[MD] Down the road of mediocrity

[Ant McWatt]

[Ant commented to Platt March 27th:]

The NHS is an indication of a civilised society.  For instance, there are
some people (such as children, the mentally ill, elderly and infirm) who
aren't "self-sufficient" and have no choice but to depend on others.

More importantly, I think the MOQ implies that it is immoral for
intellectual and social patterns to be affected by biological differences
(such as health).  So if the best librarian for a town needs $200,000
towards her medical expenses per annum while the owner of the local Cadillac
dealership needs only $2000, the MOQ points towards these expenses being
paid for from general taxation (rather than the individual) to ensure that
the best possible intellectual and social patterns (for the town) are
maintained.  The only exception would be vanity cosmetic surgery and,
possibly, conditions brought upon by oneself through drugs such as tobacco
and alcohol.  With the latter "self-harmers", I think some additional
contribution from salary/pension (though variable depending on income) would
be required.

[Platt stated March 27th:]

>You seem to be suggesting that the MOQ prefers librarians over Cadillac 
>dealers.

[Ant comments:]

No but I bet you wished I had :-).  As you well know Platt the MOQ puts the 
intellectual level above social level so maintaining a high quality library 
in a town is more moral than maintaining the quality of salesmanship in a 
particular car showroom.  As such, health costs are better paid for through 
general taxation to ensure morality is served as far as reasonably possible.

[Platt continued:]

>As for imposing penalties on
>self-harmers, how about [illegal] drugs, fast foods, and non-exercisers? 
>The list of
>harmful behaviors is almost endless.

[Ant comments:]

Good point.  Being a pragmatist, I think it would be best seeing what worked 
in practice regarding the possible charging by a National Health Service for 
medical problems caused by self-abusive behaviour.  Possibly, such a system 
wouldn't work as it could generate further bureaucracy (which wouldn't 
necessarily be cost effective) and it could also deter some people from 
seeking necessary medical attention.

Best wishes,

Anthony



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