OneAndOneIs2 - Latest comments on Healthy debate

Timmy Macdonald [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

Timmy Macdonald [Visitor] — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 23:32:39 +0000

I used to live in Honduras, and there were many middle-class people there who would fly to the US for surgery/advanced care. One example is my former (and one-legged) violin teacher who went to Florida for a prosthetic and physical therapy.

Speaking about horror stories, I've heard a number about the NHS--both of the quality of care, and also that people with serious maladies can wait several months. And my cousins, who moved to Scotland two years ago from the US, have gotten completely fed up with the NHS and are now paying through the nose for private care.

I think what the other side of the ocean has is always worse.

putnam120 [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

putnam120 [Visitor] — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:27:25 +0000

I've also heard that argument, but am still trying to see how they came to the conclusion. As for the "American way" people use that to justify failing systems all the time. Just take a look at the education system (which clearly needs a overhaul). But any change and it will no longer be "the America you and your parents grew up in". Wonder if they ever stop to think that it might be a BETTER America.

Right now, I've stopped following the health care stories. Think I'll pick back up again when Congress reconvenes.

oneandoneis2 [Member] in response to: Healthy debate

oneandoneis2 [Member] — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:10:49 +0000

@Alison: The *if* you can pay for it part, I think, sums up a lot of the problems that people have with the current system...

@KK: You noticed that as well, huh? The "We do it this way, so this MUST be the best way, because it's the AMERICAN way, dammit!!" :o)

@Putnam: Oddly enough, I've also heard a lot of complaints that the government is spending too MUCH on research..

putnam120 [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

putnam120 [Visitor] — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:36:46 +0000

I live in the US and must admit that there are many things I like and dislike about the system. Personally I am all for the public option.
At the above comment, I too feel that there is great potential. What is stopping it in some ways are the politicians. They are not very willing to give money to programs/project that will research new areas. Then when anything new is discovered they are quick to put restrictions on who it available for and under what conditions.

Krazy Kitty [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

Krazy Kitty [Visitor] — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:33:58 +0000

Not only does everybody have horror stories about people going bankrupt over their health bills, but by every measure out there (including for instance life expectancy and number of avoidable deaths), the US is one of the worse developed countries. They do, however, have a fantastic potential for giving good healthcare, what with excellent surgeons and research programs and the such... But the thing is, many people are completely blind about it. (Part of it is probably that it is very much ingrained in American minds that their country is the best at everything.)

This example sums it all: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/08/dont_need_to_be_a_rocket_scientist.php

titanium_geek [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

titanium_geek [Visitor] — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:37:09 +0000

I just wanted to add to my comment that I'm very much pro public health care, but the above are reasons why paid ("private") health care works.

I reckon the paid/public system in Australia works ok- if you're low income you'll still be alright health wise.

titanium_geek [Visitor] in response to: Healthy debate

titanium_geek [Visitor] — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:29:57 +0000

If you can pay for it, health care in the USA for complicated scary things is actually pretty advanced, even if it is expensive.

Sure, if you're poor, it isn't pleasant. But if you're dead, what's the point of having cash?

With public health you have waiting lists- if you can afford to get the health care you need quicker, might you go somewhere like the USA to get it?

Because people are willing to pay for health care in the USA perhaps there is more money poured into research.