You certainly have seen, lived and worked in a very negative atmosphere created by our current healthcare system. And you deserve a lot of credit for the great work that you do on a daily basis for the NYC EMS. Don't you think that your story is as equally compelling for meaningful change as George's? You are absolutely correct: it is not right that we (healthcare workers, tax-payers, insured health consumers, etc.) should have to pay for the poor choices of others. But this will not change without meaningful reform, and should not be reason enough to keep honest people like George on the outskirts of our health care system.

I think that we both can agree that it is not realistic to expect law/policy to come into effect any time soon that would allow us to keep those who make destructive, selfish decisions out of our hospitals. And, as a future physician (and concerned citizen of the world), I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with that idea to begin with. For better or for worse, the critically ill and injured will continue to be cared for in this country – regardless of the nature of their life choices or ability to pay. However, one possible tenet of health care reform currently being discussed is the requirement that all health care consumers carry insurance (much like all car owners must carry insurance). If the drug-dealers, gang-bangers and thugs that you speak of are insured, then we will no longer bear the brunt of the expense for their poor choices. And, if they are not insured, then they will deal with serious legal consequences over and above those that have typically resulted from their bad choices.

This is just one example of a possible reform that could help address some of your frustrations with our system. If you notice from my article, I only lobby for meaningful change; and for our legislative body to take their responsibility in helping to facilitate that change seriously. Both you AND George deserve it.

Best of luck with the remainder of your schooling, and in your career beyond, Mallory.

Yours in the hope for a better system,
John

You certainly have seen, lived and worked in a very negative atmosphere created by our current healthcare system. And you deserve a lot of credit for the great work that you do on a daily basis for the NYC EMS. Don't you think that your story is as equally compelling for meaningful change as George's? You are absolutely correct: it is not right that we (healthcare workers, tax-payers, insured health consumers, etc.) should have to pay for the poor choices of others. But this will not change without meaningful reform, and should not be reason enough to keep honest people like George on the outskirts of our health care system.

I think that we both can agree that it is not realistic to expect law/policy to come into effect any time soon that would allow us to keep those who make destructive, selfish decisions out of our hospitals. And, as a future physician (and concerned citizen of the world), I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with that idea to begin with. For better or for worse, the critically ill and injured will continue to be cared for in this country – regardless of the nature of their life choices or ability to pay. However, one possible tenet of health care reform currently being discussed is the requirement that all health care consumers carry insurance (much like all car owners must carry insurance). If the drug-dealers, gang-bangers and thugs that you speak of are insured, then we will no longer bear the brunt of the expense for their poor choices. And, if they are not insured, then they will deal with serious legal consequences over and above those that have typically resulted from their bad choices.

This is just one example of a possible reform that could help address some of your frustrations with our system. If you notice from my article, I only lobby for meaningful change; and for our legislative body to take their responsibility in helping to facilitate that change seriously. Both you AND George deserve it.

Best of luck with the remainder of your schooling, and in your career beyond, Mallory.

Yours in the hope for a better system,
John

Thanks for chiming in. Do you have any numbers/research (other than the “one in billions” that was thrown in there) to back up the claims that you are making about the prevalence of George's situation vs. those of illegal immigrants, drug-dealers and gang-bangers? Better yet, do you have a personal anecdote of an experience that you've had in which an illegal immigrant, drug-dealer or gang-banger was treated in any way the same or better than George (or the thousands like him with whom I've personally worked over the past four years)? If not, then unfortunately all you have here are negative assumptions; and those will never get us pointed toward a better system.

In addition, “Universal Healthcare” is not a system. It is an ideal. There are many different methods through which to achieve universal health coverage for all Americans, supported by various political parties and social ideologies. I hope that this clarification helps you to better understand the point of my article. I also hope that you continue to educate yourself about this issue/debate. George (and the millions of Americans facing his same plight) could really use the positive efforts of more passionate people like you.

All the best for a better system,
John

- Mallory

Just go back to Wright State and go work on some mexiz

You are absolutely right on two accounts. People need to change, and the government should not be running our healthcare system. But I ask you, how can acceptance of the status quo and derision of positive, progressive thinkers inspire people to change? And, how do we reasonably expect to enact and enforce positive change across the many ideologies and cultures that comprise our great nation without at least a little help from our governing body; an entity created for that very purpose?

I don't know that we will agree on what role (positive or negative) the government could have in helping us to solve this crisis. However, I hope that we can agree that our healthcare system must be reformed, if only for pragmatic economic reasons. Right now, President Obama and our legislative bodies are the only entity actively and aggressively trying to spearhead change on a national scale. And, as a future doctor who hopes to practice in a more inclusive and efficient system, I'm going to do everything I can to help them achieve this common goal.

I am glad that your blog is going so well, Milan, and I sincerely hope that you will use it, as well as your valuable ideas, as tools to build positive change.

Dear Mr. Corker,

My claims were based on ideology. You got that right. I did, however, read the article, twice, in full before making my post. Perhaps I should've hit reply to the first comment, as it was more directed towards that rather than your post.

Having said that, my claims were made based upon the good 'ol “slippery slope” concern. America's government is fundamentally different from European governments. For example, whereas European governments immediately seized control of both their healthcare and education systems in one fell swoop, America's healthcare and education systems are being seized piece by piece. Hence the “slippery slope” towards government takeover.

If we allow government to pass legislation to create the “reform” you desire, you will soon find that it will want to take more and more control of it in the coming years. Obama's current plan doesn't explicitly outline a full takeover at this moment but lays the groundwork for more takeover with each passing year. Government has an insatiable appetite. Your friend may or may not find treatment this time around, but you will find that, more and more, you will lose control.

It is indeed sad what is happening to your friend. No one should have to go through this. I just don't think that government has the capacity to become and remain compassionate – especially one as big as ours. People need to change. Government can't make that happen.

With that said, the questions that you posed are excellent. They are the fundamental questions that are being asked in the House and Senate, as well as in the public forum, daily. I certainly have my opinions (and would be happy to discuss them with you), but don't know that I have all the answers. If I did, well, the House and Senate would be the first to know. As it stands, I've contacted my representatives with my opinions and would encourage you to do the same. Take Care!

This is an easy question that has an easy answer. See this: http://nextgenjournal.com/2009/07/opinion-the-a...

Evidently, government healthcare in other developed nations like the UK has led to the deaths of those with debilitating illness (like the situation above) because the money would be better spent funding abortions or needle-exchange programs.

They can't run Medicaid. How do you expect them to run the overhauled system they have laid the groundwork for?