4 ms·

The point is that in most Western countries (US aside), the idea that the folks down the local hardware store made a medical device is simply bizarre. My NHS i

by goldcd 7y ago

The point is that in most Western countries (US aside), the idea that the folks down the local hardware store made a medical device is simply bizarre. My NHS is most certainly not perfect, but provides a decent safety net. They'd have provided a walker, and maybe the local DIY store might build a playground for local kids in the park.

chrisseaton 7y ago
> the idea that the folks down the local hardware store made a medical device is simply bizarre Well yeah it was bizarre enough in the US to be a news story as well.
- goldcd 7y ago
  The point of the article is that "These DIY staffers built this handy contraption" - but also that the stories they reference seem to consider it entirely normal that if they hadn't this child would have been shit-out-of-luck. It's incredibly strange visiting/talking to Americans how many (of all backgrounds) have this aversion to "socialism" If somebody steals your wallet, you're fine with calling a Police force. If your house is on fire, you'll call the fire brigade. If somebody attacks your country, you'll invoke your military. If your child is sick, you'll dig out some insurance paper-work and see if you're covered for treatment - as god-forbid you could just consider "getting sick" something you might want resolved by your government as an acceptable use of your taxes. The normal pushback when I raise this is some weird idea that this would in some way force sub-standard treatment on all (tax can't pay for great treatment for everyone). This isn't the case. I have private healthcare insurance in the UK from my employer (like many of us do) - but it tends to be used for the little things. Sports-injury clinics, elective surgery at the time of our choosing etc. If anything serious happens to us - then the NHS is the preferred option (private healthcare doesn't even provide A&E, trauma etc). If your need is great, then you'll be triaged to the top of everything and get whatever you need.
  - chrisseaton 7y ago
    > if they hadn't this child would have been shit-out-of-luck But this isn't news, is it? This is the way US healthcare has always been. Everyone's asking why a news story doesn't mention something that is not news to anyone.
    - goldcd 7y ago
      But it is indirectly mentioned in the news continuously. Maybe equivalent would be a "Heartwarming story of how a 9 year old in Oregon has defended his family home, with his .22 rifle from the Isis caliphate that invaded back in March"

by goldcd 7y ago

chrisseaton 7y ago

> the idea that the folks down the local hardware store made a medical device is simply bizarre Well yeah it was bizarre enough in the US to be a news story as well.

goldcd 7y ago
The point of the article is that "These DIY staffers built this handy contraption" - but also that the stories they reference seem to consider it entirely normal that if they hadn't this child would have been shit-out-of-luck. It's incredibly strange visiting/talking to Americans how many (of all backgrounds) have this aversion to "socialism" If somebody steals your wallet, you're fine with calling a Police force. If your house is on fire, you'll call the fire brigade. If somebody attacks your country, you'll invoke your military. If your child is sick, you'll dig out some insurance paper-work and see if you're covered for treatment - as god-forbid you could just consider "getting sick" something you might want resolved by your government as an acceptable use of your taxes. The normal pushback when I raise this is some weird idea that this would in some way force sub-standard treatment on all (tax can't pay for great treatment for everyone). This isn't the case. I have private healthcare insurance in the UK from my employer (like many of us do) - but it tends to be used for the little things. Sports-injury clinics, elective surgery at the time of our choosing etc. If anything serious happens to us - then the NHS is the preferred option (private healthcare doesn't even provide A&E, trauma etc). If your need is great, then you'll be triaged to the top of everything and get whatever you need.
- chrisseaton 7y ago
  > if they hadn't this child would have been shit-out-of-luck But this isn't news, is it? This is the way US healthcare has always been. Everyone's asking why a news story doesn't mention something that is not news to anyone.
  - goldcd 7y ago
    But it is indirectly mentioned in the news continuously. Maybe equivalent would be a "Heartwarming story of how a 9 year old in Oregon has defended his family home, with his .22 rifle from the Isis caliphate that invaded back in March"