Struggling Health Orthodoxy

I get thoroughly entertained by orthodox views of the Alternative-health paradigm in Alberta; indeed, I am often reminded of a not-to-be-identified close relative. It is always rather fun to read of someone unknowingly constrained by a monopoly construct being slowly exposed to intriguing yet sacrilegious ideas of a competing ideology.

Remember when other monopolistic, status quo ideologies ridiculed competing interests? In my lifetime I witnessed the defeat of blatant religious discrimination, sexual discrimination, political discrimination, and more. These discriminations all occurred because one social construct suppressed another. And the same thing ensues in health care – to its detriment. The truth of health practices can never be properly vetted within a monopoly construct.

The drug and surgery mantra of monopoly medicine suppresses competing views on health care. This is especially true in Alberta where the legacy of draconian legislation has created a scholastic environment devoid of competing health views. Only ethereal, touchy-feely concepts were tolerated here as they were seen as no threat to the established medico order. Alternative-paradigm strategies are not so apologetic of modern evils as the medicos tend to be.

The orthodox view places emphasis on proof and placebo as discrediting argument, yet fails to note that Standard-paradigm medicine suffers from the same shortcomings. A significant portion of medical care is simply feckless, ineffective, inefficient, or unevaluated.

Do people pay hard-earned cash for Alternative approaches in lieu of subsidized medico care because it holds no merit? I enjoy seeing health bigots struggle in resistance to the palpable tide of open dissent toward the health care system. Rights activists know that a plurality of theories and methods must openly compete in order to demonstrate their respective validity. Praise to computers, desktop publishing, and the internet for giving voice to the populace.

The government, in my name, transfers to the medico monopoly over $5000 per year on health care. I think we would get far more efficient, appropriate, and effective health care if those monies were transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Public for allocation or accumulation toward the future. After all, we self-direct our pay cheques for the betterment of the whole economy … except in health care. And consumer-funded (instead of supplier-funded) health care complies perfectly with the Canada Health Act.

Hmm, at $5000 / year for 58 perfectly healthy years, including compound interest at 2%, that's $547,624.84 in my Alberta Treasury Branch health trust account. More than enough for any old age health issues that may emerge in the future.