***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

“Just To Be Heard” (A Rebuttal)

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

Why is it that people feel the need for a nationalized healthcare system?

As a “military brat,” I had the distinct pleasure of being raised in a Navy family that moved to countless places all around the world. I have seen more of the world in my two decades than most Americans will witness during their lifetime. I’ve learned and experienced (firsthand) many things about other countries that most people will only experience by reading a book. I tell you this not in an attempt to brag or boast, but rather, to ask ‘why is there such a push for a federalized healthcare plan in America?’

First of all, healthcare is NOT a right. Please explain to me the concept of how healthcare is ‘owed’ to every citizen, especially at the expense of their government. Healthcare is a benefit of hard work, and is acquired and achieved by reaching ‘the American Dream.’

Second, if the government begins picking up the tab of healthcare for all Americans, it could prove disastrous, especially at a time when our government is already spending at record levels. Our new President has entered office with a large shopping list (and a no-limit Government Credit Card) that is bound to make our country even more unstable in regard to the current deficit.

Third, in my travel abroad I have noticed that in countries with a federal healthcare system, that ‘system’ is typically quite pathetic. America’s private healthcare system is light years ahead of countries such as Japan, England, and Spain, in addition to countless others. Many residents of these countries actually end up coming to the United States for major surgeries and operations because our private healthcare system is better by comparison. While President Obama and his cronies in Congress propose healthcare plans that are similar to that of our military, I urge you to consider such a plan by looking deep beneath the surface. As part of a military family, I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with government-funded hospitals. These hospitals, along with some of the doctors who work in them, leave a great deal to be desired.

Finally, a government-funded healthcare system would result in a flat rate of compensation for the doctors. I’ve seen this with military hospitals and doctors firsthand. They often do just enough to get by because there is no reason for improvement. If every doctor makes a flat salary of $100,000, why would “Doctor A” work to be any better than “Doctor B?” The same will be true within our hospitals. Eventually, this medical apathy will result in a stale and stagnant healthcare system.

While I disagree with the proposed nationalization of the healthcare system, I agree that healthcare does need to be changed. Still, the answer to this problem is not now, nor will it ever be, government funding for all. 

***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***