Hmm, I don't think I, in sane mind, will think of taking more of cancer to ease the pain caused by cancer - that is what I meant by "taking more of what is killing me to buy a few moments of comfort". Though, talking about economy - I might have put wrong analogy - nation might never want to quit but patient may choose to quit.
your analogy was not the best one. we are relieving the symptoms without attacking the root causes
spending a day in hospital ward full of terminal cancer patients is not for the faint hearted. it is depressing
equivalent analogy for a country is that you want the poorest of your countrymen to live dignified lives while you fix your economy