Cagle Drops Out of Race for Governor

Earlier this afternoon, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle announced that he was dropping out of the race for governor of Georgia .  He read from a prepared statement and cited a shoulder and neck injury.  Although he's had this injury for several years, it had progressed to a particularly painful point during the 2009 session.  The injury even resulted in some paralysis and will now require surgery. 

Cagle discussed his degenerative spinal condition in his statement.  He mentioned that the pain led to numbness in his arm and was diagnosed as "serious nerve and bone problems and a degenerative spinal condition."  The condition requires immediate surgery and a potentially extensive post-operative healing period.  Cagle also noted that the odds of full recovery were high.

Nerve and spinal injuries such as the Lieutenant Governor's affect many Georgians.  Many accident victims are living with similar pain or enduring surgery and extensive therapy to correct it.  As the Lt. Gov. mentions, treatment of injuries like this can require a full-time commitment and routinely impact personal and professional ambitions.

While his exact diagnosis is not known the symptoms sound like a herniated disc. This is an injury that many Georgians suffer. It is very painful and can ususally only be repaired by surgery. The Lt. Govorner is very lucky to have been provided an excellent insurance policy to pay his medical expenses. He may also have insurance to pay for his lost income, which may be substantial. Many Georgians who are injured at work, in a car and in fall downs have not been as lucky as the Lt. Govorner and can not afford the medical treatment or even pain killers. They must suffer with no real hope of escape from pain, but often have families and young children and must work anyway in spite of grueling pain. The Lt. Governor had tears in his eyes while announcing his withdrawal from the race.  This can only make you wonder what desperate thoughts go through the minds of those who suffer herniated discs with no resouces at all.     

Lt. Govorner Cagle presides over the Georia Senate which is institutionally antaganistic to many persons who are injured or killed by the negligence of others.  One can only wonder now if he might have a battle field conversion on his thoughts reguarding injured people.