Posted on by Dick

But they'll do it when we aren't looking

Do you know the ultimate refrain in all of Paranoia Land?

Why it is, of course, “But they’ll do it while we aren’t looking.”

That is to imply that all appears well but somewhere, someone is surreptitiously plotting the worse case scenario which is to be thrust upon us all at a time of maximum surprise.

Such seems to be the best argument so far by those who oppose any Obama administration plan to revamp the nation’s health care system.

The major strike against health care reform from the most ardent of critics seems to be both the tired and worn threat of socialized medicine. Such threats have been lurking from the shadows for several generations now and except for the system which I am forced to use for health care – the Department of Veterans Affairs – a socialized system has yet to arrive.

In fact, what Obama says that he wants in health care reform seems anything but radical. For instance:

  • Protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of health care costs

  • Guarantee choice of doctors and health plans

  • Invest in prevention and wellness

  • Improve patient safety and quality of care

  • Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans

  • Maintain coverage when you change or lose your job

  • End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions

I have come to make peace with the socialized system that exists within the VA. That doesn’t mean I like everything about it. In fact, so much can be improved that would make for a more fair and efficient system. And when I see something that I don’t like or I feel is unfair, I fight it. That is the only way one can ensure they have any kind of chance for care which is rightfully theirs.

With that said, I certainly wouldn’t want to see any type of government-controlled and operated health care for the civilian population. But I think the only way that could logically take place is as explained through that old paranoid refrain: “But they’ll do it when we aren’t looking.”

Hell, for that matter, I think socialized medicine in the U.S. Is such a stretch that “they” would have to do it while we all are comatose.