ACTIVIST ALERT! DU is taking on the healthcare crisis

[Horse with no Name]

Here is a link to the original thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3620380

This is so important for all of us. We cannot continue to allow ourselves to be ignored. We pay taxes. We deserve to be able to take advantage of the healthcare that our tax money has funded the research for. Get involved!

[Emperor Bob]

1. Simple solution

Why don't we just open up the Hospital on Elmendorf and the Native Hospital in Anchorage for all Alaskans for FREE?

[cleofus1]

2. both of these hospitals are already

running at capacity...the simple solution is money...

[Emperor Bob]

3. where...

... is your source for that information? I have heard the opposite about both facilities.

[cleofus1]

4. geez...

the papers...the news etc...i have personal info plus i go there everyday...i don't know where you get your info but you seem to have limited resources...

[Emperor Bob]

5. Are you this...

... condescending to everyone? As a veteran I receive health care services through the VA clinic and Elemendorf Hospital. I also have a number of friends who have family members receiving treatment or care at the Native Hospital. I'm sorry if asking for specific sources for your statement is too much to expect.

[cleofus1]

6. well bob sorry you are offended

really...

[cleofus1]

7. ok ok

i do research for a living and follow native politcs in particular...i do go to the native hospital everyday...my kids were born there...and i read the literature that is commonly available to the native community involving health care in the anchorage area...i also regularly talk to the doctors and other employees on a very regular basis...and i do read my mail...i have been asked to speak at native forums regarding health care at ANMC (as a person who has recieved care there and as a friend of the hospital)...

[Emperor Bob]

8. fair enough

Even if they are running at full capacity, I don't see why some are denied adequate health care while others are well provided for by the US or Alaska governments. Opening those facilities would help immediately. That isn't to say that is all that needs to be done.

But as I have said before, until we change the way we select our representatives, no real change is going to come about. Doctors, Pharmaceutical companies, Insurance carriers, major employers are all against any fundamental changes to the health care system. It's all a shell game, each year someone proposes a new plan that has enough flaws in it that representatives can justify voting no, while others can say they tried. It is a balance that keeps all sides busy funneling money into the hands of politicians.

The last time any significant social change was made in this country was when JFK was President. (The last true leader in this country IMO) Since that time we have had nothing but paper tigers and ideologues incapable of building a consensus through leadership. That goes for Democrats and Republicans, so please don't take that as Democrat bashing.

[cleofus1]

9. when you group democrats and republicans together

and say there is no difference i have to consider that a personal insult...nothing could be further from the truth...

and if you want to take away native rights to privileges afforded to them by treaty...the i suggest we put everything on the table...the indigenous people here could take back anchorage Fairbanks and Juneau and i would gladly forgo the medical...