I’m generally for treating animals with respect and kindness. But laws like those the Swiss are implementing are ridiculous! It may sound noble to make sure that guinea pigs are never kept alone in their cages, but it misses an important point. Humans are different from and more important than the animals they keep. When we blur the line between the two with misguided laws in an attempt to bring them together, we’re more likely to degrade the dignity of humans than improve that of animals.
Dave
I recently heard that my former employer is offering a new sort of “insurance” service. The Plan format sounds familiar: for a monthly fee, with an annual commitment and payroll deduction through your employer, you are able to consult with an in-Plan specialist with no fees or deductibles. But the specialist is a lawyer, who can advise you on anything from wills to home sales to traffic tickets.
Is this a good thing? I can see where it could be helpful in negotiating the legalities of life, particularly with property, wills, etc. But my gut response is disgust.
First, are we really at the point where the average middle-class American needs to consult with a lawyer every year? I’ve never consulted a lawyer so far in my life, and while I’m sure it’ll be necessary in a few places, I’d like to think that I don’t need it regularly.
Second, will this end up doing the same thing to law that it has to medicine? With unlimited insurance, people tend to go to doctors for trivial reasons, and drive up the cost of health care for everyone by demanding unnecessary treatment. I can see the same things happening here. If I could consult with a lawyer any time I want for free, I’m sure I could find plenty of places where I’d use the service. And the lawyer would be likely to point out the many places I could use his services, of course.
Third, the list of exceptions is a mile long. The last thing I need is another program where I have to spend 2 hours figuring out whether the problem I have is covered by my insurance.
For reference, the monthly cost is $18.75. It requires a year-long commitment, and will not cover “pre-existing conditions.”
Aug 172007
Hey Mike,
I enrolled you in a special program as a present. Let me know how well it works.
Just kidding. Even if the site’s owners brag more than they ought about their abilities, it’s a sad reminder that no technology can get around simple human corruption and slander.
(h/t: The Point)
Jun 282007
I suppose, given the nature of market economies, burqinis were inevitable. Guys, be sure to add it to the shopping list for your wives or girlfriends! I’d never imagined a two-piece swimsuit could be more modest than a one-piece.
May 042007
Here’s an article on private education in India. It’s not universal, and costs poor people money they barely have, but it seems to be working better than the public options. I’m a graduate of the public school system – partly, anyway – and benefited from that, but it’s interesting to hear a different argument for the efficiency of the private sector helping in the educational sector. Of course, I got it from some folks who are interested in instituting a voucher system in this country, but that’s another matter.
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