Chip In For Chuck Rainey

Chuck Rainey is recovering from his stroke of 11/04/11, but he could use a helping hand with medical bills and treatment. Go to http://chuckrainey.chipin.com/chuck-rainey-well-health-fund today and chip in for Chuck!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Chuck Rainey
• Bass
• Ed Friedland
• The Bass Whisperer

[woutertron]

As tragic as this is, there's a lesson for other professional musicians. Even in countries with universal healthcare, being your own boss means you have to plan for your own bad luck. Even if you haven't got much money, there's no excuse not to get excellent health insurance as well as an excellent unemployment and pension plan for yourself. This is a world-famous musician who played with the greatest in the world and he still did not find himself financially equipped for a disaster like this.

[BassGuitarMag]

@woutertron - Chuck HAS health insurance. They pay 80%. The remaining 20% costs can still be quite high. As he can't work... he could use some help. If you feel so inclined, please do. If not, don't - but no need to lecture on how to live one's life. This is a call for compassion, not advice. Thanks.

[wujastyk]

I've made a contribution, and was glad to do so. But like others here, I recognise that this situation is inescapably a political one. As a European, I take it for granted that if i get ill, I'll automatically get excellent, comprehensive medical care, and it will be free at the point of need (employed people pay contributions through salary deductions, of course). This *is* sustainable. Looking at the USA from outside, it's very hard to understand the resistance to free public health care.

[BassGuitarMag]

@wujastyk - Many Americans are easily misled by the corporate interests to reject things that are in their best interest. Many folks are more concerned with the health of the medical-industrial complex than their own health. Brainwash, pure and simple. But thanks for contributing Dom!

[far0n]

I feel somewhat uncomfortable being asked to contribute towards a dysfunctional American healthcare system. The US is a fabulous but cruel country, a true story of the haves and have-nots. I obviously wish him well and hopes he makes a speedy recovery.

[BassGuitarMag]

@far0n - You are completely missing the point, but whatever. Not sure how helping out a brother when they're in need makes you uncomfortable. This is not political, it's a simple request.

[JasonMarshMusic]

I think it's time that everyone in the US who cares tries to do something about our broken health care system in the . I live here in Japan where like most industrial countries, health care is practically free, paid for by the government, and even though I'm over here, I've still written letters to my congressmen urging them to push for government health care (I'm still a US citizen). Get involved people, and I hope Chuck makes a speedy recovery.

[orlandofriend]

Why don't the very wealthy musicians that benefited most from Chuck's playing kick in? And where is Medicaid? Over 65 in America and you should have that.

[bazZzment]

Did not even have to think about it. Thanks for informing the world Ed!

[far0n]

@BassGuitarMag Considering Chuck is 71 years of age, isn't it incredibly foolish not to plan for old-age and ill health? Should we, the general public, be asked to make up for this foolishness ? I don't believe we should. Chuck has lived a long and fruitful life, I believe my money would be better spent on for instance, ill children, who still have their whole lives in front of them. Like I say, I genuinely wish the guy all the best and hope he makes a full & speedy recovery.

[garethhjones]

Done.................and I've spead the word.

[FunkyDebob]

well thank you Mr. Friedland. To spread the word certainly underlines your great personality and reminds us of peoples dignity- the inviolability of human dignity. I am happy to help.....

[dankenton]

Well said Ed! Chuck has been an indomitable influence on my playing and I am honored to contribute to his recovery and imminent return to the bass chair.