One-stop shop for heart, soul
Faith-based clinic offers wide range of free medical care
Cheryl Robinson, who's too young to receive Medicare and doesn't have private health insurance, was one of the first patients treated Tuesday at Seacoast Church's new Dream Center Clinic in North Charleston.
The Post and Courier
Shonta Snider was one of the first to take advantage of the new Dream Center Clinic on Tuesday. The clinic is free to qualifying North Charleston and Hanahan residents.
Robinson, 52, suffers from high blood pressure, but hadn't been able to have it monitored and treated regularly. She knew that neglecting her health could have dangerous consequences, but she simply couldn't afford to go to a doctor.
At the clinic, she got a prescription for a new blood pressure medication and had a shoulder spasm treated, all for free.
Robinson said she found a new medical home and some peace of mind.
"They help women my age and younger," she said. "It thinks it's going to help a whole lot."
Clinic Executive Director Bill Bartoccini said that's exactly what the people who launched the new clinic were hoping for. "We want to be a little bit different," he said, to establish "a culture of caring."
Dream Center Clinic
WHO: North Charleston and Hanahan residents who don't have federal medical assistance or health insurance and whose income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level
WHERE: 5505 N. Rhett Ave., North Charleston
COST: Free
HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m.
PHONE: 225-1115
MORE INFO: Dream Center web site
The clinic, which is open to North Charleston and Hanahan residents, will serve anyone who doesn't qualify for federal medical assistance. Patients also must earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
It offers an array of services, including minor surgery, cardiology, gynecology, pediatric care and orthopedics. It also offers spiritual help to people who are interested and in need.
Although the clinic is a separate nonprofit organization, it's the latest addition to the megachurch's North Charleston Dream Center, which offers food and clothing to people in need.
The clinic's Web site states that according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, 19.4 percent of the state's residents are uninsured, including one in nine children.
Bartoccini said church members initially wanted to raise money for a mobile health unit to help the growing number of uninsured people they encountered in their community, but they got much more than they prayed for.
The Post and Courier
A blood-pressure check was just what the doctor ordered Tuesday for Mark Bolger at the newly opened Dream Center Clinic. Volunteer nurse Sonia Myers administered the test.
The Dream Center Clinic opened with three mobile health units, a building, much donated medical equipment and more than 250 volunteers.
Harold Nicolette, the clinic's medical director, said he's still looking for more volunteer doctors and other medical professional to work one three-hour shift per month.
It's a good opportunity for those who want to give, he said, because there are no insurance forms or billing problems to contend with. It's simply about practicing medicine, he said.
Patricia Walsh, a nurse at East Cooper Medical Center, who was volunteering Tuesday, said, "There are so many people without medical insurance."
In the current economic downturn, anybody can lose his or her health insurance, she said. "One day you have it. The next day you don't. It really hits home."
Bartoccini said the clinic is modeled, in part, after the Volunteers in Medicine clinic on Hilton Head Island. That clinic opened in 1994 and has allied clinics in more than 20 states through the Volunteers in Medicine Institute, including a new one on Johns Island.
The VIM model does not include mobile units and is not faith-based.
The clinic is paid for with private donations, Bartoccini said, and "no taxpayer funds." He said many people contributed to the clinic with donations ranging from $1 to $100,000.
The clinic received much help from the Fort Worth, Texas-based Empowering Church Healthcare Outreach, or ECHO, Bartoccini said.
That group, which has the lofty goal of establishing 10,000 nonprofit health care clinics by 2030, helped the clinic get the three mobile units.
Bartoccini said eventually the units will be for medical, vision and dental services. The clinic doesn't offer dental services yet, he said, but expects to soon.
Clinic staffers are still deciding how they will best use the mobile units, he said.
He said he was elated by the response from patients and the community Tuesday.
Now there's a place people can go to get physical and spiritual health, he said. "You could kind of look at this as a one-stop shop," he said. "We offer food and clothing and now health care."
Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
10216340 (anonymous) says...
Absolutely AWESOME! What a great resource for a needy community. My hats off to those who have worked so hard to make this a reality.
January 7, 2009 at 6:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nurse7798 (anonymous) says...
Savings and Jobs... interesting concept..... except when you LOOSE your job and the savings gets used up what do you do ?? My husband has been out of work due to illness for 2 years and we are STILL fighting for social security. He has un met healthcare needs and is right now out of medicine
this clinic sounds like an answer to prayer for alot of us out there. Thank you Seacoast church for your vision for thoes of us who need help in this changing world.
January 7, 2009 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doiseeu2 (anonymous) says...
Oh good, now Seacoast can force people to "drink their kool-aid" intravenously
January 7, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST Some people, like myself have had good jobs with great insurance. BUT, the economy has caused us to lose our jobs and insurance. savings has been depleted due to paying mortgage, utilities and such, so now we have no choice. Unemployment max pay is 336.00 no matter what your wage was.
and because of certain health problems have to see a doctor which we cant afford .
So I say Thank God for this place. I may have to use it in the near future
January 7, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
The Bible/Gospel has a whole lot to say about doing unto "the least" of us, looking after the poor, oppressed, widowed & orphaned. Walking the walk is the best "preaching" of the gospel there is.
This type of VOLUNTEERED charity is the only type of charity there should be...otherwise it isn't really charity is it?
January 7, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
johnnyholmes.. Don't quote the bible in part. It also says we are our brothers keeper. We are supposed to help each other.
Go Seacoast. Thanks for everything you are doing to help people in need.
As for johnny and prsisbest, I hope you never need any help from anyone, because you sow what you reap.
And doiseeu2. Don't go if you don't want to drink the "koolaid". If you read the article it is not a required drink. Only if asked for.
January 7, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
doiseeu2...relax, relax..
Most church sponsored clinics do not shove religion down the patients' throats...the most that gets shoved is a thermometer or a tongue depressor. Even if that is what they wanted to do...most find themselves too busy to do anything but practice medicine.
Personally I think Seacoast is a bit "cultish", but I respect what they are doing here.
January 7, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
Churches are here for everyone and are to do whatever work they see fit to help ALL people, not just missions. I go to a missions based church and we still do other things in the community. We also build hospitals and churches abroad, and set up volunteer doctors and nurses, so why is it wrong to do it here? The church IS the people.
January 7, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST-the quality of care at VOLUNTEER free clinics (as opposed to government run free clinics) is usually excellent.
Quality medical personnel who want to provide their services pro bono...think about that.
Oh, & lay off Granny.
January 7, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I suppose "mission" is in the eye of the beholder.
"The Church" is made up of individuals.
Christians see "The Church", which is made up of individuals, as a whole body, not separate from itself. When one part of the body is "broken", in need, hurting, etc. it serves the whole body for another part of the body to help fix it, heal it, help it.
In serving "The Church"(fellow man) we serve the Triune God.
January 7, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST - what dream world are you living in?
You have to be the most deluded person I've seen on this board yet.
January 7, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
I think this is a great idea. Churches should be doing more of this and less politicking. Part of the mission of churches and many religions not just Christianity is to minister to the poor, if people like johnnyholmes had actually read the bible and comprehended he would know that it's one of the "main" points to get out of the whole thing, especially in regards to Jesus' teachings about the sick and the poor. The idea that "God loves you, save yourself from sin AND pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" just sounds ridiculous. Even if you ARENT affiliated with a church or religion, it's just called be a decent human being. I'm sure no one has ever helped you with anything along the way in your life, no family or friend helped you with anything small or large when you needed it?
No one can say that's the case. People who claim otherwise are delusional about their own self-importance and successes.
January 7, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
"Patients also must earn medication and had a shoulder spasm treated, all for free."
Can anyone tell me what that means?
January 7, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Good question/comment CFB. Looks like a cut & paste was done in haste!
January 7, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Coollfrankandbeans, probably means going to church and completing the sessions, and bring a few friends to donate to the collection plate. My wife attends this latest cult adventure in the local area. Some of the crap she comes home with is spooky.
Any church that can only afford one preacher and "televises" it or the congregation watches prerecorded DVDs/holographic images that spread the message with no interaction with the person delivering the message is cult like.
January 7, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
You complain when the government helps those in need.
Now you complain when a private entity does it.
There's no pleasing you people.
To quote the Bible in order to admonish a Church for reaching out to a community in need is disingenuous indeed.
To claim that the only mandate for a Church is to simply spread the word of the Gospel both here and abroad is a far too simplistic view of what should be its mission.
Charity is a MAJOR component of a Church's mission, charity in ALL of its forms. This particular church has chosen to exemplify this by building, supporting and maintaining a medical center for those who cannot or even will not afford medical care.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
It is very easy to pull from the Bible, verses and quotes to substantiate ANY view. Let's be real here, according to the Bible slavery and polygamy are perfectly logical.
The proper work of the church is charity. The proper work of the church is the revelation of God's love and sacrifice. The proper work of the church is to lead by example and SHOW the power of God's love and by being faithful to the tenets of religion.
January 7, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rockinRN (anonymous) says...
This is awesome, kudos to Seacoast and to all the volunteers at the Dream Center.
PRSISBET, take a look at this from a positive standpoint. The taxpayers (you and me) don't have anything to do with this, and our tax dollars will not be spent to fund it. This center is probably saving your grumpy self and the rest of us some moolah by keeping uninsured people from using the ED as a primary care provider.
Cheer up buddy.
January 7, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Granny has been posting here a long time. From what I can tell she works & is more near menopause age than 17 & would rather not ever be in a position to need a free clinic.
My siblings & my husband & I happen to be in a position to make sure my mother has what she needs, even if she might one day qualify for "free" aid. If, however, we were not able to fully provide for her, I would not have a problem with her going to a free clinic such as the one in in this article. I would be grateful for the goodness & mercy of those folks.
January 7, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Xnavykat (anonymous) says...
Let me just I work in a state run clinic (I won't say what kind or where). People who don't receive Medicaid/Medicare do get charged for services and half the time say they can't afford to pay anything on their bill while sporting multiple tatoos, manicured nails, and most of them smoke. I find it funny that they can afford cigarettes, other luxuries and possibly drugs, but don't have a dollar or two to pay on a bill.
On another note, I think that Seacoast is doing a wonderful thing, if indeed the people are truly in need.
January 7, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
excellent post eyfig.
I guess some people are just against helping people, period. Johnnyholmes is a troll, at its worst. No matter the article he tries to throw in something racist or something about Obama or both. He's as predictable as the days of the week. If he thinks that going to a private Baptist college in North Carolina (I went to a private "previously" Baptist university in NC as well) makes him an expert on Christianity, or that knowing the bible word for word makes him a Christian or a good Christian he is severely mistaken. Obviously if he thinks the Church as an entity only has one mission (spreading the word) he hasn't studied enough. And if that's the only mission you advocate as a Christian, you aren't being very Christ-like. Some people love the label, pick and choose from the bible, but can't practice the larger parts that really matter.
January 7, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
eyfig posted: "It is very easy to pull from the Bible, verses and quotes to substantiate ANY view. Let's be real here, according to the Bible slavery and polygamy are perfectly logical."
Thats a pet peeve of mine that I have dubbed as "bible plucking". Oh and men don't forget to put your women in "menstrual shacks" in the back yard while on their period. lol
January 7, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Lil' Johnny are you professing to be an expert on the Bible because you graduated from a college affiliated with the Baptist church or are you professing to be an expert on the Bible because you are a staunch Republican?
Is your degree in theology & Biblical Studies? Because if you do, perhaps I can give SOME credence to your assertion that somehow you are more knowledgeable about the Bible and what every verse actually means than any of us posting on this website.
Enlighten me. Please provide verses/quotes from the Bible (your choice of version) where it ISN'T the duty of the Church to provide charity and help to those who may be considered less fortunate. Please provide verses/quotes from the Bible (again your choice of version) where the Church is prohibited from "opening clinics and soup kitchens".
Your quote "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel.."
Who is "ye"?
Is "ye" the Church or the individual?
Let's say it is the Church.
What is the Church?
What makes up the body of the Church?
Is it not the worshippers themselves?
Isn't the Church the body of Christ supposedly represented by ALL of us? IN all of us?
Let's say that "ye" is the individual.
Aren't the individuals to embody Christ? Aren't they to fellowship together to not only bring forth the Word but to put it into practice?
I'm not trying to argue with you, I'm simply floored that anyone would deign to claim they are an expert on the Bible and knows EXACTLY the role of any Church.
January 7, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
johnnyholmes
No, SCdeacinNYC is not wrong. I don't know what bible you were taught from, but we are supposed to help our fellow man.
I am not a Baptist, so if you were taught not to help each other, then I am glad I'm not, but I am a Christian. These people are teaching the love of Jesus by helping people. Jesus healed the sick and he did not charge them. And, no, I did not vote for Obama, mostly because of abortion, but also on other issues as well.
PRSISBEST
What is your problem? Do you not read the articles fully before you start posting? The taxpayer is not paying for this clinic. It is VOLUNTEERS. People who want to help people. Are you that self centered. I feel sorry for you, and like I said above, I hope you never need help, and if you do, that your family is in a position to help you. Or if they can, will, with the attitude you have.
Granny
Since I got laid off, (and the unemployment is $326 not $336, don't give us 10 more dollars or someone will think it is enough to pay the doctor) I might have need of the clinic also. Hope not but it could happen. Sorry about you job.
January 7, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MRSCVS (anonymous) says...
I think this is simply wonderful I tip my hat to the indidviduals that worked so galiantly to make it happen.
To the SUPPOSE BIBLE QUOTERS in here and I say that with the least amount of salt as I can possibly mustered. No one would know how IGNORANT you are if you would just keep your mouth close or back away from the keyboard.
URGAORBAIT...which CHURCH are you talking about it sounds familiar to me????
All in all it is a GREAT thing to do HELPING those who are less fortunate than you and that COMES straight out of the BIBLE just worded differently but it means the same...
JMO
January 7, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
johnnyh posted: "I could quote verse for verse where you are just plain wrong."
So,johnny boy, do it. We're all waiting.
As I said earlier:
"The Bible/Gospel has a whole lot to say about doing unto "the least" of us, looking after the poor, oppressed, widowed & orphaned."
and I also said:
"Walking the walk is the best "preaching" of the gospel there is."
So bring on the Gospel teachings that contradict this.
January 7, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Xnavy,
These are the folks who claim discrimination when they try to get a loan and are denied b/c their credit score stinks (on account that the hospital has placed a lein on them for not paying their bills). You know if cigarettes were $8 a pack, they might make better decisions with their healthcare.
January 7, 2009 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
As far as PRSISBEST is concerned...
I can certainly understand and appreciate the concept of one not relying on others to care for themselves or their families.
I can also appreciate the concept of family helping family. Like abitskep, I help my mother, especially now that she is alone and living on a fixed income. her medical care costs are ever rising to the point that it's become difficult for her to cover the co-pays for her medication and office visits.
However, I have a family of my own and at some point (Heaven forbid) my mother may need catastrophic care and I will not be able to stop feeding/housing/clothing my children in order to cover her costs. Her last open-heart surgery cost over $100k. Her husbands insurance covered most of it but they struggled to cover the rest and it was up to my brother and I to help.
Without a doubt family SHOULD step in and help as best they can.
But there are circumstances where unlike my family some people do not have a family that can help.
And I appreciate when PRIVATE charities can step in to fill in the gaps.
Notice I said PRIVATE charities. NOT the government.
To lash out at someone like granny for being in a position where visiting such a clinic may be an option is patently unfair, especially without knowing her background.
Now xnavykat can comment on some of these so-called 'poor' patients because if you can afford cigarrettes then you should be able to pay your medical bills without using the long arm of the government to take my hard earned money to pay for your care.
January 7, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
eyfig--PRISISBEST is up on a very high & mighty horse. So high, in fact, he (she?)better hope an unforseen ill wind does knock him off.
Also, he does not seem to realize he is preaching to the choir on the concept of doing for oneself & minimal government invovment in our lives.
I'm with you on the PRIVATE CHARITIES. As I posted earlier, this type of VOLUNTEER CHARITY IS THE ONLY TYPE OF CHARITY THERE SHOULD BE,otherwise it is not really charity is it?
January 7, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
I am naturally as disgruntled as the next person when people don't seem to be able to prioritize their money. I don't think they are "so-called" poor, I think they are poor people with little money or no idea how to manage the little they have. It's a problem in this country and it doesn't just affect "the poor". We are a nation of people who lives beyond our means, often buying luxuries for ourselves and our families that we don't need and certainly can't afford, but wonder why we are tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt. I've seen couples on the news that bought new condos/houses/apartments, couldn't afford even the downpayment, but thought it a good idea because everyone else was buying. People need to learn money managements skills. I'm still young and it's been a hard lesson for me, we live in a our materialistic society. I think children should be taught from a young age that budgeting and saving are the ways to keep your head above water.
It doesn't mean that I don't think there are many people who have done this and who for whatever reason have fallen on tough times, we shouldn't ridicule people who need to seek extra help. We don't know what got them to this point, many were hard working individuals like we all are who just need an extra hand for whomever is there to give it.
January 7, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Uhhhh PRSISBEST"
Get a second mortgage? Apparently you must know of a bank, credit union or mortgage lender that doesn't require a JOB when approving 1st or 2nd mortgages.
Your flippant suggestion that people who are laid off just get a 2nd mortgage is ludicrous.
Yes, we should ALL save at least 3-6 months of expenses for emergencies.
Yes, we should live within our means.
Yes, we should get rid of the 'extras' if we find ourselves in a financial bind.
However some of your suggestions are just plain trite.
And to counter this quote "Uhhhh....someone gets paid and the supplies cost money. So who pays for that. The taxpayers. We are all taxpayers. If we had more of our money, we could get more free stuff over there."
This clinic was designed, built, staffed & maintained by PRIVATE funding and volunteers.
Unless you contributed to this cause, tithe to this church or volunteer at the site, this clinic COSTS YOU NOTHING!
What part of this can't you understand?
January 7, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I am registered as an Independent.
For the most part I, eyfig, & a few others who post from time to time also adhere to what is now known as Libertarian policy. Used to be that the GOP promoted a lot of those policies, but not so much these days.
Being Libertarian in one's leanings does not explain some of your posts however.
If you are saying that these free clinics should use discretion in deciding who they serve, I agree with you. Part of any type of mission work or charity work is being a good steward of the donated resources, whether that be money, supplies, time, skill, etc.
January 7, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST
I never said I was going to take advantage of the clinic. I said I might have to.
And, yes,I have money put away and I can get by for a few months.
No, I do not have any extra vehicles, and, definitely, no, I will not take a second mortgage at this time, even if I could without a job, that would be pretty stupid, putting myself further in debt.
But with this economy who knows how long it will take to find a job. I look everyday, and I am working part time to supplement my unemployment, but you can only make 1/4 more than the unemployment without it coming out of your check.
And yes I do have family that is helping me. That doesn't mean other people do not need help outside of family.
And lastly you are right, there are a lot of crazy people out there and people that will take advantage of other people's generosity, but who are you to be the judge?
I am a divorced mother who has worked hard to put myself where I am. Sometimes working 3 jobs at a time. My children are grown so there is no child support. I own a home and a fairly new car. But I have always been frugal with my money, as most of my family will tell you, and, no, I do not squander it. I was in a good job doing well for myself when I got laid off. I worked there 9 years. My only bad vice is that I do smoke. But I do not drink at all and that costs more money. If it comes down to it I guess I will quit rather then lose my house.
I know how to manage money. I also have worked my way up on my own.
So get off your high horse before you fall.
January 7, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"Used to be that the GOP promoted a lot of those policies, but not so much these days."
Ain't that the truth!!!!
January 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
PRISISBEST..well, if you care for your posts to be fully understood, then indeed some of them did need explanation. You seem to have flip flopped in your attitude on a couple of them. Sometimes posting here requires more explanation..we do not have other cues such as tone of voice & body language which often convey meaning beyond the mere words.
Many of us posting here are probably at least as educated as you are, in case you want to suggest that we are a bit "thick" in the brain. So you finished PG. I finished AH. College? Degrees? Post Grad? What year did you graduate? Just curious.
January 7, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
OK folks, since 12:39 PM yesterday PRISISBEST has posted 92 comments(10 pages worth)!!!
Just a bit manic are you, PRISISBEST? Something in your posts tipped me off.
January 7, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I don't understand what business it is of others on here whether medical professionals choose donate their services. Beating a previously posted dead horse- this is PRIVATE! I am seriously thinking of donating my time/skills for this clinic. Who is anyone else to tell me how/where to volunteer MY time? Not your tax dollars, my time. People are such freakn haters. How can anyone be so angry at people getting help with medical care? Before anyone attacks me and accuses me of being some socialized medicine loving liberal- I'm a proud card carrying republican. For the record I'm totally against socialized medicine. But I love to help people. A hand up-not a hand out. There is a difference.
January 7, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST seems to be one of the old neurotic posters that was kicked off several times under 2 or 3 other names. Maybe more from before I started posting.
January 7, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
My point was no one will dictate how I give my time. Just as I wont dictate where someone else volunteers or donates money. We all have different thoughts/ideas as to who we want to help. It's an individual choice. I certainly wasn't saying people shouldnt have or express an opinion. It's just funny to see people raise hell over something that has no effect on them, their money or life. Yet they get so bent out of shape.
January 7, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST
Do you even know what pontificate means? It means to speak in a pompous manner which is arrogant or self righteous. No one is saying that you can't post. But its how you post, you are very "POMPOUS" and you are always putting things down, or finding something wrong with good works. You just seem like an angry man and like I said in my earlier post you are very self centered.
January 7, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Gee PRS, attention whore much?
I prefer my medical care to be without a message of any type except about my health. There's a time and a place for everything.
January 7, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
I"ve got to say something for PRSISBEST, he does keep the posts lively and moving. The posts he doesn't post on only have 1 or 2 comments.
January 7, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
PRS presents himself as the level headed voice of reason, truth, justice, and the manic way. The folks ain't buyin' what your trying to desperately scribble with your crayons. Gotta love the interweb, Carry on dude.
January 7, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Somehow PRS I don't think your self inflated sense of importance would keep you from offering your level headed and sage advice.
Sorry but I have no idea who took your Depends money. No luck.
January 7, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST..any one can think fast..its the making sense part that seems to be tripping you up.
Of course you can make as many comments as you want. But the tone & content, in addition to the volume, appears to be that of a classic manic episode & that is no joking matter.
You are more transparent than you think. Its hard to be bouncing off the walls & not have people notice.
Any rational person only has to skim over a few of your posts to see that something is not right.
Just expressing my opinion. Now tell me you've never been diagnosed with mania.
January 7, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Grandiosity is a classic symptom of mania.
January 7, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Dude, I don't worry about you or Franken or politicians for that matter. You obviously aren't able to stay on topic so it's funny to watch you flip around and point fingers or is it fins? Dunno, either way, it's funny.
January 7, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Bipolar is another possibility....grandiosity? definitely.
Anyway, like i said before, I'll take my health care without any message. There's a time and place for everything. It's a good service they are offering but I wouldn't care for the preaching. Just my $.02
I wonder if they, this Seacoast sponsored clinic, offer mental health service referrals for PRS since his SS won't cover it?
January 7, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
say what you have to say PRS, no need to hold back.
Delusional comes to mind also.
January 7, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greater_renovator (anonymous) says...
Let's hope that the gynecology services include free contraception!
January 7, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Nice try PRIS. You can pretend what you are doing is on purpose..an effort, so to speak, to showcase your 'superior' thought processes, but as I said before, you are more transparent than you know.
Your comments & "techniques" are not as "veiled" as you imagine.
Multitasking is my middle name. Been there. Done that. Still doing that.
Highest tax bracket..unfortunately, not a game. Been there. Done that. Still doing that.
I have no argument with your right to express your opinion, because I love the fact that I have a right to express an opinion on your opinion. That's OK with you, right?
PS
Bipolar people usually are highly intelligent & creative. Most do not see that there is a problem when in the throws of a manic episode. Everything is more than fine with THEM...its EVERYONE ELSE who is crazy..
Hmmmm, sound familiar?
January 7, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Being a hard core conservative (right wing extremist)I have nothing but contempt for people who "WILLINGLY" put themselves in financial jeopardy through stupid irresponsible behavior and expect charity and compassion from earners/taxpayers.
This clinic is great and in keeping with how those who need help received it before the government coerced the public into thinking only they were the answer to all problems.
It might be considered what the politicians like to refer to as a "safety net" for folks experiencing situations that no amount of preparation could have avoided.
Of course in the in case of the government the safety net usually ends up a sieve through which taxpayer dollars flow incessantly.
PRSISBEST I don't know what your smoking or snorting but you are screwed up like a soup sandwich on rye bread!
Go sleep it off.
January 7, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I am NOT ColdBeer/Cold Bud! Look up how long I've been posting. I am NOT an atheist either. My posts are usually very much in line with conservative values. BTW some posters from this site have met me and know for a fact I'm not ColdBeer.(to the posters who have met me- I'd appreciate not giving away any info about me- I like my anonymity) But you can assure the paranoid I'm NOT ColdBeer!
January 7, 2009 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST--Hub, as you call him, has WORKED at free clinics ..on the professional end of a stethoscope & Rx pad. So, no we do not have to go to a free clinic.
As a matter of fact no one in my family has ever been seen in a free clinic except on the giving/professional end of it. After dad finished Princeton he went on to medical school. Same with my uncle & several cousins. My mother also was a medical professional w/ a post graduate degree. After 2 undergraduate degrees & 2 yrs of medical school I made the decision to be a stay at home mom.
Sorry to burst your delusions & deductions.
January 7, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST You have a right to your opinion just like everyone else. You were the one who started bashing people. Saying they need to get jobs and take care of themselves, or their families need to take care of them, not knowing what their situations were. Now you are getting it back. And, yes, as you admitted yourself, you just prattle on with hidden innuendo. So we give it back in plain english that everyone can understand.
This church chose to help people and instead of appreciating them, we are arguing whether it is right or wrong, who is smarter than who, and whatever else has come up in these posts. Hmm, there is definitely something wrong with this picture.
I'll end this by saying thank you Seacoast.
January 7, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
CFB is not COLDBEER...CFB is a she & not an atheist. I met her along with several other regular posters when we had supper one Sunday night.
BTW, we all are waiting for your Bible quotes, Mr.Bible college dude.
Calling someone stupid becasue she disagrees with you is, in itself, such a revealing demonstration of intellect.
PRIS can't have it both ways.
One minute claiming he is intentionally baiting & stirring things up with (shhhhsh) secret-like "veiled" comments & (aptly labeled) prattle & the next he claims he is getting picked on.
January 7, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
URgatorbait wrote: It's funny to watch you flip around and point fingers or is it fins?
PRSIS wrote: It's my right as a poster. Also as a toaster. As a blender. Not a fender.
I haven't laughed so hard since the hogs ate Little Sister. (That's an old country expression that means... wow, I'm not sure what it means.) You two need to be writing for the Daily Soup or the Late Show, You're hilarious!
Just FYI, Patty Duke is bipolar. So, purportedly, was Jack Kerouac, Salvador Dali, Jeff Buckley, Roger Miller, J.B. Hunt and at least half the Barrymore clan.
What was my point again?
January 7, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yep..as I said earlier..most bipolar people are very intelligent & creative sorts...& can make people laugh & usually are or have been highly successful people ..until they crash & burn & then its not so funny.
Projection (of anger, etc onto others) also is a common trait when one is in the throws of a manic episode.
January 7, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST- Yes we have all gotten together before. It was a great time and I look forward to doing it again.(this time I'd like it to include cocktails :) I'm not opposed to anyone being invited. Well....except the couple of murderers we have who post here. LOL Well even then I'm very intrigued by people and their opinions. All of us who got together at times have had very different and passionate opinions. Thats what makes it great. I don't like being acccused of using multiple user names. I've been coolfreaknbeans forever.
January 7, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST I'm not saying people shouldn't pay their own way. I have never been in a free clinic or on welfare. I have always paid my own way, but I try to help people also, and think it is great when I see people helping people. Stop twisting my words so you can try to look better. You are just making yourself look worse. I'm glad you have so much. I hope you keep it. I do not wish anything bad on anyone. But you never know what will happen tomorrow. I just don't like it when posters try to imply that "everyone" who gets help outside of family is a freeloader. Especially in this economy there are a lot of people that were doing great yesterday and have nothing today. Just in case you misunderstand. By yesterday I mean "past", could be a year ago, 6 months or whatever. I know how hard it is to find a job right now. But I am optimistic and know that somehow I will get through this with the grace of God.
January 7, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Dour & sour? Well I do like lemons & limes...oh, & grapefruit. I like grapefruit.
Impacted? Nope..eat too much fiber for that.
Pinched? Not today..in exercise pants & a T shirt recovering from a rare cold.
Cursing you? When? Where?
Madder than a wet cow/hen?..Do they really get mad when wet?
Nonetheless...I feel no anger. Not mad either :).
Wailing about free health care?
OMGoodness, is that what I was doing? I thought I was commenting on VOLUNTEERING to give charity as a better option than being forced into it via taxation.
Attacks? I thought I was just expressing myself, but anyway you certainly are the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, don't ya think?
PS
Congratulations on making your fortune
& I mean that sincerely.
January 7, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
For such an educated man you have some choice words you use and a way of putting people down. I have not changed your screen name at anytime or called you any names. I have not even said that you need a doctor like some of the other posts. The closest I came to this is I said that you may be one of the nerotic posters from the past. You are mixing up my posts with others so "YOU" need to go back and read.
You're very first post on this article is "Have people ever heard of savings and jobs?" Then a couple of posts down you were jumping all over Granny just because she said she may have to go to this clinic. You don't even know who she is, or her circumstances. I'm starting to think your posts about how educated you are and how much money you have is all in your imagination because a real educated man would be able to spar back and forth without name calling.
January 7, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Don't like martinis anyway.
Better watch the ole prostate...too much red meat, well you know.
Am not grouchy. Happy as a bug in a rug.
January 7, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST
You are really a winner. I never said anything about a Doc husband, or meeting with the other posters, or any of the things you are talking about. That was other posters. You really need to go back and read because you are so angry that you are confusing all the posts.
And I definitely don't deserve your name calling. Especially when you are the one that has all the posts mixed up. GO BACK & READ smart man. Your degree sure did not included reading retention. Hope you don't have kids and get their names mixed up.
January 7, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Someone is getting his posters & replies all mixed up.
Special software huh?
And all this time we thought you were a super fast typer/thinker?
Thanks for the warning...that you are out there driving around. Let us know when you get home.
January 7, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
dhshjh--you sound like a really decent person. Don't get too upset over PRSIS & his nonsensical angry rants. Some of us started out trying to enter into reasonable dialogue, but that is not what he wants.
January 7, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Total insanity prevails. The P&C wins.
January 7, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
only if we pay attention to the advertising
January 7, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
I can handle it, but I didn't even say the things he is calling me names for. He sure has a problem. Did you read how he wrote my screen name? Dshjjhhandjobupoonthe that sure doesn't sound like an educated man to me. He sounds like a street thug.
January 7, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yep, I read it...decided to ignore it..like a lot of other things he said & implied in various other posts.
Just think of the fun he would have had had we responded to ALL of his nonsense. I could have rebutted about everything he directed at me line for line...but...well...it was starting to get tedious.
He is getting perverse thrills from trying to shock. Loves sitting back & watching the reactions to his "outrageous" comments & ramblings. Its not unlike people who "expose" themselves...I guess he is cyber-flashing us.
Normally I don't have time, much less the patience, for this sort of thing, but I am recovering from a bad cold & am in between books. Not feeling bad enough to stay in bed, but not up to full steam. So I do a bit of work & then rest by sitting at the computer.
Also, dealing with him, well--its like a poster a while back used to say "Its like a wreck on the side of the road...I know I shouldn't look, but I just can't help myself"..(or something like that)
January 7, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Oh my. The threads have been so dead lately.
LOL I missed the epic of all blogs today.
Hello, old friends. We need to get together again.
January 7, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Hey RTC!!! Hope you've been doing well.
Well, well, well.
Lil' Johnny refused to answer my query.
Lil' Ms/Mr Pris is ranting his way to a new P&C record.
Man, I missed some fun today!
You were great Abitskep! I enjoyed being the silent one and watching you tear 'em up! LOLOL
Hey coolbeans! Coldbeer should be flattered to be confused for you! LOLOLOL (still love 'ya Coldbeer/Coldbud)
January 7, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
RTC!!!!--I was just asking someone about where you've been. Hope all is well with you.
Eyfig--thanks...I was in a rare place today...Not feeling so great on the tail end of a bad cold/cough, but not bad enough to stay in bed...so I spent more down time at the computer than I usually have time for.
I tell ya though...can't spend too much time w/ someone like PRS, not without some backup anyway(hint hint), without wondering about my own sanity!
I meant to call it a night an hour ago & watch a movie, but I keep getting distracted by my son who is packing for a ski trip tomorrow. May as well watch the movie tomorrow night & be available for his last minute "Mom, where's the so & so".
January 7, 2009 at 10:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Abitskep: My oldest is going back to college tomorrow and I'm neck deep in MOM!!! WHERE'S this and that? I'm feeling your pain!
LOL
I hope you feel better and I definitely don't mind tag teaming on this board! LOLOLOL
take care dear.
January 7, 2009 at 11:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Thanks eyfig...I'm old enough now to know that getting proper rest & doing the fluid/vitamins thing really does shorten the duration of an illness.
Used to be, I tried to be superwoman & acted like I could "ignore" the cold away!
Good luck w/ getting your oldest packed up for her return to college.
My "middlest"(19) went back last Wed. She had scheduling changes to make (plus she wanted to go to a New Year's party w/ her new college friends).
This weekend, I'll be sending the oldest(24) off as he returns to California...on his motorcycle-the same way he arrived for the Christmas holidays(I've been doing a lot of praying lately).
The youngest(11) is having a very hard time getting back on school-time hrs. He was still wide awake at 10:30. Told him that getting out of bed to report that he was still awake was not necessary or in any way was it going to help him go to sleep!
And, the 2nd oldest(21) starts back to college next week.
For the most part, our 16 yr old son is finally packed up for his ski trip tomorrow.
phew.....
& now the strong cough medicine is taking effect (cough always kicks up at night) & I am going to shut up..for now :)
Sweet dreams all.
January 7, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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