Drink the Koolaid.....
Posted on 06/20/2009 11:27:55 AM PDT by wagglebee
Given its source, a publication of Claremont McKenna College, not exactly a hotbed of radicalism, this article urging health care cost containment as a reason to legalize euthanasia captures a justification for assisted suicide that is ever lurking in the background of the debate. From “The Economic Argument for Euthanasia,” by Charlie Sprague:
America has serious health care problems, and as Paul Krugman makes clear in a recent column, serious cost control in the health care industry needs to be a top priority in reform. President Obama and Congressional Democrats seem poised to push for major health care reform in the upcoming months. One idea that politicians on neither the left nor the right will touch due to political sensibilities, however, could be the easiest way to save billions of dollars without affecting health care quality at all: legalizing euthanasia.
As every good CMCer with an understanding of economics should know, those with terminal illnesses are resource sinks for society. End of life care is incredibly expensive due to the frequency of hospitalizations, the increased need for specialists’ attention, etc. Those with terminal illnesses have even more expensive health care needs. Obviously, those in the final stages of a terminal illness are no longer in any position to contribute economically to society. Their continued existence may be personally meaningful to the those who love them, but from a economic perspective they are all cost and no benefit.
If this is a parody, it just proves the Smith Maxim on Satire and the Culture of Death: They always catch up to you. Look how Oregon Medicaid has already denied chemotherapy to cancer patients but offered to pay for their assisted suicides. Moreover, some real euthanasia supporters have already made the argument. Thus, Derek Humphry and Mary Clement adopted the save-money-by-killing-the-sick argument, on page 333 of their book, Freedom to Die:
A rational argument can be made for allowing PAS [physician-assisted suicide] in order to offset the amount society and family spend on the ill, as long as it is the voluntary wish of the mentally competent terminally and incurably [note: not the same thing as terminal] ill adult. There will likely come a time when PAS becomes a commonplace occurrence for individuals who want to die and feel it is the right thing to do by their loved ones. There is no contradicting the fact that since the largest medical expenses are incurred in the final days and weeks of life, the hastened demise of people with only a short time left would free resources for others. Hundreds of billions of dollars could benefit those patients who not only can be cured but also want to live.
And don’t forget the radical environmentalists are looking toward instituting increased abortion and euthanasia as a way of reducing human population and “saving the planet.” Alas: This article may be a parody, but it is already behind the times.
Ain’t that the truth and they go kicking and screaming when its their turn.
Though there have been abuses, hospice is wonderful for the terminally ill and the costs are very minimal. The “all the money will be used up” line is mainly a scare tactic employed by the culture of death. Also, disability and long-term care insurance is readily available at a very reasonable cost. There is no reason for anyone to die just to save money.
As I approach my golden years, I have no fear. Life ends and we have to accept that.
parsy, who will probably go quietly into that good night.
We could save a lot more by euthanizing liberals. (And we could save even more by guilting them into doing it themselves. What the heck... We could probably even get them to agree to pay a tax first and make money on the deal!)
You are absolutely correct, but there is no need to hasten death.
In truth, this penchant for murder alone justifies the creation of hospice care just south of the border in Mexico. The idea is to create something like a “duty free area” gated hospital zone, built by Americans, to provide extended stay health care.
There are lots of advantages. Prices are much lower. It is out of the hostile American legal environment. Far more care providers per patient. American doctors and English speaking Mexican workers
It is not a border crossing as such. Authorized Americans can cross the American side easily, and authorized Mexicans can cross the Mexican side easily, but neither group can go to the other country proper.
The zone would have several modern American built hospitals and specialty hospitals, and lots of extended care and hospice housing for a fraction of the cost in the US. Strictly cash, no insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, or malpractice outside of the Mexican law definition, would be permitted.
Medical therapies not available in the US could be used there, and there could even be accommodations for American families who were visiting their family member.
No Obamacare. No socialized medicine. No euthanasia. Far better service than at less than half the cost in the US.
my idea is pretty much the same except it involves floating hospital ships just outside of US territorial waters.
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Lord Jesus, you healed so many people during your public ministry. I bring before you now, in prayer, all those who are terminally ill -- those afflicted with cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses.
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Look lovingly and compassionately upon them. Let them feel the strength of your consolation. Help them and their families to accept this cross they are asked to carry. Protect them from euthanasia, Lord.
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Let them see you carrying their cross with them, at their side, as you once carried yours to Calvary. May Mary be there, too, to comfort them.
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Lord Jesus, I know and believe that, if it is your will, you can cure those I pray for (especially N.). I place my trust in you. I pray with faith, but I also pray as you did in Gethsemane: your will be done.
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Bless us, Lord, and hear my prayer. Amen.
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| Reprinted from "Queen of Apostles Prayerbook" with permission of copyright holder, Pauline Books & Media, |
In the show the suicide booths have been around since 2008 LOL.
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