[Winona Online Democracy] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Dwayne Voegeli Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2004 7:17 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Winona] Anti Dumping Laws: Health Care Costs
[Winona Online Democracy] I'm glad Glen has pointed out the obvious, the reason that Canada has lower prices is because of price controls, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It's not rocket science, it's just a fact that some want hidden from Americans. Again, why just import Canadian drugs, why not import the whole system that provides those lower prices in the first place? GS: It has been demonstrated repeatedly that price controls are a bad thing. In the long run they make matters worse, not better. The current subsidization of much of the developed world by US drug consumers is only a recent example. Anyone else remember the disaster that the price controls of the Nixon era caused? Rising health care costs are eating businesses, governments, and school districts alive from the inside out. The Winona School District is going to see 18% increases again next year! Costs are doubling every 5 years. This is a not so hidden cost that is hurting school district budgets. It's an interesting arguement that U.S. consumers are subsidizing other countries lower costs but not a valid one. The giant multi-national drug coporations still make profits in Canada and all the other advanced countries that offer universal and single-payer health care systems, they just don't make the extreme profits they make in the United States. Frankly, we're being milked like suckers and sheep. GS: All companies have profit goals. When blocked from achieving them in one area (such as price controls in Canada, et al) they will attempt to make up for that in others. Profits are a good thing. In fact, no good thing happens in business without profits. That includes rising employee wages, better employee benefits, more employment, better retirement through more earnings in 401ks and IRAs, more and better products/services, lower prices and on and on. Ask any broker what are the best kinds of stock investments, drug and insurance stocks will be in the top 3-5 every time. That is no coincidence. GS: True, but irrelevant. Companies which are highly profitable have usually been successful at providing a high level of value to their customers. Profits flow from meeting your customers needs and wants in a cost effective manner. Where are the pragmatists within the Republican and Democratic Parties who will finally admit our system is broken and it's taking us all down with it? I fear that some are so loyal to a mythical free-market ideology that they would rather sink with the ship than admit that mixed economies are not always all bad. GS: This "mythical" free-market ideology (more accuratley, we have already have a highly modified free-market) has produced more wealth, a better living standard and more freedom for more people than any other system ever. Nationalizing nearly one fifth of our economy (that's what a sinle payer solution would do) is no solution. On the other hand, one seed of a solution may be in the recent Medicare changes. I am writing of the Medical Savings Accounts contained in that legislation. This solution may permit many to become self reliant when it comes to medical expenses while reintroducing the downward pressure of consumer involvement to pricing. A free-market solution with a real chance for change. Time will tell. My apologies for the length. Glen Schumann Winona, MN [EMAIL PROTECTED] H: 507.454.3056 W: 507.453.3567 W FAX: 507.454.1440 Visit my Family Home Page: http://www.hbci.com/~gschuman/home.htm Last Update: March 12, 2000 _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
