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The Dream Is Dying
AT ^ | 7-21-12 | Kenneth L Hanson

Posted on 07/22/2012 7:34:42 AM PDT by Dysart

BREAK

Tell a story? Well, there are a lot of us these days who have stories to tell. And far from reflecting unity, purpose, and optimism, these are testimonials to another sad reality: the "American dream" -- at least under the Obama administration -- is dying.

My story is not that special, though it is unique in some ways. My wife is a medical doctor from the former Soviet Union -- as smart as she is beautiful. A surgeon by training (holding a Ph.D. in medicine on top of her M.D.), not only is she extremely capable as a hands-on physician, but she is also a businesswoman. Being a doctor has always meant everything to her, but she also knew that state-employed doctors in Russia earn on average only about $400 a month. She, however, had enough of an entrepreneurial spirit that, after practicing many years in emergency rooms and in cardiovascular surgery, she established her own plastic surgery clinic in the heart of Siberia.

Over time, she was grossing a "respectable" $2,000 a month. When we married and she came to America, I was thrilled to bring her to the "land of opportunity," where, as a doctor, she could earn multiple times her Russian income.

(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: dream; dying; obamacare
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To: adorno
I have no idea where you're going with this.

Unless you're asserting Physicians have self-interest and, that they, unlike every other industry, should not. This nullifies their objections to it in your view? How very collectivist of you! The truth is industry insiders are best poised to assess it, and the impact of legislative edicts. You are both impugning the author and his wife's profession's motives without addressing the merits of...well..anything substantive. Apparently, since you go after them personally I conclude you're not fond of physicians. Fine. Maybe your last prostrate exam was traumatizing. I joke, but you see how things deteriorate when you head to the sewer, and make it personal. If you can make a coherent argument for Obamacare, go ahead.

But you do realize, I hope, that the author's perspective is Obamacare is emblematic of the larger picture of our overall current and future condition, which is barreling toward greater state control, and away from personal liberty. Refer to the title for guidance.

21 posted on 07/22/2012 11:01:28 AM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: Dysart

One has to wonder how much of the “residency” requirement for doctors was created to protect patients; how much of it was meant to provide hospitals with cheap help from trained people; and how much of it was meant to protect doctors from competition from eager qualified new people.

I have an example from my own profession to illustrate. Many years ago when I was first hired; one could be propoted to lietenant after three years on the job. It is now five years since the test is only given every two to three years this really means up to eight years. Supposedly this is for safety. But if someone has 20 years on some other department and has written books and has a degree there still is no exception made. It is not for safety; it is a union thing. I am pretty sure that the residency deal for doctors is similar.


22 posted on 07/22/2012 11:01:28 AM PDT by fireman15 (Check your facts before making ignorant statements.)
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To: fireman15

I don’t think you’re off target. Residency programs should be reformed. Actually this will forced upon them; and we can only hope the changes are for the better as demand for services skyrockets. It may not be.


23 posted on 07/22/2012 11:12:21 AM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: adorno
"In general, would most doctors care, if their careers were basically unaffected? "

Yes, I think. Basing it on an admittedly small sample: my primary care physician, my rheumatologist, and my orthopedic surgeon --- the doctors with whom I have personal contact.

24 posted on 07/22/2012 11:28:41 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o
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To: Malesherbes
Our hospitals are loaded with foreign trained physicians, some of them speaking fractured English. How did they get past the residency requirement?

Their country of origin. Special status.

25 posted on 07/22/2012 11:48:52 AM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: Dysart

Actually, it’s the AMA that makes it so difficult and expensive for foreign-trained doctors to qualify here.


26 posted on 07/22/2012 12:05:18 PM PDT by kabumpo (Kabumpo)
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To: kabumpo

It’s my view of the article that the author was decrying the existing bureaucracy and how OC will expand upon it, not that OC created the entry barriers.


27 posted on 07/22/2012 12:09:37 PM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: fireman15

Yes, it’s the AMA.


28 posted on 07/22/2012 12:11:02 PM PDT by kabumpo (Kabumpo)
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To: Dysart

You’re jumping to conclusions and making too many assumptions.

First off, where in my remarks do I sound “collective”? That’s a very dumb assumption, or a jump to a conclusion which is not merited at all. I would be the first one to attack Obamacare, and any of its supporters, as being socialist or big government advocates.

I’m only questioning the veracity of the “good doctor”, because, he is the one who is approaching Obamacare and the stimulus as, not having done enough for his wife’s future as a doctor in the U.S. If he had not brought up his wife’s predicament, and how the stimulus and Obamacare were of no help, then the rest of his statements would have had a lot more credibility. So, the question, again, is, if the wife had received the help she needed, from the stimulus and/or Obamacare, would he still have issued his negative remarks about the stimulus or Obamacare?

When it comes to current doctors and medical students, I’ve met a few whose main concern was, how Obamacare would affect their future. Granted that, each person has to look out for himself, but, in the medical profession, supposedly, the patients’ concerns were supposed to be the primary concern; either that, or the Hippocratic oath has very little meaning in current times.

Regarding Obamacare, I’m the first one to call it a monstrosity, and a destructive force, which will destroy this country a lot faster than the current big government social programs already in full implementation. My question is still, would people, on their own personal level, not mind Obamacare as much, if they were guaranteed to continue with their rich and rewarding careers?

The writer/doctor, inserted his wife into the article/discussion, and his approach took a personal angle, where, at least part of his motives, have to be questioned.


29 posted on 07/22/2012 1:05:14 PM PDT by adorno
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To: adorno

Each dr’s postion is unique on the issue. Not clear why this matters to you deeply. Traveling and not able to elaborate too much, but your focus on their personal stake isnt understood or compelling to me, but noted.


30 posted on 07/22/2012 1:26:44 PM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: adorno
First off, where in my remarks do I sound “collective”? That’s a very dumb assumption, or a jump to a conclusion which is not merited at all.

Not really. When you expressed concern over their individual liberty (which includes their economic freedom and pursuit of happiness.. sound familiar?) vs the interests of overall society, citing the economy, hc industry, and patients. Of course physicians are elements of the hc industry and hc is approaching 1/5 of the economy so they're intertwined and that question is moot. Clearly your concern was tinged with collectivism, you just didn't realize it.

If he had not brought up his wife’s predicament, and how the stimulus and Obamacare were of no help, then the rest of his statements would have had a lot more credibility.

He was using his wife's predicament to illustrate the larger issues to which we are all exposed-- a common literary device. Would you have preferred a "composite character?" :) And I think you unintentionally miscast his perspective as someone else did earlier. A closer reading should reveal he asserts that OC will pile on more regulations and intensify existing problems. In the next quote you indicate that you have long...in fact, being among the "first," to recognize and oppose this very legislation and its destructive ramifications.

Regarding Obamacare, I’m the first one to call it a monstrosity, and a destructive force, which will destroy this country a lot faster than the current big government social programs already in full implementation

So, you too, by your admissions oppose OC, but you're suspicious of providers who feel as you do.

31 posted on 07/22/2012 2:39:11 PM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: Dysart
Each dr’s postion is unique on the issue. Not clear why this matters to you deeply.

It's the hypocrisy and self-interest which sends a couple of red flags about the veracity of the doctor. Apparently, you can't see it, or don't understand it, or are willing to overlook it.
32 posted on 07/22/2012 2:55:15 PM PDT by adorno
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To: adorno
But you're free not engage in commerce with the Dr if you so choose, as far as I know, anyway.

Self-interest isn't a bad thing in conservative/libertarian schools of thought. And as life goes on you'll find pockets of hypocrisy abound. That's the way it is, we learn to accept it.

33 posted on 07/22/2012 3:03:03 PM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: Dysart
First off, where in my remarks do I sound “collective”? That’s a very dumb assumption, or a jump to a conclusion which is not merited at all.

Not really.

I stand by my statements, and you still don't have good reason to twist what I said into some perception of "collectivism".

When you expressed concern over their individual liberty (which includes their economic freedom and pursuit of happiness.. sound familiar?) vs the interests of overall society, citing the economy, hc industry, and patients.

You should be working for Obama and the democrats, because, you have a talent for twisting what is said into something completely different and devious.

Clearly your concern was tinged with collectivism, you just didn't realize it.

Yet, I'm probably one of the most ardent opponents of any kind of government program, or socialized spending for "the good of the people", which ALWAYS comes back to destroy an economy and a country. But, you, clearly, are into just twisting what is said into something that suits your way of thinking, with no attempt to follow exactly what it was that I was trying to say. Like I said, you would make a good "minister of information" for the democrats and Obama. Perhaps you could apply for Obama's press secretary, if Obama does get another 4 years.

If he had not brought up his wife’s predicament, and how the stimulus and Obamacare were of no help, then the rest of his statements would have had a lot more credibility.

He was using his wife's predicament to illustrate the larger issues to which we are all exposed-- a common literary device. Would you have preferred a "composite character?" :)

His wife is "the" issue that brought up his lament about what Obamacare would do to his wife, and his life, and his wife serves him quite well as "the literary composite character", which, to him and a lot of other people, might make his case a bit more believable, because, it's a first case encounter with Obamacare. There is no better "literary tool" than that where one is the "leading character" and "victim", and one who is looking for sympathy.

And I think you unintentionally miscast his perspective as someone else did earlier.

I didn't consider what others have to say about the doctor's intentions, and if they were making the same argument as I am, then they're very smart people. ;) I'm arguing from a perspective that perhaps others haven't analyzed a bit deeper.

A closer reading should reveal he asserts that OC will pile on more regulations and intensify existing problems.

I never denied that he's making that argument. What I'm saying is that, perhaps his lament would be different, or perhaps even non-existent, if Obamacare and/or the stimulus package had made it possible for her to get into a residency program somewhere. That is the only angle for my argument, where the doctor seems to be indicating that, Obamacare and/or the stimulus didn't help his wife and others like her. So, I'm asking if the doctor would feel differently if his wife had, in fact, found some help in Obamacare or the stimulus.

In the next quote you indicate that you have long...in fact, being among the "first," to recognize and oppose this very legislation and its destructive ramifications.

It's not just Obamacare; it's any program which is mandated or requires that, government be the "provider" of anything that people might want or need that go beyond those already mandated in the constitution, like national defense and a system of justice. Obamacare is the resurrection of Hillary-care, except this reincarnation is on steroids, but, in both cases, I was completely against them. There is absolutely no reason for those kind of programs to get government involvement or government control.

Regarding Obamacare, I’m the first one to call it a monstrosity, and a destructive force, which will destroy this country a lot faster than the current big government social programs already in full implementation

And, I still feel that way. There is nothing wrong with those remarks, and I would make them again with no hesitation.

So, you too, by your admissions oppose OC, but you're suspicious of providers who feel as you do.

Perhaps you're having a hard time understanding what I'm saying, or perhaps I'm having a hard time making myself understood by you, but, "OC" is an abomination and a monstrosity, which, if allowed to go into full implementation, or even partial, will speed up the dismantling of the U.S.

What I am suspicious of, is someone who laments the predicament of his wife, while seeming to state that, one of the problems with Obamacare is the fact that, it doesn't allow for people like his wife to find residency openings which would allow her to eventually practice medicine in the U.S. So, the question becomes, for the doctor: if "OC" or the stimulus had allowed for more residency openings in the U.S., would he be condemning them as much as he seems to be doing. He is stating "a" problem with Obamacare, and not that the whole program stinks to high heaven.

34 posted on 07/22/2012 3:35:33 PM PDT by adorno
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To: adorno

Fair enough.


35 posted on 07/22/2012 3:38:05 PM PDT by Dysart (Race card is tyranny. Don't be cowed.)
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To: Dysart

AH BUCK UP !!! I’M SICK OF THESE STORIES! WE”RE AMERICANS DAMN IT!!! THE ONLY THING “”DYING”” IS THIS MARXIST PUNKS CHANCES OF BEING RE-ELECTED!!! (sorry for the shouting.)


36 posted on 07/22/2012 3:40:07 PM PDT by jmacusa (Political correctness is cultural Marxism. I'm not a Marxist.)
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To: Dysart
But you're free not engage in commerce with the Dr if you so choose, as far as I know, anyway.

That's besides the point in the argument which I'm making.
37 posted on 07/22/2012 3:43:34 PM PDT by adorno
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To: jmacusa
AH BUCK UP !!! I’M SICK OF THESE STORIES! WE”RE AMERICANS DAMN IT!!!

You're not paying attention.

Your government flooded the U.S. with tens of millions of illegals from Mexico, they've flooded the country with millions of foreigners who could give a squat about America, not to mention tens of hundreds of thousands of Muslims.

In fact, under Bush, after 911, more Muslims entered the U.S. than the previous two decades, during war time no less.

The U.S. Government has nearly left America dead on the floor.

You need to get out more.

38 posted on 07/22/2012 3:48:36 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: dragnet2

MY government? And where did you get this stat on Muslim immigration, got a link for it? Are you a foreign national living here or are you being cheeky? I refuse to buy into the negativity of such stories. It isn’t me who needs to ‘’get out more’’ pal. It’s you who needs more faith in We The People.


39 posted on 07/22/2012 4:28:16 PM PDT by jmacusa (Political correctness is cultural Marxism. I'm not a Marxist.)
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To: jmacusa
And where did you get this stat on Muslim immigration, got a link for it? Are you a foreign national living here or are you being cheeky? I refuse to buy into the negativity of such stories.

Don't believe me. There are many other sources BTW.

In 2005, more people from Muslim countries became legal permanent United States residents — nearly 96,000 — than in any year in the previous two decades.

In fact, under Bush, after 911, more Muslims entered the U.S. than the previous two decades, during war time no less

40 posted on 07/22/2012 6:21:11 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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