Maggie's Farm

Health care cost containment is probably a lost cause.

What are you saying?

People get old. People of all ages get sick. Of course, we keep fighting for life. Should you be taken out back and shot if the cost benefit analysis doesn't measure up? Should care be withheld once you are no longer productive in economic terms (i.e. retired)?

The secular humanists are among the cruelest bunch on the planet. Without an understanding of God, human life is no different than the pet that needs to be unfortunately put down. There is no true comprehension of the intrinsic worth of a person.

The framers of the Constitution understood this, which is why our rights are derived from our Creator and not from government.

All of this universal care crap comes from the idea that everyone has a right to health care and that fairness demands that everyone be treated equally (even though that will never happen, but it sounds good to folks with *&%# for brains).

BD is right - medical care is between the doctor and the patient.

More people would get better care if the government got out of the way and consumer driven principles were employed. Health savings accounts would allow people to fund the inevitable costs that come later in life. Price and quality disclosure would let people know it's not "free" and be able to make choices on treatment for a cold versus "pick something worse". People would also ask if the procedure or visit was really needed. Portability is needed. All of this would contain costs because it appeals to a person's self-interest. There is more, but you get the idea. It's based on personal freedom and personal responsibility - radical concepts in today's world.

Just today, I took my daughter for a MRI. I was asked to sign a form taking financial responsibility for what insurance would not pay. I asked how much did it cost for the MRI if I wanted to pay cash (and yes I have insurance). That would at least tell me my maximum exposure. The answer was, "It is illegal under HIPPA to tell you that information."

There you have it in a nutshell sports fans. Utter and complete stupidity.

Of course, it is to protect all of the behinds the scenes trading that goes on with providers, insurance companies, government and the costs of the people who do not, will not or have no intention of paying. (And that is not an argument for universal, state sponsored coverage.)

Has everyone's brains turned to mush?

Rant over. Feel free to comment.

Meta and Luther,

Point very well taken. Thank you for the direct and accurate feedback. My apologies to anyone who may have been offended.

There are people from all walks of life and beliefs that have trampled over human life over the course of history.

You could have also pointed out that the specific comment ultimately wasn't even germane to the argument, but you were too kind.

My fear is that we are on a slippery slope where rationing becomes a tool used against those who cannot protect themselves (e.g. the elderly, the sick, etc.). When human life is devalued for whatever the reason a portion of our humanity dies. History is littered with horrific events whenever this has occurred.

Luther,

I appreciate your thick skin. Not everyone is as "tough" as you are.

I agree with you. I don't want to lose the message via careless choices of words. I believe the saying was "loose lips sink ships."

Thanks again (and to you, Meta, as well).

Luther,

There are two things here. One is making the argument effectively without making counter-productive generalizations.

I believe your last point is how to prioritize what arguments should be made given the many choices.

I concur that national defense is one of those areas.

However, the Cold War "ended" because of Russia's economic collapse. The state-sponsored, central planning model created an economy unable to provide guns and butter as well as the absence of personal freedom.

The economic policy of the Obama administration, if implemented, will ultimately destroy America from the inside. Yes, it will take some time for government to confiscate the wealth of the citizenry.

The Dallas Fed presently believes the national debt and unfunded mandates total $99 trillion today - without the current expansion of government Obama plans. Universal health care will lower both the standard of living and the quality of life in America as well as add to the ticking financial time bomb.

Consequently, I am fighting a two front war - national defense and fiscal responsibility.

Marianne,

I believe it is illegal in Canada to go to a private physician for care. You are railroaded into the system via the heavy hand of government.

I expect the same here.

I also expect that people will travel to other parts of the world for care if this unfolds as Obama and the Democrats plan. Of course, they will exempt themselves, likely through some backdoor channel or sleight of hand, from the rules because they are more important than we are.

Here's hoping that this doesn't pass.