Los Angeles, California
March 7, 2022
(Today’s Date)
February 1, 2021
(Original Date)
*Denotes a change in the original blog, either addition or deletion
**UPDATE (Denotes NEW information or material added after publishing of the original blog)
This blog is submitted and contributed as part of the War on Racial Racial Discrimination in California (and the United Sates)
Last week, after his inauguration, President Joe Biden, in the swearing-in ceremony for his staff, declared, “I’m not joking when I say this : If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot. On the spot. No ifs , ands, or buts.” Human Resource Director, January 21, 2021. “People don’t work for us . We work for the people. They pay my salary ; they pay your salary. We’ve reached a point , in my view , where the American people had to sort of, have their blinders taken off. They’ve been taken off, and Americans realised (sic) what they didn’t realise (sic) before — just how much systemic racism still exists “. I’d.
“The president is calling on members of his administration to help him ‘restore the soul’ of the country , and to treat others with respect and dignity. Anyone who fails to meet that standard will immediately be dismissed.” Id.
The West L.A. V.A. apparently didn’t get the message. Or, if it did, someone should at least be disciplined, as a federal employee.
On Friday, I visited the West L.A. Veterans Administration (“V.A.”) for a doctor’s appointment. After my original appointment was complete, I decided to visit the Prosthetics Office to try and obtain a weight scale that had been ordered by my doctor or her office, but, which I had not received (by mail).
I approached the clerk at the desk, Eric Rodriguez, and after he obtained my veteran-patient identification information, I said to him that I wanted to pick up a scale that had been ordered, but, I had not received. He then checked my record, and informed me that the reason I had not received the scale was because my doctor had not submitted a “health plan” for the scale. So, I inquired , “what kind of health plan ?” He responded with a plan for how the scale would be used. I then responded that the plan is for me to monitor my weight between doctor visits. He then replied that the doctor herself (I have a female doctor—primary doctor, *who happens to be white) would have to submit a plan for use of the scale. I then requested to see a supervisor. The clerk then said the supervisor would say the same thing that he said. I said that’s o.k., I still wanted to see a supervisor. So, the clerk summoned the supervisor, Jonathan Cadabes, who appeared to be Asian.
When Cadabes appeared, the clerk was right, he said the same thing, that my doctor would have to provide a plan for use of the scale, and he gave me an example of a person with a heart problem. I responded with the same response that I had previously given to the clerk, that the plan was for me to monitor my weight (because my doctor had detected a weight problem). Cadabes then insisted that I would have to have the doctor submit a plan, because “we don’t give out our scales to just anyone.” That was the kicker. The statement was both disrespectful and insulting, to both me and my doctor. For, neither one of us is an “anyone” (off the street). I am a patient at the hospital and my doctor is a member of the medical staff at the hospital. At the same time, it questions the integrity of my doctor by inferring that she may not be ordering the scale for a legitimate reason, and that perhaps she and I are conspiring to obtain the scale for an improper purpose. Some evidence of this notion is the fact that after I left the Prosthetics office, I returned to my doctor’s office and requested a plan for the scale. My doctor wasn’t there but her nurse assistant text messaged to her that I needed a plan. My doctor, realizing that I wanted to obtain the scale while I was at the VA (rather than having it mailed), and perhaps because of her own time constraints, simply ordered the scale again, and this time provided Prosthetics with a diagnosis (likely diabetes—which is one of my ailments, and the one where my weight is a factor—I didn’t see the diagnosis, the clerk *(a different clerk) at Prosthetics simply informed me a diagnosis was given). So, I returned to Prosthetics, and, again, the office refused to provide me with the scale. I have another appointment to speak with my doctor next week. I will discuss the matter with her at that time.
But, I was “talked down to” by Cadabes.
Moreover, I am a Black male, and it is likely that the “anyone” comment was racially-motivated, e.g., viewing me as a homeless person drifting into the VA asking for a scale (supported by my casual dress, a t-shirt and a baseball cap turned around; notwithstanding my identifying myself as a veteran, and the clerk pulling up my record). Even if the requirement of a plan is simply unnecessary bureaucratic red tape , which it is, the “anyone” comment provides independent evidence of systemic racism.
When President Biden broadcast his philosophical directive, where he stated, “I’m not joking when I say this : If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, TALKING DOWN TO SOMEONE, I will fire you on the spot. On the spot. No ifs, ands, or buts,” (emphasis added), that he was speaking to employees at the V.A. as well, i.e., “The president is calling on members of his ADMINISTRATION to help him ‘restore the soul’ of the country, and to treat others with respect and dignity. Emphasis added. Anyone who fails to meet that standard will immediately be dismissed.”
*Cadabes failed to meet the standard.
I will submit a copy of this blog to the VA’s Director, in lieu of a complaint, at this time.
Per Biden’s directive, Cadabes, as a federal employee, should at least be disciplined, if not terminated, after due process considerations.
cc : Director of West LA VA, *Steven E. Braverman
President Joe Biden
UPDATE—February 11, 2021
Last Friday , my doctor’s nurse assistant contacted me again, and informed me that she had been in touch with the Prosthetics unit and was informed by the unit that if I enrolled in a weight-loss program at the hospital, that I could get the scale. But, I have no interest in enrolling in a weight-loss program at this time. So, I will explore my options.
A NEW V.A. SECRETARY HAS BEEN CONFIRMED
There’s now a new VA Secretary, Denis McDonough, and so if I do not resolve this “scale” matter at the hospital level, I’ll turn to him for all matters. I’m sure he will want to know the status of various VAs regarding their provision of care and the TYPE of provision of care; and whether the VAs are carrying out President Biden’s directives.
UPDATE—February 18, 2021.
THE SCALE
Today, I received the scale in the mail (at the post office). I had previously received a call from the Prosthetics unit informing me that I would be receiving it. It actually was Cadabes himself, but I did not
know it, because he only used his first name, Jonathan (and he didn’t mention his position, supervisor). So, I actually thought it was someone else until I thought about it after the telephone conversation was over. But, now that I know who it was, I believe that he should have apologized. But, he didn’t. While I am satisfied receiving the scale, an apology is equally as important as the scale. While I will not pursue this matter any further, I still believe an apology is due, to both me and my doctor.
UPDATE—June 11, 2021
THE ECONOMY’S FULL REOPENING ON JUNE 15, 2021 : A CASE OF “FALSE ADVERTISING” OR A BROKEN PROMISE
I didn’t want to start a new blogpost to make the point I’m about to make, so I decided to insert it here, since this blogpost is medically-related and because I obtained my vaccine shots at the V.A.
Some time ago, our County and State officials promised us and put out the advertisement that on June 15, 2021, California would have a full reopening of the economy. That means, and we interpreted it to mean that there would no longer be a requirement of social distancing or mask wearing. Period. And, since that promise was made, there has only been improvement in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths in Los Angeles County and several other counties in the State. Yet, with less than a week to go before June 15, 2021, the County of Los Angeles and State officials have now announced an “anticipatory breach” of its promise, by stating, among other things, that businesses MAY, if they choose to, continue to REQUIRE citizens or patrons to wear masks in order to obtain service. This is the most significant breach. And it is the main breach that prevents a “reopening” from occurring. Indeed, with the mask requirement in effect, for most people , there is no reopening. The only people who will consider the June 15, 2021 a full reopening is business owners , especially restaurant owners, who can serve patrons indoors again (with masks). For everybody else, it is either NO reopening, or a partial reopening, e.g., sports enthusiasts being able to attend sports games, baseball, football, soccer, etc. (with masks, if the sports venues so require).
THE REAL PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO JUNE 15, 2021, TO THE DAY WHEN THEY WOULD BE FREE FROM MASK WEARING. SO, FOR THE PEOPLE TO HAVE TO CONTINUE TO WEAR MASKS AFTER JUNE 15TH, IT WOULD NOT ONLY BE A BREACH OF A PROMISE BY THE COUNTY AND STATE, BUT, IT WILL ALSO BE A GRAVE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR MANY.
So, what’s the solution ? DON’T BREAK THE PROMISE ! HAVE A FULL REOPENING : NO REQUIRED MASKS AND NO SOCIAL DISTANCING !
1. It will avoid any so-called confusion regarding mask wearing and the reopening. It has been announced by various news media that there is confusion about the anticipated “reopening” and mask-wearing. When are you required to wear the mask and when not ? With full reopening, there will be no confusion. No social distancing and no required mask wearing. Period. Optional mask-wearing, at the discretion of the public or business patrons , remain.
2. How will the businesses know the vaccinated people from the un-vaccinated ones ? (Health officials have said that vaccinated people do not need to wear masks, but un-vaccinated people need to in crowded situations). Why do businesses need to know whether patrons are vaccinated or not ? Those patrons who are vaccinated are protected against those who are not. And, those who are not vaccinated are not vaccinated AT THEIR OWN RISK. And, if they somehow contract COVID, it will usually have to be from another un-vaccinated person. Business owners have nothing to do with that. That’s the patrons’ concern. The vaccinated patrons will not have a concern, because they are vaccinated. Thus, business owners do not need to know who is vaccinated and who is not. It’s a patron problem.
The same thing applies to employees. Vaccinated employees have nothing to worry about, either from other employees or the public. Un-vaccinated employees, like un-vaccinated patrons, proceed AT THEIR OWN RISK. With the now prevalence of vaccinations, even without appointments, those who choose not to get vaccinated, proceed at their own risk. But, they are the only ones who have to worry about the consequences of not being vaccinated. Not business owners, not other patrons, and not the public. Of course, anyone, including the vaccinated, can choose to wear a mask, as further protection, but they should not be REQUIRED to do so by businesses. I think it’s nonsense for businesses requiring people to prove that they are vaccinated. Again, if they are not, it is their own life they place in danger. And, employers can require employees to get vaccinated. So, it shouldn’t be a problem for employees.
3. At the stage of the vaccine and virus at this time in L.A. County, the virus should be treated like the flu. And, we are not required to wear masks for the flu. But, we are encouraged to get vaccinated for the flu. And, those who choose not to get vaccinated for the flu, proceed at their own risk. And, there are those who get sick from the flu, and those who die from the flu. But, we do not REQUIRE people to wear masks to protect against the flu, or people who might have the flu (even during flu season). And, we shouldn’t do so for COVID at THIS stage of the disease either, i.e., L.A. County’s low levels or rates of contractions and deaths.
THE BOTTOMLINE : TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA : KEEP YOUR PROMISE : FULLY REOPEN THE ECONOMY ON JUNE 15, 2021, NO SOCIAL DISTANCING AND NO MASKS REQUIRED (EXCEPT FOR THOSE SPECIAL BUSINESSES, SUCH AS NURSING HOME FACILITIES OR BUSES OR AIRPLANES)(PERSONALLY, I BELIEVE THE ONLY EXCEPTION SHOULD BE NURSING HOME FACILITIES, BECAUSE OF THEIR PAST HISTORIES OF THE DISEASE AFFECTING SENIORS, ESPECIALLY SENIOR BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE, WHO ARE AFFECTED DISPROPORTIONATELY, ESPECIALLY INVOLVING SERIOUS ILLNESS AND DEATHS).
UPDATE—July 19, 2021
THE COUNTY’S MANDATE RESPONSE TO THE UPSURGE IN COVID CASES : IT’S AN OVERREACTION , AND, IT PENALIZES, RATHER THAN REWARDS , VACCINATED PEOPLE FOR GETTING VACCINATED.
The County, in response to an increase in COVID infections and hospitalizations in the County, has now issued a mandate requiring all residents , vaccinated or not, to wear masks indoors at public places. It makes little sense and penalizes the vaccinated.
In my immediately-above blogpost, I stated that “those who are not vaccinated are not vaccinated AT THEIR OWN RISK.” Apparently, that risk has now produced dire consequences. Nearly ALL the cases causing the surge in Delta variant infections and hospitalizations, has been of UN-vaccinated people, “99.6 % of L.A. County’s coronavirus cases, 98.7 % of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 99.8% of deaths.” But that is the unvaccinated people’s choice. They assumed the risk, and the risks resulted in mass infections and hospitalizations. But, how is requiring vaccinated people to wear mask indoors going to reduce the infection and hospitalization rates ? Vaccinated people are not passing the virus on to others, because they do not have the disease, and , they are protected from being infected by the vaccine. So, it’s virtually senseless to require them to wear a mask when it serves no purpose. Is vaccinated people wearing a mask going to make unvaccinated people get vaccinated ? No.
If the sheer number of unvaccinated people, as opposed to vaccinated ones, acquiring the virus doesn’t cause the unvaccinated to get vaccinated, why would requiring VACCINATED people (who do not need vaccinations) to wear masks cause the unvaccinated to get vaccinated ?
Even if the medical community see a change or decrease in the infection or hospitalization rates, after mandating universal mask wearing, it will only be because the unvaccinated has decided for whatever reason to get vaccinated. Not because the vaccinated people are wearing masks indoors.
The only substantial result of the county’s mandate is to penalize vaccinated people for getting and being vaccinated. The unvaccinated people are not being penalized. And, if anyone should be penalized, it should be them (for not getting vaccinated). And, wearing a mask indoors is a penalty, because the mask suppresses one’s breathing capacity and causes facial body heat, especially in the summertime (although it may be lessened by air conditioning), i.e., it causes discomfort. But, I am not advocating that the unvaccinated should be penalized, I’m simply saying that vaccinated people shouldn’t be either.
I am aware that at this time, a surge of the coronavirus is a nationwide thing . But, I am also aware that in L.A. County, nearly all of the cases are produced by the unvaccinated. The only way mandating vaccinated people wear masks indoors IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY can be sensible is for a substantial number of vaccinated people contributing to the increased number of virus cases.
THE BOTTOMLINE : In LOS ANGELES COUNTY the greatest infringement on vaccinated people regarding mask wearing indoors should be to RECOMMEND that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks indoors . For the only real solution to the surge in coronavirus cases is to find a way to get the unvaccinated people vaccinated.
Next time , some fair possible solutions (alternatives to mandating mask wearing for all) to getting the unvaccinated people vaccinated.
**UPDATE—March 6, 2022
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CONTINUES WITH ITS CONTRADICTORY POLICIES RE COVID
A few days ago, the County of Los Angeles, through news reports, declared that “the county will issue a new health order— effective Friday (March 5, 2022)—that will lift the indoor mask order, regardless of vaccination status, in places such as bars, stores, offices, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters.” BUT, “Businesses can CHOOSE to retain their mask requirement for both customers and employees (emphasis added)”. That is a direct contradiction. If the County lifts the indoor mask order, then businesses CANNOT, *or should not be able to, choose to require customers to wear masks, UNLESS, the County’s lifting of the mask order ONLY applies to public agencies or publicly-run agencies. If that IS the case, the County should clarify its order or decision *to indicate such.
Again, as long as businesses can CHOOSE to require customers to wear masks, the County health order , purportedly lifting the indoor mask requirement, is ineffective as to businesses, and does not change the current status quo, that is, the mask requirement has NOT been lifted. In order for it to be lifted, businesses cannot CHOOSE to retain their mask requirement.
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