Dr. Mike,
My father is a doctor and my mother is a nurse...and I worked in his office in high school and partly through college...so I am well aware of our healthcare system..
Fortunately you pay for your workers healthcare so they are lucky...but for so many others this isnt the case. Actually when I just graduated from college and was searching for a full time job I got sick and went to the emergency room and the bill was $4,000...it was unbelievable... how can someone in that situation afford that...so we arent just talking about people who just make bad choices...sure they are a part of it...but in any case just because someone makes a bad choice do they have to continue to pay for that indefinately..
I certainly agree with you about fast food, cigarettes, etc. Also I am not pointing the finger of blame completely at healthcare.. although I think it is completely absurd spending the money we do on the military and military expansion when people in our own country need help that was my main point...I was using healthcare as example.. My point being that why does the media waste our time with this kind of thing...not only the media but the government as well...using our tax dollars to investigate and prosecute these kinds of cases...what is the point? The US has much bigger issues it should be dealing with...just wanted to clarify my point..anyways thanks for the reply
str8-T
Your points are excellent.
When I got out of school...I was struck head-on by a drunk driver on the highway, crushed my knee and a bunch of other injuries...as I was no longer on my parents insurance, I ultimately had to pay over $100,000 in medical bills on my own.
Believe me, it was not pleasant.
But, in time (lots of time!) I paid up.
You and I know (with your dad and mom being in the health professions) that just because you are a doc does noty mean you are making millions.
I do well, but I work much of the time 100 hours a week, often more.
I am not complaining...I love what I do...I'd be an idiot if I didn't working such hours.
I love it, but also, in part, MUST work these hours.
You see, If I don't do this, NO ONE will come to my aid.
They will not care.
They will not pay my bills.
Due to the indiscretions of one (A drunkard taking the wheel), I was forced to suffer inordinately, for many years.
Paradoxically speaking, due to the willful indisdretions of millions (those who treat themselves very poorly via physically, drunk, drugs, fat foods, lack of activity, etc.), many more who work hard, (you, me, others), will have to suffer and work much harder and longer than necessary.
I do a lot of work in and with the media on a national level, and I do not hesitate to say that there is very good reason as to why journalists are now the least trusted profession.
Best I can tell you is to make your own assertions and decisions daily and in life...don't depend on media outlets to steer you and your decesions.
Believe me, there is a term in the media called 'dialing it in'.
There was a time when reporters and anchors used to research their own stories, and then report on them to the masses.
Now, they 'dial it in' much of the time.
This means someone plants a good looking honey in front of a teleprompter, and she reads what is often simply a bunch of tripe.
Just reads it.
You could print, "Hey big fella, wanna lay me?"
...and she'd probably read it!!!
So, young guy, don't be mesmerized by this.
Like I teach my college classes,
"You are in college to learn to think on your own."
So, think on your own. I am certain smart parents like yours taught you this.
As far as military stuff, well...I am a jingoist, so I will not comment on this as I tend not to conversate on political matters when not with a live audience.
Anyway, thanks for your kind and thoughtful response, and I hope you are recovered from your injuries.
Best,
Mike