"Healthcare is Not a Right"

Who knows what a can of worms I'm opening by posting this article, "Health Care is Not a Right", but I found it an interesting take on the whole debate. As a student about to enter into the morass called "American Healthcare," I thought it prudent to analyze whether or not socialized medicine is a good idea. To those who say that quality of care can never suffer (whether it be the perceived "nobility" of medical professionals or otherwise), I would suggest reading "Doctors Press Senate to Undo Medicare Costs" for consideration. Physicians are increasingly refusing to accept Medicare patients on the grounds that their practices need to stay financially solvent. Try telling that to the multi-million dollar insurance moguls who continue to lobby for more protection from House and Senate Republicans.

On a related note, the whole idea of "rights" being a moral prerogative is a fascinating one. Where did people get the idea that they are entitled to the services of another human being? When my mom loses her job, why isn't it her "right" to continue working at the company, forcing it to absorb the losses? Business seems to be the one aspect of American society that is "free" in the original sense of the word. They are "free" to hire and fire at will, and while they do provide compensation for perhaps a month after termination, it is a small price to pay for the savings that they reclaim. Insurance is just one big business, and all this talk about Medicare cuts and coverage is just ignoring the 5,000 lb elephant in the room--Humana, BCBS, Aetna, Metlife, Kaiser, etc etc. People aren't questioning premiums because 1) they need the coverage 2) the lobbyists are too powerful 3) it's easier to attack at the point-of-service. The nebulous middle man always gets away.