DISGRACEFUL – AT 8:55 A.M. ET:  With Obamacare fully kicking in this year, we need reminding of what socialized medicine can actually be like.  There are positive things, but the horror stories keep building up, including the stories from our own federally run veterans' hospitals.   Consider this, from Britain's Independent, itself a socialist paper: 

Thousands of people have attempted suicide while on an NHS (National Health Service) waiting list for psychological treatment, according to a comprehensive new study of mental health services in England.

In the latest evidence of a hidden mental health crisis, a coalition of leading charities and medical professionals report that one in 10 patients are waiting for more than a year just to be assessed for treatment, and one in six made an attempt on their life while on a waiting list.

GPs report a “huge rise” in the number of mental health conditions, which has coincided with cuts to mental health services and psychotherapy posts in many parts of the country.

The consequent delays in accessing treatment can be disastrous for patients, the report from the We Need to Talk coalition warns. In a survey of 2,000 patients, one in six said they had attempted suicide while waiting for treatment, four in 10 said they had self-harmed, and two thirds said their condition had deteriorated before they had a chance to see a mental health professional.

COMMENT:  One of the greatest accomplishments of the American health system, at least up to now, has been speed.  There are certainly exceptions, but most critical medical services can be delivered quickly.  I don't know what will exist in ten years.  I'm not sure how many potential physicians will turn away from medicine because it is a changed and more frustrating profession.  The news organizations seem little interested.  Too much trouble, I guess.  And why question the man they helped put in office?  Make your appointment now...for 2021.  They give out wonderful lollipops.

September 16, 2014