Posted on 03/04/2005 5:42:24 AM PST by Just Kimberly
Thursday, January 27, 2005 Health Care in the U.S. In watching the Health Care Conference live on C-span 2 this morning, I listened as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton brought up excellent points regarding proposed healthcare reform, and reforms already in place and scheduled to take effect January of 2006. I couldn't help but wonder, however, if her words were for the occassion, or if she was sincere. Hard to tell about her - being a Democrat and all. Hopefully she wasn't considering her party affiliations when she wrote her speech.
She spoke of the ways in which prescription coverage will be chosen for some, and others will have the ability to choose on their own - bringing up the point that many of these patients are too disabled or too elderly to make an informed decision, therefore possibly finding themselves in a position in which many or most of their medications will not be covered. (This did make sense.)
Another speaker, Dr. Bob Ross was speaking of the new reform, and informing how we needed to but partisanship aside and find a solution for all Americans. Before he could finish, a fire alarm sounded in the building they were in (honestly - no joke) and they evacuated. So, I am sure he will pick up shortly where he left off.
The one thing I have not heard anyone, anywhere say - during the course of these Health Care reform talks - is the role played by the Pharmaceutical Companies - how their lobbying in Washington truly effects the type of reform sought in the U.S.
As I have mentioned before (check the archives in December - relating to Nutrition, the new medicine), the drug companies are directly responsible for the teaching agenda in medical schools, the wave of drugs prescribed by doctors in this country, and the way in which the government seeks to change the role of health care.
What most (almost all ) Americans do not see or understand - is the "squeaky wheel" theory is alive and well in Washington, even though we would like to think it does not apply to things which effect our personal health.
Take for instance the new dietary recommendations from the FDA - an entity which is supposed to have our best interest at heart. During a segment on Good Morning America last week or so, the new food pyramid guidelines were introduced to the public by a DOCTOR.
The doctor himself, went over the new rules and when he reached the diary level of the pyramid - which has increased from two servings a day to three servings a day, he stated -' I don't know how much of this is science or lobbying in Washington.' Charlie Gibson looked a little dumbfounded and asked the doctor to explain - and, much to my delight, he did!
It is very true that when the FDA begins discussions on what Americans should be eating, the advocates for EVERY food group in the country are present, pressing and guiding the wheels toward them. Notice how all of a sudden "carbs" are not to be totally eliminated from our diet? I think it was Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig who first put out the "don't be afraid of carbs" commercials. Why? Because the producers of carbohydrates in this country i.e. the potato growers, grain growers, pasta makers, etc. have began the push on the capitol to fix the damage caused by the 'no carb' craze.
This is why Americans must be informed regarding all that goes on regarding the food business, and be smart consumers! You are not given a new drug by your doctor just because he thinks it may work for you - you are given that drug because a representative from that company has come into the office and wined and dined and given honorariums so that he/she will write the Rx!
You are not told by the FDA what is healthy to eat based on complete science, but rather by which group squealed the loudest during the reformation of the pyramid!
The FDA does not get involved in what is in in your food supply until there is a problem. Somebody die? A law suit due to illness? Lets look into it! Otherwise, food companies and drug companies, and vitamin companies are free to put anything they wish into what you consume, and have no fear of being found out unless someone gets sick!
Did you know that Vitamin B complex does not work unless the ratio of Biotin is equal to the B complex? I'll bet many of you do not know what Biotin is - because it is probably not on the label of your favorite store-brand vitamin. Why? Because it is too expensive! The otc supplements do not spend the money to put the correct amount in. Takes too much out of their pocket. Do you realize that in order to put 'natural' on the label, only a small percentage of the food/vitamin, etc. need be natural in order for them to use that word? Same goes with 'organic' and the levels of that particular word.
The basis for this rambling this morning? In listening to the conference this morning - this group is still looking to reform healthcare so that all Americans will receive equal care, the meds they need, and not have to make a choice between healthcare, insurance, food and heat. This - is a resonable thing. All should be able to get the care they deserve.
But guess what? They are preaching to the choir - we all know the system doesn't work. But are they going after the cause of the problem? Do you see any of our Representatives in Washington looking to the drug companies to change their policies? Do you see them regulating the cost of these prescriptions - which can cost upwards of $10.00 per pill or more without insurance, but takes as little as $.50 per pill to make?
Hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, medical schools, etc. are regulated by the Pharmaceutical companies - regardless of what the rhetoric in Washington says.
Instead of pushing NUTRITION and preventive care, and alternative medical treatments - and insisting the insurance companies consider these in coverage - the powers that be are continuing to allow the drug companies to control the Health Care system in this country!
You know how there is always a little bit of truth in everything? An episode of E.R. showed 'Carter' attemptting to save a liver transplant patient. It didn'y come down to rejection by her body - as she had been well for some tiem - it came down to a new drug, given to her for something else, which caused side effects to THE LIVER. Her doctor did not take the time to look into her case and cross reference the new meds with her condition. 'Carter' was on the computer, putting the word out about the drug, when he was stopped by hospital officials - funding by the drug company would end if this was let out and they would be treating patients in the alley. Fiction? It is probably happening in a hospital near you.....
I know this may set me a blaze today, but this is a topic dear to my heart, I have research to back it up, and after watching family members , including myself, suffer from prescription drugs, I had to put this out there. God help me from here.
If you're going to say Hillary had "excellent points" regarding health care, I'd advise you be very specific and include quotes, if possible. While we know she is trying to morph into a Republican to position herself for 2008, her history on this subject is extremely ugly and I cannot help but recall her illegal activities in her attempt to socialize US health care in 1994.
"She spoke of the ways in which prescription coverage will be chosen for some, and others will have the ability to choose on their own - bringing up the point that many of these patients are too disabled or too elderly to make an informed decision, therefore possibly finding themselves in a position in which many or most of their medications will not be covered."
This is not exact, but as close as I can come. The reasoning is correct - elderly and disabled patients should not be put in this position.
The point to my entire message is that the Drug Companies need to be looked at, along with the way in which Rx's are prescribed when dealing with this issue. All points must be considered. I am passionate about Nutrition and the lies the American public have been told by the medical system - for years.
I DO NOT SUPPORT HER - I know she is beginning the 'flip-flop' routine as she decides what her future will hold - just want to make that clear, but occassionally she does say something that makes sense, and the above statement did make sense. It is rare, but every once in a while the Democrats can make a valid point - which is why people (like my parents whom I have metioned before - believing everything on the evening news)tend to back them. They talk a good game, but never put their money where their mouth is.
Thank you for mentioning this soon - I knew some controversary would arise - when you see the typed words, but not the voice behind it - it is hard to 'feel' my position. Thanks you.
Thought you may want to see this.
NOT the direction I was heading in. My position is that another program or reformation of exisiting ones cannot be fixed, added or changed unless the entire picture is looked at.
All things must be considered so that the wheel will roll - with as little government envolvement as possible, but with enough to respect those that truly need help.
-Socialized medicine is a good thing
-Locking physicians out of the health policy decision making process is not a bad thing.
-Pharmaceutical companies need to be controlled by the government.
p.s. My generic OTC vitamins contain biotin.
Nope. Not my thinking on the subject. I withdraw, as it is evident my thoughts are misconstrued.
Have a great day!
Anything that Hillary Clinton, says, thinks or does, is designed to turn that toad into a princess without a kiss,in the eyes of the naive,the gullible, the beguiled, the un-informed, the dullest knives in the drawer, the dimmest light bulbs. Hillary is, was and will always be an opportunist.
That is no flame Maam, that's just the facts.
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