"rationing" in healthcare...

[dwivian]

I am becoming acutely aware that anyone that claims there is rationing in the current American Healthcare systems just doesn't understand the term.

Rationing controls the distribution of something. Our healthcare may not be accessible to those without the means to pay for it, but that isn't at the desire of the system. Providers would be fine if EVERYONE could pay for it, as that means more money at the end of the day. Inequity in access to the system is the problem -- not someone somewhere working to decide who gets the service and who doesn't.

The net effects are the same, but the methods differ.

Please stop convoluting the argument by trying to shove words where they don't fit.

Comments

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

The purpose is to get people away from improper language. That's good enough for me.

lol.

"Not very good, I am afraid. But now really, do not you think Udolpho the nicest book in the world?"

"The nicest--by which I suppose you mean the neatest. That must depend upon the binding."

"Henry," said Miss Tilney, "you are very impertinent. Miss Morland, he is treating you exactly as he does his sister. He is forever finding fault with me, for some incorrectness of language, and now he is taking the same liberty with you. The word 'nicest,' as you used it, did not suit him; and you had better change it as soon as you can, or we shall be overpowered with Johnson and Blair all the rest of the way."

"I am sure," cried Catherine, "I did not mean to say anything wrong; but it is a nice book, and why should not I call it so?"

"Very true," said Henry, "and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement--people were nice in their dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on every subject is comprised in that one word."

"While, in fact," cried his sister, "it ought only to be applied to you, without any commendation at all. You are more nice than wise. Come, Miss Morland, let us leave him to meditate over our faults in the utmost propriety of diction, while we praise Udolpho in whatever terms we like best. * * * "

[dwivian]

And, failed to make a point.

[melonaise.livejournal.com]

I think the point is that people won't be friends with you if you correct their word choice. At least, that seems to be what's happening in the excerpt.

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

lol. In fact, she marries Henry Tilney.

Man, I can't believe you guys are having that much trouble understanding the excerpt. I mean, ok, the prose is baroque, but it's not really THAT complicated. I guess I should have found some Dr. Seuss instead, or something.

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

I guess it went right past you. oh well.

[dwivian]

Quotes out of context bother me, as the discussion can be made to serve any end (I'm not a fan of it when done with scripture, either...Makes me a problematic person to a number of the bible thumpers in the area). I don't know if the tone should be seen as sarcastic, for instance, or if there is something stronger intended than is obvious from the selection. Context is key to the author's intent, and that is part of communication I hate to skip.

I had considered replying with a quote from "Through the Looking Glass", as it illustrates the need to reach common understanding of meaning:

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in a rather scornful tone," it means just what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less."
"The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many things."
"The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master -- that's all."

I'm in favor of words being held in common, so communication takes place. I hate when words are appropriated for new meanings, to create confusion and fear, and to manipulate people rather than inform.

In the quote you provided, the word was imprecise, but valid. In the discussion of healthcare the word 'rationing' is not valid, and thus the precision isn't at issue. It simply does NOT mean what people are using it to mean, and dilution of the definition only serves to sow additional confusion where it isn't needed.

[dwivian]

Oh, wait... now I get it! By correcting the terms being used, I have forced you into a positionwhere you are going to have to marry me? I can see how that would be awkward....

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

close, but not quite ;)