The truth is that there’s no difference in principle between saying that every American child is entitled to an education and saying that every American child is entitled to adequate health care. It’s just a matter of historical accident that we think of access to free K-12 education as a basic right, but consider having the government pay children’s medical bills “welfare,“ with all the negative connotations that go with that term.
Paul Krugman, first posted here one year ago today.
Of course, Krugman overlooks the fact that many on the right would eliminate public schools as well.
It would be interesting to see what the real cost is per child for public school – transportation, subsidized lunches, administrative overhead, etc. – versus what the real cost is per child for medical care – walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, etc.
I’d also want to see what the projected costs are for ideal healthcare costs, since it’s cheaper to take a child to a pediatrician when they’re a little sick versus taking them to a walk-in clinic or emergency room when they’re *very* sick.
However, while that’s all interesting information, the truth is I don’t see why we don’t have full subsidized healthcare for children.
Likewise, I’d like to see college education fully subsidized, but then I’m also in favor of a “put in two years in the military or public service before you become a citizen” scheme as well.
NewMexiKen believes in a period of required public service. If it works for the Mormons, why not all of us?
And every modern society except ours has healthcare for all. Every.