Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A Healthcare Carol

This health care situation is positively Dickensian! The insurance companies have purchased the Party of No, and they mouth in unison the words of Ebenezer Scrooge.

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."

"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.

"Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman...

"And the Union workhouses?" demanded Scrooge. "Are they still in operation?"

"They are. Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not."

"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?" said Scrooge.

"Both very busy, sir."

"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course," said Scrooge. "I'm very glad to hear it."

"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude," returned the gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?"

"Nothing!" Scrooge replied.

"You wish to be anonymous?"

"I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge. "Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned -- they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there."

"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."

"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.


Can't you just hear the representatives of the Party of No?

"Are there no prisons? No welfare? Food stamps? Medicaid? Our taxes support these institutions. The poor can go there."

When told that the doors of such places are closed to those who are only almost indigent,

"Well, let them die, then, and decrease the surplus population!"

That's about what we are getting, people!

Bring on the Ghosts!

3 comments:

  1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift also comes to mind ;)

    ”I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled ...”

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  2. Wow - a great comparison, Ronni. I was sent here by Nancy and am glad that she pointed me your way.

    I have seen your comments on the other Ronni's blog, TGB, but have never visited yours before. I will be back.

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  3. Nice to meet you, Darlene! Thank you for stopping by. I'll be over to yours tomorrow...

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