Steve McKenna – 5/7/08

This page was last updated on May 11, 2008.

Health care doesn’t need fixed; Steve McKenna; Beaver County Times; May 7, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I have read recent letters to the editor on ways to fix health care.

“This may shock people, but America’s health care does not need to be fixed. When was the last time someone went to the doctor and was turned away? When was the last time someone had to wait six months to see a doctor? People come from all over the world to be treated by our doctors.

“The problem is not our health care; it is the price of health care and the mentality we have that our doctor has the answer for everything instead of showing responsibility for our own lifestyle choices.”

[RWC] Mr. McKenna is close. While “the price of healthcare” is the chief symptom, the real problem is what causes higher-than-necessary prices. Please read my Healthcare paper for more of my position on this topic.

“Issues such as heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, joint problems, allergies, digestive problems and high blood pressure all can be taken care of naturally, but people would rather go see a doctor and take a drug. The demand is high, and so is the price.”

[RWC] While some of the ailments Mr. McKenna listed “can be taken care of naturally,” that’s not true for all of them or in all cases.

“People need to take their lives back into their own hands. “Free” health care for everyone is not the answer.”