A conservative friend posted a snarky commentary on failing socialist countries on his Facebook page. Another conservative friend of his added his comments:
Absolutely. Question to us do we really think our govt can run it any better? They can’t run even things like VA.
This guy knows nothing about the VA. He’s not a native American nor has he ever served in the military. He has no expertise on the VA and he’s calling it a failure.
I’ve been to the VA for healthcare a number of times over the past year. Yes, appointments are made well in advance but they always promptly see me once I arrive. Never have I had to wait an hour like I did when I had to see my ENT last month. When I go to the VA I never have time to even get my phone out of my pocket before they’re calling me back. They make me feel like a rock star.
Too often, I will be lucky if my private practice doctors spend 10 minutes with me before they’re off to the next patient. I rarely have time to describe what’s wrong with me before it’s – BOOM – time for him to go. The VA takes time to listen to me. I have never felt like I was a burden.
I got a copay bill from the VA last month and so I promptly paid it. Yesterday, the Treasury Department mailed it back to me. Covered. Nice.
The one thing I don’t like about VA healthcare is that I have to drive 25 miles to Durham to get my tests done. It could be more convenient – a full hospital could be built here in Raleigh, but then again few in Congress want to actually meet the government’s promise to properly take care of veterans. It’s a shame. Yet in my experience the VA does well with what they’re given.
I still fondly recall how ten years ago the government of Italy cared for our infant son when he got sick during our vacation there. Didn’t cost us a dime. If only we as Americans could grow up and realize we would all save money (and a lot of goddamn frustration, frankly) by totally revamping our sorry health care system. The VA has shown me that it can be done.