Your very interesting entry deserves more than this tiny comment, but I can remember being filled with adolescent disbelief at around 13 or 14 when I learned that, not only did the US not have the dole as we have it here (heard of the Australian Government artist's scholarship?), but that it also lacks universal health care.
The NHS, Medicare etc have their faults, but I think I'd rather those to the alternative every time. People get medicine. And as you say, even if Micheal Moore does dramaticise the things he reports on, he still paints a chilling picture.
Good to see you. Feel free to drop by any time *g*
My excuse for not replying: My email alerts seem to have died - even if I track the entry. Bizarre.
I had the same reaction - and at around the same age as I recall - and it is odd that the nation that prides itself at being the world leader in democracy, industrialisation, culture, productivity, white bread, baseball etc. is the only western country that does not guarantee its citizens universal health care (dental care is a another matter, but people rarely die directly from a tooth ache).
The Australian Government artist's scholarship? I suppose that's a clever euphemism. And a hilarious one. Heh.
You're missing out on missing out. I have to remember where I commented and when, otherwise I miss replies. It takes forever. I like LJ. It's a much better format than GreatestJournal, to name one, but the lack of alerts is a problem
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It's hopefully starting to improve state-side, even though right now it's all just talk. MM's movie has helped fuel the need for discussion and implementation of a long-too-needed plan in the US. We also have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, including a candidate whose platform had a very simple outline of how to change this (Steve Kagen MD, D-Wisc). Our Senate, has more than 50% Democrats. Now, it's just the executive branch many of us are fighting to change, and the Democratic presidential candidates are all discussing healthcare.
Another thing that isn't said in Sicko or by anyone for that matter is the fact that there is a framework for a federally funded health care system already in place in the US via the US Postal Service, school systems, and any other government agency. An employee of any government agency who works at least a certain percentage has employer-sponsored health insurance. How hard would it be to city-by-city place persons on these plans? It's already there so why
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Thank you for your comment. I'm always interesting in hearing what Americans think on the subject. I have a truly hard time reconciling the image of the warm, kind, caring Americans I know and the voters who allow HMOs to continue wielding such destructive power without raising their voices to a scream of fury. Statistically, they must be the same people.
And just out of curiosity: How on earth did you find this entry?
It's arizonamyrie from HHoW. I clicked on your "www" over there one day (boredom and tired of modding for that particular moment). And I just started reading, then saw this entry.
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The NHS, Medicare etc have their faults, but I think I'd rather those to the alternative every time. People get medicine. And as you say, even if Micheal Moore does dramaticise the things he reports on, he still paints a chilling picture.
Hi! AE here. Just dropping by.
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Good to see you. Feel free to drop by any time *g*
My excuse for not replying: My email alerts seem to have died - even if I track the entry. Bizarre.
I had the same reaction - and at around the same age as I recall - and it is odd that the nation that prides itself at being the world leader in democracy, industrialisation, culture, productivity, white bread, baseball etc. is the only western country that does not guarantee its citizens universal health care (dental care is a another matter, but people rarely die directly from a tooth ache).
The Australian Government artist's scholarship? I suppose that's a clever euphemism. And a hilarious one. Heh.
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It's hopefully starting to improve state-side, even though right now it's all just talk. MM's movie has helped fuel the need for discussion and implementation of a long-too-needed plan in the US. We also have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, including a candidate whose platform had a very simple outline of how to change this (Steve Kagen MD, D-Wisc). Our Senate, has more than 50% Democrats. Now, it's just the executive branch many of us are fighting to change, and the Democratic presidential candidates are all discussing healthcare.
Another thing that isn't said in Sicko or by anyone for that matter is the fact that there is a framework for a federally funded health care system already in place in the US via the US Postal Service, school systems, and any other government agency. An employee of any government agency who works at least a certain percentage has employer-sponsored health insurance. How hard would it be to city-by-city place persons on these plans? It's already there so why ( ... )
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And just out of curiosity: How on earth did you find this entry?
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...sorry. I shall contain myself in future.
I had no idea you're on LJ *runs off to friend*
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