The trouble with conservative of Gonz's variety, is they lack any empathy. They cannot, or will not, hypothetically put themselves, in the shoes of those less fortunate. Even SnP, concedes that there should be some assitance for those who are disabled and cannot provide for their own care. To the best of my knowlege conservatives of Gonz's variety would do away with all government aid, or welfare programs including social security, if it'd save them a few dollars in taxes.
It sounds to me that Gonz's son was a big liabilty for the insurance company and they paid out far more than they were paid by Gonz. He's lucky he was able to get the help he did, but remember that insurance company wouldn't be in business if they weren't making big money. If they could have legally dumped the kid and denied to cover, and honor the policy, you can bet your sweet ass they would have. They charge premiums high enough that taking a loss on a small percentage of their policy holders, is a non issue for them. The scary part of the system being almost wholly driven by profit, is that insurance companies, and HMOs have lawyers writing increasingly tricky fine print into their policies, and the companies have specialists working to find a loophole so as not to have to cover their policy holders in the event of an expensive emergency.
I don't know if a 100% socialized medicine program would work in this county, and not being an economist, nor a healthcare profesional, I don't have a clear picture of what s needed, but I do feel empathy for those in need of care that cannot afford it and so go without. I also know that the system as it is stinks, and is in need of some kind of reform. This nation is so abundantly wealthy and prosperous, that there is no excuse for us to not keep up with the rest of the civilized world. In some nations socialized medicine does work, and in some it doesn't, but at least those systems try to not let people slip through the cracks.
