Oppose Senate Bill 1125 Waukesha, WI
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Dear Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold: I'm writing to both of you as representatives of the State of Wisconsin. I'm asking for you to vote NO to the Hatch Asbestos Bailout Bill which you will be asked to vote on very soon. Gentlemen, you must realize that this is not what is best for those harmed by asbestos. My husband, Donald Cipov, was exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Navy in the sixties. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June of 2001, and had his right lung removed to help stop the spread of the disease. Unfortunately we found out in June of this year that the cancer has returned, this time affecting his stomach and liver. As a result, he has his abdomen drained as it fills with fluid, which causes him much discomfort. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, muscle weakness and fatigue. On his last visit to the V.A. they drained 10 liters of fluid, resulting in a weight loss of nearly 23 pounds. His abdomen begins to fill with fluid almost immediately after each visit. This pattern repeats itself every 10 - 12 days. Senators, my husband is dying, and the Hatch Asbestos Bailout Bill won't help him. Since my husband never developed a tumor, (in either the lung, stomach or liver), he wouldn't qualify for any type of compensation! Isn't that a shame? He was an innocent victim of asbestos exposure even though the companies KNEW that asbestos caused cancer! They KNEW yet they still continued to use asbestos in their products. THEY DIDN'T CARE and now my husband suffers. They were only interested in their own profits back then, and even more so now! The Hatch Asbestos Bailout Bill is a godsend for these companies because it allows them to pretend to take responsibility for their mistakes... it allows them to "feel good" about the suffering they have caused. 75% of all asbestos victims would receive nothing if this Bill passes! You mustn't let this happen! Those companies need to be held accountable for their actions. They need to take full responsibility for EVERYONE who suffers because of their greed! Senators Kohl and Feingold, please don't take away my husbands RIGHT TO FIGHT for what these companies have done to him. Don't allow an industry that has killed / injured more than one million Americans to turn their backs on those they have harmed. The prognosis for my husband is very bleak, and he certainly doesn't deserve to suffer. If the Hatch Asbestos Bailout Bill passes, you will have done and injustice to him and everyone who suffers from the greed of those responsible for this hideous disease. Please do not allow this Bill to pass. Thank you for your time.
Mrs. Susan Cipov
*** POSTED ON OCTOBER 13, 2003 *** |