The reality of socialized medicine is the same wherever you go. Limited everything. You can't offer it all for free and then still have an abundance of supply. From Dr's to supplies the situation in Venezuela is bleak and with the downturn in oil prices Venezuela will be ripe for a capitalist revolution... just kidding. Once the people are conditioned to be 'on the dole' they don't come back. TM
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Monday December 15, 2014

Figures from health associations show that as many as 14,700 physicians have left Venezuela seeking new horizons.

Citizens attending any hospital in Venezuela may come across signs listing medical specialties lacking staff. This prevents medical care from being provided and violates the right to health set forth in the Constitution.

Shortage of staff is attributed to the gargantuan flight of professionals in the health sector.

Intensive care, neonatology, pediatrics, anesthesiology, endocrinology, and hand surgery are just some of the specialties left without professionals in both the public and private sectors.

Figures from health associations show that as many as 14,700 physicians have left the country seeking new horizons.

Insecurity at medical facilities, lack of medical supplies, low wages, poor offer of postgraduate studies, and the privilege given by the government to health program Misión Barrio Adentro medical care in low-income areas are some of the driving forces behind the flight of professionals.

http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-po...edical-speciali

Quote: Rufus T Firefly wrote in post #2

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Pick your poison:

(Crony) Capitalism
Socialism
Communism

Whatever political philosophy a given country has, isn't it reassuring to know that in each one there IS small, elite ruling class? And that said ruling class doesn't have to endure such mundane things as Doctor shortages and "death panels"?

But never fear. Elect another Bush and all will be well.

(I heard it on "The Five" so it must be true)

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Quote: Sanguine wrote in post #6

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Quote: Rufus T Firefly wrote in post #2

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Pick your poison:

(Crony) Capitalism
Socialism
Communism

Whatever political philosophy a given country has, isn't it reassuring to know that in each one there IS small, elite ruling class? And that said ruling class doesn't have to endure such mundane things as Doctor shortages and "death panels"?

But never fear. Elect another Bush and all will be well.

(I heard it on "The Five" so it must be true)

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I don't think crony capitalism is an accurate term. I think it may be more along the lines of Iron law of oligarchy.

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We drift slightly off topic regarding Venezuelan's plight, but when these "do-gooders" attempt to establish new policy, top-down, not only is it offensive, it necessarily increases the bureaucracy. The cost of operating any system increases dramatically when you create more rules that must be enforced. The top-down world of the "do-gooders", originating senseless, mandatory policy at the highest levels, is wreaking havoc wherever it goes.....AND it is going everywhere!
"The Minnesota State High School League, which controls policy for all extracurricular activities in all schools, public and private, voted 18 to 1 to outlaw recognition of all sex differences in high-school sports. The new policy, adopted Dec. 4, allows students the choice to play on either boys' or girls' teams if they claim transgender status.
Obviously, the school didn't clear this radical new policy with parents. A group of parents opposed to this agenda ran an ad in the Minneapolis Star Tribune stating "A male wants to shower beside your 14-year-old daughter. Are you okay with that?"
http://townhall.com/columnists/phyllissc...medium=facebook