| Author | Message | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2005 |
http://ellenwhite.org/archive/corner20050716.htm The SDA Money Machine It was embarrassing, to say the least. Thousands of brochures were handed out at the recent 2005 General Conference Session exposing Seventh-day Adventist greed and corruption. The brochures introduced us to Laura Chichalof. This uninsured, married, mother of 3, a survivor of polio has been confined to a wheelchair for many years. When she went to SDA Florida Hospital in urgent need of gall bladder surgery, she says she was told to "come up with $10,000 in cash, or go elsewhere." Then there is Rodney Vega, the 5-year-old son of an SDA pastor. In the spring of 2004 Rodney was dying of a brain tumor when he was taken by his father, Pastor Vega, to Florida Hospital, where he was refused care simply because he had no insurance. Why? Didn't Florida Hospital have enough money to treat Vega? On the contrary, in 2003 Florida Hospital heaped up staggering profits of $81,657,052! It was the 9th most profitable "non-profit" hospital in the USA. And that 81 million dollars was after the "generous" salaries doled out to senior hospital executives. For every $3100 in actual costs, Florida Hospital charges a person without insurance approximately $10,000! And they call this "Christian" healthcare? SDA healthcare supposedly adheres to the same Christ that told people: He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. (Luke 3:11) Where is the outrage of the SDA people against this greed? Does anyone care? How much does Rodney Vega's father earn as an SDA pastor? Last year he raked in a whopping $22,000! By comparison, Robert Carmen, the COO of Adventist Health Systems West, makes that much in less than 72 hours! Here is how the money rolled in for senior Adventist Health executives in 2003: * Alan Rice - $1,984,395. * Douglas Rebok - $1,765,977. * Larry Dodds - $2,100,827. * Donald Ammon - $2,370,096. * Robert Carmen - $2,913,314 After the Vega family joined a class-action lawsuit, and after the Vega family was called before Congress to testify, hospital officials suddenly became interested in the case. Hospital officials allegedly contacted the family with offers of free care and an ocean cruise. And finally, at the recent General Conference Session, Pastor Orville Parchment offered a belated apology to the family. The lesson learned here is that in order to force the church to admit they made a mistake, and in order to force them to act like they should have in the first place, one must file a class-action lawsuit and appear before Congress! Is that really what it takes? Shouldn't the church do the right thing because it is right instead of because they are forced to do so by the government or public pressure? (The source of all the above facts, figures, and news stories is WhereTheMoneyGoes.com.) http://wherethemoneygoes.com/ | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2190 Registered: 3-2004  |
That is interesting as the Catholic hospital for whom I worked gives free care to those who cannot afford it. That is here in Henderson, NV. And the RCC is th "Beast" according to the SDA!!!! They also do not permit abortions in their hospitals and do not want doctors that do abortions to work in their hospitals. Diana | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 52 Registered: 11-2005 |
Diana - it has been my observation that the Catholic Church, from the Pope down, seems in many cases to have higher moral standards than the Adventist denominational leadership. This extends to many areas. The silence of the Adventist Leadership in many of these areas is deafening. I have admired the way the Quakers, United Church of Christ, and others, take an active stand on these issues. When other denominations speak out on these issues where is the Adventist leadership? The voice from the General Conference is either muted or silent. I used to live in the fundamentalist "retirement Zion" of Seventh-day Adventism, Fletcher, North Carolina. When Fletcher Sanatarium and Hospital existed as a self-supporting institution they had a hospital known as Fletcher Hospital. In the 1980s, under the direction of the Carolina Conference, it was sold to "Adventist Health Systems - Sunbelt" at a significant discount from a competing offer from an Illinois-based hospital chain. The Carolina Conference informed each of the constituent churches that we would each have a (rather sizeable) "goal" to contribute to make up the shortfall. I remember it taking a couple of years for the Fletcher SDA Church to pay off the large chunk (involuntary "commitment") that we were assigned as a 700-member church. The first part of this transaction occurred under Malcom Gordon (who then moved to the Florida Conference), and Robert Folkenburg, as the incoming Carolina Conference President, was left to clean up the financial mess. Shortly after the acquisition a new and larger hospital was built on a nearby site. Soon afterward, the patient census dropped to the point where, to avoid financial catastrophe, they contracted an entire wing out to an independent psychiatric operation for troubled youth. A nurse friend of ours told us of numerous experiences visiting that wing. One Sabbath, for example, the kids, as a group, were watching a movie about a werewolf. The nurse said that every Sabbath was like this. There was no evidence that the SDA Sabbath even existed on this wing. The official hospital position was that this wing was contracted out to the other organization, and that Adventist Management had nothing to do with what wnt on there. I was also told that they had meditation classes where they would bring rugs and meditate, etc. I had personally visited this wing on week days and found what others had told me to be consistent with what I observed myself. During this same time, I personally ran a computer store and sold a significant amount of computer and networking equipment to the new hospital. I spent many hours at the hospital so I am personally familiar with quite a bit of what went on there. I had a rather interesting personal experience with their approach to honesty. The controller of the hospital told me they were exempt from State of North Carolina sales tax. I also supported St. Josephs's (Catholic) Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, and knew that they WERE tax-exempt. It seems that in reality Park Ridge Hospital did not operate under the same kind of charter as St. Josephs Hospital. I assumed that since the Controller of (Adventist-owned Adventist Health-Systems Sunbelt) Park Ridge Hospital said they were tax exempt from state sales tax (and also since he had been a classmate when I had gone to Southern Missionary College in the 1970s) that what he was telling me was the truth. A few years later my computer store records were audited by the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Imagine my suprise when the auditor looked up Park Ridge Hospital and told me that the way they were set up they were not tax exempt, and that, as a vendor, it was my responsibility to pay the State of North Carolina the $5000+ in sales tax that I had failed to collect from Park Ridge Hospital + interest + penalty. The Department of Revenue informed me that they didn't care whether I collected the sales tax from Park Ridge Hospital, or not -- that as a vendor itwas my responsibility to produce the sales tax component of the sale and submit it to the State unless Park Ridge Hospital had a tax-exempt certificate -- which the auditor did not know about. I talked with the controller and he informed me that most certainly Park Ridge Hospital was exempt because they were a "religious organization". I told him that the auditor was requiring a valid tax-exempt certificate -- or the back taxes + penalties + interest. The SDA controller said he would get me a tax exempt certificate, and that that sort of thing was handled through the Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt headquarters in Orlando, Florida. About a week later the controller received from Orlando, and gave me, a typed up document on AHSS letterhead simply stating that Park Ridge Hospital was exempt from North Carolina State sales tax. This was an officially produced document. I looked at the controller incredulously and said, "I can't submit this. It is not produced, nor recognized, by the North Carolina Department of Revenue." I told him if he could not produce an official tax-exempt certificate that I would have to bill the hospital for the sales tax. He said "Go right ahead. That is all you are going to get from me." He also cancelled any future computer work that my store had with the Hospital. To make a long story short, I ended up paying the State of North Carolina the $5000+ sales tax out of my own cash flow, and the North Carolina Department of Revenue felt sorry for me and wrote off the penalties and interest. Gilbert | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3216 Registered: 12-2003  |
Gilbert, I am so sorry. Unfortunately, your story confirms other stories I have heard. AHS seems to have stories like this following it wherever they are. I was also quite interested in those salaries/incomes of the AHS administrators you posted above. One thing that really gives me that heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach is the fact that the PR machine is so effective in presenting a squeaky-clean, community-friendly picture of its hospitals and public services, but inside, these organizations are often deeply corrupt, practice ethically dubious employee relations, adjust job titles so they don't have to pay qualified people the accepted rates, etc. People on the periphery (ie students, clients, etc.) often don't see what really goes on. Thank you for sharing your story, Gilbert--again, I am so sorry. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2200 Registered: 3-2004 |
It is my belief that the general population of Seventh day Adventists do not know of any of these embarrasing, unethical actions of their leaders. The leaders know how to keep it quiet or I should say they knew. Now we have the internet and can find out all kinds of things about all kinds of people, churches, organizations. One thing that puzzled me was the fact that Vega was/is an SDA minister. Aren't the ministers provided with medical insurance? Gilbert, thanks for sharing your story. I am so sorry for the way the AHS treated you. That was wrong, unethical and corrupt. Diana | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2005 |
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Rodney+Vega%22+%22Florida+Hospital%22&btnG=Google+Search This is disgusting! | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2005 |
http://www.wherethemoneygoes.com/newSearch.php?SearchString=Rodney+Vega&Submit=Search+WTMG "Description: Pastor Orville Parchmentóthe 2nd highest ranking member of the Adventist Church in North America. Published: December 30, 2005 Again, please search my blog for the story of Rodney Vega. After reading the postings you have to wonder about Pastor Orville Parchment, the 2nd highest ranking member of the 7th Day Adventist Church in North America. Here is a man of God who knelt and prayed with the mother of young Rodney Vega and solemnly swore to personally investigate her charges of shameful treatment (actually non-treatment) by not-for-profit Florida Hospital a member of the not-for-profit 7th Day Adventist Hospital System-a supposed not-for-profit tax-dodging hospital that has reported making over $422,205,424 in profits over the last 6 years. Thatís after charity care, losses on Medicaid, uncollected bills (in spite of paying collection agencies) etc. He knelt in prayer and made that promise on July 1 of this year. On August 22 he was quoted in the Washington Post as saying he had not had the time to ìdig deeplyî into the charges. So to Pastor Orville Parchment of the 7th Day Adventist Church we name you our #1 VILLIAN of the Year and ask youógiven what you have doneóputting profit over mission, and breaking a solemn vow to young Rodney Vegaís mother-- how does your conscience let you sleep at night? I promise to publish your response." | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 61 Registered: 11-2005 |
In order for amazing endings to stories like this one to occur, events such as the Golden Gala have to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. For 25 years, Florida Hospitalís Golden Gala has made a positive difference in the lives of many Central Floridians. This annual event has a proud tradition of raising funds to support special healthcare needs. Last yearís proceeds of over $750,000 benefited healthcare in Central Florida. http://www.foundation.floridahospital.com/pdf/vol6-3.pdf "The skill to heal. The spirit to care." http://www.floridahospital.com/index.htm Go here to make your donation to help out Florida Hospital: http://www.foundation.floridahospital.com/donations.html Mission Statement: http://www.floridahospital.com/homepage/mission.htm "To Our Patients Our first responsibility as a Christian hospital is to extend the healing ministry of Christ to all patients who come to us. We endeavor to deliver high-quality service, showing concern for patients' emotional and spiritual needs, as well as their physical condition. It is our desire to serve patients promptly, with consideration and dignity. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1176 Registered: 3-2005 |
Gilbert, one of those high paid executives you mentioned above making almost 2 million dollars was my next door neighbor, and we went to Academy together. I know him to be a very ethical type of person, and I am sure he is just taking advantage of what the market will bear. But I admit that kind of salary seems outrageous--Oh well, maybe I am just jealous. But I wouldn't trade any amount of money for the security of knowing Christ, and being free from a system like that. Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3221 Registered: 12-2003 |
Stan, I agree. Colleen | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 62 Registered: 11-2005 |
Good point Stan. It still seems totally outrageous. Can you imagine if pastors got paid that much! I believe in a fair pay. I don't know that I would feel comfortable just attributing it to "the market". They just happen to be in a position where they can siphon that kind of money out of the profits and only those they report to -- like the government -- will stand up to them. How about putting some of it back into health care for those who can't afford it, and some of it into pastors' pay. I know for a fact that during this same time period the Florida Conference had to lay off a number of pastors because not enough money was coming in to support them. There is just something grossly wrong with these kinds of salaries. The same thing applies to the President of General Electric. The current President is not 100 times smarter than Jack Welch was! (On the other hand, I suppose if he can get away with extracting that out of GE's profits the world -- but not the shareholders or employees -- would say that he is.) Let me say something here. My grandparents were the first white teachers at Oakwood College. My father was born there. Later they move to a self-supporting school called Fletcher Academy. They pinched pennies to sacrifice for what they considered to be the Lord's work. The same applied to the doctors and other staff that worked there. Later on my father and mother moved to Emmanuel Missionary College (later called Andrews University) where my father taught in the Math Department. My mother worked to help earn enough money for us to work on because, my father as a PhD, teaching graduate math was working for about 1/2 of what he could get paid in the private sector. He considered it to be a talent that he could offer to the "Lord's Work". I'm sorry but I just don't see much sacrifice in a Seventh-day Adventist COO making 2.8 million dollars a year. What kind of an example is that? I am sure that the employees , which at one time included my mother-in-law (who worked nights as an RN so my wife and her sister could attend Forest Lake Academy, and later Southern Missionary College) would agree. This sort of price gouging is what makes a mockery of the "Lord's work". Just my 2 cents worth. Gilbert | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2205 Registered: 3-2004 |
I agree Stan and Gilbert. Diana | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 371 Registered: 1-2003  |
I'm curious and have a question. With my question I'm in no way trying to justify the salaries. Is Adventist Health Systems West, owned by the church or an independent organizaion? In corporate America these numbers are probably not out of line. BUT if you "claim" to be a Christian "Christ filled" organization there is a negative message being sent. In Christ, Richard PS: Please keep me in your prayers, life is very "strange" at the moment. Through it all Christ is very real.  rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 99 Registered: 12-2004 |
Richard, I'm praying for you that God will grant you some peace of mind in this challenging time. Randy | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 372 Registered: 1-2003 |
Randy, Thanks so much for your prayers. I'm actually more at peace than I have any right or reason to be from a "worldly" standpoint. Life is very "crazy" at times and my constant prayer is, "God give me the wisdom to make Christlike decisions and may Your spirit always shine out of me in my thoughts and actions. May others see YOU in me." I know that this is NOT possible in my own wisdom or strength. So surrendering to Him is a continual moment by moment letting go, and letting God be God in my life. In Christ, Richard PS: Please lift me up in prayer this evening as I spend time with Sara (my almost ex wife), Annie (19 year old daughter) and a friend of her's discussing expectations if she (Annie) is to continue living with us. I know I must be gentle yet very FIRM, and know it will not be understood as loving by everyone involved. rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2206 Registered: 3-2004 |
Richard, You are in my prayers. Diana | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 210 Registered: 10-2005 |
I also agree that their incomes are likely not out of market range. It is called the American way. Should we now audit them in their personal spending to see if we think it is ethical? Perhaps if given a chance, some of these inviduals give time and money to people less fortunate. In all likliehood, these high paid people have worked very hard to get where they are and are hard working in their positions. Stan said knows one of these individuals to be very ethical. If as a Christian, I don't like how much they are making. What would I say if someone has made far more money than the individuals above legally. Perhaps that someone inherited a large sum of money, got lucky in the stocks or made some money in real estate with little effort. Let's say that someone is uneducated (like the Beverly Hillbillies) and would like nothing more than to watch television and do so at every opportunity. Is it fair? I'm not justifying people I don't know, but neither do I want to judge them. I also agree that I am not in agreement with the Adventist system. And I am glad that people are watching them. Without checks and balances they might be making 10 million each. | ||
| Wolfgang Registered user Username: Wolfgang Post Number: 24 Registered: 10-2005 |
so are the hospitals owned by the church or independently? And I wonder do these churches tithe? and can anyone tell me about these hospitals performing abortions? I have hear about adventists for life but dont know how to reach them to find out if this is true? I contacted Jay Galimore and he sadi that there was a small number of abortions performed last year and it was because of rape,or incest or if the mother life was in danger. But I have read that the hospital in maryland is an abortion mill. can anyone support this information? | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3225 Registered: 12-2003 |
Dawn, read Tessa and Arthur Beem's story on this website on the Stories page. I know that LLUMC does perform abortions, but they don't usually call them abortions. A medical student friend of mine said a classmate of hers was doing an elective rotation through surgery. The surgery was scheduled as something other than an abortion--but when she scrubbed in for surgery, it looked as if they were prepping for one. She asked and learned that it was, indeed, going to be an abortion. The girl (a non-SDA Christian) was horrified, and, as I remember the story, left the operating room and didn't observe. The hospitals are owned by Adventist Health Systems, and the church owns Adventist Health Systems. Colleen | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3227 Registered: 12-2003 |
Praying for you, Richard. Colleen | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2005 |
http://www.lifesite.net/abortiontypes/ |
