There seems to be a consensus that some sort of “reform” is needed for the American health care system. I keep hearing people say “at least Obama is trying to do something,” as if good intentions really solve problems. Many people have been asking about the Austrian perspective on the problems with American health care.
We have some wonderful and up-to-date information available on this subject. Dr. Tom DiLorenzo recently penned this article on the subject. And during Mises U last week, Dr. Walter Block gave this fantastic lecture on several of the health care reforms that we actually need to improve the system. These two resources will better arm you for your next debate with the health care socialists.
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It would be wise for us libertarians of all stripes to cease referring to the destructive policies of the statists as being motivated by good intentions because that belies the truth that they are evil individuals who are motivated only by a desire to control others. And I mean control in the broadest use of the term and it can be taken to mean: to supress, to exploit and to torture.
Regarding good intentions, with what was the road to Hell paved, again?
I often get a kick out of politicians and pockets of the public who think that government should “do something.”
“I’m going to be bi-partisan, because the american people just want me to get something done.”
Well…I’m pretty happy when they don’t. Sure my tax dollars end up in his pocket so he can bloviate to no end, but at least he’s not ruining the country (that’s what happens when they “get things done”).
It appears the link to the lecture is broken.
Try downloading and playing through a media player rather than through your web browser.
Actually, I think libertarians should support Obama’s plan. Ideas must have a window of opportunity before they can gain widespread attention and libertarian ideas are far from that window. The American people are so enamored with socialism at the moment that free market ideas will get no hearing at all.
Free market ideas are getting a better reception in Europe today than in the US. Why? Because Europeans have enjoyed the fruits of socialism for decades. Americans have proven they can’t learn from the experiences of others; we have to experience everything for ourselves. That attitude may be due to the arrogance Americans are unique and not subject to the same principles of economics as other fools.
In fact, I think the US should go straight to wage and price controls in the healthcare industry. Americans rebelled against Nixon’s price controls, but fortunately the entire country is afflicted with Alzheimers, so no one will make the connection if libertarians keep quiet.
I have known for a while that one of the major causes of high hospital bills is the excess capacity in equipment such as MRI machines. Dr. Reisman confirmed that in his recently posted article. Does anyone know why hospitals that don’t have such equipment have not become competitive in the market? Do you have any links to articles about it?
Also, the Mayo Clinic is known to have some of the lowest costs in the nation, why hasn’t their model become more widespread?
I’m certain there is government interference working here somewhere but I can’t seem to find the specific nature of it.
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