Because Enough Hasn't Been Said About Health Care

Comment

Comment by Shirley Hill on August 4, 2009 at 7:56pm

Bill, as a physical therapist who works currently for a non-profit I am so glad to see there are others here who do not want government controlling health care. As someone who truly understands what goes on with Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies from both a patient and healthcare provider perspective, the prospect of the government taking over health care is no less than terrifying. We do need insurance reform and cost containment but not socialized medicine. Ask the Brits and the Canadians, they'll tell you how they feel about it and how much it costs them!

Comment by John R.(Dick) Troll on August 4, 2009 at 7:28am

Bill:
The FEE Blog draws inspiration from the Austrian school of economics. The most famous economist from the Austrian school is FA Hayek. Although he worshipped free markets here's what he had to say in 1945 about the role of government in providing the basics of life to all citizens:

There is no reason why, in a society which has reached the general level of wealth ours has,
(the certainty of a given minimum of sustenance) should not be guaranteed to all without
endangering general freedom; that is: some minimum of food, shelter and clothing, sufficient
to preserve health. Nor is there any reason why the state should not help to organize a
comprehensive system of social insurance in providing for those common hazards of life
against which few can make adequate provision. -The Road to Serfdom-

Comment by Mike Seidle on August 3, 2009 at 10:38pm

Bill - What government should do first is allow the market to function. When buyers can't negotiate on price - or even know prices, it's a problem.