Apples and oranges, do they actually compare?

In this crazy busy world there are always options. Well, almost always. However, when there are options it’s a good thing. Or at least, it is usually a good thing. Take apples and oranges, for example. That is an option from the start. Apples are not the same as oranges so a choice has to be made. Even if the choice is both, a choice of which to eat first, still has to be made.

With this in mind, a comparison can actually begin. Furthermore, from the outset, the differences are plain to see. Therefore, a comparison will be fairly easy. This is if we are searching for differences. Likewise, if it’s similarities we are searching for, the basics will also stand out. For example, they are both fruits.

Apples and Oranges

They both are fruits. Therefore, they actually do have something in common. Having common ground is helpful when something makes little sense. For example, the cost of healthcare. Why does one shot of antibiotics from the ER cost as much as a military hammer? Or a military toilet seat? Are these two areas of life so closely related that they can be compared? Like apples and oranges?

In 1986 an audit of the US military began to uncover some alarming numbers. These numbers were a price list of various things the military used. For example, plastic toilet seats for military planes that cost $640 each. Or the infamous $435 hammer, also available in stores, for ten bucks. Of course this is nothing compared to the $2,043 nuts sold to the Navy. Yes that’s two grand for each one._{^{(source: Los Angeles Times, by Jack Smith 7/30/86)}}

The list went on to describe more items, common for everyday use, but incredibly expensive for the military. Of course there were many questions about how a $435 hammer for the military was better than a $10 hammer at Ace hardware. Indeed. That was definitely a good question.

Do They Actually Compare

Apples and oranges, medical and military. The comparisons are both easy and hard. Why does a two day stay in the hospital cost as much as $26,000 dollars? Or an ER visit for an abscess tooth, that runs upwards of $1500? Ultimately a prescription for antibiotics was written for the tooth. After the three hour wait.

Moreover, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are particular missiles that cost a million dollars each. Shooting those bad boys is more than just a day’s pay. It’s almost the GDP of a small country. Similarly, there are certain medications that bring about cures. However, one needs to be independently wealthy, to even have a chance at them. Insurance? Not likely to see any of those folks around when the money is due.

This is when the comparisons get more similar, but also make less sense. Once upon a time, pursuing a medical degree was about caring, and curiosity. It’s prestige was in making an effort to help someone in need. The medico of today’s world is different. Respectively.

Apples and Oranges

Apples are red and Oranges are juicy, but they are still fruit. In fact, each one has a skin. An outer layer, that needs to be peeled. In any comparison this is an important attribute. It says a lot about how the two compare. Especially when closer to the core. It’s almost as though removing the outer layer, created a transparency.

This means it’s possible to get closer to a genuine comparison. One that makes it possible to get closer to what is needed, and do away with what isn’t. Thanks for reading today.

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