Long Live the Queen

Background: Michigan has something called a Certificate of Need Commission whose job is to evaluate expansion and investment decisions by Michigan hospitals to determine if they are beneficial to the public. Beaumont Hospital wants to bring a proton beam cancer treatment center to the state. The Commission decided it would be best if a consortium of hospitals were involved and rejected Beaumont's request. Governor Granholm overruled the decision and said yes to Beaumont. Several letters have been written giving kudos to Granholm for this decision. I have a different opinion.

Recent letters have applauded Governor Granholm’s decision to override the Certificate of Need Commission and allow Beaumont Hospital to build a proton beam cancer treatment center. What a pathetic shame that this situation existed to prompt the letters. What has become of this country when we must beg our rulers and thank them for allowing life-saving medical technology to be installed at a local private hospital?

A more appropriate letter might have read, "we are eternally grateful to you, dear honorable and gracious leader for allowing this life-saving technology to cross the border into our fair state. We grovel at your feet and pray that God will grant you favor and long life for your wisdom and benevolence."

Please excuse me while I throw up.

[Online rant. Posted 07/02/2008.]