Reader Mail
Indicative of Socialism
Rationing Medicaid. Freezing engines. Racist cops. Serfing in Socialist waters. Plus more.
THE GREAT RATIONING
Re: Peter Ferrara’s
The Great Socialist Takeover:
I look forward to Mr. Ferrara’s full and complete Heartland report with great interest; I intend to Xerox it and place copies in my waiting room for patients to read. I will do the same, in the interim, for The Great Socialist Takeover. As Mr. Ferrara seems to intimate that, eventually, government-run medicine will look something like Medicaid looks today, let me describe how bad that is, in my experience as a community-based physician, with two decades experience in a small town in upstate New York.
Medicaid pays roughly 10 cents on the dollar overall. If one bills $15,000 for X amount of work (performed over some period of time), one will eventually (after submitting, resubmitting, and maybe re-resubmitting a veritable mountain of paperwork) receive a check for about $1,500 or so. And that is doing well. Sometimes I receive as little as $2.00 for a follow-up visit that private parties pay $70 for. I am a neurologist and so, on occasion, perform spinal taps; Medicaid pays me $20; the spinal trays cost me $20. And so on.
Once upon a time I did not limit Medicaid visits, but over the years I was inundated; now I see all my old Medicaid patients, but only one new patient per week. Even so, I was getting referrals from other counties, because few other specialists were seeing any of these patients. I then advised my staff that we would only take patients from our local county; other counties would have to take care of their own.
When I need to refer one of my Medicaid patients to another non-neurological specialist, it often requires a real search on the phone to find someone who will accept one of these patients. This is not to say that other doctors don’t see Medicaid patients, for they do, but only some doctors, and they have their limits, too.
I feel sorry for these folks, and do not intend to stop seeing
them. Many of my Medicaid patients are my favorite patients (and
some of them aren’t). But as Mr. Ferrara states, quite correctly,
I must ration them; to do otherwise is to go out of business. The
politicians claim the glory, and leave us to clean up the
mess.
— David Reich, MD
Auburn, New York
A socialist takeover will happen only if those of us who are awake and concerned enough to do something about this, don’t.
If we forget that in the Constitution, it’s still “We the people,” not “We the elected/manipulated to high office and our hangers-on and sycophants” — then America deserves fully the “Great Socialist Takeover.”
By the way: I know I’m not the only one who sees that Obama and
the leadership of the Democrat party seem to loathe the most
vulnerable of humans at the extremes of life: the unborn and
just-born and, now, apparently the elderly and/or infirm.
— C. Kenna Amos Jr.
Princeton , West Virginia
In your analysis would you please point out if federal employees
and members of Congress are going to be put into the “public
option”?
— Charles Buth
If Obama succeeds in sneaking socialized medicine into the U.S.
economy past 100 sleeping “guardians of the Republic,” the
eventual undoing would be tantamount to a second American
Revolution. Blood would be shed, figuratively and
literally.
— David Govett
Davis, California
Whatever you have to do…get this article and information to the public in every venue possible. You must be heard… for the future of this great nation is absolutely at stake.
Your article is brilliant and truly scary.
—Jeff Jewell
FREEDOM FROM SWIMSUITS
Re: R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr.’s Vindication!:
Mr. Tyrrell writes that “First in His Class, by David Maraniss, …vindicated my claims of the prior year that Bill Clinton was a rampant philanderer, widely recognized as such throughout Arkansas where he had apparently maintained a harem.”
Letter to the Editor View all comments (28) | Leave a comment
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frost| 8.7.09 @ 9:10AM
Two comments, if you don't mind -- first, Mr. Sforza's; an aside of sorts: while changing planes in Minneapolis-St. Paul recently, although hungry, I pledged that I wouldn't ever spend another dime in a state which would elect Al Franken to the senate. So I remained hungry and thirsty until boarding the next plane -- those peanuts sure tasted good, and that Diet Coke? To die for. So much for humor...
Then, for the most recent racist, Mr. Waset -- he seemed to presume that raw hate eloquently disguised as something worthy of thought might be accepted? Nah, don't think so.
Yet, for those so totally caught up in racial crap (and, yes, a sister-in-law is a Navajo; a daughter-in law is African-American, so don't try to twist the following observations, please!) and finger-pointing at we persons of pallor, consider:
There continues to be a mighty disturbing undercurrent of racial discord these days in our (not so) United States. A lot comes “from-the-top,” the Obama Administration; Eric Holder’s paranoia, et al. And the future sure doesn’t look too overly optimistic either.
Now, I’ve been pretty fortunate in having traveled a bit, and I’d like to cite Brazil as a contrast. I’ve read a lot of their history and have paid a great deal of attention to what I’ve witnessed; I certainly don’t claim to have any or all answers, and I certainly could be mistaken -- but several things seem to stand out - - a lot!
Brazil imported SIX times as many slaves as the US (sugar cane, the mines, coffee plantations; city and home help) until outlawed in 1888, almost 25 years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. And, while there have been a few “troubled times” in the past, especially in the Northeastern parts of Brazil, generally speaking, blacks appear to be doing very well in Brazil -- Rio, Sao Paulo and the Southern regions especially. Those problems which exist today appear to be economic ones, education (or the lack thereof) and “class.” And that transcends color! Got that? That transcends color, really – in Brazil, anyway.
Whatever problems they’re having do not seem to be racial, and I’m not aware of any Affirmative Action either. The reason, as I see it, one word – assimilation. Intermarriage or mixed marriages? Lots of that, absolutely. Blacks in Brazil aren’t blacks, they’re Brazilians – they’ve assimilated! Can’t overemphasize that. And I don’t even know whether the word “reparations” is in their dictionary – it’s certainly nothing you’re likely to hear in Rio. They may have “quotas” in hiring, but they deal with numbers of people, not the color of their skin. Black bosses, business-owners and supervisors are most everywhere – the respect factor is obvious. It’s no big deal, literally! Educated, well-read? It would certainly appear so. And, by the same token, most blacks wear their hair short, businesslike, dress conservatively, like their Caucasian brethren. No “do-rags” or hats worn crookedly, sideways - - and I’d guess that less than 1/10th of 1-percent wear “cornrows.” Teeth aren’t capped with ostentatious “grills” and there are no scowling, swaggering “attitudes” in Brazil. Period. Nor are there “shorts” which find the crotch at knee-level or below, the ungodly gangst’a look. No, down there, blacks just simply Get Along with everyone else, no sweat, because they’re all Brazilians! But again, the magic word is assimilation – and I don’t have the vaguest idea how to import that concept to the US from Brazil.
And, finally, another great letter, Mr. Kessel; thank you, sir. Dr. Reich and Mr. Holland too.
IMKessel| 8.7.09 @ 12:01PM
Mr. Nowall,
I too came across Robert Heinlein’s works rather serendipitously. I was under doctor’s care and I needed reading material to keep me entertained on the long waits to see the medical staff. Being interested in theology, I had to investigate how any author could find humor in the story of Job (Job: A Comedy of Justice). From there, I was hooked. I have read all Mr. Heinlein’s books, and with the exception of Friday, I have found each thought provoking, clearly reasoned and thrilling. Heinlein was God, but aren’t we all?
Mr. Rodolff,
Not being a sports fan myself, maybe I am reading you wrong. You are being ironic, no?
Restricting steroid use of the young is logical and necessary. I read that as being clearly non-ironic, but allowing adults to use or not use steroids? Athletes are part of a voluntary community that demands fair play. If you are not being ironic, please see Hume’s Moral Philosophy regarding community and rules (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-moral/). If I am misinterpreting your words, I apologize. Sometimes I am thick as a brick.
Frost,
You ol’ mischief maker. Good to read your posts again. Well argued.
Thanks for the kind words.
Rocco| 8.7.09 @ 2:03PM
frost,
Muito prazer em revê-lo! Your remarks on Brazil are spot on and the same as I observed over 22 years of travel and living there. Too bad we can't learn the good from others. Good to see you back. Um abraço, amigo!
frost| 8.7.09 @ 2:31PM
Obrigado, Rocco.
And, stay well, Mr. Kessel. I fully agree with the sage who suggested a regular column for you, sir.
Continued success!
Ranger Roach| 8.7.09 @ 3:09PM
The Democratic party has now 'cornered the market' on death - the Democrats not only support ending life before it is born (unrestricted abortion) but also supports "end of life counseling" of senior citizens based on economic concerns. I will turn 62 in a week, so it appears that my first 'end of life counseling' session is only three years off... something to look forward to... Seems the Democrats have to generate savings somewhere...
The Democratic party is also expanding their role from merely advocating Class Warfare between the "haves and have-nots" to intergenerational warfare - between grandparents and their grand kids. "How is the government supposed to provide good health care to these children, when it is bogged down in caring for all of these seniors?"
IMKessel| 8.7.09 @ 3:38PM
Fellow Posters,
Please contact the editors of TAS concerning vile postings left on the comment section of "John Hughes, RIP" page.
Open discussion and debate is an integral part TAS on line edition, but, generally, so is decorum. Even Dave Matthews is welcome to post; many of us find his views to be amusing (though lacking wit, insight, intelligence or any sense of reality) but they fall within the boundaries of semi-civil exchange. Posting hate speech is not conducive to debate or any other civil activity. In no way is contacting the editor censorship. It is his responsibility to maintain the page; by contacting him regarding inappropriate postings, we are acting as good neighbors and engaged citizens. Those who wish to post hate filled spew have thousands of other sites on which they can post. They can even give links to said pages without violating the principles of decorum and common decency. If we the readers assist the editor in being vigilant about posts, we can continue to enjoy an open atmosphere of exchanging views. If we do not, the ones who return to this site will not be the readers or writers with whom we wish to exchange ideas.
IMKessel
PS The content has already removed with all deliberate haste by the editor, but like roaches, Jewish Assisins inc, moved once the light was shined on him.
Hell on Earth by Israel| 8.8.09 @ 2:22PM
Zionist Jews crimes against USA!
The nation of Israel and Jews, friend or foe of America? Actions speak louder than words;
June 8, 1967; Israeli jets attack the USS Liberty, killing 34 American soldiers.
May of 1970; Perle passing secrets to Israel during Kissinger and Nixon term
1973-2001; according to the Christian science monitor, Since 1973, Israel has cost the United States about $1.6 trillion. Top Jewish senators and Jewish congressmen in the US are voting to take tax payer’s money to support Israel. If divided by today’s US Citizens, that is more than $5,700 per person. That is more than twice the cost of the Vietnam War. Israel receives over 2 billion per year as a peace accord agreement, yet still to this day violates that agreement.
1979-1981 During the US hostage crisis in Iran, Israel was specifically asked to stop supplying Iran with weapons while Iran was holding US hostages. Israel was selling 500 million dollars per year of weapons to Iran, even after America asked Israel to stop.
October 1983; Israel deliberately allows 241 American Marines to die
1984; Israel denies U.S. Justice Department demand to extradite Marc Rich, a convicted Israeli spy against America.
August 1985, Israeli American scientist arrested for stealing 800 nuclear weapons triggers from America and sending them to Israel
November 22, 1985; Jewish US Navy Employee Arrested as Israeli Spy
October 27, 1991; Israel enflames race tensions in America by supplying apartheid South Africa with weapons and forcing the Bush administration to waive sanctions against Israel.
March 1995; Israel Charged With Systematic Harassment of U.S. Marines
August 23 1996; CIA accuses Israeli spies of theft of U.S. corporate scientific and technological data as the type of espionage that poses the greatest threat to U.S. economic competitiveness.
September 1997; Israel, as a haven for Jewish American murderers to flee to and be holed up in, refuses to extradite the Jewish murderer of an American.
June 18, 1998; Israeli businessman convicted selling chemical and biological weapons components and know-how to Iran for $16 million.
January 28, 1999; Israel transfers laser technology to Communist China, despite American outrage
February 24, 1999; Another Jewish American murderer flees to Israel and is holed up there, after killing another American.
July 30, 1999 Israeli hackers attack Pentagon
February 24, 2000; Israel again sells donated US military technology to Communist China, in the face of US outrage.
September 11, 2001; Israeli spies caught by FBI and Police cheering and photographing the WTC as it fell. What was their excuse? They said they were making a Documentary of 9/11. WTF? If they knew we were going to be attacked then why did they not warn us?
On 9/11 a group of Israelis were arrested.
1) Celebrating the attacks on us.
2) Trying to blow up the George Washington Bridge.
3) Blowing up a Van on King St near 6th and 7th.
911 Missing Links documentary. Very Interesting Information!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7877765982288566190
15 March 2002; Israel ignores US demand to leave Palestinian territories, damaging American credibility and making America look like a hypocrite for forcing Sadam out of Kuwait but not Sharon out of Palestine.
June 28, 2002; Israel Reports Weapons Development in Iraq, also prodded by 25 neo-conservatives, mostly Jewish, Bush went to war with Iraq, costing nearly a thousand American soldiers their lives, no weapons found.
August 28.2002; Israel Supplying Iran again: Germany holds up Israeli military shipment said headed for Iran
October 4, 2002; 9/11: WHAT DID ISRAEL KNOW? – and when did they tell us?
November 17, 2003; Israel blatantly uses American weapons in violation of AECA agreements between both countries which stipulate that Israel not use such weapons in civilian territories, enraging and inflaming the animosity in the Middle East against America, even though Israel can use Israeli weapons since Israel is the 6th largest weapons producer, it consistently showcases American weapons against civilians, spreading the guilt onto America by association.
25 Apr 2009 A Delta Airlines passenger jet en route to Tel Aviv from New York had to make an emergency stop when an Israeli man attempted to hijack the plane.
Today; Israel forces America to keep silent about Israel’s nuclear weapons, again destroying America’s credibility world wide and leaving America looking like a hypocrite on it’s goal to end weapons of mass destruction world wide, also allowing the “unsecure” Israel to attempt to guard that nuclear stockpile from the Middle Eastern black market.
In conclusion, since the founding of Israel in 1950, no other country has cost America more lives, money, and damage to credibility than Israel.
PacRim Jim | 8.8.09 @ 5:21PM
Israel was founded in 1948, not 1950. It was Ike, a Republican president, who first recognized the existence of Israel, when Democrats and other nations would not. Incidentally, it also was Ike who used the U.S. military to force aside the Democrat governors blocking the doors to schools in the South. How have American Jews and Blacks rewarded this demonstration of American principles by the party of Lincoln? No good deed goes unpunished...still.
Pingback| 8.8.09 @ 6:34PM
The American Spectator : Indicative of Socialism | Israel Today links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Michael L. Hauschild| 8.9.09 @ 9:01AM
How about Kenyan-Hawaiians?
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