In “When the Chinese Rule the world”, author Martin Jacques explains: “In the Confucian view, the exclusion of people from government was regarded as a positive virtue, allowing government officials to be responsive to the ethics and ideal with which they had been inculcated.” This approach was endorsed, probably unwittingly, by Alexander Henderson III, Esq. in his Chairman’s Report at Lancaster General Health’s annual public meeting.
The idea is that government, and in LGH’s case, hospital officials have special education and knowledge that enable them to make better informed decisions on public’s behalf.
However, the concomitant Confuscion concept is that governmental officials have been trained and selected to promote the interests of the entire population. If they fail to do so and the public suffers, then this is an indication of the loss of the “mandate from Heaven” and reason for their overthrow.
The primary source of LGH’s extraordinary profitability is its monopolistic control of health services in the county. Since health insurance companies and others must pay higher fees to LGH, the insured pay more for their health insurance.
Due to cut back after cut back of essential public services by both government and non-profit organizations, the Lancaster public is suffering. Feeding, housing, providing health care, educating our children and enabling families to remain together must take priority over purchasing the latest equipment and building parking garages.
LGH’s stated “Mission” is “To advance the health and well-being of the communities we serve.” Confuscian philosophy calls for public charity LGH to share its hugh profits , we suggest 20%, with other county non-profits for the general good.
