Health care and defense: two similar sectors?

Posted By Thomas E. Ricks Monday, June 22, 2009 - 10:43 PM Share

Interesting post from Bill Keller, deep in the postings responding to my Friday item titled Gates goes hybrid:

Our national security complex is similar to our health care in terms of high cost for marginal returns."

I'd never thought of it that way, but I suspect he is correct. Disagreement?

Steve Wampler/Flickr 

EXPLORE:HEALTH, MILITARY
 
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BILL KELLER

10:30 PM ET

June 23, 2009

Thank you

Tom, am afraid that health care and costs may not be an issue to this audience. If it is not a burden and it is assured under a retirement or government source, for now it is a guaranteed comfort so why stir the pot. Income from other programs (weapons, procurement) unless under a competing threat or cannibal attack can likewise foster financial indifference.

Thank you for the recognition.

 

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military for the Washington Post from 2000 through 2008.

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