THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 5, 1994 TAG: 9407010025
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
Recently I purchased a 16-ounce hammer for $6. This transaction told me why the Clinton health plan is a very bad idea.
Let me explain:
A few years ago the Pentagon purchased hammers and paid hundreds of dollars for each one. Of course these hammers were very special government-approved tools. They fulfilled every government specification, passed the scrutiny of many governmental committees and were clear of any EEOC, OSHA, DoD, etc., infractions for claw hammers.
The cost of these tools, though seemingly excessive at first glance, was necessary to compensate the government chieftains and committees responsible for a thorough study of the hammers. Surely, the resulting Pentagon hammer was a better item then its $6 retail-store counterpart.
While I trust the sincerity of all federal officials and know their health-care plans would solve our remaining social problems, I just don't think we can afford to pay the bill based upon the cost of a government-approved hammer. Under the Clinton health plan, will a $2 bottle of aspirin go to $60 or will a $50 doctor visit go to $1,200?
Should the retail store get into the medical business, or should the federal government get out?
CHARLES T. JOYNER
Poquoson, June 15, 1994 by CNB