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> Looks like we can add healthcare reform to the list of potential geopolitical consequences to this virus. Only if someone takes action, which will likely onl

> Looks like we can add healthcare reform to the list of potential geopolitical consequences to this virus. Only if someone takes action, which will likely only happen with public outcry, which will also only likely happen if a whole lot of people die or at least a few celebrities. I'd wager money against it.

cmurf 7y ago
I agree, in particular with this puerile illness of celebrity worship and adoration. But part of why it would shock the conscience? Quite a lot of the serfs, spending upwards of $1000 a month for "health care", assume that they are not too far removed from the VIP health care celebrities have access to. If a celebrity dies, a true aristocrat and pinnacle of American greatness, then wow anyone could die! SHOCK! It's a total lack of imagination about reality, and using imagination for bullshit instead.
owenmarshall 7y ago
> Only if someone takes action, which will likely only happen with public outcry, which will also only likely happen if a whole lot of people die or at least a few celebrities. I think your ultimate conclusion is far too cynical and pessimistic. The popularity of universal healthcare just in the last 15 years has gone from "herpes" to "acceptable as long as it is a business-driven solution that doesn't rock the boat too much" to "you're disqualified from running for the Democratic nomination for the presidency if this isn't at the heart of your campaign". It polls extremely well on a bipartisan basis, and why shouldn't it? Insurance companies are almost unanimously loathed. Seventy+ percent popularity for healthcare reform plus the possibility of a national crisis that could stretch our systems to the breaking point, damage the economy, and cause individual spending? This could be the push that finally brings a national health system to the US.

cmurf 7y ago

I agree, in particular with this puerile illness of celebrity worship and adoration. But part of why it would shock the conscience? Quite a lot of the serfs, spending upwards of $1000 a month for "health care", assume that they are not too far removed from the VIP health care celebrities have access to. If a celebrity dies, a true aristocrat and pinnacle of American greatness, then wow anyone could die! SHOCK! It's a total lack of imagination about reality, and using imagination for bullshit instead.

owenmarshall 7y ago

> Only if someone takes action, which will likely only happen with public outcry, which will also only likely happen if a whole lot of people die or at least a few celebrities. I think your ultimate conclusion is far too cynical and pessimistic. The popularity of universal healthcare just in the last 15 years has gone from "herpes" to "acceptable as long as it is a business-driven solution that doesn't rock the boat too much" to "you're disqualified from running for the Democratic nomination for the presidency if this isn't at the heart of your campaign". It polls extremely well on a bipartisan basis, and why shouldn't it? Insurance companies are almost unanimously loathed. Seventy+ percent popularity for healthcare reform plus the possibility of a national crisis that could stretch our systems to the breaking point, damage the economy, and cause individual spending? This could be the push that finally brings a national health system to the US.