Protestantism

» redback - Short Q and A

In response to Health Care posted by redback:

In so many ways, Australia lags proudly behind...if the USA sets the performance standard. ABC

"So, do the two systems compete with each other?"

For intending migrants or world domination?

"How well does either system work?"

Some of the people are happy some of the time...in both systems. Ours are happier longer by the best measure. We don't live in the USA.

Like Brian, Migisi et al, our experiences provide reality checks against whatever theory is embedded in either system. So, I'm happy in retirement to continue to advocate for change. I've currently thrown the gauntlet down to our Director-General of Education on the mental health of teachers and students, the latter our future leaders.

-- posted by redback

» Brian Tubbs - reply to redback

In response to Insurance posted by redback:

The compensation litigation industry has been dealt a body blow with changes to the law greatly reducing liability and payouts.

If the liberals and the Democratic Party here in the United States would get behind such an idea, I would have a lot more respect for them when they talk about health care reform. Because THIS, my friend, is the MAIN issue with respect to affordable health care in America.

» paper_turtle - liberals & Democrats

In response to reply to redback posted by BrianTubbs:

If the liberals and the Democratic Party here in the United States would get behind such an idea . . .
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to which liberals and Democrats are you referring, Brian? Here's one liberal Democrat who totally agrees with you about the need for reforms in malpractice litigation--and quite a few of my friends feel the same.
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The thing is, though, some malpractice suits are legitimate, and unfortunately many incompetent doctors never get caught even so.
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle

» Brian Tubbs - liberals & Democrats

In response to liberals & Democrats posted by paper_turtle:

I'm referring to the LEADERSHIP of the mainstream liberal movement in the United States of America and to the leadership of the Democratic Party.

Trial lawyers are a key constituent of the modern Democratic Party. Heck, you've got a trial lawyer RUNNING for the Democratic Party's nomination for President!

Point taken as far as you are concerned, though. I appreciate and respect your perspective on this issue. Litigation reform is ESSENTIAL to affordable health care, BUT we mustn't completely take away a patient's right or a family's right to access our legal system for proper redress.

» redback - reply to redback

In response to reply to redback posted by BrianTubbs:

I think Australia learned its lesson here from the USA.

We seemed to be inexorably following the USA with "if it sits still long enough, slap a law suit on it" where personal accountability went out the window. Injured in dangerous surf? Sue the council. Child hurt in a playground? Sue the mob who eg should have watered the lawn making for a softer landing. Drunk and in an accident? Sue the pub. Lose at the casino? Sue the casino for a full refund...but to name a few.

I thought this unwanted US import was here to stay BUT when the payouts got obscenely high in 'our' reckoning, the brakes were applied. Our generous welfare system recognised many years ago the litigation 'rorts' where all the payout was spent = hardship so then welfare claimed. Court judgements were even contrived to ensure welfare payments could also be paid eg an award of $1 per week as part of the large payout. Anti double dipping laws were introduced and I was "there" for it. Great wailing and gnashing of teeth but today, totally accepted or passively tolerated.

Of course arbitrary and superficial thresholds (cut-off points) cause hardships as someone always narrowly misses out on welfare or a payout for the exploitative category of 'pain & suffering' etc etc. But there is free treatment for injury and income support in a cradle to grave approach.

A range of strategies over the years has caused a shifting attitude, even a hardening of attitude by the taxpayer who ultimately foots the bill. Crikey...maybe the world really does not owe us a living. Maybe 'mutual obligation' is a good ideal.

But your health care can't evolve from a stand alone strategy nor without political will.

-- posted by redback

» redback - liberals & Democrats

In response to liberals & Democrats posted by paper_turtle:

"The thing is, though, some malpractice suits are legitimate, and unfortunately many incompetent doctors never get caught even so."

And insurance companies WILL pay out despite all this for fear of a drawn out fight. As far as the doctor is concerned, it needs a global approach but everyone is too busy to do anything but knee-jerk within their myopic view of the problem.

I was involved in getting one orthopaedic specialist de-registered and on a separate issue, a trio of doctors referred to the Medical Board for corrupt practices in insurance/welfare matters. They were heady days!

-- posted by redback

» Migisi - American majority says yes

In response to reply to redback posted by BrianTubbs:
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From a variety of independent polsters, the American majority favor national health care:
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http://pollingreport.com/health3.htm
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-- posted by Migisi

» Migisi - Lawyers

In response to liberals & Democrats posted by paper_turtle:
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The thing is, though, some malpractice suits are legitimate, and unfortunately many incompetent doctors never get caught even so.
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Equally unfortunate - the rich lifestyles of many lawyers depend on that incompetence. One lawyer sues the doctor, the other defends him. The only people who continually benefit (BIG) from malpractice suits are lawyers. Win or lose, they always get their fees.
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"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." - Shakespeare's 'King Henry VI'

-- posted by Migisi

» Brian Tubbs - American majority says yes

In response to American majority says yes posted by Migisi:

Of course, they do. I myself am in favor of national health coverage. But...the "devil is in the details." I'm not willing to embrace any ole plan that comes along to accomplish the goal of national health care.

» Brian Tubbs - Video on Brain Surgery

Interesting video on this discussion of socialized medicine...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Rf42zNl...