‘Socialism’ scare tactics debunked
The new buzzword that seems to be thrown around a lot these days is the word Socialism. It also appears to be the latest scare tactic used by 4th District Congressional candidate Harry
Arora in his commentary published in The Norwalk Hour Oct. 16, “Socialism debunked.”
I doubt many in our country today are advocating for a communistic regime or an overthrow of capitalism, but many within our communities today are tired of the misuse or abuse of power, relentless greed and lack of empathy and that seems to have infiltrated our capitalistic society.
The fact is, “socialism” already exists in our single-payer, Medicare system as well as our armed services which provides education, training and health care to men and women from diverse backgrounds. Unlike corporate America, however, the pay ratio of a senior general is about 10 times higher than a private. According to a recent report, six of the highest paid U.S. CEOs make more than 300 times the salary of their typical employee. That’s a difference worth noting.
With Arora’s implication that many Democrats are advocating for a socialistic government, he goes on to say there’d be “severe rationing” of healthcare
Many within our communities today are tired of the misuse or abuse of power, relentless greed and lack of empathy and that seems to have infiltrated our capitalistic society.
for older seniors as an inherent consequence. He went on to say that critical procedures are routinely denied, such as bypass or hip replacement surgery for older seniors (over 75-80). Is it a scare tactic, or is it a reality? His comment deserves a closer look at the facts about Canadian Health Care and our health care system in general.
The truth is that swelling numbers of aging baby boomers will present an even greater need for planning and purposeful change as expenses rise exponentially in our health care system. Comparatively speaking, our health care system is hugely expensive. My sister just had hip replacement surgery. According to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the average cost is $39,299. In Denmark, that projected cost would be $12,402. In Spain, the average cost for treatment would be under $11,207. Our profit-driven health system rations by cost, making it inaccessible for millions.
Some would argue that it’s so expensive because our health care is far superior to other countries. Is it? According to the World Health Organization, we get a ranking of #37. Apparently, in developed countries, we are ranked the worst (and significantly below Canada). And when we compare life expectancy rates to other countries, we are ranked # 31 (WHO). Our numbers are certainly not impressive. For all our cost rationing, we certainly have a lot to learn from other countries that spend dramatically less on health care and have better health outcomes.
In what areas do we spend a lot more? Certainly, on drugs. In the U.S., we take a lot more pills, get them more easily and pay a lot more for them than other developed countries. Apparently, one in five Americans don’t fill or skip doses of medication to save money — a significantly higher number than Germany, Canada or Austria (2013 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey). Our health outcomes are poorer, yet some are getting richer. Who’s getting richer? The pharmaceutical companies!
I’m sure Arora wouldn’t support a society that provided greater equality and quality education and health care for all, but many countries do. If that’s what he calls socialism, I’m all for it!