Posted by
Bob Siegel on Saturday, February 14, 2009 1:05:41 PM
"So what's the verdict, Doctor?"
"Well, Mr. Jensen, I'm afraid you need surgery, a triple bi-pass."
"Wow! Really? Hmm...I guess I expected this. You did warn me. OK. Let's do it. When shall we schedule the operation?"
"Actually, Mr. Jensen, there will be no operation."
"I'm sorry. My ears must be playing tricks. For a moment, I thought you said there would be no operation."
" I take no pleasure in explaining this to you. The government will not allow your insurance provider to cover certain procedures unless there is a corresponding age."
"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"
"Since turning to socialized health care, we now have certain guidelines. You are a senior citizen. You've had a rich full life, but there are younger people, people with their futures ahead of them."
"Is this some kind of joke? Am I on a new reality show? Where are the cameras?"
"Mr. Jensen, your eating habits have been contrary to our new government guidelines. But our youth can be trained and educated to eat properly. With them, there are far more preventive measures which can be taken. And preventive measures are cheaper."
"Did my friends put you up to this? All right, Fred. Come on out from behind that door."
"Mr. Jensen..."
"Maybe I'm just dreaming. Sure. That's it. In a moment I'll wake up."
"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Jensen. But there is only so much money to go around. It is not our government's fault that you did not take care of yourself and it is not our government's fault that we have so many senior citizens. Priorities must be put in order. We need to be fair to the entire village. Our youth come first. This is about helping youth. You believe in caring for our youth, don't you?"
"Are we talking about youth or are we talking euthanasia! Well, never mind. It doesn't matter. I'm just having a nightmare. In a moment I'll awaken and the world will be sane once again."
"I wish that were true, Mr. Jensen. I'm afraid our time is up for today."
"Are you out of your freaking mind? I'm supposed to have free health care!"
"It is free. There will be no charge for the doctor's visit, or for the tests we took. You still have your deductible, of course."
NOTE TO MY READERS: If this futuristic short story seems like fiction, take some time to study what has been slipped into the health care portion of the latest "stimulus package." Let us just hope the fun little clause gets removed before the bill passes. Some senators and congressmen confessed that they did not know it was in there. I'm glad to hear that, but it's still rather chilling to know they were about to vote on something they did not read.
Obama promised change. How do you like the change so far?