Post Office

I went to the post office today because I needed to stop the mail. I had some questions and so I waited in line. A long line. There were three work stations at the post office. One was manned (personed?) and the other two sat idle. A customer rang the door bell that was supposed to bring help from the back room. She had a problem with certified mail. She waited and waited; rang the bell four times before it was answered. No one seemed able to help her. She explained her problem lucidly, succinctly, and still … blank looks. Finally, someone found the certified letter.

While I waited patiently in the line for my turn with the one clerk, I watched all this happen. The line was past the door. The clerk is efficient and economical in movement. He never rushes around, but holds a steady pace, taking care of one person after the next. He knows his stuff and takes care of each taxpayer with alacrity. But he is only one.

I left the post office and went across the parking lot to the bank to again stand in a line. The post office is a huge place, servicing a large number of citizens. The bank, on the other hand, is one of many banks. The closest bank is right across the street. Next closest, kitty-corner across the street. The bank had six tellers working for a smaller client base. Ah, private business.

As I stood in lines, I thought how absurd that anyone thinks that national health care would be an answer. The Post Office is a nationally run business – as is the Veterans Hospital system. Neither is run anything like a privately owned business. And yet, this seems to be what some people want. Stunning.

I've heard it said that if there were nationalized medicine, then all people would have the same availability to health care. And I look at the people who say like they were nuts. Of course that isn't the case. Canada has a nationally run medical program. People with money to pay for health care jump line by crossing the border and coming to the US for treatments.

If there were a national medical system, we would all wait in line – like at the post office – for the nice underpaid doctor who might be able to help you if you don't die before you get to him/her. How many people would elect to go to medical school for a government job? If there were a national health plan, would it still be possible to sue the doctor/government for inadequate care? Who will insure the government? There goes the lawyers' profits as well.

Every time I look at a government-run entity, I am overwhelmed by the horror. Replacing a Social Security Card was a major undertaking. Getting a Driver's License was ridiculously difficult. Filing yearly taxes needs an accountant. And we want to hand over one more thing to the government?

There is one immutable law about commerce. If there is something that can be bought and sold, people with more money have a better chance of getting it. Sugar on the Black Market during WWII or guns on the black market today. If you have the cash, you can get the goods. If you don't, wait in line and we'll see what we can do for you.

I don't want my health care run like the post office. And remember, the rates for mail are going up on May 14. Enjoy the service.