my connection with the tea party

[Jester]

How is this scheme any different from the government just hiring doctors straight out of med school?

Not much. Except, that our culture wouldn't look at it that way. Joining the army, or peace corps to pay off college loans is not seen as socialism, but rather a patriotic civic duty. Go figure. But, probably since it is temporary sacrifice where the person is contributing toward the betterment of society. The daughter of one of my cousins went to the Air Force academy, then medical school through the service, served her residency at a VA hospital and is now in medical practice with zero debt.

It's the same thing, without the military part.

Okay. So it's socialized medicine, re-branded as something more palatable to Americans?

Fine by me.

-Jester