Can the Revelations of VA Scandal be a “Gift from God”?

The personal story of Dr. Ben Carson is remarkable; and his common-sense, unapologetic brand of conservatism is a breath of fresh air.  Given his initial success in the political realm, it’s no surprise that some conservative admirers have undertaken a ‘draft Carson’ in 2016 movement.  Carson is a measured, accomplished gentleman.

 

Did you hear these remarks from this former neurosurgeon last week on Fox News? – “I think what’s happening with the veterans is a gift from God to show us what happens when you take layers and layers of bureaucracy and place them between the patients and the health care provider.  And if we can’t get it right, with the relatively small number of veterans, how in the world are you going to do it with the entire population?”  Radio host Rush Limbaugh built a similar case last week, saying the problems with Veterans Affairs (VA), which include reports of misconduct and crushing wait times that have been linked to dozens of deaths, provide only a glimpse of the broader havoc ObamaCare will wreak.  Carson and Limbaugh understand the situation.

 

It is in no way offensive or out of bounds for conservatives to seize on the systemic failures and abuses of the VA health system … which the ‘Left’ has extolled as an emblem of the promise of government-run health care … as a means to warn the nation against governmental healthcare meddling.  ObamaCare’s “cost control” measures … to the extent that they exist … rely on rationing.

 

Fully socialized medicine would make matters worse.  If we can’t execute single-payer coverage for a relatively small band of people whom we all agree have earned our help, applying that model to the entire country is an impractical fool’s errand … which is to say that Carson’s point is crucial and correct.

 

When Carson uses the phrase – “gift from God” – he is saying that the current situation presents a relevant and pressing opportunity for opponents of government healthcare.  The present VA circumstances illustrate the perils of such a system.  The system is being abused. Veterans are suffering and dying.  The White House has done practically nothing in response, beyond the usual expressions of shock and outrage, followed by obligatory investigations.  VA Secretary Shinseki still has his job.  Though the calls for his resignation or removal are growing, it seems as though the president’s party remains unwilling to loudly call out Obama’s weak response, even though improving the care of our veterans was supposedly a major passion of the President.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel