W.R. Mead notes
the downside of government-run health care:
Fans of government health care keep telling us that government can do the job, and they point to countries like the UK as examples where single payer, government run health care systems deliver high quality, compassionate care.
They are either grossly ignorant or they are lying through their teeth.
A recent study by a British healthcare regulator finds that half of all elderly people in Britain’s nursing homes are being denied basic health services.
Half.
NYT columnist Paul Krugman wrote sometime ago:
"In Britain, the government itself runs the hospitals and employs the doctors. We've all heard scare stories about how that works in practice; these stories are false."
What a relief... Unless... unless he is grossly ignorant or lying through his teeth. What are the odds?
This is something I know about from personal experience. My mother pssed away last Feb. Prior to that, she spent over 2 years in nursing homes. I can't imagine it's any better over here under our current system than it is in the UK. I personaly witnessed neglect of basic health care and much more in several facilities. Without mentioning names, one in Darby and one in Springfield. And both were supposed to be decent facilities. It ranged from patients not being changed (at one point we suspected diapers weren't being changed so we marked one with an X. The next day they told us that it had been changed twice over night. The mark on the diaper was profe that it hadn't been changed at all) to patients falling out of bed, getting injured, and lying on the floor for long periods of time. It was horrible. And we were there every day to keep an eye on her. Imagine what it's like for people who have no one. It wasn't until we managed to get my Mom into Martins Run that she received the care and attention that she needed. That place was amazing.
ReplyDeleteBob: I'm sorry for your Mother's experience and that you and your family had to endure it. But as bad as it is under the private system, please consider how it would be under the government running it. COnsider, if you will, any experience with a government run operation, be it a photo ID renewal or a visit to the IRS. That's what we would get if the mega-bureauracy takes over health care. They can't do the right thing with what they're now doing. Let's not give them our health and well-being to do it again in that venue.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I've never had a problem with photo ID renewal. It always seemed to work pretty well for me. Matter of fact, I believe they employ a lot of handicapped people & they always seem to do a good job. I think we tend to exagerate the incompetance of government. I read the article, and I couldn't help but notice the authors mention of death panels. That alone points to a prejudice and smacks of an agenda.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I've also heard horror stories about the IRS, but I've never had any negative issues with them. My Dad (Republican & very conservative) was audited a few yrs. ago, and they concluded that he had a larger refund coming back to him. Doesn't sound too bad to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise.
ReplyDeleteOur resident liberal union boss thinks that everything is hunky-dory in public sector world.
Jake - Not everything. The Republicans still control congress.
ReplyDeleteThank God
ReplyDeleteJake - Despite all of the bitching and moaning, my trash still gets picked up every week, the police and firemen still show up for work every day, I go to sleep without fear of invading hordes (unlike some of the gun nuts that I know), my mail gets delivered every day, electricity & water flows to my house without interuption, my tax returns come back in a timely fashion, kids still go to school every day, and Dad still gets his SS check on time. It ain't perfect Jake, but it ain't bad. Didn't you recently tell me to "love America"? Maybe it's you who needs to learn how to love America.
ReplyDeleteI assume you have smoke detectors? Maybe a fire extinguisher or 2? WHY if you know the fireman, which are volunteer by the way, will show up to save you. It all comes out in this post Bob. You rely on others for your safety and expect them to help all the time. Me? I prefer to control my own life. I don't rely solely on public servants. I have a back up plan. Remember the rule. When seconds count, the police and fireman are only moments away!
ReplyDeleteDanny - You have a back up plan for ONE thing. If someone breaks into your house. And how many times have you had to use that Danny? It was a general statement. And not all firemen are volunteers. Whats your back up plan for getting your mail delivered, providing kids with an education, keeping the water & electric flowing, imprisoning criminals, and for providing for the disposal of your trash and sewage? You have back up plans for all of that?
ReplyDeleteHow many times has my house burned down? Zero. How many smoke detectors do I have? 4. I also have 2 fire extinguishers. What's your point? I have instruments to use IN CASE something bad happens. I sure am not going to cower in a corner and wait for the "professionals" in any way!
ReplyDeleteI also own a gasoline generator in case the power goes out. You rely on the good nature of your public servants. I make my own luck!
Bob,
ReplyDeleteWhen we talk public sector unions, you really show off your bias.
The Post Office? You really want to hold out the Post Office as some sparkling example of government efficiency?
Only in Bob-world would billions and billions of dollars of debt be seen as a good thing.
Jake - Just for the record, I think the post office does an excellent job. Maybe it's the fact that they give a hiring preference to veterans that bothers you. Or maybe it's because it's a Unionized shop that flies an American flag in front of every office. You know. They're unionized, so they can't be very American can they?
ReplyDeleteDanny - I think it's interesting that you and jake are so pessimistic and paranoid. For a couple of guys who claim to believe in America, you guys sure have a lot of issues and doubts.
ReplyDeleteI think what Jake means is that the Post Office is broke.
ReplyDeleteMedicare is broke.
Social Security is broke.
The top 36 Teachers Union officials in the country made 336 million last year. What the ....??
The government doesn't manage anything well! You put your faith in government. I won't!
Bob,
ReplyDeleteYou're still showing your union boss bias.
My faith in America and the American dream remains strong in spite of the inept public sector, certainly not because of it.
Jake - I think you should take a look around you and be thankful for the good job our government does every day.
ReplyDeleteIf public sector unions were any good at all, they wouldn't need tenure, ridiculous work rules, and overbearing grievance procedures.
ReplyDeleteThey have corrupted the essential balance required in good faith negotiations by paying off their Democrat political cronies with campaign contributions.
The system is broken and the taxpayers are getting the inept service you would expect from apathetic bureaucrats who aren't accountable to anybody and can't be fired.
Yea, well, we had 8 yrs. of Bush and that gave us no child left behind. Another Republican success story.
ReplyDeleteTypical Captain Hindsight.
ReplyDeleteNo solutions and no clue.
Public sector unions and their improper influence are hurting America.
OMG?!?!? Did he really throw out Bush again???????
ReplyDeleteIt's been 3 years, Bob. Year one I was OK with it, year 2 I was tiring of it, but after 3 years and TRILLIONS of dollars of DEBT, it's all President Obama now.
Let me also mention I am sorry that I did not mention my condolences on the lost of your mother!! I am sorry for your loss!
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ReplyDeleteDanny - Thank's for the condolences Danny. I still think you're a good guy. Even if you are a Republican.
ReplyDeleteBTW - How many times have you Republicans invoked the name of Reagan?
Do you mean St. Ronnie??
ReplyDeleteAll Hail, Ronnie!!!
It's truly not the same, we had 4 more years of Bush Sr. after Ronnie. Then the Teflon one who liked to diddle interns with cigars in the oval office came along thanks to Ross Perot.
Danny - That's exactly what I thought you'd say. "It's truly not the same." Hypocricy at it's best.
ReplyDelete