by AgentR11 » Mon 16 Apr 2012, 18:23:39
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('pstarr', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', 'f')unny thing though, they'll find money for cheap cell and internet service.
I suspect this comment reflects you personal bias rather observable fact.
That might be true enough. However, as it was a statement about preferences and individual priorities, "observable facts" are far and few between.
As to who to treat, you bring up an interesting question, I'd treat both, likely writing both prescriptions for appropriate medications for the diagnosed condition. The real question, is would you purchase those meds for the impoverished child yourself, knowing that the cost of such drugs are out of the reach of that family's finances?
Honestly, its why I support a single payer system; for as long as our economic system functions, the costs associated with both that child and that geezer are unavoidable; many of such costs have add on, unavoidable costs later if the initial costs aren't covered. Currently, we all pay, and pretty much in a distributed form, there is no avoiding it. But without the NHS type arrangement, we end up with really twisted hoops to hop through as everyone tries to control the uncontrollable costs without the tools necessary to make them controllable. Under NHS, when the sick, but treatable child comes in; they are treated, when the geezer comes in with his 40 yr old, angry lawyer-son at his side, he gets treated. If the geezer isn't satisfied, there are ample private services that can be accessed, which will usually result in exactly the same diagnosis and suggested action. (usually involving the word, "no".)
Unfortunately, Americans can't stand being told "no". They generally want every test known to mankind done to them, the most advanced drugs, the fanciest treatment plan. Just ask, how many allergy ridden people right now are on new, expensive drugs, when a 30 cent daily loratidine would serve just as well? How many find the most advanced arthritis drugs available, when a 40 yr old generic would work fine? Its a symptom of who we are as a culture, this, the suburb, the Hummer, all excessive and unproductive.
To the underlying argument, we are simply using different definitions of "necessary". I understand what you are writing, and caveat your usage of "necessary", mostly agree.