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The Republican Medicare Bill Means Suffering and Death for Our Seniors

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY

Dear BuzzFlash,

I am a retired surgeon, doubly board-certified. For many years I have had experience as a consultant to HMOs when they received a surgical problem which they were incapable of handling or which had been badly mishandled with consequent complications.

The new Republican system of private HMOs taking over the responsibilities of Medicare is a disaster of monumental proportions which will bring suffering and possible death to a considerable proportion of our Senior population.

This system has been tried, and it doesn't work. I know, because I've seen the problems firsthand. The concept of captivation, upon which the profit motivation of a private medical care service is based, has encouraged medical practitioners to intervene in the care of patients, without experience or training, in order to "save a few bucks."

Consequent trouble results. I know, because I've seen these patients as a consultant.

I remember some real horror tales and we're going to see a volume of repetition of these problems which stagger the imagination. WE'VE TRIED THIS SYSTEM, AND IT DOESN'T WORK! Let's bring out the old saw about those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat its mistakes etc., etc. We're about to do this again.

I won't get into the obvious problems of the "new" drug distribution system, which should be apparent to the most naive individual, to be a total rip-off, and is "lie down and play dead" obeisance to the drug lobby. Enough said about this, since we ought to start standing up on our hind legs and start barking to the responsible individuals and quit our grousing.

The president of AARP has sold his membership down the drain. I am not a rabid liberal trouble maker, but I have walked the walk and personally seen the disaster which is about to recur should we bow down to this paean to greed. Today, I am returning my card to AARP. Will write my congresspeople and awaken friends to the danger that is before us.

A BuzzFlash reader and ardent admirer of people who seek the truth

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY