Hillary Clinton recently said the following about the privatization of the VA:
Privatization is a betrayal, plain and simple, and I’m not going to let it happen.
I haven't paid any attention to talk about the VA so I might be wrong in what I'll have to say. But for what it's worth:
1. I presume the talk of privatization of the VA system is mainly due to its huge cost to our national budget. Not to mention many if not most VA hospitals and related medical facilities are very poorly run and would require tremendous reform.
2. What's wrong with having some key military hospitals, medical facilities, clinics, as well as military med schools, etc., and then privatizing the rest? Why does Hillary take such a black-and-white or all-or-nothing stance?
3. Sure, we have arguably the best military medicine in the world (e.g. trauma, aviation). But this isn't necessarily translated into VA hospitals. Also, having the best military medicine doesn't mean VA hospitals provide the best medical care in other specialties (e.g. psychiatry, oncology, family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN).
4. Ideally it'd make the most sense for anyone to have the choice to go any doctor or hospital they want. This includes our soldiers. Why can't people choose which hospital they want to get treated at? Whether a VA hospital or private hospital or other hospital?
