To anyse

[Guest guest]

Again, you have a great point in your closing paragraph...one that

I hadn't caught before as far as the semantics of the word

" service " substitued for " care " . I think that this is another example

of the subtle change in thinking that both doctors and patients

are using in regards to health care. The biggest one that I really

hate is using the term " customers " to denote " patients " . I find that

very demeaning as a patient and very scary as a health care

worker. The whole subliminal message of that designation is

very powerful, even while it is hidden to our conscious thought.

Just think what customer means in our day to day usage: that we

look for bargains, that we have to beware of being taken

advantage of, that the seller is looking out for his best interest

(basically selling his wares at the highest price that the market

will bear). and then applying that to you as a patient. It implies

that you have to be wary, distrustful of the seller, have a clear

mind, havve as much knowledge as the seller about his product

or service, etc. Things that I do not think a sick person is very

able to cope with. I also find that this change occured during the

first time we had a national discussion about " socializing "

medicine. By changing patient to customer, I think it was an

attempt by the politicians to brainwash us into thinking that

health care can only survive if it is a purely capitalist venture. That

big money and competition and all the other trappings of the

capitalist system is the only thing that will keep us and our

system healthy. I find that somewhat ridiculous. If capitalism is

the answer to our social problems, then why haven't we

privatized police and fire departments? Some communities have

tried...at least with fire departments .....oh well I gotta go, can't

finish my thoughts now, my ride is here. I can go on tomorrow if

this interests you......

laurie