Housing agency works to accommodate 772-pound tenant
OK, so it takes 22 firefighters and EMTs to get you to the dentist. How is that we as a society are responsible for providing and paying for these services? I'm not trying to get anyone to accuse me of discriminating against fat people, but isn't there a limit to what our tax dollars should reasonably be expected to pay for?
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The city's public housing agency is trying to resolve a lengthy dispute by accommodating the needs of a 772-pound tenant immobilized by her weight.
Carmen Bowen, 44, has been involved in a two-year dispute with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority over how much work must be done to help her move around her apartment.
The agency is about to provide her with a handicapped-accessible apartment with extra space to allow an oversized wheelchair to turn. Bowen lives with her 19-year-old son and a caregiver.
Still, Bowen filed a discrimination complaint, saying the agency took too long. Housing officials responded that the agency went well beyond what federal disability law requires at a cost of about $15,000.
"Her special condition requires special equipment," acting Executive Director George Phillips said last week.
The modifications include removing doors and walls, installing an automatic door operator and panic device, demolishing the existing bathroom and installing a special shower, and putting in a sidewalk to the front door. Bowen could move in next month.
In her current apartment, Bowen can't move from a medical bed in the middle of her living room.
In August, 22 firefighters and emergency medical technicians worked for 2½ hours to move Bowen from her apartment so she could have dental work. Emergency crews had to help her back when she returned. The authority widened the door in October.
Bowen does not yet have the wheelchair. The Medicaid government insurance program has not yet said whether it will pay for it.
While I am all for assisting those less able or unable to assist themselves, this sort of "entitlement" makes me sick to my stomach. That someone would have the gall to sue because the "services" aren't being provided "fast enough" is even more appalling.
Ms. Bowen's situation needs to be clarified a bit here. Does she weigh in at 722 pounds because of a medical condition beyond her control, or is it simply her own choices that have left her in this condition? One could reasonably argue that a medical condition of one who is indigent should be taken care of on the public dollar. Even with that in mind, should we as taxpayers have to pay the freight for someone whose condition is the result of her own choices? A safety net should not cover the slothful and indolent. Since I do not know which case applies here, I'm at least trying to keep an open mind.
Of course, Ms. Bowen has no doubt become so accustomed to being catered to that it is now the accepted and expected state of affairs- hence the lawsuit. What's next? Do we also provide her with a chauffeur and a vehicle? How about a butler and a chambermaid? The truly sad thing is that this sorry situation has been allowed to develop into an expectation. We deserve a better use of of our scarce tax dollars.
