I found this item this morning from Chris In Paris at Americablog. Normally, I don't take too kindly to kidnapping and other forms of lawlessness. However, in this case, I sympathize totally with the kidnappers.
John Aravosis, also at Americablog, had this story and commentary. Beth Maxey, at Old Musings, I normally follow had some commentary a couple of days ago. Once upon a time, we didn't have health insurance. It became more widespread after WWII when it became a benefit that unions bargained for in labor contracts. Also, once upon a time, medical care didn't bankrupt people. Does anyone remember the scene in The Shootist where John Wayne's character was told he had cancer? Cancer and other serious conditions were, more often or not, fatal. Now we have the means to treat them but the cost is more than the average person can afford--often the equivalent of a lifetime of wages even for a person making the national 'average' of about $45k per year. Even an uncomplicated pregnancy and labor can cost upwards of $15k. Think about that. Even before you take a baby home from the hospital (over and above the expense for clothing, bottles, crib and what not) you are in hock for more than one quarter of your yearly income. This is a truly obscene situation.
2 comments:
I remember "The Shootist" and yes cancer was treated that way. Also, here in Colo. Springs we had the T.B. camps. Many people came, some made it but more then half didn't. at that time, the cold weather was suppose to be good for curing T.B.
My grandfather and uncle were doctors, this uncle came down with T.B., my grandfather told him to go out west and dig ditches. He did, I don't know if that cured him but he lived 20 years after that and died from a heart attack. The symptoms of T.B. were gone but like I said I don't know if he was cured.
They had a lot of home remedy cures that took care of a lot of things. I don't know if medicine has taken two steps forward or two steps back. I do know they charge way to much!
Also, doctors weren't wealthy and didn't have huge malpractice insurance bills. I remember when (30 years ago) my dear ob-gyn put up a note explaining why he had raised the cost of an office call to $15 from $10. His malpractice insurance had been raised from $10,000 to $30,000 a year! And no, he hadn't had any lawsuits.
And the snow was here last night!!! Arrrrrggggghhhh!!!!
Fortunately, our city service director had the plows out all night. I'm staying put anyway.
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