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Money
And Appearances In Health-Care Reform
Shaun
Kerry, M.D.
Diplomate,
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
This
site was partially inspired by my trip to
Africa, taken many years ago. I spent some time
in a medium sized town, where I was virtually the only
white person, and was besieged from all directions
with requests for money and |
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| assistance
of various forms. It was quite a moving experience. They
were saying, in a very loud voice, "We need your help". My
conscience was aroused.
Money
Was Not the Cure:
Even if I were
rich, and handed out money by the basketful to those
in need, I would be doing nothing to effect a long
term solution to their problem. There was something
in their social system - something in their pattern
of thought - that stood as an obstacle to their progress.
Dysfunctional
Government:
In
speaking with the people, I learned of the corrupt schemes
used by their government to
extract money from the civilians. A wall of red tape,
which could only be penetrated through the use of bribery,
blocked free enterprise. This demoralized the entire population,
whether or not they were involved in enterprise.
Unintentional
Corruption Is More Destructive:
There
exist both intentional and unintentional forms of corruption. Of
the two, the unintentional form is far more destructive,
because it is more deceptive and prevalent. Furthermore,
it allows for the existence of intentional corruption. The
entire experience led me to begin thinking in depth about
social systems; a thought process which continues to this
day.
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Appearances Can
Be Deceiving:
Though
a system can outwardly appear to be extraordinarily efficient,
it may, in reality, be utterly flawed. I recall a story
that a man once told me about his parents. They lived in a
beautiful home, had prestigious occupations, and were active
in civic affairs. Based upon superficial |
| appearance
alone, they seemed to be a model family. His parents,
however, were controlling, deceptive, and critical of his
actions to the point where he literally went crazy. These
parents never recognized their own personality problems. Their
emotional discomfort led them to exhaust excessive amounts
of effort on creating an appearance.
Money
And Health Care:
Our
healthcare system - though on a much larger scale - operates
in a similar way. When viewed superficially, the system
seems impressive. Proponents of the system are constantly
remarking, "If only we had more money, we could do so
much better." Desiring better healthcare,
we believe this story, and give more money. But regardless
of how much we give, money is incapable of curing the system's
ailments. It is analogous to the aforementioned African
illustration.
Take
A Deeper Look:
We
must examine the system at a much deeper level. We
must look beyond appearances and good intentions, beyond
intellectuality and sincerity. Having been a student,
doctor, and patient for a great many years, I can see right
through the superficial guises of the system. Unless
you can understand the insanity of the present system, my
proposals will make very little sense to you.
The
Bottom Line:
Trying
to fix our healthcare system with more dollars is much like
attempting to solve Africa's problems with money. I
see many caring, charitable people giving money to healthcare
related causes, and it grieves me deeply. Though these
individuals have priorities similar to my own, our major
difference is that I realize that the money could be much
more wisely spent, if the system were changed. I implore
you to stand back and take a deeper look at healthcare.
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