For the longest time, it has bothered me that people sell their blood, rather than donating it pro bono publico. This morning as I was shaving, a thought occurred to me I had never thought before:
Recipients of blood transfusions benefit greatly from them, sure. They also pay for them, along with the rest of the stuff required for their medical care, and probably they pay a good deal more than the price paid to the blood 'donor.' If it came right down to a choice between bleeding out and paying $150 or whatever, even a tightwad like yours truly is likely to fork up the money for a transfusion.
Blood is not a zero-sum game. What's more, it's an infinitely renewable resource. You are forever (assuming good health) making more blood. Why not give up some of it?
I had always thought it strange, that people are prohibited from selling (say) a kidney, but selling blood always got to me. I think, not anymore. I think I'll start "donating" blood again, even if I do have to get paid for it.
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