Jack Lessenberry on Health Care Reform in America

In honor of our Op-Ed writing event with Jack Lessenberry next week (March 11th, 5pm, Koessler Room at the League), I decided to post today on one of his recent essays about health care reform.  Here's Lessenberry's assessment of America's health care system today:

We have a health care system that for years has been held together by the equivalent of twine and paper clips, coupled with what used to be called "benign neglect." That's also known as the ability to overlook the millions without any health care coverage at all.

He also explains that hospitals are in crisis, laying off workers and facing problems due to the increasing number of uninsured.  

Michigan has more than 140 hospitals, and they are now losing money on patient care, according to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.  Accordingly, a survey by Crain's Detroit Business found, they are laying off workers, cutting services, and delaying projects.

The hospitals will tell you that none of this affects the quality of patient care, but common sense will tell you that of course it must. 

This is a major problem since health care is supposed to be one of the next booming industries along with green technology.  

Lessenberry concludes his article by suggesting that eventually socialized medicine will not be looked upon so unfavorably in the U.S.  Do you agree with his conclusion?  Will circumstances lead Americans towards a socialized health care system or is the natural predisposition against socialized medicine too strong in America?  

Check out the full essay, here

BONUS:  Lessenberry interviewed Dr. Davis (our favorite doctor!) as a part of this essay/radio show.  Check out his interview!