I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

The Veterans Affairs Department recently sent out 2,500 letters to veterans informing them that they had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Unfortunately, according to the National Gulf War Resource , over 1,200 of the recipients incorrectly received the letter.

Responses to receiving the letter were as would be expected. Former Army Sgt. Samuel Hargrove cried Sunday after opening his letter.

I can’t even describe the intensity of my feelings.

Former Air Force reservist Gale Reid had this to say about receiving her letter.

I’ve been through a week of hell, emotionally, physically and financially.

ALS is almost always fatal within 5 years. I lost a brother to this disease a couple of years ago, and I can tell you from personal observation it is a terrible way to go. The people who were incorrectly notified they had the disease not only suffered significant emotional distress, but also lost time and money taking unnecessary tests to verify the diagnosis. Now imagine with the proposed Universal Government Healthcare these people also being informed they might as well go ahead and die now instead of costing the taxpayers money for expensive drugs and care.

From the article,

Jim Bunker, president of the veterans group, said he talked to someone at the VA and was told the mistake was caused by a coding error. The VA uses more than 8,000 codes for various diseases and illnesses and veterans with undiagnosed neurological disorders, which can range from mild to severe.

Codes. Numbers. Figures. All impersonal. All systematized. Unfeeling. Uncaring. Unknowing.

Welcome to Obamacare.

Night Twister