You think socialized medicine is a good idea? It sure is a hot topic for the 2008 presidential election. Candidates are debating the issue with supreme diligence, and America is listening to every word.
Personally, I have had this debate with myself for a while now. I am torn between the reality that the burden of health insurance costs is extremely high and government inefficiency (general). You see as an independent contractor the burden of health insurance for my family has overwhelmed me to the point that Wife works part time in order to get health benefits. We desire Wife to be at home with the baby, but this is a sacrifice that we make for the security of insurance.
Poor me right? Well, my confusion is much more clear after checking out an article in todays New York Times highlighting the condition of Atlanta's Grady Memorial Hospital. Grady is a mercy hospital. I think they offer care to people who cannot pay. Therefore, like those that exist in many urban areas, this hospital is subsidized by local, state, and federal funds. The one thing that I remember about Grady Hospital from the days when I lived in Georgia, is it's well known trauma unit. Paying customer or not, it was the place you wanted to go for trauma care.
Anyway, things have changed... Hopefully, you have read the article by now (link above), and see what happens when you put our government in charge of health care. Not good guys! Gurneys with no wheels... X-ray machines don't work... Those are the basics guys. Who knows what else is wrong?
Do you still think our government would be a good manager of health care? Think about this one a lot -- it's yours and my bodies we're talking about here. Kinda a big deal.
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This 20/20 episode was very informative:
Part 1 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEXFUbSbg1I
Part 2 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpsEAVbCkMM
Part 3 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=refrYKq9tZQ
Part 4 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzhiG0dcwN8
Part 5 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsp_Jh5EIT0
Part 6 of 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_KCLm9cekU
Watch Michael Moore's Sicko and you'll see the other side of the story.
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Sicko/70068652?strkid=1943761883_0_0
Laura, I don't see Michael Moore's credibility. I have not seen Sicko, but did watch Fahrenheit 9/11 and was not impressed. I felt like he wasn't true to the documentary format -- seeking truth.
Thanks for your comment, I'll have to check Sicko and see. Tell Gene "hey"! We miss you all so much!
Bryan, Thanks for your comment. I will take a look at the news episodes. I suppose, I am a fan of the market system that makes America great in many different industries. I think there is a greater need for reform i.e. tort reform, insurance reform, and emphasis on preventative wellness.
Ok so I may not be all up on politics but I can say this because I work in healthcare and I have studied abroad where there was socialized medicine. Our healthcare at present is great but so controlled by the monopoly of insurance and that does need to change but there are certain individuals whom, if elected president, will make that change for the worse and trust me you don't want it!!! I mean waiting 6 months for treatment. That stinks.
Amy Duffey
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