Obama: A pupil of Socrates

Given Berwick’s new post, what could once be laughed off as the peculiar views of an academic now threaten our health care system. Throughout Berwick’s career he has left many clues as to philosopher’s vision for a utopian health care. Among his ideals:

Standardization over autonomy:

• “I would place a commitment to excellence—standardization to the best-known method—above clinician autonomy as a rule for care.”
• “Young doctors and nurses should emerge from training understanding the values of standardization and the risks of too great an emphasis on individual autonomy.”

Government over market:

• “Political leaders in the Labour Government have become more enamored of the use of market forces and choice as an engine for change, rather than planned, centrally coordinated technical support.”
• In the US, competition has become toxic…Trust transparency; trust the wisdom of the informed public; but, do not trust market forces to give you the system you need

Universal care over quality care

• “Any health care funding plan that is just equitable civilized and humane must, must redistribute wealth from the richer among us to the poorer and the less fortunate. Excellent health care is by definition redistributional.”
• “The decision is not whether or not we will ration care. The decision is whether we will ration with our eyes open.”

Socrates’ governmental ideal is also played out in Berwick’s nomination process. Rather than risk defeat at the hands of government officials selected by an uninformed public, President Obama used a recess appointment to promote Berwick. Rather than have to answer questions on his highly controversial views, or incite public debate on their wisdom, Berwick can immediately begin serving a term that lasts through 2011. The democratic confirmation process was tossed aside so that the “enlightened” could continue to shepherd this nation toward their utopian vision for this nation.

It is sad that we, as citizens of an apparently passé Democracy, shall have no say in it.

Brandon Greife is the Political Director at the College Republican National Committee. He holds a J.D. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a B.A. in Political Science and History from there as well.