By Jim Hall
The poll takers and those who fund the polls are in control of the questions asked and the results. In our ongoing health reform topic I would suggest that local civic groups invite nurses and ask questions from this group of professionals.
My wife is a level 3 NICU RN and has shared with me over many years now that the modern day doctors are far more interested in money than the doctors of the past were. When a poll states that many doctors are not in favor of single-payer health care reform, they are more concerned with the negative effect this may have on the financial bottom-line than whether it is good for the citizens of this country.
Yes, there are many great doctors out there who do hold to the honor and values of their profession of the past and we all should applaud those who do. The nursing profession, on the other hand, has a far greater interest in being patient advocates, as their caregiving attitudes have been far less affected by gained wealth from their skills. Also, being female, mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, etc., you will get a far wider and honest look at this problem than you will with their doctor counterparts. I, for one would bet on getting more of the straight-skinny from the ladies.
This is a time in which we taxpayers can direct the spending of our taxpayer dollars in a way that puts our needs before those of the big corporations and favored few.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
