To the editor:
Every morning, I arise sleepy-eyed, barely alive and read the Daily Journal.
A few days ago, I was startled and jolted to find one of your readers advocated abolition of trial by jury. My mind and psyche had barely recovered from this exciting brainstorm, when, this morning I read a letter penned by Donald Smith (“Government needs to follow different healthcare template,” Aug. 5-6), who extolled and heaped praises on the beloved low-cost, single-payer system of medical care.
As an aside, a brief perusal of the U.S. Constitution did not reveal any authority for such a drastic idea.
Now, should Mr. Smith be the unlucky recipient of a government school “education,” he might not be able to read about recent developments concerning the care provided by the Veterans Administration, a single-payer, low-cost adventure, and resulting, shall we say, in less than sterling care for all-too-many veterans including members of the Continental Army (Ha!). The Bureau of Indian Affairs also qualifies for praise; however, reading the results calls for alarm and a strong stomach. Suffice it to say: be happy you are not a Native American.
The low-cost, single-payer system is alive in places like the Soviet Union and North Korea/East Germany. For good and immediate care our Canadian friends can easily head a few steps south. Poor souls in England, Australia have a long swim.
In all of recorded history, no other nation has achieved the standards set by American medicine, or the American standards in any endeavor. Those who wish to abolish trial by jury, or who are unhappy with American medicine are free to leave — just watch out for the long, endless lines of people wanting in.
For me, I will take my chances with Franklin, Indianapolis and Greenwood doctors and hospitals and remain just another dumb American called —
Kenneth R. DeVoe
Greenwood
