Tough Situation

July 19, 2011
Posted by Jay Livingston

Coming in October: a conference on Jersey Shore Studies. It had to happen, right? But at the University of Chicago?? Where have you gone, Allan Bloom? (HT: Scott McLemee, who has more to say on the subject at Insider Higher Ed.)

Despite very pleasant vacations last summer at Barnegat Light and Ocean Grove, I haven’t managed to watch much of the TV show. But I did take notice back in May when my favorite newspaper ran a story about a video posted by the father of Mike “the Situation” Sorrentino. Apparently, Sorrentino père has little good (and much unprintable) to say about Sorrentino fils.
The rift between the father and son started when, according to the elder Sorrentino, when his son ignored his plea for help with his medical expenses.

“I’ve been a diabetic for 25 years and my insurance was running out and I called up my son and said, ‘Listen, Mikey, I'm between jobs right now, can you help me out?’ I don’t want to lose my health coverage.”
Only in America, I thought.

Not “only in America” could a talented fellow like The Situation rise from modest circumstances to an esteemed position of wealth and fame

Not “only in America” could a father and son have a serious falling-out over money.

And certainly not “only in America” would a father make disparaging remarks about his son’s companions and co-workers.

But only in America, among wealthy, industrialized nations, would a diabetic, regardless of his son’s lack of filial financial piety, not be able to obtain the necessary treatment.

That situation, of course can be remedied. But the remedy is one form or another of what the Republicans still like to call a “government takeover” of health care. Unfortunately for Mr. Sorrentino,* that won’t happen in the US for another year or more at the earliest. And if the Supreme Court runs true to form, it might not happen for decades.

*According to a story at Trendbuzz a month later, Sorrentino the elder had switched to a cheaper diabetes med, and thanks to the side effects he wound up in the emergency room.

3 comments:

Bob S. said...

What BUNK!!

But only in America, among wealthy, industrialized nations, would a diabetic, regardless of his son’s lack of filial financial piety, not be able to obtain the necessary treatment.

So was the father turned down by Medicare/Medicaid?

Was the father ineligible for reduced payment options at the local charity or county hospital?

Probably NOT.

He probably didn't apply for those.

Was the father fiscally responsible with his money; saving up for times of need?

If he was like most Americans, probably NOT.

Instead of advocating more money being taken from the successful and given to those not as successful, how about advocating getting the government out of the way?

How about reducing the red tape and bureaucracy of the FDA?

Couldn't companies offer medicine cheaper and faster if the government didn't put so many restrictions in place?

A third party certification system could be used to insure safety. A Company could also be required to establish an indemnity bond.

How about getting the government out of the way of how we buy insurance?

Reduce the tax benefits for companies to provide insurance and transfer those benefits to the individual.

Let people establish medical insurance once and take it with them when they change jobs.

That would reduce the pre-existing condition problems, encourage people and companies to be more proactive in their preventive programs, wouldn't it?

How about allowing insurance companies to sell across state lines?

How about getting rid of the free emergency medical treatments for many people and make them responsible for their own care?

As a sociologist you could tell me, isn't it true people value less what they get for free?

As for as the only in America crud...that is complete and utter NONSENSE.

Look around, England and Canada aren't medical paradise. Many other countries have just as many problems as America.

It almost as if you are looking for any and every reason to knock this country.

Why does it appear that way Jay?

Jay Livingston said...

I don’t know what Sorrentino has or hasn’t tried. It is possible that he was eligible for coverage under our government-run, European-style, single-payer system (i.e., Medicare). Or maybe he wasn’t.

You may be familiar with Sen. Franken’s line of questioning about medical bankrupticies in Europe
(video here).

Diabetes is a cause of medical bankruptcies in the US. I don’t know the exact number, and it’s not as many as are caused by cancer. But the point is that Sorrentino’s situation would not have occurred in Switzerland, France, etc

Bob S. said...

And so your point is we have to be Switzerland or France?

I do have a simple question; if you are so concerned about medical bankruptcies, treatment, coverage etc; how much of your money are you donating to others?

Here is a perfect opportunity for you to live your values; are you doing it?

Are you donating 5%, 10%, 50%?

Are you living on just what it takes to feed, shelter, clothe and educate yourself and your family or not?