How I got a wingnut to admit that Rep. Grayson is correct about the Regressives' health care plan -
- "Don't get sick"
- "If you do get sick..."
- "... die quickly"
Well, we all have encountered Regressive wingnuts who insist that the US has" universal" health care because (say it with a whining voice) "...anybody can go to the emergency room anytime and get whatever health care they want".
This is how I used the above to get a Regressive wingnut to agree with Rep. Grayson's statement :
Regressive Wingnut : "Anybody can go to the emergency room anytime and get whatever health care they want".
Whirlaway : "That's not true. But let's say for a moment that we agree you are right. Any ER care is paid for by the taxpayers, i.e. you and me, right?"
RWNut : "Correct"
Whirlaway : "So, one way to minimize what you and I pay for the ER health care is to implore/pray/hope that those people don't get sick, right?"
RWNut (hesitating, because he's not sure where it's taking him) : "Right"
Whirlaway : "But in spite of our hopes and prayers, some people still do get sick, correct?"
RWNut : "Yes, they do".
Whirlaway : "So when they do show up at the ER, we would like to minimize our expenses, right?"
RWNut : "Yes"
Whirlaway : "That can only happen if we deny them the care, right? And if they are not dying and are not women in active labor, we can deny them the care. But if they are dying or in active labor, then according to EMTALA, we are required by law to provide them the health care.
RWNut (with a deer in headlights look - it is clear he has no idea what the heck EMTALA means) : "Yes"
Whirlaway : However, more importantly, I am sure being a compassionate person and all, you will agree that it's the right thing to do, correct?"
RWNut (feeling a little better) : "Of course".
Whirlaway : "So, now, the ONLY way we can minimize the burden on you and me, the taxpayers, is to hope that the patient dies quickly."
RWNut (thinking that he sees a way out of the trap he's in) : "Or that the patient gets better quickly"
Whirlaway : "But most people who are dying actually do die. Especially those who haven't had basic health care in the weeks and the months that led them to their present condition. So given that that scenario is the most common one, in most cases, we have no other alternative but to hope that the patient dies quickly.
RWNut : "Uh, hm, er..."
Whirlaway : "So, let me sum it up for you - the argument that we have universal health care because <nasalvoice> anybody can go to the emergency room anytime and get whatever health care they want </nasalvoice>, essentially translates to a plan that says : 'Don't get sick. But if you do get sick, die quickly'. Now, where have you heard that one before?"
RWNut : "...."