-Benjamin Franklin.
As you read you’ll understand why I put this quotation at the top of my post.
I look at the track record(history) of the government(not just America) when citizens put more money in government they do NOT get half of it back in effort or in services. So would it not be ‘INSANE’ to think if I did the same thing now and again, to think that I would get a different outcome! All these years of experience(history) speak loudly saying less government solutions and plans for everything and more individuality and liberty for citizens makes a nation great. Yet, we sit here with our “selective-hearing-earplugs” on, thinking that it might be different this time around. As someone once said: “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. And you’re trying to tell me that universal healthcare is better, because like I say again that Universal, Nationalized, Socialized Healthcare , however you flip it, turn it, twist it or whatever type of verbal gymnastics you want to play with it…It still produces a lower standard of healthcare. I do see what goes on in Canada and London places that have these types of healthcare systems, because I have family in those places and I travel a good bit and have seen it with my own eyes. When it comes to important surgeries and major operations individuals much rather come to countries(like America) to have them done, because there is a different standard here then there. Not everyone here hears the story or does the research to see there are waiting lists 50,000+ people long with individuals waiting on major operations in these countries. They do better buying from a private company, and much of them do. But, guess what they still have to pay the government for its lackadaisical efforts of healthcare. It’s like you giving someone $10 to clean your car, and them throwing soap at it and throwing water on it and say there you go.
We do not need nationalized healthcare, we need to put more pressure, restrictions and etc. on big insurance carriers and healthcare providers to actually help those with lower incomes and etc. That’s a solution not bigger government(for every problem that occurs) and more control over mine and your personal life. Would you continue to pay more for less?; I wouldn't and I won’t. Don’t do the same thing expecting a different outcome, it’s apparent what you will get, the same thing. Why do something that has consistently proven to be none effective. The original reason individuals come to our country(America) is because of more opportunity, more liberty, and less government control over their personal life.(Somehow we forget these things….) This isn't a liberal or conservative nor is it a Democrat or Republican issue; this is a issue dealing with the future of us and our children's best interest and well-being at the end of the day(and more governmental control is not the answer).
Long post, lol…but what do you think? About Bigger Government and Nationalized(Socialized) Healthcare?!
-Nathan A. guest
18 comments:
But our current health care system isn't effective either. I get what you're saying.. But how is anything going to change or get better if no one is willing to try anything? People in this country are ridiculously afraid of being "socialist" or being like the Europeans. But they've been doing this a lot longer than we have. It's no coincidence that France, Itlay, Spain, etc. are rated in the top 10 with the World Health Organization and we're 37th.
I agree that pressure should be put on these huge drug companies. They're charging ridiculous prices for drugs that cost pennies to make. But in addition to that, I think we still need to overhaul our entire health care system. Lowering the cost of drugs alone isn't going to solve the problem.
Why can't we take the best ideas from all of these different countries that have great health care? We could come up with our own system that works and is fair to the people. People are so afraid of change and influenced by the media that no one is willing to give anything new a chance. Most people aren't willing to go do their own research on the subject. They just believe whatever Fox News told them.
The United States has the power and the resources to make a change and yet our health care system is severely lacking. You have to ask yourself why?
I agree that we don't need the government in control over more of our stuff...especially involving our life. I work for a medical insurance company and if the people saw what doctors actually have to pay you would understand why they charge so much. I think that there is no way to have a good health insurance anywhere in the world. What we have is probably the best out there and I wouldn't want it to change.
First of all, I need to respond to the statement that drugs cost pennies to make. I do know that it costs around 250-300 million dollars to get one drug to the market. This is only after 8-10 years of research to make sure this drug is safe. If the drug in a Phase III clinical study doesn't get approved, the pharmaceutical company is at a loss. About one in a hundred drugs that are tested actually make it to a Phase III study. If it weren't for the drug companies, the survival rates for many diseases would still be high. If it weren't for the research and monies these companies invest, many more people would die from diseases and other conditions. The survival rate for certain childhood leukemias used to be about 10%. Now due to research from these drug companies, the survival is closer to 95%. I know these figures are accurate, because my mom is involved in clinical drug research for cancer patients. Healthcare is a privelege, not a right. It's one of the first things people should pay for before other luxuries or wants. I believe in the saying, "needs before wants." Just because the Europeans have been giving free healthcare for a long time doesn't make it right. A high percentage of France's population is on welfare, because the government pays them about 50% of their earned salaries. But it's not "free"; the rest of the country is paying for these slackers. The quality of their healthcare has declined dramatically and a large number of Europeans actually travel to the U.S. for healthcare.
I'm not saying free is right.. I'm saying let's find something that works because our system doesn't. Obviously, drug research is a good and necessary thing. I'm talking about elderly people that spend their entire social security checks on their medications that they could get for half the price in Canada or somewhere else if they were allowed. I don't think drug companies should be allowed to monopolize the market like they currently are. People can argue their opinion on the matter all they want. What I'm concerned about are the facts and statistics. And the fact is that we're ranked 37th in the world. We're not even close to being the best. That part isn't arguable.. Now the question is: What can be done about it?
to: liz m
to: liz m
I like debating with you because you bring forth some good issues.
I think you're 100% correct on the fact of, for a nation(America)to be so smart and so blessed to have all the resources, the intelligent minds and wealth that we should have that we should be able to come up with a plan that works each and everyone(and not just a select percent). Talking About America: The top 10 percent here are the healthiest in the world. But it's the bottom 5 or 10 percent, made up of Native Americans living on reservations, the inner city poor, rural minorities and Appalachia that is the bottom 5 or 10 percent America doing horrible,'' said Dr. Christopher Murray, WHO's director of global programs. ''They have health conditions as bad as those in sub-Saharan Africa.'' Another thing important to remember is that 53%+ of the people that do not have healthcare CAN afford it(in America) according to the World Healthcare Organization as well. The World Healthcare Organization(W.H.O) part of the U.N., I respect their stats because I’ve read their fact books for a long time before this list was produced(and they're consistently reliable). The report and the list that you're quoting from is based mainly on the distribution* of healthcare to citizens. Not based on the quality of the healthcare produced to individuals that are receiving it. Their needs to be away to distribute healthcare to this small bottom percent that truly need it in our country. However, having policies such as the Children healthcare plan that Bush Vetoed and Nationalized healthcare does not help the true problem, which is that bottom 10%(because their focus is not that bottom 10% but, more governmental control). “Why can't we take the best ideas from all of these different countries that have great health care?” As you said in the earlier post. I believe you’re right, why can’t we do that. Use the positives we see working for those countries and capitalize on and minimize the negatives we see in those countries. The fact is when you do add up and factor it out, governmental nationalized healthcare isn’t the answer(by far) or outcome, as being the best and most efficient and effective way of constructing healthcare. But, what it does take is individuals sitting down(bi-partisanship, professionals, specialists, students, and citizens), looking for innovative ways and methods based on history and things we currently see(like other programs across the world) and building a change(…like you said). Change is something that is a great thing, but its seems that individuals need motivation for change like what Competition does it motivates. Which if the plan of nationalized healthcare was implemented, there wouldn’t be competition. It wouldn’t be the case that doctors and specialist would have any incentive or motivation to innovate, produce change, and or improvement(finding better medicine, better surgery processes, and the list goes on). I’m a firm believer in less news(media in general), and more research. However, not everyone has the time nor the patience to do that(which is sad, because many individuals should), instead they take whatever they see on T.V. as fact(which is usually far from the truth or slanted in some shape or form).
Yet, still the point is that increasing government, whether it be in relation to personal life, over the business market, and in general in any widespread method to cover all citizens in anyway; has always come out being a bad decision.
We’re not in a crisis, our healthcare system is not horrible(dont tell Michael Moore that, but it does need some tweaking). Implement a plan with help directed to those that truly need the plan; through a private institution with governmental mandates, provisions and restrictions(instead of increasing taxes and government).
-Nathan A. Guest
wow, thats long.
There have been numerous proposals for healthcare for Americans. There hasn't been one proposal that will satisfy everyone, unfortunately. I also agree with you Liz on the problem of the elderly. My grandparents pay so much money each month on medicines. The good thing is, drug companies do have "compassionate use" programs where they'll provide medicines free to people who can't afford them. Most people aren't aware of this, but physicians can write a letter on an individual's behalf and we've seen companies pay for drugs that would normally cost thousands of dollars a month. Elderly friends of my parents just applied for such a medicine and the drug company is shipping it to them. One other thing that hurts us is the number of illegal immigrants getting free healthcare at our clinics, which is costing taxpayers a lot of money. I read an article about this recently and this certainly affects healthcare as a whole for Americans.
Nathan, I bet you don't lose many arguments. ;) I just think there are parts of our health care system that need to be fixed. And it bugs me that we as a country have the ability to but haven't done it yet.
Lauren, I didn't know about the the breaks available for elderly people. That's good info. My grandmother has diabetes and heart problems. Her medications literally use up her entire social security check every month. Fortunately, my mom helps take care of the rest of her bills so she can live comfortably. But what about people that have no one? That's what's scary.
Liz, I agree with you. I feel sorry for the average person (whether disabled or elderly) who don't know about the programs out there that will help people in need. Our friend with the drug that is being provided to him would have cost them $3,000.00 a month, in addition to the other medicines he needs. I don't know of many people who could afford that. We do need to do something to help the children who don't have healthcare, but the question is, who's going to cover it?
Wow Nathan...I love to hear passion about any subject. I have lived among a nationalized healthcare system and have seen both good and bad sides. Just as here, some things were great....somethings were not. I think the influence of our leaders along with having a nation that is working in the same direction can really make a difference, but that is not so easy here in the good ole USA. Americans today cause a lot of the problems we have in the healtcare industry, Most everyone wants a free...or cheap ride AND those same people want to have fantastic personalized care with all the latest bells and wistles...we can NEVER have BOTH! There is no way to make everyone happy someone will pay too much and someone won't get the care they think they deserve, then the lawyers pop their heads in and lawsuit in action. The government alone will never be able to do anything permanant because there will always be someone ready to fight or change things around. Americans need to realize that the answer to every little ailment is not a pill, but a way of life. The foods we eat, the activites we DON'T do, the risks we take, the substances we use....all these are big factors in our health care problems.Preventive medicine is as, or more important than curing ailments. American people have to be the ones to change, and how that will happen no one truly knows.
to: cindy smith
Well, that's interesting, Good Point; sometimes we don't take time to see the true problem is when it comes to health care and etc. It deals with individuals trying to take care of themselves as well. I agree with you on the issue that the majority of Americans just want a quick fix for everything, because it is certainly true. I believe that a big problem and issue also is, is the process of thinking!...I say that because, it seems that no one wants to really think about things anymore, they just want things to just happen and pop up and come out how they want instead of thinking. It's sort of like reacting, instead of responding. One takes thinking, the other doesn,'t. Although, when you do think about certain things like health care, government, lifestyles, and just life in general you are able to see the real issue at hand. Which always isn't someone else or what someone else isn't doing for you(like governemnt, doctors, people in general). However, it is how and what are you doing for yourself. That way you see the true problem comes in how we do things(lifestyles) not neccesairly what everyone else is doing for us or around us.
Great Alternative View of it and Good Point Cindy! I kind of added a lot, but I think thats similar to what you were saying. :)
-nathang
I agree that something needs to be done about these insane drug prices. This problem wont be solved easily. A soloution that helps everyone is needed and coming up with a solution that helps everyone is difficult. I think the US could learn alot from some of the European countries in handling this matter.
I also feel that something needs to be done about all of it. When my Medicaid plan changed to wellcare, I lost a lot of medical benefits and health care opportuinties; because the coverage sucked and doctors were not getting their money we suffered. Now that I am fortunate enough to have BCBS, my deductible doubled for the upcoming year and my copay increased ten dollars which is a lot when you see the doctor several times a week. The sad thing is I am receiving the same poor service for a higher out of pocket fee. Lets not forget the drug plan I went from no deductible to a 60.00 deductible prior to insurance picking up 80% of the cost.
My mom broke her wrist while we were on vacation in England, and let me tell you, it was bad news. Long story short, because of several Major failings on their part, like 4+ hours of wait time in an ER that was totally deserted and wouldn't even give her ice to stim the major swelling till a dr would look at her... anyway, we got back stateside and her doctors were aghast at what had happened, the wrong cast was put on, they set it wrong etc. The end result was she lost the majority of her motor function in the wrist, after a couple years of intense physical therapy she got that back up to around 70% but that's all she'll get. it was a simple fracture that should have recovered in a few months with no complications, instead the joint was irreparably damaged to the point that they couldn't even operate to undo the damage.
We're not a litigious family, or look for ways to get to sue, but had this been over here and someone managed to destroy the better part of her mobility thru incompetence, there would have been legal action that under the circumstances would have been justified I feel.
Anyway, it's one story about one (substandard) hospital in England, so you can't try all of socialized medicine for it but. I have to agree tho, there are some major flaws with socialized medicine. But there are just as many big flaws with ours. So no one is in the right, we're all pretty much wrong right now.
As soon as you can tell me where the missing 8 Billion Dollars is in IRAQ, and why this war was so horribly mismanaged that it's lasted longer than WWII, I'll be ready to talk about a SMALLER GOVERNMENT and HEALTH CARE.
I would really like for those who would like for the war to go on for one more minute to tell me how they are planning to pay for it.
I do agree that the Health Care industry could do a lot to clean up the Health Care crisis in America. In the meantime, let's ensure that every child in America gets great medical care.
[I love a good argument!]
to: DC
I think that is a very good point.
That'll be my next Blog post.(Promise)
About the Iraq:War; it will be sure to spark some good debate and arugement.
Well health care is its own monopoly. I agree with you when you say lowering the cost of drugs alone isn't going to solve the problem. However, we are the ones who elect those who represent us when it ocmes to government. I use to blame the governmnet for not having any insurance. Just a few months ago I received insurance through my empolyer, UPS. Just because you pay taxes that does not mean it goes all to health care. You have to remember that money goes towards filing the pot holes we complain about. The schools your children and you are enrolled in, the working street lights you stop at everyday, for the prisoners, to help other who are less fortunate require government assistant such as welfare. So when you look at it other contries are not offering as much as the U.S. when it comes to perks.
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