Enough Already!

c. David Grim (taken 8/19/08)

Who knew that by Spring of 2010 the dialog about national health care would seem so tiresome that I'd simply hope for Congress to do anything on the matter, if only to end the ceaseless back-and-forth? Truthfully, I've heard so many bad ideas on the subject that I'd almost wish for them to just give up so we can go back to talking about Iraq. I guess the strategy of the GOP is officially working.

But the problem with the costs of medical care is too important and is not going away. It's not just that there are over 30 million people without insurance. It's not even that many people that have plans are under-insured. What galls me is that everyone in society is paying too damn much for what they are getting.

When it comes down to it, the system is not sustainable as is. Perhaps what we ought to do is levy a flat tax on everyone and then put all of our social security numbers in a hat. Then we can draw out a certain percentage (maybe 50%) and give those people access to doctors and hospitals, and let the rest just hope they don't get sick. The pharmaceutical and medical supply industries will still get paid, and it will be more just than the system we have now. But could we get it through Congress?