Once again, we are treated to Ms. Learnard’s delusional diatribes on healthcare. In the latest installment, Ms. Learnard says, “Universal healthcare means no co-pays, no family deductibles, no individual deductibles, no limited percentage of coverage after deductible has been met, no ‘catastrophic only’ and no maximum out of pocket. Think about that for a minute.”

Actually, I have thought about that for more than a minute. If one considers how one treats a thermostat or hot water tap in a hotel room as opposed to one’s own home, we realize that when a commodity is used without regard to price, it is abused.

In Ms. Learnard’s world, we would have doctors’ offices over run with hangnails and hemorrhoids. It would be a system collapsing under abuse because it lacks economic incentives to affect economy. Think about that for a minute.

Ms. Learnard also gushes about how much cheaper other nations universal care is compared to the U.S. Given that all the nations she cited have higher death rates for cancer, we can see why. It is always cheaper when the patient dies.

Not to be deterred, Ms. Learnard wails about the cost of her husband’s tendon repair. I wonder if she waited 7.9 weeks for the surgeon? That is the current wait time, according to Health Canada’s own website (http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/cpa/mediasite/waitlist/median.html).

Or for the price, were they rendered quick service and good service? In any economic situation, sadly, Ms. Learnard does not know, there are only three results available: Fast, good, or cheap. You can only get two of the available results.

I will give Ms. Learnard the benefit of relief from the supply and demand axiom in only one case. There is one commodity in Ms. Learnard’s world which has a limitless supply and yet is absurdly expensive. That commodity is economic ignorance.

Gregory B. West

Peachtree City, Ga.