Hi everyone,

Boy, I wish I wasn't a lady. I'd like to be a drunken sailor right now and cuss and fuss till there is no tomorrow because I'm SO frustrated that I can't participate in this discussion the way I'd like. Sorry to complain, but I'm so sick with these infections that I can hardly see straight. However, I just couldn't resist signing on here to see what was new.

I'd just like to say that I stand with SoSick on everything she's said. My husband and I have opted out of insurance as well. Well, to be clear, we do carry insurance but that is for emergencies or surgeries -- catastrophic type coverage. All of the physicians that we see (integrative, holistic, alternative, conventional and functional medicine docs) have also opted out of participating in any insurance -- including medicare. The reason they have done this is because they are making a stand. They do not want insurance companies dictating to them how to treat their patients. They don't want insurance companies telling them what tests they are allowed to order, what medications/herbs/remedies to prescribe, or how to treat their patients. And these types of physicians are the ones we've had the best success with. They aren't afraid to utilize elite labs, unique healing modalities, or to just rely on herbal therapies alone, when warranted.

In other words, these physicians (and the patients who buy their services), don't believe in rationing medical care in any way.

In a perfect world this would be free and everyone could partake of it. Instead, the reality is, we are a Fallen world and as SoSick has said, "nothing is free."

Linda, I do agree with you that we all need to try and do our part for the better good of everyone. That we should try and do our share, particularly in helping those who are less fortunate then ourselves. In fact, my particular faith demands that I do that. And I try my best to do my part.

A socialized medical system here would be unconstitutional. It's that simple.

Back when our ancestors here were English subjects and before the Revolutionary War was fought and won, the Declaration of Independence was issued and the U.S. Constitution was ratified, the 13 Colonies that were established here did, indeed, consider themselves to be 13 different countries.

However, in 1789, the 13 different countries decided for the greater good, to unite in order to provide for the public defense. And it was at that time that the 13 different clocks began to beat as one in some areas. What ensued afterwards were enormous growing pains on what type of Government we should have, whether or not to have a National Bank or National Fund to pay for the public defense, etc. And I daresay we're still feeling those growing pains.

The States were still in large part responsible for overseeing themselves in most other ways. And, for those U.S. Civil War buffs out there ... well, they will be the first to tell you that the Civil War did not initiallly have anything to do with slavery. Rather, it was about States' rights.

The issues of States' individual rights still are fought over. We are still 50 individual States, each State having it's own set of laws in addition to the Federal Laws.

Unfortunately, an awful lot of people are unaware of what their rights are as U.S. citizens and residents of a particular State. And, alot of people curiously seem to actually want a Big Brother-type Government to take care of their every need so that they won't have to be accountable or work in a responsible fashion. I guess they feel it's easier to let someone else take care of things.

Which leads me to this . . . just as SoSick explained so well . . . the Government is not capable and has no intention of taking care of everything. Just look at the deplorable way our U.S. "Government" handled hurricane Katrina here.

And if our Government were to try and take over our health care, we'll be in a far worse position then we are now as far as medical care.

I love to discuss these things and all of you have made interesting comments. I wish I could contribute more because I could discuss this particular subject until the cows come home. lol!

I want to thank you all also for giving me the nudge in your posts. You don't know that you did this. I've been so angry with doctors lately that I've forgotten to recall the good physicians that have actually done wonderful things for my family. I shouldn't put those talented physicians and alternative care practitioners in the same basket as the majority of the crappy medical profession.

I'm thinking particularly of the neurosurgeon who saved my precious daughter's life two years ago. She was in a horrific car crash and broke her neck in two places. She's alive today by the Grace of God and by the talented intervention of this surgeon. In fact, the hospital staff, emergency crews (paramedics, etc.), were so awestruck that my daughter survived this injury that there was a constant stream of visitors and onlookers while she was in the ICU . . . they all came to see the "girl who survived."

Instead of being so onery about (all doctors), I should be thankful for the few that have been positively awesome.

Anyway, thanks to you all for a great discussion.

Hugs,
SomedaySoon (Sharon)