Posted on 11/24/2009 1:44:15 PM PST by Bob J
Since Sarah Palin brought the point of "Death Panels" to the forefront there has been much discussion on it here. But this and other parallel issues have been discussed off an on at FR for the last ten years. However, since Sarah Palin mentioned it the tenor of the discussion has changed. Whereas before there were was sentiment for "not being a burden on our children" and discussion on the merits of spending such large amounts of public money on procedures that might have limited and short term benefits.
So let's see where everyone stands.
The issue of Death Panels has been mischaracterized on both sides. As pointed out by another FReeper on another thread the fact is there have been Death Panels around for a long time, you just don't see them. But basically it can be boiled down to this;
Is it the right thing to do to expend hundreds of thousands of dollars of public medicare funds (when those funds could be put to more practical use) on procedures for an elderly patient when even if the procedures are successful they won't significantly increase life span, quality of life or solve other critical health issues? Do we husband the funds so they can be put to a more effective use or give Medicare an unlimited budget to pay when end of life issues arisee?
Some might say we shouldn't take extraordinary measures in these situations and leave it in God's hands.
It should be betweem the patients and the doctors. I would not want any extraordinary measures taken to make my body contune breathing if I had already vacated it, but that is what it should be, a personal choice.
Some might say that God gave us the ability to take extraordinary measures.
It’s only a “personal” choice when you, your children or your private health insurance pays for it.
Funny how liberal conservatives get when it’s their kidney transplant (which might only extend life a year or two) they want the taxpayers to pay for.
“It’s only a “personal” choice when you, your children or your private health insurance pays for it.”
Really? How about those of us on VA medical? Do you get to decide how long we live?
I think the question is, do we have the right to use other people's money for our medical care, whether that care will be useful or not.
“According to the Alliance Defense Fund, the child was born prematurely in January with a genetic abnormality, clubfoot and narrow airway, but he flourished after he went home in June.
His mother, Catherine Palmer, took him to ETCH’s emergency room in October because of breathing problems. After being treated, he went into shock and was placed on a respirator.
“...the staff considered his care “futile.”
So you think the tax payers should continue to fund the extraordinary care for this child for the next 60-70 years when the doctors determined that if they removed care the child could not live on it’s own and would be taken by God?
Multiply that by several million. Medicare payments of this sort would bankrupt the nation in short order (not that it isn’t already BK’d to some degree).
Once you get that fundamental difference the rest is easy.
“I think the question is, do we have the right to use other people’s money for our medical care, whether that care will be useful or not.”
Exactly my point. If it’s someone’s “personal” decision after consulting with their doctors they want to take extraordinary measures in a futile situation, go for it.
But don’t rest that decision on the backs of taxpayers.
And I’ll say it again, it’s amazing how quickly conservatives turn into liberals when it’s their kidney transplant getting gored.
“Really? How about those of us on VA medical? Do you get to decide how long we live?”
No, only God decides how long we live. But don’t saddle me with millions of dollars of medical payments because you can’t hear God knokcing on your door calling you to him.
NOT NO, BUT HELL NO!
” But if the government decides you should no longer be a burden to society, that is tyranny and should be opposed at every turn.’
Absurd. Someone in this situation can fund the procedures on their own, with their families or their private insurance. The only thing the government is saying is your procedure is not a good bet and they can’t gamble millions of public dollars on your own illogical illusions of self perservation.
If it’s public money you can be assured it will be the governments job to decide on whether the money is well spent or whether it will only extend life a few months or years when the money can be spent on more productive and pressing medical issues.
Skipping the “draft” deal of my youth, is it fair to levy my pay for over thirty five years, stating that when “your time” comes you’ll be equally supported, then simply walk when the time comes to pay off the societal end of the deal?
For one reason or another, I’m not really likely to buy any rationalization of that position.
My guess is many may refuse to chime in here because it’s easier to mouth empty platitudes to rile the masses (especially if you have an egocentric persona to protect) than do any critical thinking or make difficult decisions.
“The basic question is: Do you want the liberal scumsuckers that surround 0bama to decide whether you live or die?”
Whether they’re liberal or conservative scumsuckers doesn’t matter as long as the taxpayer foots your bill, right?
“The basic question is: Do you want the liberal scumsuckers that surround 0bama to decide whether you live or die?”
Whether they’re liberal or conservative scumsuckers doesn’t matter as long as the taxpayer foots your bill, right?
“Fairs are for tourists, kid.”
I don’t have any sweeping plan to right the wrongs perpetrated by our overlords; just a functional grasp of what’s right and what’s wrong.
“But don’t saddle me with millions of dollars of medical payments because you can’t hear God knokcing on your door calling you to him.”
Hey I know what you are getting at and I will end with this; I didn’t vote for any politician that supported Obamacare, so blow it out yer a**!
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