this post was submitted on 09 Dec 2024
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interestingasfuck
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interestingasfuck
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I hear what you're saying. My issue with your position is that Thompson is not a mere bystander or segment of the 'machine' that is killing - or in your words "squeezing" - other humans. Thompson, by his own admission, was actively pursuing mechanisms by which denial of care and ultimately death are effected. Why does he get a pass, I'm curious?
My criticism is of the writing in the OP, and of Kaczynski's writing, which while contextually relevant, isn't actually about Thompson or even specifically health insurance.
To answer your question though, I don't think he gets a pass, ethically. But I also don't think justice trumps striving for better outcomes in society, and in fact it's the other way around. This isn't exactly being contested; the rhetorical focus is on means and results.
That's fair. I think that makes sense. I don't expect Mangione to be the next Thoreaux in this regard so I don't really focus on their writing. It helps insomuch as to glean their thought process but I don't think it's particularly relevant. I'm more interested in the ethics of harm reduction but yea, I get what you're saying