Ok, do studies matter or do they not?

Sure, we could get into a source war, I suppose, but who wants to do that? First you said studies are the only way to get the info, then when I provided those type studies, you then switched and claim they're really limited in what they tell us.

You say that we should straight to those in the trenches. While I'm not sure I agree a person trained to read a catscan is qualified to write policy, I do get your point. They absolutely MUST be in the discussion.

Here's not one, but two research studies from Physicians across a variety of specialties and their feelings on the US establishing national, universal insurance:
http://mdcarroll.com/2009/10/29/research-question-wont-american-doctors-hate-single- payer/

Looks like the data shows that more not less feel we should change systems. Let me guess, these Docs and this research doesn't mean a hill of beans. They lied, its a conspiracy, etc.

Yes, god forbid, any of us has a bad experience in a Hospital. When you had your heart attack, did you pay for everything with private insurance? Out of pocket? If you did, that's awesome...Most people in that age bracket wind up using some level of medicare along the way, which of course is Socialized medicine.

I have the utmost respect for anyone who while qualifying for Medicare refuses any and all payments, beyond which their own contributions over the years have grown to. I've yet to meet one.

Fact is Medicare for all of its imperfections and problems, is highly popular among Seniors. Why is that? Are they Socialists? Same thing with the VA system, the most Socialized health care system in our Country...again, with definite problems that have to be addressed, is very popular among our Vets.

Two examples of "socialized" flavored programs that good, upstanding, Patriotic Americans just like you and me use every day.

Even private insurance plans have a strong socialized element to them. Premium dollars are pooled and the healthiest (Youngest) policy holders wind up paying the freight for the sickest (oldest) ones.

My Dad's had several stent procedures, and in the two instances where there was really no advance warning, upon entering the local ER in a suburb of Pittsburgh, was treated swiftly and effectively. All he's got is Medicare. We shouldn't get caught up in anecdotes. In something as vast and complex
as HC in the US, there will always be horror stories. We should address them, but not base policy on them.

When I started educating myself about healthcare in the US, I didn't come at it with any ideology or pre-conceived ideas or attitudes what was best. I voted for GWB twice, and generally lean towards republican/conservative positions on things.

I'm not, however, a loyalist. I won't take a position just because a political party says I should. I disagree with much of the "Bailout" actions of the last 18 months because I think businesses that go under should face the consequences. I also have issues with some of the mortgage relief programs. When we bought a house, we educated ourselves and stayed away from the dreaded "balloon" mortgages that have killed so many. I do think the Clinton Administration went too far in forcing lenders to loan to those with questionable credit and income, but we shouldn't have to pay their way...On the other hand, I think DADT should be repealed in a sensible time frame. I don't fit into a political box and don't want to.

I started with a pretty blank slate, and formed my opinions on my research, the zillions questions I asked and common sense. I also am married to someone who's got years of hands on experience in emergency rooms, med surge units, long term care facilities who will have her Masters in advanced practice nursing in a few weeks. She agrees with most of my conclusions. She's reviewed the data, the studies, etc.

Yes, I'm going off to play today as well, and no doubt about it, some of my earnings will wind up as taxes paid to Uncle Sam. I wonder how many measures of the first tune we play it takes to pay the taxes for each of our gigs?

Have fun..

------------------
Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 05-23-2010).]