@NeilShenvi This is true. And in the long-term, our academic and financial sacrifices will pale compared to the costs of sacrificing family and loyalty to Christ for what the world perceives as success.
Great take on Stark.
Any free service must have a limiting factor or it will be abused into oblivion.
In a socialized system, the limiting factor can either be government regulations dictating what services and care can or can’t be provided, or reduced access (eg 6-mo wait for an MRI.)
In a free market, the limiting factor is the cost of the service. Over-utilization is limited because the cost impacts the consumer directly. The downside, of course, is people can’t always afford the services they need.
I helped manage a clinic in rural Central America where the going wage was about $2/day. Our services were nearly free- meds were provided by donors from the US and services were subsidized by an NGO/volunteers. Even there, we found we needed a limiting factor so we charged a $1.50 flat fee per visit. This kept services within reach, but the personal cost reduced medical tourism and abuse of the system so that resources were available to help those who actually had a medical need. Better outcomes and, ironically, low-cost services were more appreciated than free services.
US medical services, in particular emergency departments, are being flooded by overutilizers who are there simply because no personal cost is incurred. Chest pain, a headache, or whatever subjective complaint is mentioned, will get you a free bed and turkey sandwich. Cost is absorbed by everyone - taxpayer subsidizes this and patients suffer through extended wait times and reduced quality of care.
@BurchetteMason Beautiful. 1-3/4” x 16” panels? Looks a bit like Lok seam. Love installing this stuff, and always thought it would be so awesome to roll it out on site and avoid all the bulky shipping crates