There’s no excusing the management failures at and poor oversight of the VA — which, having come to light, are now being corrected. (Until Congress increases funding to meet increased demand, the correction will not be complete.) But it may be worth noting that “customer satisfaction” with the V.A., as recently rated in an independent survey, is high. And that for every unsatisfactory — let alone tragic — experience among the tens upon tens of millions of patient visits each year, there are many good ones.
One of you writes:
Harold E. Holcombe: “I am a peacetime navy veteran for whom the most dangerous duty I had was a one-time few hours on Shore Patrol in Norfolk. Because of my 3+ years as a sailor and because I live 5 miles from a large VA hospital I now receive medical care there. Having needed glasses since my late 20s I had paid quite a lot for them, hundreds of dollars, which was sometimes a considerable hardship. After transferring to the VA for medical care I receive glasses for very little, so modest, in fact, that I do not know my cost. Being a peacetime veteran with no service incurred injury I have to pay for my care at the VA. If that care is any indication of what universal healthcare will or can be then I believe most Americans are going to be delighted. One has to stand in line occasionally, wait sometimes a few extra minutes for an appointment, accept the realities of being processed through the system. However, I have always received focused personal attention, genuinely considerate response to my concerns and never even a slight indication of impatience by any person at the facility. Kindness appears to be an absolute requirement there.”
IF YOU’RE A CIVILIAN MYOPE
Then eyeglasses can still be inexpensive (and stylish and socially enlightened): Warby Parker.
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[Oh, look — I posted something yesterday, after all: “God Controls The Climate, So You Can Relax“]
