Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Socialized Medicine

http://www.conservatismtoday.com/my_weblog/2008/09/why-socialized-medicine-is-wrong-for-america.html

Crazy Rant:Scott, a blogger for Conservatism Today, posted an opinion (click on link above to read) on socialized medicine that caught my attention. Scott is a man of faith, a proud conservative, and had some real life examples of why he feels nationalized health care is bad for America. The focus of the article is that Scott bounced from job to job before returning to school, and subsequently did so without health insurance. Murphy's law took hold, and of course Scott had to be admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery that left him in heavy debt. In the midst of his despair, Scott entertained the idea that he could have avoided hiss mess had their been national health insurance. However, out of the hospital and with a clearer mind, Scott quickly shook off those Marxist ideas. Scott preceded to bear down, rely on his faith in God, and his ability to take responsibility for his situation. He negotiated down his debt, and his faith was rewarded with the blessing of a random church stepping up and paying off his remaining debt. Scott's message is that national health care is bad, everyone is responsible for their own situation, and faith will show you the answer. Scott mentions his monthly tithe offering as an example of his discipline and faith, and a key reason for his blessed outcome.

Middle America's Take: I have health insurance, and do not anticipate the need for government assistance in this regard. That said, I imagine that a government controlled system for those without coverage will no doubt be riddled with problems. I also imagine that those without coverage, are willing to endure any amount of road bumps and snags to make sure there kids have health care. The short and quick is, no one is denied care by law. If the patients can't pay, even over time, those losses are flowing through to the rest of somewhere you can be sure. So if I am already paying to subsidize the health care of others, I would just as soon it be regulated, and not left up to an insurance company. I also believe that to a large degree we are all responsible for our personal economic situation, and in most cases deserve what we get. However, that argument is academic, and represents an easy position to take sitting here behind my computer. but what if I stroll down to the local hospital and sit down in the waiting room next to a single mom whose child is sick, and who is having to choose between paying mounting medical bills and food? We are not in Kansas anymore. If $25 a month to offset those bills is what it takes, Middle America is going to sign on the dotted line and help that mom. For this reason I avoid the hospital waiting room at all costs to avoid being sucked in such moral battles. Also of note in Scott's story is his inability to connect his tithe efforts and socialistic behavior. He is making sacrifices to give back to the church, so that God might use his money for the good of many. Sound familiar? The problem here being that Scott has taken the view that God's use of resources is limited to the church. Well Scott, the God I know is involved in all aspects of life. Moreover, he is just as likely to use my tax dollars to bless a poor family who needs health care, as he is my tithe. Sacrifice for the greater good is our duty. Not just in church, but in all aspects of life. Does that mean I want the government to be the first answer for everything, or even most things? Absolutely not. However, if that single mom is out of first answers, I will give up a round of golf so that the second answer exists.

No comments:

Post a Comment