Is healthcare a right or privilege?

EmergencyNrse · Nov 30, 2009

NOTHING is a "right" where the expectation is for someone else to pay for it.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2009

There are several other threads already on this topic, one of which is quite current. You might wish to look it up as it has a lot of discussion.

Katie5 · Dec 1, 2009

The no-win question!

Things are not always as easy as black or white, it depends on what side of the fence you're standing on...at that point in time.

lindarn · Dec 1, 2009

NOTHING is a "right" where the expectation is for someone else to pay for it.

Someone else pays for your children's education, unless you choose to pay to put them in private school. Older people with no children in school are paying for another generations childrens education.

Why should parents expect someone to pay for their kids' schooling and education?

Because it is for the common good. JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

Treat et Street · Dec 1, 2009

Katie5, what side of the fence are you on? Like education, basic healthcare is a right that only benefits us all.

PedsDrNurseTheo, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, EMT-P, NP · Dec 1, 2009

So you weren't asking a question per se, you were throwing something out there for debate when you already:

a) had an opinion

b) wanted to argue

and

c) knew there was another thread or three on the subject already.

OK. I think I get it.

Just so we're clear.

EmergencyNrse · Dec 1, 2009

Someone else pays for your children's education, unless you choose to pay to put them in private school. Older people with no children in school are paying for another generations childrens education.
Why should parents expect someone to pay for their kids' schooling and education?
Because it is for the common good. JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Your off the mark...

Government education system is a PRIVILEGE and can certainly be revoked. And as much as I agree that education is a good thing It is certainly not a RIGHT.

Don't tell me I don't pay for my child's education!!! BTW- the vast majority of my $5200.00+/year property taxes goes to the mismanaged government school system. (And some of you want them to manage your health too).

"American schools are failing because they are organized according to a bureaucratic, monopolistic model. A school voucher of $3,000 per student per year would give more families the option of sending their children to non-government schools. However, many people believe that such a small amount could not possibly cover tuition at a private school; they may be thinking of such costly schools as Dalton, Andover, and Exeter and concluding that all private schools cost in excess of $10,000 a year."

"In fact, Education Department figures show that the average private elementary school tuition in America is less than $2,500. The average tuition for all private schools, elementary and secondary, is $3,116, or less than half of the cost per pupil in the average public school, $6,857". (http://www.cato.org/pubs/briefs/bp-025.html)

Even if I had 2 children in school my own taxes could be used more efficiently if I spent the money than did the government @ a private school and the education would be better! Who pays my child's education? By God I do!

Older people with no children in school are paying for government bureaucracy. Remember that the next time you go and vote. Rights?

Some of you people are amazingly ignorant about rights. responsibilities, and the role of government in your lives.

As you read this ask yourself this: Who is your Congressman? Your State's Senators? Who are the people in charge of your local government? ... Statistically 95% of you have NO CLUE but you know who got voted off the island, kicked off the dance thing, or is ahead in American Idol don't you? Laughable.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2009

My answer?

I don't know. I honestly don't know.

Terpole · Dec 1, 2009

If someone pays for your healthcare, they should have a say in the care you do (or don't) receive.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 1, 2009

Why does it have to be 100% "either - or" ? Why can't it be both?

For example: We might consider it a basic human right to be taken to the ER if we are found unconscious and bleeding lying by the side of the road. That is one level of health care -- basic emergency care. However, that doesn't mean society should have to pay for the "ultimate luxury" spa treatments that might improve someone's well-being.

It's OK to draw a few lines and make a few distinctions between the types of healthcare, level of need, likelihood of benefit, etc.

It's overly simplistic to think in terms of "all or nothing" on these types of questions.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 1, 2009

I would not have a problem paying for health care or other things if a) I thought people did not consider I owed it to them and b) there were not so many parasites in the system.