Only in America,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Peter Winger, 57 years old, and a resident of Hillcrest Manor Skilled Nursing Facility. 

I am writing to address what is sacred to all citizens – civil rights. Let me elaborate. I was admitted here in May 2018, admittedly in bad shape physically. Since that time, with the help of a great staff, I have been given the green light to leave here by a very capable physician. That was on Jan. 31, 2019. The problem is my durable power of attorney. It took him nine months to give me back my personal possessions, i.e., clothing, wallet, keys, etc. However, he will not relinquish what cash I have left (not much), and went so far as to purchase an irrevocable death policy against my wishes. So, “What does this mean to me?” you ask. Well, without cash, I cannot go to an attorney, move back to Kansas City, get a job, an apartment, and provide what little I can in food for my family. I am being penalized for what any American wants: the desire to work hard, pay taxes, vote, and be a productive member of society. 

Right now I feel ashamed for taking up valuable space and nursing time from someone who actually needs and deserves it. I have been forced to become a tax taker, not a taxpayer. I am literally trapped here because I have no control over my money. I owned and operated a successful sales agency for over 30 years, so I am quite capable of managing my own personal business. 

This is not the America that my generation was raised in nor would I ever wish this on any future generation(s). Have we become so course and litigious a society that I have to beg for what I earned and is rightfully mine? I hope not.

Peter J. Winger

The Caldwell County News

101 South Davis
P.O. Box 218
Hamilton, MO 64644
Phone: 816-583-2116
news@mycaldwellcounty.com

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