On the front page of the November 8th edition of my local newspaper are two huge headlines, one on top of the other:

House Passes Health Bill

Thousands Swarm Clinic

I thought this was an interesting juxtaposition. I doubt the editors noticed it.

My wife has managed to get a swine flu shot. Even in the hospitals, you have to belong to certain groups to get the few shots available. I think they cut her some slack due to her condition. At that, she lucked out: We were at Stanford Hospital for a pre-op appointment, and they hadn't gotten any shots in at all even for critical medical personnel. Nobody else in my family has gotten one. My kids are eligible, but haven't found one (to be fair, I don't know how hard they're looking).

I can't stand in line at the clinics. I'm not in the right risk group. So I'm on my own for now, hoping for the best. I got the regular flu shot long ago, when Walgreens was selling them. You can't find them anymore either.

Three months ago we were told there would be plenty for everyone.

We are wallowing - right now - in a spectacular example of government medical rationing. Certain groups get the care. The rest are on their own. This is accompanied by failed expectations, undelivered product, and endless political double-talk.