Carrie Writes
It Could Be Worse
Carrie Barrepski

At times we can all get down during rough times, especially if you look
at all different problems that our nation is dealing with ranging from budget
cuts, unemployment and housing problems. It can be very easy to fall prey to
negative feelings and thinking. Instead we should be grateful for what we do
have while feeling compassion to those who may be in worse situations.

For instance, in the beginning of March, the South Carolina legislature,
in attempting to close a $560 million shortfall, proposed a plan to save $47
million by eliminating funding for all disability services provided by the state
except for federally mandated residential care. These devastating cuts would
mean that all other disability services would be eliminated, affecting 26,000
people with disabilities. Many families and advocates were outraged over the
idea of losing necessary programs such as day care and day programs. South
Carolina Representative Todd Rutherford compared the budget cut to “Robin
Hood on crack” meaning taking from the poor and giving to the rich. In
response to the cuts, disabled individuals and their families in South Carolina
told the legislators about their personal stories and why disability services are
so important and the severe impact that would be realized with the termination
of the services. Thankfully, on March 15th the legislators, by a 96-6 vote,
approved of a measure to restore the budget cuts. The idea is to accomplish
this by using $173.6 million from federal Medicare.

This is a good example how in a very dire situation people came together to
as a group to find solutions that allowed a positive change to take place. When we
surround ourselves with positive thoughts and things then we are guaranteed a
positive outlook. Every day we should take time to feel our positive energy to
help us get through the day.