Article Review A Universal Healthcare System Is It Right for the United States By Marleise Rashford Essay Example

Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford Essay Abstract The prevailing healthcare system in the United States has drawn many criticisms – from healthcare professionals and citizens alike. The American system fares badly compared to nationalized public health systems of Western Europe. Even in terms of overall costs, the American model is more expensive, which is significantly inflated by bureaucracy costs. All comparative evidence points in one direction – that the country would benefit through an overhaul of the healthcare system. Single payer and universal insurance coverage are the cornerstones of the optimal system. Posing hurdles for this noble objective are vested private interests in the form of private insurance companies, ideologically entrenched politicians and to a lesser extent, healthcare providers. We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Why is the article relevant to our course discussions on the U.S. Healthcare system? The issue of healthcare is a pressing social problem in the United States. All healthcare practitioners, hospitals, policymakers and the citizens all have a stake in the healthcare system. Of all these stakeholders it is the citizens who end up getting a raw deal. In fact, despite being the richest country in the world, the United States has close to 50 million of its citizens uninsured. That is nearly one out of six people in the country cannot even get access to basic healthcare if they fall ill. If any member of this group is unfortunate enough to get a grave malady, his/her chances of survival itself are very low. This situation bespeaks of various vested interests acting upon the healthcare system. There are so many profit-oriented parties at various stages of healthcare delivery that only the well-to-do can never worry about healthcare costs. Considering that documented American population is now nearly 300 million and there are millions who are illegal immigrants, there is much at stake for the continued cohesion of American society. This makes the research paper by Marleise Rashford very relevant for all stakeholders, especially students of health sciences. The article is relevant to course discussions for other reasons as well. For example, the wide coverage given within the article – which is organized under various subheadings – makes it an overview of the current healthcare situation in America. Students can refer it to get a concise yet precise picture of core problems and factors bearing upon the healthcare system. What are the major themes of the article and how were the conclusions and findings derived? Do you agree with the conclusions or findings, why or why not? One of the major themes of the article is finding supporting evidence for universal health coverage in America. As it stands, 50 million Americans have no insurance coverage whatsoever. Even among those who have coverage, depending on the premiums they can afford, they get varied coverage. This means even many insured Americans may not have insurance support for grave or chronic illnesses. This brings into question the moral basis of social policymaking in the country. This lacuna is made more conspicuous by America’s rich history of legislature. A proponent of democracy and plurality for more than two centuries, the current inequities in its healthcare system stands in contradiction to the spirit of its liberal history. Author Rashford evaluates the American health system by contrasting it to nationalized health coverage offered in several European democracies. The strongest argument Rashford makes is this: Why can’t America replicate the successful systems of B ritain, Canada and Germany when it has more resources and a bigger population to take care of? It is a persuasive argument and something I quite agree with. As part of her literature review, Rashford also peruses a comprehensive survey of registered physicians in America. The results of that study show that a majority of the participants favor a nationalized health care arrangement. Although the surveyed were less favorable toward a single payer system, they are mostly in agreement with the European public health care models. Those who defend the existing healthcare model often cite the heavy burden on the tax-payer that a public system will impose. But this is not such a big burden as is made out to be. For example in advanced industrial societies such as Britain, France and Germany the total expenditure on healthcare as a percentage of the GDP is still smaller than what it is in the USA. The crucial difference though is the number of private business that are involved at various stages of healthcare delivery. In the United States this is markedly higher. Another reason why the nationalized health care models of European democracies are cost-effective is due to the simplified bureaucracy (a benign by-product of a single-payer arrangement). Article Review A Universal Healthcare System Is It Right for the United States By Marleise Rashford Essay Example Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford Essay Abstract The prevailing healthcare system in the United States has drawn many criticisms – from healthcare professionals and citizens alike. The American system fares badly compared to nationalized public health systems of Western Europe. Even in terms of overall costs, the American model is more expensive, which is significantly inflated by bureaucracy costs. All comparative evidence points in one direction – that the country would benefit through an overhaul of the healthcare system. Single payer and universal insurance coverage are the cornerstones of the optimal system. Posing hurdles for this noble objective are vested private interests in the form of private insurance companies, ideologically entrenched politicians and to a lesser extent, healthcare providers. We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Article Review A Universal Healthcare System: Is It Right for the United States? By Marleise Rashford specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Why is the article relevant to our course discussions on the U.S. Healthcare system? The issue of healthcare is a pressing social problem in the United States. All healthcare practitioners, hospitals, policymakers and the citizens all have a stake in the healthcare system. Of all these stakeholders it is the citizens who end up getting a raw deal. In fact, despite being the richest country in the world, the United States has close to 50 million of its citizens uninsured. That is nearly one out of six people in the country cannot even get access to basic healthcare if they fall ill. If any member of this group is unfortunate enough to get a grave malady, his/her chances of survival itself are very low. This situation bespeaks of various vested interests acting upon the healthcare system. There are so many profit-oriented parties at various stages of healthcare delivery that only the well-to-do can never worry about healthcare costs. Considering that documented American population is now nearly 300 million and there are millions who are illegal immigrants, there is much at stake for the continued cohesion of American society. This makes the research paper by Marleise Rashford very relevant for all stakeholders, especially students of health sciences. The article is relevant to course discussions for other reasons as well. For example, the wide coverage given within the article – which is organized under various subheadings – makes it an overview of the current healthcare situation in America. Students can refer it to get a concise yet precise picture of core problems and factors bearing upon the healthcare system. What are the major themes of the article and how were the conclusions and findings derived? Do you agree with the conclusions or findings, why or why not? One of the major themes of the article is finding supporting evidence for universal health coverage in America. As it stands, 50 million Americans have no insurance coverage whatsoever. Even among those who have coverage, depending on the premiums they can afford, they get varied coverage. This means even many insured Americans may not have insurance support for grave or chronic illnesses. This brings into question the moral basis of social policymaking in the country. This lacuna is made more conspicuous by America’s rich history of legislature. A proponent of democracy and plurality for more than two centuries, the current inequities in its healthcare system stands in contradiction to the spirit of its liberal history. Author Rashford evaluates the American health system by contrasting it to nationalized health coverage offered in several European democracies. The strongest argument Rashford makes is this: Why can’t America replicate the successful systems of B ritain, Canada and Germany when it has more resources and a bigger population to take care of? It is a persuasive argument and something I quite agree with. As part of her literature review, Rashford also peruses a comprehensive survey of registered physicians in America. The results of that study show that a majority of the participants favor a nationalized health care arrangement. Although the surveyed were less favorable toward a single payer system, they are mostly in agreement with the European public health care models. Those who defend the existing healthcare model often cite the heavy burden on the tax-payer that a public system will impose. But this is not such a big burden as is made out to be. For example in advanced industrial societies such as Britain, France and Germany the total expenditure on healthcare as a percentage of the GDP is still smaller than what it is in the USA. The crucial difference though is the number of private business that are involved at various stages of healthcare delivery. In the United States this is markedly higher. Another reason why the nationalized health care models of European democracies are cost-effective is due to the simplified bureaucracy (a benign by-product of a single-payer arrangement).

Volcanoe Damage essays

Volcanoe Damage essays HOW DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS AFFECT THE DAMAGE ON A COUNTRY BY VOLCANIC ERUPTION: (A) Population density can affect the results of a natural hazard in several ways. Depending on how large a population is the amount of damage can vary. The larger the population the more people there are to get hurt so there is more chance of death for a larger population and the death rate would probably be higher. For a small population there are less people so there are less of them to get hurt. The higher the population is the more hoses and buildings there are likely to be surrounding a volcano so the more damage there will be to property and possessions. For a smaller population there is less property to be destroyed or lost so the chances are that less damage will occur s a result of the hazard. (B) The more economically developed a county is could be a good or bad thing in the time of a volcano. If the country is very developed e.g. Japan then there are more things to destroy that could be of use to the country. There are more buildings and probably a large population, so there is a large chance that this hazard will affect them a great deal. If a country is less economically developed there would be less damage sustained because e there is less to damage. On the other hand if a country is more economically developed then there is more chance that the country will have the equipment t o monitor the place which would give them time to evacuate the area making it safer for a larger population. (C) If a country is monitored then it could save thousands or even tens of thousands of lives. Mostly rich countries and countries with the most active volcanoes are monitored. Because the movements of the crust and the characteristics of the volcano are watched closely then it is easier to see when a volcano will erupt and with modern technology there is enough time to evacu ...

Budgeting & Forecasting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Budgeting & Forecasting - Assignment Example The restaurant is intended to sell diverse products, which include buffet, pizza, soup, sauces and desserts. In addition, the restaurant will have a self-service soda bar. Although there are other companies such as McDonalds serving the area, the prices of their products are not affordable to most people in Florida. Moreover, these companies do not have physical locations in the area but rely on suppliers. This means that Papa Geo has the potential of competing effectively in the market and possibly gaining competitive advantage (Jeffries & McGrath, 2008). The fact that the products of the company are rare in the market consequently highly demand makes the company more competitive. This will ensure that the company records high sales volume. Moreover, the company will register high sales volume because they produce variety, which gives consumers the ability and freedom of choice. Finally, the company strategy is effective because it attracts children too, which will boost sales since it will be assumed to a family restaurant (Jeffries & McGrath, 2008). The offers given by financial lending institution will be enough in setting up the business and repayment period is reasonable, which will grant the owner the opportunity to repay comfortably. Therefore, the business can be set up but it requires effective analysis and forecasting due to uncertainties in the business environment. Proper financial budgetary planning is fundamental in achieving the company’s strategy. Sale forecast forms the most critical part of this budget proposal because, it is through proper and accurate forecasts in sales that the entrepreneur would be able to determine the amount to repay either in monthly or annual basis. The above sales forecasts are made with the assumptions that one unit in the company goes at $7, and each individual in the 15-minute area purchases one unit

Construction Law (Agency) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Construction Law (Agency) - Assignment Example If certain guidelines of the law were over-stepped, Dick can/could be assessed as having committed a Fraud or Theft by Deception with his dealings. In fact, if Costcutters knew that Dick would be representing ‘Dick’s Dealings’ in a manner that might imply Dick was still in-charge, Costcutters may be investigated for perhaps a criminal theft conspiracy. (Barrett v. Dere) In any event, Barrett v. Dere would be a good starting point if more information about Costcutters knowledge and the liability, although the contract between Dick and Costcutters was breached by Dick’s failure to stay under spending limits and pocketing the difference (hiding the profit), seems to point towards ‘Implied Authority’ for Dick making Costcutters liable. Question #2 Dick does have the right to engage the Architect since the ‘representation element by the Principal’ is written very clear for all to see; Dick’s Dealings. ... Question #3 The courts must find there is an agency agreement between Dick and Costcutters. The agency was sold (suggesting an exchange of money) which explicitly implies a contract. Costcutters gave Dick a job title (General Manager) and his agreement with Costcutters, though maybe even oral, is a contract nevertheless. If Dick’s contract suggest immediate termination in case of breach, the ‘reasonable amount of time for communicating this to Dick has not been met. Egregious behavior has not been addressed so it is a non sequitur. The Tripartite agreement maintains that Costcutters can be sued leaving room for an open suit directed at Dick which cannot stand on merit. The Principal-Costcutters-own the responsibility though the name, ‘Dick’s Dealings’ tends toward the opposite. It is in this purchase and facilitation where Costcutters is at fault. Costcutters enabled these transactions by default once they bought the name ‘Dick’s Dealings ’ and worked to make a profit from it using Dick as a named associate (General Manager). Dick may be sued but the direction of liability, according to the rules given, lay at the feet of

Group dynamics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Group dynamics - Term Paper Example Purpose of a group forms its background and the process through which this is achieved makes it operational. Team is structured, requires coordinated interaction to reach the set goal and all the members stand responsible for its activities. A congregation of individuals qualifies to be called a group based on Kurt Lewin’s parameters, which specify that the members should interact, are interdependent, influence each other, the members feel belongingness, have a structure, work towards a common goal and are recognised as a group by others. Task and relationship-based interactions develop in groups, through which people connect and affect each other. 2. Group as a social system Groups are social entities with a membership of 2 or more persons. They are viewed as units of socialization, interaction, centres of intellect and learning. Group is a locus for connecting with people and hangers for emotional support. People group in order to support the realisation that they share simi lar ideologies. Interdependence and cooperation, which are interpersonal and social qualities are essential for the formation of groups. They never exist in vacuum, but are related and dependent on other groups. Groups may be classified as primary or secondary(classified by Charles Horton Cooley) and planned or emergent ones. Close and personal interactions occur frequently among primary group members. They form the basis for socialising and platform for showcasing the ideas, values and opinions of members. Secondary or nucleated groups are sized big, formal and the size may not permit one-to-one relation among members. They are help members socialise, but not as much as primary groups. Planned groups work for a common goal. Their formation is initiated from an exterior source, organisation or individual or other groups. Emergent groups, as the name suggests, emerge as the people find themselves bound by circumstances, location or situation (Corey, Corey, and Corey ). T-groups, a pr oposition by Kurt Lewin, are interpersonal training groups, that facilitate bonding among members, building trust and interact on both work-related and personal issues. The source of learning and improvement is feedback from the other members of the team. 3. Group Development In order to comprehend group dynamics, it is important to study the process and theories related to their development (Forsyth ). Lot of studies and research addressed the concept. Tubb has phased group development into orientation, conflict, consensus and closure and Fisher suggested orientation, conflict, emergence and reinforcement model. Bruce Tuckman suggested 4 stages of group development, which consists of forming, storming, norming and performing. Adjourning has been appended later. a. Forming During this phase, individuals mingle with each other and communicate, in an attempt to arrive at their purpose of association. They assess their respective comfort zones. Leaders play a vital role in facilitating this understanding and walking them towards the next stage. b. Storming Here, the members share their views, assemble with others sharing similar thoughts and socialise. Leader persuades them to open up and streamlines their ideas, differences etc towards the group goals. Socialisation is the process of adaptation of the members to the purpose, situation and other members. Active involvement on the part of members is crucial at this stage.

Uses Of Nuclear Energy In Agriculture

Uses Of Nuclear Energy In Agriculture Nuclear technique is being an important application in many sectors such as food agriculture, industry, medical, environmental protection and power production. It is known that there are both advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy. However, nuclear energy is being widely used in agriculture which includes food production, animal production, crop production, fertilizer, soil fertility and more. According to Farm Press, nuclear power is considered cheap to be used in agriculture development. It has been reported that the increasing price of gasoline, electricity, diesel fuel and natural gas is one of the major problems to farmers. Nuclear energy is found to be the cheapest power source for agriculture. For example, nuclear energy can be used in production of nitrogen fertilizer instead of natural gas which has increasing price nowadays. Co-ordinated Research Project (CRP) was carried out on the use of nuclear techniques for optimizing nitrogen fertilizer application under irrigated wheat. It has been found that this technique increases the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer while reduces environmental pollution. Other than that, Khanal and Munankarmy (2009) stated that there is possibility to improve health, feeding and fertility of livestock. They further explained that nucleic acid hybridization (nuclear related technique) is a promising technique for disease diagnosis. The conventional approaches of disease diagnosis involving direct detection and isolation consume more time compared to nucleic acid hybridization. Thus, it is said to be very effective in terms of time and sensitivity. Besides that, this technique is also unique because it focuses on the genome of organism instead of its products. According to the study conducted by Khanal and Munankarmy (2009), ionizing irradiation is another nuclear technique which plays a vital role in animal health. Virulence of some parasites can be eliminated using this technique which also helps to produce safer and cost effective vaccines. These methods have increased the rates of growth and milk and meat yield. There are some non-isotopic nuclear techniques that are being implicated in agriculture, especially in livestock production (Makkar, 2008). Gamma irradiation is one of the non-isotopic nuclear techniques. This gamma irradiation is an effective technique which enhances nutrient availability in plants that are fed to livestock. According to Makkar, content of plant secondary metabolites in some of the unconventional feed resources, could give adverse effects to the feed of livestock. He further explained that bioavailability of nutrients decreases at high levels of plant secondary metabolites. Thus, it is found that gamma irradiation is an effective technique to inactivate the adverse activities. Committee On Agriculture has discussed on à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"nuclear techniques in food and agricultureà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ . This committee stated that nuclear related techniques help to improve the food production system in terms of stability, resilience and productivity. Biodiversity of crop plants can be increased by radiation induced mutations which change the genetic make-up. For instance, mutation breeding has given more than 3000 crop varieties of some 170 different plant species in more than 100 countries. This includes rice that grows successfully in saline soil and barley that grows at 5000 meters. Nuclear technique is playing a vital role in soil and water management system. It is important to improve soil moisture conservation measures and reduce wastage of irrigation water which leads to the improvement of water management in agriculture. One of the nuclear techniques that help in soil and water management is Soil Moisture Neutron Probe (SMNP). SMNP is a portable device that is used to measure soil water content at different depths through access tubes installed in the soil profile. Data obtained from SMNP are used to calculate the soil water balance and estimate the total amount of soil water removed from soil evaporation and plant transpiration (Joint FAO/IAEA, 2004). Furthermore, nuclear techniques are also used to identify the source of soil pollutant. This helps farmers or environmental planners to know the specific sources of pollutant and design most appropriate management strategy, so that the impact of pollutants can be reduced. For example, fertilizers and pesticides that are used to improve the agricultural activities can become pollutants if they reach the rivers, streams and lakes. To overcome this problem, fallout radionuclides are attached to soil particles which can track the movement of soil particles from where they originate (Nuclear Technology Review, 2007). On the other hand, nuclear energy also has disadvantages. One of the major concerns about nuclear energy is there is a chance for severe accident to occur in the reactor. This accident is very dangerous because it releases radioactive materials into the environment. In 1986, there was a Chernobyl accident occurred in Ukraine. It was caused by the flawed Soviet reactor designed coupled with mistakes made by plant operators. As a result, 30 operators and fireman died within three months (Scientific and Technical Committee Euratom, 2001). Scientific and Technical Committee Euratom has explained on another negative effect of nuclear energy. According to this committee, nuclear energy produces radioactive waste which is very dangerous. There are two types of wastes: short-lived and long-lived wastes. Many countries have safely disposed the short-lived wastes. Whereas, the long-lived wastes which are generated in a very small amount are conditioned and stored carefully without releasing it to the environment. However, the final disposal of long-lived wastes is still an unsolved problem. As a conclusion, even though nuclear power has disadvantages which are really harmful to the environment and human beings, it should be still encouraged to use it in agriculture. This is because nuclear energy is really needed to improve our Malaysian agricultural sector which is the main focus of our country as our ex-prime minister decided. It is suggested that Malaysian government should encourage creating more researchers on nuclear energy. Other than that, our government can implement joint projects with developed countries, so that more application of nuclear energy can be used in Malaysian agriculture. At the same time, it is very important to be aware of the dangerous of using nuclear energy and always be safe and secured.

Macbeth vs Scotland, PA Essay -- essays research papers fc

Macbeth: The thin line between tragedy and dark humor. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth has always been considered one of the literary worlds most celebrated tragedies. It is arguably the darkest and most gruesome of his plays. The protagonist, Macbeth, is the poster child for tragic hero, â€Å"a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy† (www.dictionary.com). And until recently we were satisfied with that†¦ At the Cannes Film Festival in 2001, a low budget comedy was unveiled. It was called Scotland, PA. This film was written by a first-time director, Billy Morrissette, and depicts the familiar story in a surprisingly different form. The premise of the plot is held in tact but the setting is shifted several hundred years, to the 1970s. The characters’ names even remain familiar. The dialogue is contemporary English yet you can still recognize the similarities in conversation. Major themes from the original work – revenge, guilt, self doubt, fate, and prophecy still exist in this manipulated adaptation. â€Å"He (Morrissette) is able to make an interesting point about how the difference between tragedy and comedy is often how the material is viewed by the audience†.(Berardinelli) Prior to Morrissette’s Scotland, PA, Roman Polanski brought his adaptation of Macbeth (1971) to the silver screen. This more traditional adaptation follows the plays blueprint. The setting remains unchanged, as well as the plot and dialogue. This movie was made soon after a horrifically traumatic events in Polanski’s life, the heinous murder of his pregnant wife by members of the ‘Charlie Manson family’. The film may have been a therapeutic outlet for him. The extremely gory murder scenes may have been a result of his attempts to deal with his pain and show give insight into the horror that filled his life at the time. Polanski’s adaptation definitely added a horror flick tone with the gruesome portrayal of despicable violence. The most notable difference in the portrayal of Mac and Pat, in Scotland, PA versus the portrayal of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, in Macbeth, is the atrociousness, or lack of, with which we view them and their crimes. Mac and Pat seem to be less despicable than Macbeth and Lady Macbeth for several reasons. One key reason is the omission of the ordered murder of Macduff’s family ... ...ind their evil deed. Lady Macbeth is aware of her position as motivator, and even states in the play that she wishes she were a man so that she could carry out their plan herself. Even in Scotland, PA, Pat is continuously directing and instructing Mac in all of their actions pertaining to the murder and cover up. She tells Macbeth to get the safe combination, to stop him from escaping, and talks him through virtually the entire process. The major difference in the two works is presentation and context. This relates directly to the representation of the main characters. By keeping the premise but altering the way the course of events occurs gives the audience a different insight into the development and representation of the characters, particularly Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Both adaptations were very well done, particularly Scotland, PA. It shows that, with a little tweaking, comedy can be found in even the most bloody and tragic of stories. Works Cited: Dictionary.com. 2005, Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. 3/8/2005 . Macbeth [1971] – Review @ EOFFTV. 2000, 3/8/2005 . Phillips, Brian and Douthat, Ross. SparkNote on Macbeth. 9 Mar. 2005 . Review: Scotland, PA. 2002, 3/8/2005 .