I can’t believe how phobic many Americans are to the socialization, even partial socialization, of health care.
You are bombarded with what amounts to negative propoganda by anyone who stands to lose from such socialization. (ie. Politicians, lobbyists, Drug Companies) You see, in America, Health Care is just another industry like Oil. The idea is to make the most money. To do that, you need to provide as little service as possible while taking in as much money as possible. See where I’m going here? The lobbyists and corporations seem to equate socialization to Communism or some other anti-american ideal. It basically amounts to brainwashing.
What the rest of the developed world seems to have figured out is that socialized medicine isn’t the Red Menace you make it out to be. I’m from Canada, and we have public health care. A portion of my and every other Canadian’s income tax pays for it. Those who have more income, pay more taxes. But everyone is eligable for the same care. No one can be denyed any kind of neccessary treatment. Contrary to what you are told, this includes everything from treating the common cold, to cancer. The great thing is, I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MONEY WHEN I GET SICK OR HURT! I have no idea why Americans seem to want to burden themselves with worry over whether or not they can afford health insurance, and if they do have the insurance, will that insurance cover the treatments they need??!!!? You are also told that in a public health system you don’t get to choose your doctor, and the waiting lines are so horrendous you’ll die waiting. This also isn’t true. I’ve never waited more than 1 hour in any clinic or emergency room. And I have every right to choose who my family doctor is. I went to 5 different ones and picked my favorite! ALL FOR FREE!!!
In Emanuals opening point, he talks about how America’s health Care system is “the best in the world”. I almost fell off my chair.
Although it is true that you spend the most money on health care:
http://www.photius.com/rankings/total_health_expenditure_as_pecent_of_gdp_2000_to_2005.html
That’s right. You think that public health care will cost you too much in taxes, yet under the system you have today, you pay more per captia than any other country!!!
And look it up anywhere, your life expectancy is much lower than ALL of the developed world. That’s right again! We’re talking all of Europe, and much of Asia, South America, and Oceana. (Countries that all subscribe to the hammer and sickle style of socialized health care) Canada too. We all have much higher life expectancies. Even check the CIA World Fact Book website for this info. It’s not made up.
Please let go of this American Pride thing. You know the “I work three jobs to send my kids to College, have the biggest house, the best car, and the best health insurance” idea. Your governement should be there to help you send your kids to college and pay for health care so you can actually afford the house and the car without maxing out your credit cards… maxed out credit is another American invention by the way.
Thanks for letting me vent.
God Bless America.
