A Fish Out of Water

Pricing and resource allocation are crucial functions of an economy. Value systems determine how this is accomplished and conversely the process contributes to defining a society and molding the character of its citizens. It is a process fraught with hazard. Small miscalculations and delayed consequences build over time to generate substantial impact. The pursuit of short-term objectives without consideration of broader and longer-term goals increases the danger of demand exceeding capability. Impatience to generate increasing quarterly profits to support greater allocation of discretionary resources fuels the consumer economy with emphasis upon choice and competition. Medical care developed within this framework and it became a consumer business. Many think medical care is broken but more likely it is a fish out of water.