You're not saying the 'Canadian system' is 'pure socialism'... but kind of socialism? Universal health care does not mean that Canada is a 'kind of socialist country'. This is a free market economy and U.S. protectionist practices when it comes to our softwood lumber industry make Canada look like the last bastion of free enterprise. The U.S. was the breeding ground for radical PC leftist thinking, which has poisoned the University systems in both countries and resulted in the institutionalization of laws which reward mediocrity on the basis of perceived victimization. Don't get me wrong, I still believe that the U.S. has been the greatest country in the world in many ways, especially in terms of technological innovation and opportunity. However, we have our own accomplishments. Our GDP is roughly 10% of yours, as is our population. Sure, we're to the left of the U.S. in some ways, maybe even generally speaking. But let's not hold Canada up as an example of anything remotely approaching a 'kind of socialist country'. And as I said, Canadian health care is moving inexorably towards a two tier system. And let's face it - making health care an arm of big business is the last thing any country needs in terms of optimizing the health and subsequent productivity of its citizens.
There are state programs that provide health care for the uninsured. In my experience I have never heard of anyone not receiving the care they need, not saying it hasn't happened. In fact the state in which I live, state insurance is in many ways better then other private insurances.
You have no idea what you talking about.I live in Sweden and I can tell you that it has one of the worst health care systems in Western Europe.Incompetent doctors imported from Poland, Bulgaria, India.Most of them can't even speak Swedish.People are waiting for years for surgeries and if you would have to visit ER for some reason, be prepared to wait at least 5-6 hours.
And as I said, Canadian health care is moving inexorably towards a two tier system. And let's face it - making health care an arm of big business is the last thing any country needs in terms of optimizing the health and subsequent productivity of its citizens. The US system has the best health care in the world, yes it is expensive and yes there are problems. But the fact remains it is World Class second to none. If you are saying the US health care is in the arms of big business perhaps this is the reason it is number 1. When has the US government gotten involved in anything and made things better?
Where the hell did I say Canada was kind of a socialist COUNTRY? We are talking about different approaches to health care systems, and I think it was obvious that I was being as general as possible. Especially, when I stated I was going to/had to view them at their extremes (you can go back for that quote and explanation). If it makes you feel better substitute any word you wish for Canada... How about Atlantis? I know nothing about your lumber issues. I hope it works out for you.
<i>You have no idea what you talking about.I live in Sweden and I can tell you that it has one of the worst health care systems in Western Europe.Incompetent doctors imported from Poland, Bulgaria, India.Most of them can't even speak Swedish.People are waiting for years for surgeries and if you would have to visit ER for some reason, be prepared to wait at least 5-6 hours.</i> I needed to see a knee specialist recently (here in the US) as I had pain in my knee. However, I was told that he was unavailable. Why? Because he was in Sweden to study a brand new type of knee operation that a Swedish doctor/hospital had come up with. So, Sweden can't be that bad. By the way, I lived in Sweden for a short time. I had no problem with their system. People didn't have to worry about not being covered and the care was more than adequate.
<i>The US system has the best health care in the world, yes it is expensive and yes there are problems. But the fact remains it is World Class second to none. If you are saying the US health care is in the arms of big business perhaps this is the reason it is number 1.</i> It is number 1 if you are covered. But, it is pretty useless if you are not covered.
The problem with the idea that ther U.S. has the best health care system in the world is this - it isn't true. Americans are famous for not being able to identify Europe on a world map. Many of them have no idea how well health care works in countries like Switzerland. Anyhow, this is like a debate about religion. 'We're # 1' is the usual cry of the American patriot, facts be damned. The fact that Americans produce the best doctors (until recently) and have the best medical schools and the most medical technogy innovation (until recently) doesn't mean big business should be in charge of health care. I'm a rabid capitalist, anti-union and I will reiterate that I believe America has been the greatest country on the planet, and could still be if they could regulate things just enough to avoid debacles like the one engendered by the insane actions of the private bankers who were allowed to fuck up the banking system. Libertarians will start foaming at this, but I am talking about a rule which says 'Do whatever you want, make as much money as you can, take advantage of idiots who can't read fine print, just don't do anything that a two-year old can see will eventually fuck things up'. I have no faith that the bankers would act any differently if put in full control of health care. If you don't believe that everyone should have access to medical treatment in a modern society, no problem. We can agree to disagree. I'm sure we have a lot of points we would agree on. The fact is this - if you don't have coverage in the U.S., you're up shit creek.
<i>There are state programs that provide health care for the uninsured. In my experience I have never heard of anyone not receiving the care they need, not saying it hasn't happened. In fact the state in which I live, state insurance is in many ways better then other private insurances.</i> This is true for some states, but not for all states. Furthermore, the rates for the states that do have coverage tend to be very high. By the way, the only way our state insurance is better than private insurance in my state is the fact that they cover people with pre-existing conditions at all. Like I said before, we should be able to do better.