August 6, 2002
Words, words, words ... Let's take five with Moira Gunn. This is "Five Minutes".
From time to time I make a simple statement that people within earshot simply don't accept. They respond with all manner of reactions, which essentially all boil down to one: "Look, it's simply not possible."
I've had reality explained to me so often, it's all I can do not to chuckle while they're speaking. Not only would that be unintentionally offensive, but also, I am listening very closely. You never know when someone will come up with a new twist on some of the same old arguments, or even a refreshing insight. Better yet, sometimes, in the midst of presenting their argument, they come up with a thought on how some part of it might actually work.
There are about five variations on the argument theme, and what continues to amaze me is how pervasive this perception is held within our society. People from every educational background, age group and work experience are all pretty much in agreement - this challenge is one of those unfortunate problems we're not going to be able to solve.
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After making my proposal recently to my college student son, he dispassionately informed me that I needed to speak with his old high school economics teacher, and this fellow would set me straight. So I said to myself, if they're actually teaching it in the schools, it must be time to go public.
So here is the single sentence that elicits so much response: it is my personal belief that once we develop any medical technology that works, it's inhumane to deny it to any human.
Now, before you get up out of your chair and explain the reality of life to me, I must tell you that I probably have heard it, I probably understand it, and not only that, I agree with you.
In general, your argument will run along one of these lines: Who's going to pay for the expensive research and medical trials that it takes to bring these technologies to safe and effective use? The pharmaceutical companies deserve a profit, as do their stockholders. If you are talking about nationalizing all medical companies, it will cripple creative research. Developing countries don't have the infrastructure, money or expertise to deliver the technology. It's arrogant to impose Western medicine on any society. And who's gonna pay? Who's gonna pay? Who's gonna pay?
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So, what is my response to all this? I must tell you that, just like Beavis and Butt-head, I listen, but frankly what I'm hearing is "words, words, words ... words, words, words."
In my lifetime, the Berlin Wall didn't fall; it was pulled to the ground. In a few short years, HIV went from being a death sentence to a medically-manageable condition. And now I can stand anywhere on the planet, and the cell phone in my pocket can ring. More likely than not, it's this same son informing me that we're out of milk.
I know, as do you: Realities change. Paradigms shift.
And with all the arguments that people have put forth, not a single person has argued against the basic "rightness" of what I'm suggesting.
So, permit me to say it again: Once we've developed any medical technology that works, it's inhumane to deny it to any human.
I'm Moira Gunn. This is Five Minutes.
