But Isn't That Socialized Medicine?

It was one of those storied occasions impossible to pass up. The President of the United States gathered leaders from both political parties on the White House lawn to honor a true medical genius, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, the surgeon who was one of the first to conduct coronary bypass surgery. DeBakey, the child of Lebanese immigrants who turns 100 this year, did most of his pioneering work at Baylor in Texas, giving President Bush a few laugh lines at his home state's expense.

But then it was DeBakey's turn. From his wheelchair, he offered these words to the Congresspersons in attendance as they contemplate tackling health care reform:

I want to make a suggestion to the Congress about health care. I know that you have been working on this for many, many years. In fact I was one of President Kennedy's strongest supporters when he came out with Medicare when the medical profession was strongly against. I thought it was a great idea. I still think it's a great idea. Unfortunately, it's practical effect has not been that great. So I know you have sought a better health care plan for the needy. And unfortunately it has been elusive. But there is a model you should look at that I'm thoroughly familiar with because when I was in the military, I was assigned by the Surgeon General to the committee that (Gen. Omar) Bradley and (Rear Admiral Jean Hodgkin) Hawley worked on in fixing up the Veterans Administration. We made many suggestions that resulted in a superb medical service. I've been familiar with the medical services of the Veterans Administration since then. In fact, I developed their research program. I assure you that you can't find a better model. For one thing, its quality of care is superior. And for another, it provides that care at half the cost of other agencies both in and out of government. So you see how efficient it is. So there must be something about what they are doing that we could use to expand our program in health care for the needy.

I wonder what the president thought as DeBakey uttered those words. I wonder if Congress was listening.