A Few Thoughts On the Health Care Debate

Where in the World is D Today?

Smiling About His Health Care in Taiwan.

I will try to make this simple and not a long rant.

I have been following the debate, or rather the scare tactics of the republicans. I am also totally amazed at what people will believe! I am also very disappointed in the level of Racism in this argument directed towards President Obama...... OK, the rant is being so I will stop... for the moment.

Here's the deal. I have gotten hurt a few times in the last month. Each time I was able to get affordable health care. Today when I went to the doctor I received acupuncture, some sort of steam treatment, massage and a medical wrap; plus two wraps to put on tomorrow. All for 100NT. In U.S. Dollars, that is about $3.50. Yes, you read that right, $3.50!

Taiwan has a National Health Care System, that even a foreigner can use. I buy into it just like everybody else. And my monthly premiums are about 1/3 of what I would pay in the U.S.

OK, for those of you that think, I'm not getting "real" medical care, I am not a doctor, but I know I feel better, faster than I would in the U.S.! And, for the record, x-rays and other "Western" medical treatments are covered as well. Again, for far less, than what I would pay in the U.S. I've had those services as well.

So, All of this is to give you a first had account that a National Health Care system can and does work. And I get treated in the office. I don't have to make an appointment to see another series of doctors in another office on another day. I saw one Doctor and two specialists today. All in the same office thank you very much.

The health care system here works. Period. AND also for the record, if you want to see a special/personal doctor you can. You pay extra for it, but that's fair. You can get the service you want.

I know the U.S. is a larger country, but our biggest obstacle is history. We've never done anything like this, that alone makes it hard. Throw in all the competing financial interests of pharmaceutical and insurance companies and you have a major fight on your hands.

But what if Americas leaders decided that people should be helped more than protecting the profit margins of corporations.

America revolves around capitalism. There is no changing that. And quite frankly, I do not want to. Capitalism itself isn't bad. Pharmaceutical and insurance companies should be allowed to make a profit. But in a free market system, let's see what the market can bear. If corporations do indeed have a better product, then they'll be fine. A national system won't hurt. Except maybe their profit margin will be 100 billion instead of 300. We're still talking about 100 BILLION. That's still a lot of profit.

In the end everybody wins. We get a healthier nation AND people make money. Why Not. But it will take guts on the part of Congress. Correction, it doesn't take guts, it take having the backbone to do the work of the people, put peoples needs and interests first.

That will make our great nation even better.

Peace

戴格智