Wed. Journal letter writer Tom Ard, promoting the single-payer system, says, “Health is an area where capitalism harms us.”
To which I: “Maybe there’s some common-ground possibility here. Where does it not harm (help) us? And how? Could Tom elaborate?”
We might get down to basics with such a discussion.
Blithe Spirit 
Hey Jim, Uninvited, I’ll jump in for Tom. Capitalism by definition is rooted in greed (AKA, free enterprise). It often works very well for the most ambitious/ creative/ruthless enterpriser. But when it comes to the fragility of our bodies & health, insurer profit motives have shown docs and patients alike that profit and health don’t necessarily go together. I have to cling to the belief that a good reform plan can help address this. But when the word “government” is dangled by the critics like an evil serpent, they forget that most of the time it can help check greed. (See government at work in the Coast Guard, FTC, interstates, meat inspection, national parks, social security, pollution controls, etc for details)
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It’s a pitch for Dorothy Day’s “holy mother the state,” Jack. (She was employing irony.)
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Jim, I was only taking your cue that we “get down to basics.” The greed factor in capitalism is as basic as I can get. Not saying it’s inherently wrong…just saying that like a free-wheeling stallion, it might work better for us if saddled. But that’s OK, Jim, like I say my Fenwick brother sees everything from your same point of view. You and he must not have had Father Regan for religion class
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Capitalism is not “greed.” It is self-interest, coupled with freedom for others to compete, which works for the benefit of the entreprenuer who is the hardest-working and more innovative and also for the consumer.
Since God expects humans to work for their survival and the only human who cares as much about you is you, self-interest is a must.
Only those who are looking for a free ride, the really immoral, wants a Nanny State.
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