wow. Just, wow. I am bipolar and have been receiving mental health care through the Bluebonnet Trails MHMR system for about two years now (I lived in Williamson County, in Cedar Park). It hasn't been perfect, and it was a rocky road to get me on just the right combo of meds, but I am doing well now. I actually moved about a year ago, but I didn't tell them because they would have had to transfer me to Travis County MHMR, and frankly, I just couldn't take the risk. If a new doctor chose to change my prescriptions and it made me suicidal (again)... well, it's not losing a life but it's losing all *enjoyment* of life. I shuddered to think of what the care at the busy, urban MHMR facility would be like.
I finally got a permanent job with the state and my medical bennies kick in after the first of the year. I will tread carefully and switch around if necessary to find a doc who will keep my meds the same.
11/18/2004
Cute blog. Please visit my cat stevens blog. It is all about cat stevens.
10/02/2005
We had been blogging trying to find how our world sees computers and PCs. Computer has been a lifeline for us. Your site provides some of the best examples of this sort and we will bookmark yours. Another one we found was and appears to be related to yours is computer internet site/blog. It pretty much covers computer internet related stuff.
10/04/2005
I've stumbled across your blog when I done some health and wellness clinic
research in Google. You're doing a pretty nice job
here, keep up the good work! check out health and wellness clinic
10/06/2005
Amanda, I just started a new blog called Ugly Blog, so I've been looking around for ugliest related blogs. Anyway, I found this entry (More of Texas's ugly side) during my search so I thought I'd make a quick post to let you know! I'd be happy to trade links if you're interested. Have a great day - Eric
10/29/2005
I just came across your blog and wanted to
drop you a note telling you, Friend, how impressed I was with it.
I give you my best wishes for your future endeavors.
If you have a moment, please visit my site:
computer ram memory
It covers computer ram memory related contents.
All the best!
12/28/2005
shopping mall Over 10,000 of the Best Internet Resource. shopping mall
Business to Business -
Education -
Industrial -
Management -
Promotion -
Publishing -
Reports -
Web Design
Computing & Internet -
Banner Design -
Browsers -
Domains -
Email Services -
Graphics -
Network Administration -
Programming -
Site Design -
Screensavers -
Web Hosting
Health & Fitness -
Addiction -
Alternative -
Beauty -
Cooking & Recipes -
Diet -
Fitness -
Medicine -
Mental Health -
Nutrition -
Remedies -
Spiritual Health -
Womens Health
Home & Family -
Cooking & Recipes -
Crafts -
Family Tree -
Garden -
Home Improvement -
Kids -
Marriage -
Parenting -
Pets -
Real Estate -
Students & School
Fun & Entertainment -
Astrology -
Games -
Hobbies -
Humor -
Magic -
Music -
Novels & eBooks -
Psychics -
Screensavers -
Tarot
Marketing & Ads -
Banners -
Consulting -
Classifieds -
Ezines -
How To's -
Promotion -
Resources -
Submitters
Money & Employment -
Debt -
Education -
Entrepreneur -
Finance -
Home Business -
Investment -
Jobs -
Management -
Real Estate -
Resume -
Self Employment
Society & Culture -
Charity -
Fine Arts -
Investigation -
Language -
Law Enforcement -
Love & Romance -
Philosophy & Religion -
Politics & Government -
Science -
Shopping -
Travel
Sports & Recreation -
Autos -
Casino -
Extreme -
Golf -
Horseracing -
Outdoor -
Sports-picks -
Team Sports -
Training
12/31/2005
Hi there ##name##.
12/31/2005
hi, i am learning about blogs and like what you did in yours, I have a website about legal referral service> Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
1/09/2006
Debt reduction can be done in many ways. A recent method being used is to buy some debt reduction software. You can purchase debt reduction software online or at a computer software store. The software usually comes with a debt reduction calculator to help you decipher how quickly your debt will be paid off in accordance to your monthly balance payments. Similarly, there are also debt reduction books you can purchase at your local bookstore. The best route for help with debt reduction is to go to see a credit counseller or a debt reduction counseller.
debt help loan student
Debt Resources Services.
1/23/2006
With personal debt in the US at an unprecidented level, the good news is that help is at hand for those carrying the burden, in the form of the US Debt Help Manual, produced by the (PRWEB) October 2005__The US Debt Help Manual, produced by The Debt Counsellors. is a free, no_nonsense guide.
financial freedom
Debt Resources Services.
1/23/2006
Online debt consolidation information is availiable through many internet sources that specialize in assisting many American households in managing or eliminating their outstanding debt.
repayment
Debt Resources Services.
1/23/2006
I just came across your blog and wanted to
drop you, Blogger, a note telling you how impressed I was with
the information you have posted here.
If you have a moment, please visit my site:
web site development hosting
It covers web site development hosting related contents.
I send you warm regards and wish you continued success.
1/24/2006
Debt elimination services can help consumers who have more debt than they can manage look into options of reducing or negating that debt. When searching for debt elimination, consumers should seek an agency that offers debt counselling and guidance based on an individual's unique circumstance.
tax debt help
Debt Resources Services.
1/24/2006
Many reputable debt management companies can help you deal with your debt problems. You can work with a credit counsellor to create your own plan to pay off bills.
financial advice
Debt Resources Services.
1/24/2006
Hi Fellow! I was just searching blogs,and I found your site! I like it!
If you have a moment, please visit my site:
web page hosting uk
It covers web page hosting uk related contents.
All the best!
1/25/2006
If you struggle with bad credit, credit card debt, or are facing bankruptcy, our bankruptcy/dect counselling resources can help you understand your finances better and help you improve your financial standing.
irs tax debt settlement help settlement
Debt Resources Services.
1/27/2006
Great site. Have you looked at hypnosis products?
1/27/2006
I really like your street rods related blog site. I have a street rods related web site at street rods. If you're into street rods. You will want to check it out.
1/28/2006
If You are Tired of NOT getting anywhere in Life. not being able to accomplish what it is out of life you want to. Ive been there and I still have my ups and downs in life but they don't seem to be the same downs, there are more ups in my life. I wrote a book on self improvement book . It is to the point on what you need to do to change your life. I wont make this real long.. If you need to make more money .. have a better relationship with someone or your just tired of the same old you.. then visit us at http://goals444.com and find out more about self improvement book
1/29/2006
Nice blogging. Why not visit this site personal development.
1/29/2006
HI Blogger! Have you heard of the wonders of vitamins and supplements ? Feel better instantly! GET YOUR FREE TRIAL
2/07/2006
Mental health issues can be a devastating disease that affects millions of individuals and families. Find the right missouri department of mental health program for yourself or a loved. It will be the first day of the rest of their or your life.
You can get more assistance at http://www.healthlistings.com .
2/10/2006
A very good blog! Just added you to my url favorites. Maybe you want to do the same. I am at best web hosting reseller review. I update my site frequently with new articles and data. If you do not want to no big deal. I must say though I enjoyed cruising through your blog archives. Some very useful information. I already forwarded your blog link over to a few of my friends who have similar interests. So if you see some funny remarks it maybe them! Anyways, thanks again from! best web hosting reseller review
2/10/2006
Interesting blog. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Johnny Reb
Allatoona Pass
http://www.scv670.com
10/01/2006
Interesting blog. I'm always interested in anything to do with the civil war, especially in the area of Bartow County, Georgia. I'm an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).
Regards,
SCV member
SCV
10/01/2006
Interesting blog. I'm always interested in anything to do with the civil war, especially in the area of Bartow County, Georgia. I'm an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).
Regards,
SCV member
Bartow County Genealogy
10/01/2006
Interesting blog. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Johnny Reb
Sons of Confederate Veterans
http://www.scv670.com
10/02/2006
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home