Nathan

'How about this for a New Rule: Not everything in America has to make a profit. It used to be that there were some services and institutions so vital to our nation that they were exempt from market pressures. Some things we just didn't do for money. The United States always defined capitalism, but it didn't used to define us. But now it's becoming all that we are.'

Hello Dr. Asness,

Thank you for your exploration of the myths of healthcare however I would highly encourage you to explore and offer into the public arena positive solution ideas instead of quibbles about people's perceptions of the debate. Moreover I think you gloss over some of the most important, salient topics to people affected by this debate and that is bankruptcy and denial of coverage (and their link). Granted that you shield yourself in an excuse of 'because I lack the expertise to recommend the detailed practical steps that would be productive' but frankly that is lame at this point in time when it seems most have recognized that, at the very least, the status quo simply must change in this area.

Now to our point of agreement: I do worry about the fact that we are the innovators in the arena of healthcare and have allowed for new drugs and treatments to be produced. That said I worry more about risk/reward and seeing my fellow citizens die or slip into bankruptcy thanks to health issues more. It is a delicate trade off however taken as a whole when I still do want to see new drugs and treatments to be produced.

But here is my problem: the tool of capitalism we have in our quiver is simply not appropriate when it comes to healthcare. The tool of capitalism is a blunt instrument that does some things very well (provide for innovation) but fails in other arenas when the supply and demand curve breaks down. For instance if you or I was to come down with some terrible malady tomorrow we would not have the flexibility to shop around nor wait for the price to drop for our treatment. It is inflexible. Unfortunately our country and our society takes this exceptional tool of capitalism and extends it far too extremely (hmmm... are we being somewhat extreme like the religious fighters we are at war with?) into areas, like healthcare, where it simply is not appropriate.

So I would offer you this thought: where capitalism is an incredibly useful tool, like a hammer, it probably does have a part to play in the solution to this riddle but it simply cannot be the solution. We tried it and it fails for way too many of us. Maybe we need a scalpel (public preventative care clinics, vouchers, etc.) in some key areas? Get creative and offer some good ideas.

Have a good weekend

In an effort not to innudate you with emails Mr. President I will offer this on my corny little corner of the internet: stuff like this cannot happen when so many people are suffering. First we have to deal with the oil companies making billions off of us, trading in a commodity no less (they certainly did not cure cancer which might then make these obscene profits somewhat more understandable), and now we have to deal with another large industry laughing at our government and our taxpayers as they run off to (their own?) bank!?!? How much longer is the United States of America going to allow huge industries, which produce almost nothing innovative for our country or our citizens (fucking oil and money changing is pretty old school shit), to rape us?

World has avoided economic disaster, Obama says - Yahoo! News: "'Reckless actions by a few have fueled a recession that spans the globe,' Obama said of the meltdown that began in the United States with a tumble in housing prices and drastic slowing of business lending. The downturn now threatens superpowers and emerging nations alike.

Obama urged national leaders to unite behind a global recovery plan that includes stricter financial regulation and sustained stimulus spending."

Any, you know, justice for the 'reckless few' big guy? Let's get some folks behind bars my man.

My little baby you are 3 months old today! You seem to be growing an inch every day and daddy weighed you this morning and you were around 13 pounds! You amaze me everyday and still are able to melt my heart with just a quick look, smile or grab of my finger. I love you so much that words are not even enough.

Labels: audrey

Say what you will but you have to respect his love of his hometown and his ability to reach millions so they understand what is happening in some of our most iconic cities.

It is unfortunate to me that our financial industry has been on my mind so much recently. I guess it is hard to avoid these days when you read such things as this. Or you read about the Madoff sons and start to maybe, just a little, sympathize with them before you remember that there are millions of 60-70 year old folks in our midst doing much, much worse and having to find jobs again thanks to our financial industry fleecing them.