Category Archives: Health Care

An Upside to Obesity

“Pacific islands are in the midst of a crisis of obesity and its associated dangers of diabetes, strokes and heart disease,” says a recent news article.

This rise in obesity is accompanied by a sharp rise in related health problems. Fortunately, a much larger health issue, one that has plagued humanity for most of its history, seems to have finally been wiped off the face of these islands.

That problem is starvation.

Sometimes a bit of perspective is helpful. If you’re going to have a problem, too much food is a better one to have than too little.

Happy 60th Birthday, P.J. O’Rourke!

A few of his pithier quotations:

“When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.”

“The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.”

“If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free.”

“Term limits aren’t enough. We need jail.”

What Makes Someone Right or Wrong?

The Editor, New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036

To the Editor:

Much as I enjoy conservative-bashing, I was disappointed in Paul Krugman’s October 5 column, “Conservatives Are Such Jokers.” He almost reflexively assumes that people who disagree with him have checkered motives. He comes off as reluctant to argue policies on their merits, in this case the SCHIP children’s health insurance program.

Why so quick to question his opponents’ motives? SCHIP opponents have put forward arguments that are either right or wrong. Motives have nothing to do with whether those arguments are right or wrong.

SCHIP opponents don’t like the program because they don’t think it will improve childrens’ health outcomes. The disagreement is a question of means, not ends. Does anyone actually favor having sicker children?

While Mr. Krugman clearly favors expanding the SCHIP program, he doesn’t really say why. I invite him to make his case – on the merits.

Ryan Young
Arlington, VA