# 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:** 19\ **Page:** 4
**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, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/61 "2011-01-24T05:05:19Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > The “whole world”?? Really? Such typical American arrogance and ignorance… Such typical ignorance and arrogance, period. To think that this one poster represents the whole of the Americas. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/62 "2011-01-24T05:13:04Z")
> [@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? No it was not possible. Press people would be at the hospital 24/7. It’s already been noted that several staff have been fired for improperly looking up medical records related to this incident, some probably bought and paid for by tabloid media. There would have been quite a few hospital staff, family members, and Gifford’s own staff who would know, and word would leak out. Hospitals normally only discharge people during a limited number of hours, pretty similar to hotels in fact, and making special arrangements to discharge her at 3 am would mean even more people would need to get advance warning. Besides, why would the way they did it be so terribly expensive? Most of those cops would probably have been on duty _somewhere_, some right at the hospital providing security for Giffords. So they blew a few extra bucks on gas for the motorcycle escort, BFD. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/63 "2011-01-24T05:58:50Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Besides, why would the way they did it be so terribly expensive? Most of those cops would probably have been on duty _somewhere_, some right at the hospital providing security for Giffords. So they blew a few extra bucks on gas for the motorcycle escort, BFD. Giffords’ husband gave an interview to Diane Sawyer or Katie Couric or somebody a few days ago and he revealed that all the security people outside her room are off-duty police officers working voluntarily. Ten bucks says the motorcade was the same. ---
**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, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/64 "2011-01-24T14:33:16Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Talking about this: [http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iKfY3EhXtuSj4CkgV32NjMVfr-zA?docId=4ed2702d8ad74523a716287faa9f6ff8](http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iKfY3EhXtuSj4CkgV32NjMVfr-zA?docId=4ed2702d8ad74523a716287faa9f6ff8) > > Check out the pics. This was a huge piece of theatre and must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, for police and helicopters and crowd control and security, the whole hoopla. > > Of course folks are glad she’s okay, but sheesh, who paid for all this? Was this really necessary? A single ambulance with maybe a police escort, if even that, would have sufficed. We’re not allowed to wish death on fellow Dopers even in the Pit. But I do hope that you will very soon be where Giffords is, except that you will go through it all alone and at minimal cost. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/65 "2011-01-24T15:31:45Z")
> [@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. Thank you for that, I needed a good belly laugh this morning. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/66 "2011-01-24T15:40:02Z")
> [@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. I love a hypocritical keyboard warrior. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/67 "2011-01-24T16:24:14Z")
> [@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. So, how long have you been a pimp? ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/68 "2011-01-24T16:48:24Z")
Meh. Everybody has their threshold for media saturation of a particular news story. The “[missing girl in Aruba](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalee_Holloway)” one went way beyond mine. If I were a news junkie it’s possible the Giffords story would be there too, but I don’t think it’s there yet. There are a lot of people this story has moved, and the fact that she, and her husband, seem to be good people that deserve a chance at recovering from this senseless act makes it a bit more palatable. It my world it wouldn’t be the top story, but would probably be front-page news still. Some of the “she moved her eyes” maybe not, but the transport would have been. Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/69 "2011-01-24T17:06:40Z")
Another factor in all the hoopla is that some people see Gifford’s public prominence as an opportunity to educate people about head injuries and the difficult rehab process that goes with surviving one. If her experience can serve to educate people and increase understanding then I’ll forgive some of the hype. On the other hand her case is NOT typical, which may result in unrealistic expectations for other patients. ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/70 "2011-01-24T17:25:05Z")
> [@11811](#): > > > [@kaylasdad99](#): > > > > I remember thirty years ago, it seemed I was constantly having to pay a doctor to stick a finger up Ronald Reagan’s ass. And sometimes even a camera! :eek: > > Cuing up Paul Simon’s Kodachrome.🙂 You give us those nice bright colors You give us the greens of summers Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day, oh yeah! Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/71 "2011-01-24T17:28:30Z")
I believe the extraordinary media attention is a combination of the following factors: 1. She is a US Representative. When was the last time someone shot a US Rep? 2. It was a very close range shot to the head. 3. She survived. 4. Her husband is an astronaut. 5. It is a slow news cycle in the US. (Sorry about that Australia). ---
**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 24, 2011, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/72 "2011-01-24T17:37:38Z")
Thank you, **Management Man** \*. Now I’m never going to be able to hear that song again without thinking of Ronnie’s asshole, and the rainbows that some idiots seem to think shone out of it. \*Yes, I know. Because you wrecked the song for me, that’s why. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/73 "2011-01-25T03:38:11Z")
I think that they should have dressed a whole bunch of doubles up as Giffords, and then all left the hospital at the same time, going in different directions. That way, they could have had a chance of avoiding the Death Eaters. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/74 "2011-01-25T13:49:32Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Really? Just “go out and buy it”? Just like buying a new microwave? Even if I have cancer and it’s a “pre-existing condition”? I think the pre-existing condition limitations will be mitigated or entirely removed by the new health care system, if it survives long enough to get off the ground. So, yeah. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/75 "2011-01-25T14:06:25Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > So, how long have you been a pimp? I think you mean “So, how long have you been a pimp, Mr O’Keefe?” ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2011, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/76 "2011-01-25T14:46:58Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > You own property in the community where I work? Great! You’re helping to pay for my health insurance. > > You shop a a supermarket lately? You’re helping to pay for the health insurance of the workers there. > > You fly lately? Guess what? You’re helping to pay the health insurance costs of the flight and ground crew. > > It sucks to have a job with no health insurance. In a couple of years, you’ll probaby be covered. In the meantime, you can find a job where others will help pay for your insurance coverage, just like the majority of people who have health insurance in the USA. This could be read as an argument for UHC or against it. Hard to tell. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/77 "2011-01-27T04:41:57Z")
**SecondJudith** , one reason this particular woman has gotten so much attention in the States is the possible motive behind her shooting and the mass murder of the others around her. It is potentially something that might make it difficult for you to get your daily ration of fruit or something of similar consequence. But then, again, it might turn out to be nothing but a few dead people. Oh my, but look at that scandal in the House of Lords! Now that’s something to read about! A common thief, is he? ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/78 "2011-01-27T05:00:40Z")
> [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](#): > > Hate to break it to ya, but most of the rest of the world is pretty tired of hearing about mass shootings in America. Folks in Haiti, North Korea and Australia, just to name a few, have a whole lot more important shiat on their minds. I have serious doubt that North Koreans have any knowledge of what happened. Haitians are too busy trying to live while Aussies are still drying out and waiting for the next flood. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2011, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-glad-giffords-is-recovering-but-sheesh-who-paid-for-the-whole-transfer-drama-today/568520/79 "2011-01-27T05:48:46Z")
> [@Mtgman](#): > > You give us those nice bright colors > You give us the greens of summers > Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day, oh yeah! > > Enjoy, > Steven Not any more. They stopped making Kodachrome and the last machine that developed it has shut down. [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=3)