DC - None of us are experts. However in appealing to common sense, one
would think the prices of most things would ebb and flow with demand,
changes in technology, competition, etc. But these socialistic (your
reference) items never seem to correct. The price goes one direction--
up. In fact, they rise at rates that defy inflation and simple
reason. In most cases, regulation (yep think lobbyists) to hinder
competition is the culprit other times its the industry itself.
Now, take for instance the holiday shopping season. Prices for most
everything from clothes to groceries have been increasing lately with
higher gas prices. But then strangely, we come upon holiday shopping
season and a sagging economy. Suddenly, prices drop. Competition
heats up. To give you a great deal? No. To keep the channels from
plugging up. The inventory takes up space and what doesn't move is
taking up space for what will. So prices have to drop. Not so for
your so-called socialist items.
Unfortunately, demand for healthcare, education, eye care,
dental...it's all supply driven. Everyone wants the "best" doctor and
when you look at his/her schedule you'd wonder how so many people are
gurus in predicting their own temporary demise 3-months from now! You
know what I mean. The line is deep. We've gone to this preventive
medicine and "come and see me 4 or 5 times" gig and we'll milk your
insurance. And considering the barriers to self-treat and you're
really stymied. For example, even if you know your eye prescription
for contacts try to get someone to sell them to you without a
prescription on file! In China, they'll sell you however many of
whatever description (not prescription) you'd like. Exact same
brand/quality for 1/3 the price.
I can't even begin to describe differences in health care between the
US and foreign countries these days. The protection here, barriers to
competition, limited supply/choice, malpractice insurance, etc. It's
numbing. Interestingly, people are getting hip to the scam.
I met couples that fly to Mexico each year to go visit a fabulous
dentist. Enjoy a few days' visit, get care, pay cash while he pays for
lunch and even arranges airport transportation! And get this: for less
than half the cost of the same procedures here in the US airfare
included! It's crazy.
I had a kidney stone. Cost over $5k including one trip to ER and
another for CT scan. I flew to China the next day and did follow-up
care. I gathered the price for the same treatment there: $160! I even
got a full ear exam for $35 including 1-hour in some friggin Bose
studio sound lab testing! When was the last time you got that
service...and just walk-in???! No 3-month appt necessary. Commie
bastards...socialist reds...well, they're doing something right! I now
fly there or elsewhere for most care. Honestly, they care very much,
proud of hard work and proper/thorough diagnosis. Very pleased.
Education is another mess. The thought of tuition for 2 or 3 kids must
help Viagra sales. I'm not going to go into details on this racket.
What's more appauling is the classes aren't that tough. Most students
don't even take it seriously rather flash the schools name hoping the
prospective employer is or knows of an alumni. Well, many will say
it's capitalism. I'm for free markets. But what's free when we
introduce government regulations that force rules hindering
competition? Don't believe me? Just try starting your own private
school. And don't even think of messing with changing the public
school system if you think it's too remedial.
Anyway, I agree. America has made a mess out of every day human
services. We've lost our way in being human. Everything is seemingly
priced at market and al in the name of profit. Systematically, the
wealthy folks and Wall St. have turned everything into business for
profit. Next thing you know, we'll all be bidding for that doctor's
appt in 3-months. Highest bidder wins of course...
Anyway, way late. Time to punch out....
> Not that I am an expert, but it seems to me that anything which is
> deemed to be "socialistic" by the various overlords is a good place
to
> get money out of the ordinary Joe. Health care, Dental care, higher
> education etc. Look at the school fees that some people are trying to
> pay, should that be a cost covered by the system? I would not want to
be
> an underpaid single parent with about three kids starting school all
at
> once. On the other hand, Halliburten (?) executives have to eat too.
> Just a thought,
> DC