July 24, 2009
Health, Not Profits!
It's scandalous that the U.S. lags so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to health care. It seems as if everybody but us has realized that it's immoral to profit from people's ill health and, conversely, that a healthy society tends to be a happier and more productive one. In any case, who better to explain the political jujitsu than a fellow who spent most of his professional life working the other side? It was a great pleasure to meet and talk with a convert, and I'm delighted to have Wendell Potter as a friend. Total runtime fifty minutes.
Comments
Rarely in my life have I ever pitied Americans. I certainly do at this moment.
I have heard parts of the advertising campaign describing the Canadian system. Is there no way the American public can be effectively shown what flagrant lies are being told? I thought Americans didn't like liars. Surely this would damage the perpetrators?
Posted by: David Ford | July 25, 2009 3:11 AM
Well, I wish David were less incorrect in his assessment of the American Public.
We apparently LOVE liars.
And the truth probably won't gain any traction and will not, therefore, damage the perpetrators. Of course, repeating the lie until it becomes true is not uniquely American. It's just that when we decide to use something we go really, really large.
I sat last night trying to think of who could step forward to set this straight. Cronkite is dead, so the most trusted man in America is no longer available. Now, apparently, that title is held by Jon Stewart. For him to do this is a tall, tall task. And (I'm a clown, so forgive me) Mr. Stewart is too short for this task.
Who? No wonks need apply, we need a voice and clarity. I think we are done for, because the only answer I see is to take to the streets and that will not happen unless the streets have couches and junk food and TVs.
How I would so enjoy a "perp walk" spectacle of the liars. Oh, that sounds just... just.
Posted by: Peter | July 25, 2009 6:15 AM
I propose that all members of congress and the executive be given a choice: Endorse single-payer universal health care or give up the coverage you receive as part of your compensation and shop in public (with the CBO's allowance for your coverage) for coverage in the marketplace. A written and televised (C-Span, under oath) report of your findings will be a requirement. Written portion in your hand if you are able. Other wise notarized and not by an attorney.
So there. If you think this system is so #@$&^!!! great, try it. Put your life where your mouth is.
Can we take it away from them since we pay for it?
Posted by: Peter | July 25, 2009 11:52 AM
Fantastic interview. I watched Potter's entire testimony and the Moyers appearance and listened to several radio interviews, and not a one of them covered the stuff you did in this interview. Great job!
P.S. I've had good luck using this interview to introduce a number of new folks to EP. Everyone wants to hear more from this guy.
[Thanks!! I very much appreciate your kind words. g.]
Posted by: Benedict@Large | July 28, 2009 1:19 AM
I highly recommend watching the following two recent videos by Stefan Molyneux about health care. Stefan breaks a lot of myths associated with the Canadian model.
Part I : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt0tKl0J-S4
Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD2UUH4E2Xs
So, George when are you going to interview Stefan Molyneux, the host of the most popular philosophy podcast?
(contact details here: http://freedomainradio.com/board/user/Profile.aspx?UserID=2100)
[Thanks for the suggestion, Ruppert. g.]
Posted by: Ruppert | August 2, 2009 9:35 AM
A little bit late, but if anyone is looking for a good summary of just how out of whack US healthcare is compared to the rest of the industrialised world, Umair Haque from Harvard Business School provides some great comparative statistics...
http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/haque/2009/08/how_to_think_constructively_ab.html
Posted by: Richard
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August 6, 2009 9:08 AM