The Obama Presidency

[Yoshi]

Why are socialised institutions like knowledge(libraries), safety(army, police, fire department), infrastructure(gas, water, electricity, roads) etcetera OK but healthcare is not?

1. Utilities are largely privatized in the US.
2. Libraries, police, and fire are handled by the state or local governments, just as they should be.
3. Interstates and military have to be handled by the Feds, as they by definition cross state lines. Doctors don't.

[Fe 26]

I'm pretty sure that private militaries are illegal, despite how much some corporations would like to have them.

I'm not really sure how 'contractors' get around such legislation as more than a handful do have sizable 'securitiy' forces that are mostly staffed by ex-military and use military equipment.

[Bojack]

They are a critical cog in society.

Even critical cogs in society get staunchly fucked on a daily basis.

[Almaci]

1. Utilities are largely privatized in the US.
2. Libraries, police, and fire are handled by the state or local governments, just as they should be.
3. Interstates and military have to be handled by the Feds, as they by definition cross state lines. Doctors don't.

This does not answer my question.

[Finch]

Doctors should never cross state lines, and neither should you. Everything. Solved.

[Drewbacca]

From an outside perspective I can say this -- even if I don't agree with the "socialistic" view of the healthcare issue in the United States... the US is paying 7,000 dollars for healthcare that should cost 2,000. It's not like even the people who were well-to-do and could afford shit were getting the best value as it were. So... I mean... something had to give.

[Brisco Bold]

From an outside perspective I can say this -- even if I don't agree with the "socialistic" view of the healthcare issue in the United States... the US is paying 7,000 dollars for healthcare that should cost 2,000. It's not like even the people who were well-to-do and could afford shit were getting the best value as it were. So... I mean... something had to give.

Yeah, this is what I don't get either. It's not an efficient manner of delivering the service.

[Razor Ramon]

There are numerous reports by credible economists and health care experts explaining our current health care system is not sustainable, but they are drowned out by the health care industry because you'll shut down health insurance and the ability to charge a fuckton for drugs. The ignorant just have too much influence and are easily manipulated for the benefit of the few. It's severely depressing.

[Fe 26]

I know I'm biased, but I don't care how little anyone is paid except for doctors and other staff that come in direct contact with those getting help. I think the people doing the footwork to help people should get a nice chunk of money. I'm not going to get all jealous of a doctor for making 120k a year. They have to deal with people all day, at their worst, and attempt to improve their health. Picture the worst mother fucker you know. Doctors have to help that person, when they are sick. They deal with 'that' all day, everyday. And they go to normal college, then medical school, then intern to get that job.

Let that person, and all the associated people make some bank. If they want to spend their twenties getting an education so they can look up old people's assholes to keep them alive, fine, they earned their yacht or whatever.


But I don't care if the marketing team for Viagra doesn't rich. The world won't miss a beat without that shit.

And I've yet to hear a good reason on why doctors/etc shouldn't

[Andrew]

I know I'm biased, but I don't care how little anyone is paid except for doctors and other staff that come in direct contact with those getting help. I think the people doing the footwork to help people should get a nice chunk of money. I'm not going to get all jealous of a doctor for making 120k a year. They have to deal with people all day, at their worst, and attempt to improve their health. Picture the worst mother fucker you know. Doctors have to help that person, when they are sick. They deal with 'that' all day, everyday. And they go to normal college, then medical school, then intern to get that job.

But what about those that cannot or will not pay the doctor? Those people have a human right to that doctor's services.

See, that's the problem with giving goods and services the "human rights" tag. Somebody else's rights are going to be abridged, be it in part or totally.