With all the talk about "health care reform," here's an interesting tidbit:
A person with even the most basic moral sense would agree that access to necessary medical assistance should belong to everyone. And actually, that's the case now. No one in real need of medical attention can be turned away. Of course, the issue does go beyond that, into such important issues like preventive health care, long-term medical care for terminal conditions, maintaining human dignity and respect... the list of concerns goes on. But let's face it: the government isn't the place to turn for any of that. And the red herring being dragged out by members of our present government, when they parade the statistics having to do with the uninsured, is an unsubtle ploy to grab more control and power over us all. The facts show that a huge number of uninsured people are that way by choice -- people with sufficient income to actually have insurance, but who are betting that they won't need it, and who want to spend their money on things of their own choosing.
But what about those who really can't afford insurance, or who don't have the level of medical care they require? The Catholic Church has the longest and most successful track record of providing for those in need, regardless of their circumstances. Our hospital systems and hospice care have their roots in the Church's understanding of charity and mercy. And when was the Church most successful in those endeavors? When there was little or no government interference, and when lawyers didn't fund their lifestyles by bringing lawsuits against doctors. Try being merciful and caring today, and see how long it is before you're named in a lawsuit. The school nurse can't even put antiseptic on a skinned knee without the fear of being sued.
Rather than having more involvement in health care, I think the government should get out of the way. In fact, if our legislators really want to be helpful, let them concentrate on finding ways to do away with frivolous lawsuits. If the Church and others of good will were able to develop medical institutions and provide care without our present government's stifling micromanagement and interference, we might all be healthier.
2 comments:
Good opinion Father and well said. Now about all left to us to do is pray. Just as we prayed for rain.Our dear Holy Father John Paul II was a source of hope and inspiration to the Polish people who were freed from the oppression of Russia. Let's ask his assistance is this huge mess the government has made in just about everything it touches. Let's ask to go back to the old standards that have been turned upside down by the liberal and greedy politicians. With God's help we can be renewed.
One of your sheep.
I think it is clear that every community has the responsibility to take care of the sick, the widowed, the orphaned, and the poor. I, indeed, agree with our present government on that principle. Where our government errs is in identifying itself with that "community". The syllogism that used by government goes as follows:
-All communities have a responsibility to take care of the needy.
-The Federal govt is the community of America.
-Therefore, the Fed has a responsiblity to take care of the needy.
If one agrees with the minor premise (that the Fed is our commnunity) then the logic is inevitable and absolutely compelling.
If one disagrees with the minor premise then the conclusion is jsut a terrible non sequitur with frightening consequences.
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