If only there was an economic system that efficiently allocated resources….

Shortage of Doctors an Obstacle to Obama Goals:

Obama administration officials, alarmed at doctor shortages, are looking for ways to increase the supply of physicians to meet the needs of an aging population and millions of uninsured people who would gain coverage under legislation championed by the president.

The officials said they were particularly concerned about shortages of primary care providers who are the main source of health care for most Americans.

What evil, selfish, greedy corporate malefactor is causing this shortage?

Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat and chairman of the Finance Committee, said Medicare payments were skewed against primary care doctors — the very ones needed to coordinate the care of older people with chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ooops. The government has caused this problem. So, obviously, the solution is…for more government tinkering:

One proposal — to increase Medicare payments to general practitioners, at the expense of high-paid specialists — has touched off a lobbying fight.

Family doctors and internists are pressing Congress for an increase in their Medicare payments. But medical specialists are lobbying against any change that would cut their reimbursements. Congress, the specialists say, should find additional money to pay for primary care and should not redistribute dollars among doctors — a difficult argument at a time of huge budget deficits.

***

To cope with the growing shortage, federal officials are considering several proposals. One would increase enrollment in medical schools and residency training programs. Another would encourage greater use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. A third would expand the National Health Service Corps, which deploys doctors and nurses in rural areas and poor neighborhoods.

Unreal.

Leadership.

Clinton Says U.S. Is Ready to Lead on Climate.

Well, apparently not by example: A presidential Boeing 747 and a fighter jet “flew low near ground zero in New York CityMonday because the White House Military Office wanted to update its file photo of the president’s plane near the Statue of Liberty.”