When I began this blog in 2001, I was appalled by President Bush's headlong rush to an illegal war (we were not in fact under attack). As time wore on and Bush began his assault on the Constitution and any people bold enough to criticize, I believed that "the republic is endangered more by actions of our own government than by those of any terrorist." With the election of a high-minded, compassionate, intelligent man like Barack Obama, my fears have ceased.
"Honor them with peace, not war"
United for Peace
Friday, February 05, 2010
The articles I've read about this suggest a- it's a problem and b- federal spending should be reduced.
There's nothing wrong with increased medical spending IF it is making us all healthier, happier, and more productive.
Alas, it is not. Vast sums are spent on terminally ill rich people (rich defined here as having inexhaustible health care funding)and in some cases - perhaps many - contrary to the wishes of the patient. Meanwhile, many people with inadequate or no health insurance suffer financially and physically and often become needlessly less productive in cases where easy fixes exist.
Put the following on the national agenda:
Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
Medical care increasing portion of the national dollar
The articles I've read about this suggest a- it's a problem and b- federal spending should be reduced.
There's nothing wrong with increased medical spending IF it is making us all healthier, happier, and more productive.
Alas, it is not. Vast sums are spent on terminally ill rich people (rich defined here as having inexhaustible health care funding)and in some cases - perhaps many - contrary to the wishes of the patient. Meanwhile, many people with inadequate or no health insurance suffer financially and physically and often become needlessly less productive in cases where easy fixes exist.
Put the following on the national agenda:
- Develop a list of research priorities and fund based on degree of present harm and potential for fixing. Presently some research is funded by organizations that depend on donations. Selling pink ribbons has got to be about the least effective way possible to pay for cancer research.
- Develop and fund medical priorities - what medical specialties are most urgently needed? Where are medical facilities most urgently needed? What specific tasks could be done or services offered that would make the most difference in general health?
- Federally funded drug research based on need rather than profit potential would drastically lower the cost of drugs; and the people's representatives rather than a few corporate managers would decide what we need. Far less would be spent on television advertising.
- Public funding or loan forgiveness for medical education in those areas that are most needed.
- Regionalize placement of and funding for exotic high-priced hospital equipment.
Palema
5:33 AM
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Copyright © 2001-03 Pam Shorey
(except the specific sources credited in quotes)
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