Why So Angry About Healthcare?

By Patrick Watson

Maybe you, dear reader, can help me. I am trying to figure out why people are so upset about the proposed health care reforms. I see the angry mobs on TV shouting and screaming at congresspeople, Senators and cabinet members. Obviously there is a lot of passion about this issue.

The primary claims revolve around government wanting to take control of health care. Democrats say this is not what the plan does. In any case, the government already controls health care. Have you noticed how many of the people protesting “socialized medicine” are obviously over age 65? They have socialized medicine now. It’s called Medicare.

Depending whose figures you believe, anywhere from 30-60% of all health care spending comes from government through Medicare, Medicaid, military hospitals, Veteran’s hospitals, benefit plans for government workers, and so forth. Moreover, we have a legal structure in place that enforces many requirements for doctors, dentists, nurses, hospitals, drugs, devices, pharmacies, wheelchairs, insurance, and all the other apparatus that comprises the health care system. If your goal is to keep the government out of health care, I’m sorry but that cow got out of the barn a long time ago.

I saw one clip on TV of a man shouting “There is nothing in the Constitution about anyone having a right to taxpayer-provided health care!” I presume, then, that he would like to eliminate Medicare for all people over 65 since it is so unconstitutional. I’d like to see him tell that to the gray-haired crowd. He might not get out alive.

Another complaint is that health care will be “rationed” under the new proposal. Again, health care is being rationed already. Health insurance companies specialize in rationing. It’s what they do. If you have employer or individual health insurance and haven’t experienced rationing yet, it is probably because you haven’t been sick enough. Count yourself lucky.

Others are concerned that the plan requires physicians to consult with patients about end-of-life care, presumably well in advance of their demise. Is this not something that intelligent people are doing anyway? In fact, every time I’ve been to a hospital they always ask if the patient has a living will or other arrangements and make you sign a form about it. It’s been that way as long as I can remember.

Yet another argument is that the plan is being rammed through Congress too fast. This is just silly. If it were being rammed through – like, say, the $700 billion bank bailout last year – the town hall meetings w0uld not be happening. They are happening, and our elected representatives seem to have a pretty good idea what we think.

Speaking of elections, we had one last year in which health care was a major issue. Candidates talked until we were all sick of hearing it. One side of that argument somehow managed to get more people behind it on Election Day than the other. Now that side (which I didn’t vote for, by the way) gets to make a decision what to do. Is this not how our democracy is supposed to work?

So again: why all the anger? My conclusion is that people are afraid of losing what they have, whether it’s Medicare, private insurance, or something else. The problem is that they’re losing it anyway. Current health care cost trends are unsustainable. Something has to give, but if no one is willing to sacrifice anything then the situation will only get worse.

So here’s my idea: Everyone on all sides, calm down. Try to think rationally about all this. As hard as it may be, open your mind to what folks on the other side of the picket line are saying. They’re probably as sincere as you are.

Comments

[Steven Hansen:]

i am angry because congress will pass a 1000 page piece of legislation which they did not read and put together and hour before voting.

i am angry because there is no 'health care' proposal on the table - but everyone is acting like it exists. they tell you what it does, and what it will not do. show it to me.

the only way to stop this behavior is to be against health care changes.

Aug 12 05:45 AM

[Tom Armistead:]

About a month ago I got into a debate over health insurance as a commentator on an article here on Seeking Alpha. My offense - I thought it made sense to reduce costs since at the current rate of growth Medicare will become an intolerable burden on the economy and taxpayer for demographic reasons. I also thought covering everybody made sense because those who receive no medical care are less productive members of society, etc. I recieved a deluge of attacks and negative ratings. So I gave up commenting on the issue because it detracts from my main reason to be here on S-A which is to talk about stocks.

We live in a time of rapidly diminishing wealth and resources. Under those conditions the basic survival urge of every man for himself cuts in and any effort to redistribute resources raises cries of communism and socialism. Very quickly it becomes an issue of "us" and "them," they can't take from us and give to them.

A lot was taken from "us" ordinary citizens, taxpayers and investors and given to "them" fat cat investment bankers and hedge fund market manipulators and speculators, but somehow getting progress on that front is incredibly slow, the debate meanders on, fueled by a copious flow of political contributions and artful testimony, while our 401ks are cut in half. "Them" the fat cats etc is awful hard to do anything against, they live charmed lives it seems, the doors just open for them.

But the other "them," those below us on the social/economic pecking order, are another case: they have few friends in high places and obviously can't entice "us" with the promise that they will let a few crumbs fall from their table where we can lick them up off the floor. So the anger focuses on a safe target. Such is man.

Aug 12 07:39 AM

[ain't no fo...:]

"A lot was taken from "us" ordinary citizens, taxpayers and investors and given to "them" fat cat investment bankers and hedge fund market manipulators and speculators, but somehow getting progress on that front is incredibly slow, the debate meanders on, fueled by a copious flow of political contributions and artful testimony, while our 401ks are cut in half. "Them" the fat cats etc is awful hard to do anything against, they live charmed lives it seems, the doors just open for them.

But the other "them," those below us on the social/economic pecking order, are another case: they have few friends in high places and obviously can't entice "us" with the promise that they will let a few crumbs fall from their table where we can lick them up off the floor. So the anger focuses on a safe target. Such is man."

Agree totally with Tom on that... altho I would say "Such is man, at least in America."

Meanwhile Blankfein's health insurance plan, if he were to buy it on the open market instead of getting it for free at GS, was recently estimated at $40K annual. I doubt he really gives a good goddamn about health care reform in America. Such is man.

Aug 12 08:44 AM

[thecamel:]

People are angry because those who play by the rules and didn't overextend themselves are having to bail out the irresponsible on a daily basis. It's one thing to tax us to death and load debt onto our children, but telling us how our health care should work is the last straw. That's why there is so much anger - it's the last straw and the camel's getting pi$$ed!

Aug 12 08:56 AM

[hermanbrut:]

From what I've seen, many of those against health care reform seem to enjoy being angry. And when there is nothing to get angry about, for example medicare paying to make a Living Will (a good thing), then they call it a "death panel" so it sounds like a bad thing. Then they can get angry again.
To bad these nutcases are now the face of the Republican party.
Grr. Now that makes me angry.

Aug 12 08:58 AM

[Loopy:]

First you need to be able to tell the difference between grass roots and Astro Turf then realize these yelling ignoramuses arrive with a game plan presented to them from the opponents of health care reform. Opponents with greedy reasons and not fear of anything more than $$ lose to their corporations. This mob shout down plan is the Republican plan until they come out against it. "Propaganda all is phony." BD

Aug 12 09:27 AM

[john s. gordon:]

extrapolate what has been happening -
in the future when medical costs consume 100% of GNP there is no GNP except for medical costs.
the present administration focus is on avoiding this outcome.
the present hysteria (fueled by corporate $) is intended to prevent rational discussion of an important topic/
> jack

Aug 12 10:11 AM

[YoYoMama:]

To answer specifically - why so angry? The best answer to that question comes from psychology. Anger is often the first emotion of fear. And I think this fear is cumulative, building that last 8 months.

I think most Americans are not so much angry about health care, but fearful of the consequences of ALL of the legislation that has been rammed through Congress and stuffed down American's throats.

Health care is simply the straw that has broken the camel's back.

Obama presented himself in the campaign as a accomodating centrist, a uniter. However, he came into office with all guns afire and an agenda that surprised even his supporters.

For the first six months, all of us - even most who are left of center - stood back in amazement and shock. Now, the dam has burst. Frankly, it doesn't matter what the issue would be. The masses are ready to fight, and the issue of the moment is health care.

So that's what they are protesting. Which is a pity, because I completely agree with every assertion the author makes. The system as it stands now, with insurance rationing and determining care and costs left unchecked, cannot go on without bankrupting our nation.

Unfortunately, Obama has decided to win this war without first winning battle by battle. As a result, he has "awakened a sleeping giant". Conservatives have their rallying cry.

These comments comes from a conservative who supports health care reform. And to clear the record, Republicans are putting proposals out there that make sense. Health cooperatives, association insurance, torts reform, mandates for coverage - all these options have been put out there.

Unfortunately, Republicans are so busy fighting Obama that they are not communicating their own options.

It's all crazy in my book. A complete distraction to the looming Armageddon that is coming. Like 911, we never really deal with any issue until it's too late.

Aug 12 10:28 AM

[Chuck Ashley:]

Hello Patrick,
Your article is the best one I have read about the health care debate.
The insurance and drug companies have got many people up in arms about something that has to happen sooner or later-National Health Care. Thanks for you excellent article.

Chuck AShley

Aug 12 12:16 PM

[thomas728:]

People are angry with Obama's attempt to change all before him in six months.That is those issues not to his undeniable socialist liking.

The man is a runaway train on Federal interference in all we do.

Do we need a Health Care program ? Most certainly if one is not covered by an existing responsible health care provider.

None are reliable or responsible ?

Excuse me Mr.President, then.Now let's talk about Social Engineering shall we ?

Aug 12 01:28 PM

[market ace:]

You cannot figure out why people are angry? Maybe you had better read a history book about the founding of this FREE nation.

While you are asleep at the switch Obama and his "leaders" that now call anyone against their "plan" a traitor, Nazi, brown shirt, mobster etc. are after far more than controlling your healthcare. Obama cannot even come up with a plan, but insists congress deliver something in a matter of weeks that should instead be studied and done right even if it takes years, but instead he wants it delivered (whatever it is) now just to appease his ego. There would not even be any Town Hall discussion of the issue if Obama had his way.

Most people want healthcare reform, but can see they now need to stand up and scream or we will end uo with with another gov't controlled monstrosity that will piss away trillions of dollars in true gov't fashion to accomplish little of real value to the American people

Surely the motto "Don't Tread on Me" needs to be the rallying cry of those that want congress to do something right for once and listen to the wants and desires of the people instead of dictating "What we Need".

Aug 12 06:08 PM

[upstart:]

I'm angry because *other people* are angry.

I've been a freelancer, and without health insurance for 20 years. You know what I do when I get sick? Go to work. Making myself - and everyone I come into contact with sicker.

I also have a health condition that requires medication - I can't afford it - even the generic brand - so I don't take it. Even though the condition can become life threatening if it remains untreated.

Right now there are tribes of people in loincloths with stone age tools in places like the Amazon rainforest that go to witch doctors & get better healthcare than millions of us get (which is none).

SO EVERYONE THAT *HAS* HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS TO SHUT THE HELL UP UNTIL WE ALL HAVE IT.

Then you can argue over details like should abortion be covered or whatnot.

Aug 12 10:34 PM