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I think these are good reasons why our fiscal picture is not hopeless, but not good arguments agains improving our efficiency: 1. Thank you for linking that gr
by largbae 2y ago
I think these are good reasons why our fiscal picture is not hopeless, but not good arguments agains improving our efficiency:
1. Thank you for linking that graph, it seems to show that our spending is 25% higher than it was in the 1970s as a % of GDP (23 vs 18). But our level of _debt_ is approx 375% higher (as a % of GDP) than it was in the 70s (120% now vs 32% then). That doesn't sound like we are sustaining it well, and tht interest is compounding as we borrow to pay it.
2. The underlying assumption that makes this argument compelling is that every dollar being spent on these noble categories is being done efficiently. What if fixing healthcare costs cut them in half for the same effect? What if there is fraud to cut in the programs for the elderly? We should tighten these and prepare to pay more as we age.
3. Strongly agree and hope to see some action. It seems that fixing the incentives and inefficiencies of the healthcare system is the core mission of RFK Jr., despite all the vaccine FUD.
4. Strongly agree. I wonder if a VAT would be effective for this.
[1] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GFDEGDQ188S https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GFDEGDQ188S
- JoshTko 2y agoWe all know what efficient healthcare systems should look like, there are a dozen countries with lower overall healthcare spend per capita than US with better outcomes. What specific skillset of RFK do you find as compelling evidence they they will be extract higher efficiency similar to these other nations?
- largbae 2y agoI'm not sure I meant to take a mantle as RFK's personal champion, but my _hope_ comes from hearing his points on prevention and improving the quality of the food supply. The incentives of both the healthcare and food industries in the US seem to be misaligned with a healthy population, much moreso in the US than in other countries in the West.
- sumeno 2y agoBeing antivax is not a very effective way to prevent diseases. RFK is a national disaster waiting to happen
- DrillShopper 2y agoJust think of all the other diseases that will be prevented when millions of kids die from the following: preventable illnesses due to lack of vaccines, suicide without antidepressants, starvation after DOGE slashes food stamps, and treatable diseases because DOGE slashed S-CHIP./s
- skulk 2y agoImproving the diets of Americans enough for it to have a real impact on healthcare spending is a 3-4 decade undertaking. Without significant support from Congress, this is basically just a windmill that RFK is charging at.