ext_37996 ([identity profile] bimmer1200.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] xiphias 2006-03-08 06:29 pm (UTC)

Because public schools are the only major government monopoly we have other than police, to which there is very little analogy. Minor government monopolies like the USPS, Amtrak, or perhaps the DMV don't offer much more hope.

As for 'making it up whole cloth'. No, I'm not. Many socialized systems of medicines assing you a health care provider. They assign what services are available. In many, you can't even opt to pay for additional services. That wouldn't, after all, be fair to let the rich jump in line. And even when you can go see another doctor, you've got a long wait ahead of you. So, I think the analogy of decreasing choice even further is legit. Is it partly theoretical? Yes. But I don't think it's farfetched either. Unless you've got a specific plan you want to present, it's a bit hard to refute something as nebulous as the original post.

As for your points 1 and 2, mobility has nothing to do with it, nor the example of 'school choice' you give. I'm pointing out that your choices get even further narrowed by government intervention. It is -always- what happens, both with socialized systems abroad and with other fields where we have tried it at home. Show me one system of socialized medicine where people have shorter waits, more treatment options, and more choice in providers than we do here.

America offers the highest quality health care in the world. It isn't perfect, and I'd like to see some changes to make it better. But socializing it isn't going to do that. It will make it worse.

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting