In June 2011, a 59-year-old man named James Richard Verone walked into a bank in Gastonia, North Carolina. He made a very unusual “bank robbery”. He gave the bank teller a note that said he wanted one dollar and medical help. Verone was not violent, and he did not have a weapon. After giving the note, he sat down and waited calmly for the police.

Verone had lost his job after 17 years as a Coca-Cola delivery driver. When he lost his job, he also lost his health insurance. He later worked in a small shop, but his health became much worse. He had strong back pain, arthritis, foot problems, and a growing lump on his chest. He could not afford a doctor.

Before going to the bank, he sent a letter to the local newspaper. He wrote that he was committing the “robbery” for one dollar and medical attention. When the police arrived, he was arrested without any trouble. Because he only asked for one dollar, the court charged him with larceny, a less serious crime.

Verone said he did not want money. He wanted to go to jail so he could finally see a doctor. He had tried to get help legally—disability, early Social Security—but nothing worked. In jail, he received medical attention.

Many people said his case showed big problems in the U.S. health-care system. Some people believed he had no other choice. Others said using jail for health care is dangerous and wrong. His story started many discussions about health-care reform in the United States.

2. Vocabulary.

Larceny – taken by the police
Arrested – the crime of stealing something
Afford – protection that pays for medical or other costs
Insurance – to have enough money to pay for something
Reform – a bump or small mass on the body
Lump – changes made to improve a system
Health care – quietly and without fear
Weapon – medical services that help keep people healthy
Calmly – something used to hurt or attack, like a gun or knife

3. Synonym Match

arrested — able to pay
afford — taken to prison
choice —issue
problem — option
weapon — very bad

worse - something that is used to attack

4. Discussion Questions

Do you think Verone’s crime was morally right or wrong? Why?
What problems happen when health insurance is connected to a job?
Should prisons give free health care? Why or why not?
What changes could help stop cases like Verone’s in the future?
Is it OK to “manipulate the system” if someone feels they have no choice?
Does public opinion change when a crime is committed for survival?
In your country, what happens to people who cannot pay for medical care?
Is prison a good “safety net” for people without health care?
Who is responsible for Verone’s situation—him, society, or the system?
Could social services have helped him earlier? How?

5. Role-Play Activities

Role-Play 1: Court Hearing

Roles: Verone, Judge, Prosecutor, Lawyer, Journalist
Task: Act out a simple court scene.

Role-Play 2: Policy Meeting

Roles: Health Expert, Activist, Taxpayer, Former Prisoner
Task: Discuss if health-care reform is needed and why.

Role-Play 3: Media Interview

Roles: Journalist, Verone, Health-care Advocate
Task: Interview Verone about his experience.

(All optional role-plays A–J from earlier can still be used.)

6. Debate Task

Debate Topic: “Jail should never be a way to get health care.”

Team A: Jail should not be used this way.
Team B: Some people have no other choice.

7. Writing Task

Write 120–150 words on one topic:

How would you change the health-care system so people don’t feel forced to commit crimes?
Compare Verone’s situation with your country’s system.
Should health care be a human right? Why or why not?

8. Fill-in-the-Blanks

Word Bank:
arrested, afford, choice, medical attention, problem, reform, calmly, weapon, system, lump

Verone sat calmly in the bank while waiting for the police.
He could not afford a doctor after losing his job.
He needed medical attention for his back and chest.
The court arrested him, but the crime was minor.
He discovered a painful lump on his chest.
Many people said his case showed a big problem in the health-care system.
He had no other choice, so he went to the bank.
He did not use a weapon during the incident.
Some people believe the U.S. health-care system needs major changes.
His story caused many discussions about health-care reform.

9. Comparing Privileges – Europe vs. U.S.

Top 5 Things Western Europeans Take for Granted (But Are Luxuries in the U.S.)

1. Universal Healthcare – Everyone can see a doctor, go to the hospital, or receive treatment without high costs.
2. Affordable or Free University – Education is often cheap or paid for by the government.
3. Generous Paid Leave – Workers get 4–6 weeks of vacation and long paid maternity/paternity leave.
4. Reliable Public Transportation – Trains, buses, and trams are frequent, clean, and well-connected.
5. Strong Social Safety Nets – People who lose jobs or retire receive support through benefits and pensions.

Top 5 Things U.S. Citizens Take for Granted (But Are Luxuries in Europe)

1. Cheap Fast Food and Dining Options – Meals are large and often low-cost.
2. Easy Car Ownership – Many families have multiple cars and drive long distances.
3. 24/7 Convenience – Stores, restaurants, and services are open day and night.
4. Low-Cost Consumer Goods – Electronics, clothing, and home items are often much cheaper.
5. Large Living Spaces and Privacy – Many homes have private yards, extra rooms, and more space.

Task 1: Compare and Contrast (Two-Column Table)

Fill in the table with why each item is standard in one region but a luxury in the other.

Western Europe (Standard)	U.S. (Luxury)	Why?
Universal healthcare	Luxury in U.S.	Europe pays through taxes; U.S. links insurance to jobs.
Affordable/free university	Expensive in U.S.	Europe subsidizes education; U.S. relies on private payment and loans.
Long paid leave	Rare in U.S.	European labor laws protect workers; U.S. companies decide on vacation rules.
Public transport	Limited in many U.S. areas	Europe has dense cities; U.S. cities are spread out and car-centered.
Social safety nets	Less support in U.S.	Europe invests heavily in welfare; U.S. expects more individual responsibility.

Students add simple explanations in their own words.

Task 2: Class Discussion

Which region do you think has a better quality of life overall? Why?
Are there things from the U.S. list you would like to have in Europe?
Are there things from the European list that should exist in the U.S.?
What surprised you most about the differences?
Which system seems more fair to people with low income?

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