[Ant commented to Platt March 27th:] The NHS is an indication of a civilised society. For instance, there are some people (such as children, the mentally ill, elderly and infirm) who aren't "self-sufficient" and have no choice but to depend on others.
More importantly, I think the MOQ implies that it is immoral for intellectual and social patterns to be affected by biological differences (such as health). So if the best librarian for a town needs $200,000 towards her medical expenses per annum while the owner of the local Cadillac dealership needs only $2000, the MOQ points towards these expenses being paid for from general taxation (rather than the individual) to ensure that the best possible intellectual and social patterns (for the town) are maintained. The only exception would be vanity cosmetic surgery and, possibly, conditions brought upon by oneself through drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. With the latter "self-harmers", I think some additional contribution from salary/pension (though variable depending on income) would be required. [Platt stated March 27th:] >You seem to be suggesting that the MOQ prefers librarians over Cadillac >dealers. [Ant comments:] No but I bet you wished I had :-). As you well know Platt the MOQ puts the intellectual level above social level so maintaining a high quality library in a town is more moral than maintaining the quality of salesmanship in a particular car showroom. As such, health costs are better paid for through general taxation to ensure morality is served as far as reasonably possible. [Platt continued:] >As for imposing penalties on >self-harmers, how about [illegal] drugs, fast foods, and non-exercisers? >The list of >harmful behaviors is almost endless. [Ant comments:] Good point. Being a pragmatist, I think it would be best seeing what worked in practice regarding the possible charging by a National Health Service for medical problems caused by self-abusive behaviour. Possibly, such a system wouldn't work as it could generate further bureaucracy (which wouldn't necessarily be cost effective) and it could also deter some people from seeking necessary medical attention. Best wishes, Anthony . _________________________________________________________________ Txt a lot? Get Messenger FREE on your mobile. https://livemessenger.mobile.uk.msn.com/ moq_discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
