# I'm glad Giffords is recovering, but sheesh, who paid for the whole transfer drama today? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 22, 2011, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520 "2011-01-22T00:32:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/41 "2011-01-23T02:11:58Z")
In increasing order of importance: - What did that have to do with my point-and-laugh-at- **Fell through the Ice** post? - I hope your dad is okay (or became okay, if this was a really ling time ago). ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/42 "2011-01-23T02:32:26Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > In increasing order of importance: > > - What did that have to do with my point-and-laugh-at- **Fell through the Ice** post? > > - I hope your dad is okay (or became okay, if this was a really ling time ago). Sorry- I realize it looked like I was replying to you. I was replying to Fell Through Ice via you. Sorry! And yes he recovered very nicely, thank you- it was almost 13 years ago- the day my daughter was born. ---
**Author:** ![Palo\_Verde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/43 "2011-01-23T04:08:13Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Sure and those without insurance or not good enough insurance, can declare bankruptcy and lose their home. That just makes it a hospital. It doesn’t make it an elite hospital. ---
**Author:** ![Kozmik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8dc957/32.png) [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/44 "2011-01-23T04:30:06Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > The “whole world”?? Really? Such typical American arrogance and ignorance, to think that the “whole world” is on the edge of their seats over this shooting. The whole world was on the edge of their seats over the rescue of 33 Chilean miners and the whole world is on the edge of their seats over the recovery of Gabrielle Giffords. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/45 "2011-01-23T07:45:14Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > A single ambulance? From Arizona to east Texas? > > Unless they’ve developed in-transit refueling technology for automobiles, I’d think they would have had to at least stop for gas a coupla times. > > Plus, they’d need to change police escorts every time they crossed into a new jurisdiction. **Fell through the Ice** meant an ambulance from the hospital to the airport, not from Tucson to Texas. He did clarify it later. > [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Show me where I claimed she should go on a 1000 mile roadtrip. > > An ambulance could have quietly taken her to the airport for her flight without all this expensive hoopla. Although, she actually did take off from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, not Tucson International Airport. ---
**Author:** ![SecondJudith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@SecondJudith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecondJudith)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/46 "2011-01-23T14:05:19Z")
> [@Kozmik](#): > > The whole world was on the edge of their seats over the rescue of 33 Chilean miners and the whole world is on the edge of their seats over the recovery of Gabrielle Giffords. I don’t think that’s true and I also rolled my eyes at “THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!!!” as the usual US (or North American, if you will) self-centredness. Just because the BBC decided to cover it doesn’t mean British people are glued to their seats, or even paying attention. I had no idea how far along Ms Giffords was in her recovery and I can’t think of anyone I know who is “following” the story. The only time I hear about it is when Jon Stewart talks about it. I wish her a speedy recovery but I don’t think it’s something non-US Americans are following or care about very much. The Australian floods are getting much more coverage and concern over here, at least. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/47 "2011-01-23T14:10:32Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > And those NFL players have a lot of meat on their bones, they could be used to feed THOUSANDS! Bleccchhh!! Steroids! ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/48 "2011-01-23T15:15:04Z")
In all fairness, IF I was injured while performing my job, I’d expect my employer to foot part of the bill, especially if they had the largest fleet of aircraft in the world available. Get well soon Gabby! ---
**Author:** ![Keweenaw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Keweenaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keweenaw)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/49 "2011-01-23T15:35:54Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > In all fairness, IF I was injured while performing my job, I’d expect my employer to foot part of the bill, especially if they had the largest fleet of aircraft in the world available. > > Get well soon Gabby! That’s what workman’s comp is for. Might even apply in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/50 "2011-01-23T17:40:30Z")
I’m glad she’s doing as well as she is, under the circumstances. But man, am I sick of hearing about this. ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/51 "2011-01-23T17:54:45Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > \And sometimes even a _camera_! :eek: Cuing up Paul Simon’s Kodachrome.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![El\_Presidente](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c2a13f/32.png) [@El\_Presidente](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Presidente)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/52 "2011-01-23T18:11:09Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Possibly since someone has already tried to kill her, and they figured there would be huge crowds, officials decided that a heavy security presence was a good idea. > > And don’t be concerned, those are state and local police. Luckily they’ve just saved millions of dollars by cutting the state support for organ transplants. Conversely, and to the OP’s point, if security was such a concern, is it possible they could have snuck the congresswoman out in the dead of night, with a minimal escort, not only saving the taxpayers money but also making for a more secure passage? ---
**Author:** ![Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9adbd/32.png) [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fell_through_the_Ice)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/53 "2011-01-23T18:47:43Z")
> [@El\_Presidente](#): > > Conversely, and to the OP’s point, if security was such a concern, is it possible they could have snuck the congresswoman out in the dead of night, with a minimal escort, not only saving the taxpayers money but also making for a more secure passage? Yep, that was exactly my point. Apparently it’s a lot more fun to have a pile-on to an OP who has a legitimate, if unpopular, question. Oh well, carry on. I’m outta here. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/54 "2011-01-23T19:37:40Z")
As to costs, Fox News had a story earlier today concerning Giffords transfer, followed by a line stating that “shootings mean high medical bills for U.S.” I had to reload the page several times in order to get the part about the “high medical bills” to appear and when it did, it was a link to yet another story that yapped about about the cost of gun injuries overall and not specific to this incident. I can’t make that link re-appear right now but the main headline is still up. I haven’t noticed anyone other than Fox with a similar link; make of it what you will. [Giffords 'More Alert Today' Doctor Says | Fox News](http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/22/giffords-alert-today-doctor-says/) Read it if you wish; to me, it was a clear attempt to tie Giffords shooting to “high cost.” As I recall from the story I was able to read this morning, the costs were actually pretty damn negligible in the grand scale. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/55 "2011-01-23T20:30:40Z")
> [@LouisB](#): > > As to costs, Fox News had a story earlier today concerning Giffords transfer, followed by a line stating that “shootings mean high medical bills for U.S.” I had to reload.. It’s that type of vitriolic language that got her shot in the first place! ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2011, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/56 "2011-01-23T20:49:31Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Yep, that was exactly my point. > > Apparently it’s a lot more fun to have a pile-on to an OP who has legitimate, if unpopular, question. Oh well, carry on. I’m outta here. I didn’t notice much of a pile-on, especially given what a stupid question it was. What’s it like to be the kind of person who sits around wondering how many of your precious pennies were spent on providing medical care to a public servant who was shot in the head? ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/57 "2011-01-24T01:44:59Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > It’s that type of vitriolic language that got her shot in the first place! You’re right; if anyone else in the entire world ever gets shot in the future, I will feel absolutely terrible and responsible and unable to live with the shame I will feel. Damn bullets anyway. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Presidente](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c2a13f/32.png) [@El\_Presidente](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Presidente)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/58 "2011-01-24T04:48:36Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Yep, that was exactly my point. > > Apparently it’s a lot more fun to have a pile-on to an OP who has a legitimate, if unpopular, question. Oh well, carry on. I’m outta here. That’s because most of the people on this forum are assholes. They are pussies and nerds who talk tough on a keyboard, and say things here they would never dare say in public, because people like me would pimp-slap most of the teeth out of their big mouths before they even got to the next sentence. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/59 "2011-01-24T04:57:06Z")
> [@El\_Presidente](#): > > That’s because most of the people on this forum are assholes. They are pussies and nerds who talk tough on a keyboard, and say things here they would never dare say in public, because people like me would pimp-slap most of the teeth out of their big mouths before they even got to the next sentence. No you wouldn’t, because, first, people like me would sneak up on you from behind with a club. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/60 "2011-01-24T05:03:52Z")
> [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > Can you possibly get your head out of your ass? The whole world ois looking on. The whole world is rooting for her. What the hell is a few bucks. A whole lot of money is going to be spent on NFL games this weekend Money that could have been spent on feeding the poor. And you could send part of your paycheck to my house every month so that I may eat. Why aren’t you doing that? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520.md?page=4)