Email to CNBC's Becky Quick who is filtering out questions for Warren Buffett's Q&A on May 3rd

Ms. Quick, (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

I consider things like fire departments part of our infrastructure.  Shopping around for different fire departments isn't a choice when your house is ablaze.  You want what is closest, and you want the job done professionally - and you don't expect the fire department to profit off you during your time of need!

 

So why does Mr. Buffett feel there is an exception when a person's body is on fire - it is then ok to profit off the vulnerable?  Specifically I'm thinking of kidney dialysis.  Actually a person has two choices - get dialysis or die!  That 2nd choice isn't much of a choice is it?  And much like the fire departments a person is usually locked in to what is close geographically.  It looks like a monopolistic capitalist's dream!  But over the decades, it has looked like a patient's nightmare!  So many indications are care has been compromised in pursuit of the almighty dollar, with his company DaVita in the thick of the scandals and delivering awful patient care numbers (but I'm sure investment return numbers have been just fine).  EVEN KIDS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED!!!

 

A 2nd question might be what would Mr. Buffett have against things like small care coops?  It might be nice to have management sweating a layoff for a change!

 

At 94 years old Mr. Buffett might be considering what there is in the Great Beyond?  Who knows, maybe the Ghost of Charlie Munger has been whispering to him.  It might not be too late to rectify some of the mistakes he has made.

 

Chris Schwab (background)
@breakupdavita.bsky.social (Bluesky)
@breakupdavita (on Threads, barely - no twitter acct. anymore)
DialysisEthics2

 

P.S. I'm going to be in the Omaha area May 2nd to the 4th.  I look forward to meeting more nice people - it has been surprising to find so many folks well acquainted with dialysis at these Omaha meetings!  (their friends and relatives have seen it up close and personal, R.I.P.)