SB 107-02: Hospitals Act (Rejected)

[West_Midlander]

I might support this.

In truth, I had not considered all aspects of this debate when I made this remark. One constituent PM'd me with a paragraph detailing reasons to oppose this, and one particular point in particular has convinced me this bill is something I should oppose - I hadn't considered it until then, but abolishing all private hospitals would result in even those who can afford superior medial treatment (so they can get better care, avoid waiting for very long, etcetra) do not have an option to do it. Were an amendment added to address this issue, I would consider supporting this bill, but as it currently stands, I am leaning towards opposing it.

Thank you for bringing up this point, CR. I was undecided on the bill but I will oppose it because government typically does a bad job of providing even essential services. Leaving any industry especially something as vital as healthcare wholly up to the government is a bad idea.

As part of the American Dream, people who have fought all their lives to better themselves and their families should be able to pay for premium healthcare. I do believe that there should be free or low-cost care available to low-income people, the disabled, seniors, and children of low-income people, though.

[West_Midlander]

Setting the threshold at 20% seems arbitrary. How is this an acceptable or appropriate percentage and how does one justify relegating the private sector for this industry to just 20% of the market?

[West_Midlander]

I object.

[West_Midlander]

Nay on the amendment. I hope the President vetoes this bill as unnecessary if it passes on a final vote. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[West_Midlander]

I broadly agree with CR's comments. The communist ideal of a classless society has never been achieved but heavy or total state control of the economy is characteristic of repressive, authoritarian regimes during the 20th century which considered themselves true communists.

This bill nationalizes the hospital industry in a country that has already been so badly wracked by nationalization. Industry, by industry, we are on the road toward communism.

However, as far as I understand it, the AtlasCare law is an appropriate, well-intentioned piece of legislation worthy of defending. Truly, there are no changes needed in this area, especially when further nationalization is the "solution."

[West_Midlander]

Nay.