And the argument was made quite plain...by a Doctor who should know, Dr. C.L. Gray, MD.
Because it's more than just "healthcare" that's at stake.
The Battle for America’s Soul
By C.L. Gray, MD
A review and commentary
If one were tempted to write a book that accurately captured the tug of war our country is currently undergoing, they would find that someone has already done their work for them.
Framed in the current healthcare debate, Dr. Gray pits the great thinkers against each other in a duel of world views that is playing out in our society even today. From Hippocrates and Plato to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche, all the important titans of philosophical thought are represented. And at the very heart of their debate lay a central issue; who has the power to make decisions that affect our lives, the individual or the state?
By defining what shaped Hippocrates’ and Plato’s world views in the field of healthcare, Dr. Gray lays out the case that this is a very old argument taken into the present day and that ultimate authority for our world view depends greatly on the our foundation of truth. Whether it be sacred or secular in origin, both make their cases clear; where Hippocratic-thinkers place a premium on human life—at both ends of the life cycle—the P...
Because it's more than just "healthcare" that's at stake.
The Battle for America’s Soul
By C.L. Gray, MD
A review and commentary
If one were tempted to write a book that accurately captured the tug of war our country is currently undergoing, they would find that someone has already done their work for them.
Framed in the current healthcare debate, Dr. Gray pits the great thinkers against each other in a duel of world views that is playing out in our society even today. From Hippocrates and Plato to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche, all the important titans of philosophical thought are represented. And at the very heart of their debate lay a central issue; who has the power to make decisions that affect our lives, the individual or the state?
By defining what shaped Hippocrates’ and Plato’s world views in the field of healthcare, Dr. Gray lays out the case that this is a very old argument taken into the present day and that ultimate authority for our world view depends greatly on the our foundation of truth. Whether it be sacred or secular in origin, both make their cases clear; where Hippocratic-thinkers place a premium on human life—at both ends of the life cycle—the P...
And the argument was made quite plain...by a Doctor who should know, Dr. C.L. Gray, MD.
Because it's more than just "healthcare" that's at stake.
The Battle for America’s Soul
By C.L. Gray, MD
A review and commentary
If one were tempted to write a book that accurately captured the tug of war our country is currently undergoing, they would find that someone has already done their work for them.
Framed in the current healthcare debate, Dr. Gray pits the great thinkers against each other in a duel of world views that is playing out in our society even today. From Hippocrates and Plato to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche, all the important titans of philosophical thought are represented. And at the very heart of their debate lay a central issue; who has the power to make decisions that affect our lives, the individual or the state?
By defining what shaped Hippocrates’ and Plato’s world views in the field of healthcare, Dr. Gray lays out the case that this is a very old argument taken into the present day and that ultimate authority for our world view depends greatly on the our foundation of truth. Whether it be sacred or secular in origin, both make their cases clear; where Hippocratic-thinkers place a premium on human life—at both ends of the life cycle—the Platonian-thinkers consider life at the earliest and latest stages as a burden to the state. To make this an easier decision for the state, the state simply does away with the concept of God. This is a recurring theme throughout the book.
Each chapter’s presentation is thoroughly researched, painstakingly discussed and individually end-noted, yet with straightforward writing that makes for an enjoyable yet thought-provoking read.
Before you take up the banner on behalf of a particular side, it may be instructive to understand the genesis from which world view you are arguing, Hippocrates or Plato?
The world view of “Hippocrates – 1) Accepted the concept of a fixed Truth, 2) believed in the intrinsic value of human life, 3) thought medicine should serve (the) well being of the patient, 4) rejected infanticide and euthanasia, 5) the common man could appeal to a higher moral code.
The world view of “Plato – 1) Rejected the concept of a fixed Truth, 2) believed the philosopher king should determine the value of human life, 3) thought medicine should serve (the) welfare of the State, 4) accepted infanticide and euthanasia, 5) The State could do as it wished.”
These arguments continue to play out on the societal stage today. The question is, which one stands more closely with the founding principles of freedom and which one stands for the omniscience of the State?
“Government benevolence under socialism sounds so noble when first introduced. The ruling elite use sweet words of compassion to win the public’s trust, even as they secure power for themselves. However, contempt for the common man lies underneath this apparent concern.”
C. L. Gray, MD, The Battle for America’s Soul, (Hickory, NC: Eventide Publishing, 2011), p. 63.
C. L. Gray, MD, The Battle for America’s Soul, (Hickory, NC: Eventide Publishing, 2011), p. 156.
(more)Because it's more than just "healthcare" that's at stake.
The Battle for America’s Soul
By C.L. Gray, MD
A review and commentary
If one were tempted to write a book that accurately captured the tug of war our country is currently undergoing, they would find that someone has already done their work for them.
Framed in the current healthcare debate, Dr. Gray pits the great thinkers against each other in a duel of world views that is playing out in our society even today. From Hippocrates and Plato to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche, all the important titans of philosophical thought are represented. And at the very heart of their debate lay a central issue; who has the power to make decisions that affect our lives, the individual or the state?
By defining what shaped Hippocrates’ and Plato’s world views in the field of healthcare, Dr. Gray lays out the case that this is a very old argument taken into the present day and that ultimate authority for our world view depends greatly on the our foundation of truth. Whether it be sacred or secular in origin, both make their cases clear; where Hippocratic-thinkers place a premium on human life—at both ends of the life cycle—the Platonian-thinkers consider life at the earliest and latest stages as a burden to the state. To make this an easier decision for the state, the state simply does away with the concept of God. This is a recurring theme throughout the book.
Each chapter’s presentation is thoroughly researched, painstakingly discussed and individually end-noted, yet with straightforward writing that makes for an enjoyable yet thought-provoking read.
Before you take up the banner on behalf of a particular side, it may be instructive to understand the genesis from which world view you are arguing, Hippocrates or Plato?
The world view of “Hippocrates – 1) Accepted the concept of a fixed Truth, 2) believed in the intrinsic value of human life, 3) thought medicine should serve (the) well being of the patient, 4) rejected infanticide and euthanasia, 5) the common man could appeal to a higher moral code.
The world view of “Plato – 1) Rejected the concept of a fixed Truth, 2) believed the philosopher king should determine the value of human life, 3) thought medicine should serve (the) welfare of the State, 4) accepted infanticide and euthanasia, 5) The State could do as it wished.”
These arguments continue to play out on the societal stage today. The question is, which one stands more closely with the founding principles of freedom and which one stands for the omniscience of the State?
“Government benevolence under socialism sounds so noble when first introduced. The ruling elite use sweet words of compassion to win the public’s trust, even as they secure power for themselves. However, contempt for the common man lies underneath this apparent concern.”
C. L. Gray, MD, The Battle for America’s Soul, (Hickory, NC: Eventide Publishing, 2011), p. 63.
C. L. Gray, MD, The Battle for America’s Soul, (Hickory, NC: Eventide Publishing, 2011), p. 156.
Then, here's where the Federal Government comes in. They would have an option for Government PRIMARY CARE, Treatment, or referral. The feds can set up all there primary care clinics for colds, ear infections, first aid, etc. to keep the uninsured out of the hospital emergency rooms for these things. Then, if it turns out that the person needs more than the Fed primary care offering, there would also be the Public Health Hospital, which would be Federal as well. This actually used to exist. There was the Public Health Service, and they had their own hospitals and specialist...
Then, here's where the Federal Government comes in. They would have an option for Government PRIMARY CARE, Treatment, or referral. The feds can set up all there primary care clinics for colds, ear infections, first aid, etc. to keep the uninsured out of the hospital emergency rooms for these things. Then, if it turns out that the person needs more than the Fed primary care offering, there would also be the Public Health Hospital, which would be Federal as well. This actually used to exist. There was the Public Health Service, and they had their own hospitals and specialist. I was treated in one once. I'm not sure what happened to them. The thing is, if you were uninsured, you wouldn't even go to the public hospital until coming through the local primary care clinic. The uninsured would get what they need on an as needed basis. No one would be simply left hanging. The insured path would be better, so there would still be incentive for having a job, and paying for your insurance, without it being a "mandate", and there IS Fed care available if that is the only way. So, Federal care - yes (as described), Private care - yes. Doesn't have to be one or the other, and leaves me with neither a yes or a no for this question.
UHC does not assure 'quality' care.
BS. Obama mandates increased the cost and I now have no insurance.
How do I get this wonderful, free health care? Oh Yea. Wait till 2014.
“Fact No. 1: Americans have better survival rates than Europeans for common cancers.
[1] Breast cancer mortality is 52 percent higher in Germany than in the United States, and 88 percent higher in the United Kingdom. Prostate cancer mortality is 604 percent higher in the U.K. and 457 percent higher in Norway. The mortality rate for colorectal cancer among British men and women is about 40 percent higher.
Fact No. 2: Americans have lower cancer mortality rates than Canadians.
[2] Breast cancer mortality is 9 percent higher, prostate cancer is 184 percent higher and colon cancer mortality among men is about 10 percent higher than in the United States.”
http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba649
Percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes who received treatment within six months:
U.S. 93%
England 15%
Canada 43%
Percentage of seniors needing hip replacement who received it within six months:
U.S. 90%
England 15%
Canada 43%
Percentage referred to a medical specialist who see one within one month:
U.S. 77%
England 40%
Canada 43%
Number of MRI scanners (a prime diagnostic tool) per million people:
U.S. 71
England 14
Canada 18
Percentage of seniors (65+), with low income, who say they are in “excellent health”:
U.S. 12%
England 2%
Canada 6%
Probably not in Somalia, though.
For every dollar the health industry makes more people die needlessly simply because they do not care. No other country has the perfect system yet they continue to keep a system in place that takes care of everyone regardless of their income.
We have people who make good money say "I will not take care of people on my own dime!" Fine put an affordable system in place that really is affordable and has no strings attached like a $2,000.00 deductible before any coverage begins.
With over 30 million people with no insurance and 26,000 dying needlessly each year the shear stupidity that fail to help our own is the worst of the worst in this country. To let a fellow man die on the street because you don't want to pay the tax that EVERYONE would have to if they have a job or income is disgusting!
I have "Cadillac" insurance and I also have a few coins in the bank. We live fairly comfortably. But I know that if I or a family member suddenly needed critical care, I would be wiped out in a heart beat . That is a very real possibility. No one is immune to an accident or to a sudden illness. It happens.
Unlike all other nations of the world, the US model is built around the idea of individual and state liberty. Individuals retain the freedom to make their own life choices and live with the consequences of those actions. At times that method will have negative results. People will make bad choices. They will eat poorly, expose themselves to bad things, be lazy, purchase/fail to purchase things they need in favor of things they want. And those outcomes will be sad.
But, its not governments job to play mom and dad. Thats not what Americans want. We want our liberty, to make our choices.