As sure as the sun will rise, socialism in America will grow, as is illustrated by the new Medicare bill, which Dubya will sign today. Now, prescriptions will be “covered,” another nail in the coffin of the medical profession. “Coverage” of prescriptions, simply means that thousands of prescription rooms across America will be forced to hire people to do the paper work, buy new computers, and fill out endless forms to be re-imbursed for drugs prescribed by physicians. The increased costs of filling a prescription, will be passed on to one and all, not just the government. Prescriptions for everyone will be more expensive. This is what has happened to hospitals, and all medical care which is covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The paperwork is gruesome, and costly to fill out, even if it were fair. Ask any doctor if he is adequately paid by the fed for his services, and he will say absolutely NO. This is why many docs are refusing to care for the geezers. It is a losing proposition. Will a few prescription fillers exit the profession now? Will the few remaining “drug stores” left, throw in the towel? I grew up in my Dad’s drug store in Washington D.C. and it was a splendid experience. Stores such as I grew up in, no longer exist thanks to the chains and super markets. Yeah, I know, “so what old man, things do change.” I know it, and I fight it all the way. Gone are the times, when hospital and doctor visits were affordable, because there was no welfare, Medicare and Medicaid. Gone are the days, when, if one wanted something, they paid for it. Gone are the days, when America made and grew what it consumed, and was the envy of the world. At my age, I have fine memories of gold backed dollars, silver dimes, and an America which had thousands of factories, beautiful cities, no welfare, teeny bureaucracy, miniscule crime, and was an absolute joy. An America, which will never again exist. Thanks a lot politicos, who fulfill the quote in Friday’s column.
