Arne- Yes, you are right. People stay healthy by taking care of themselves. The luck I was referring to was targeted more at those afflicted with genetic diseases, of which luck plays a leading role.

Whether you accept the concept of an “American Dream” or not isn’t all that relevant, to me at least. The “American Dream” isn’t all that different though than what you probably aspire to, or what many all over the world aspire to, at least at the heart of it. The “American Dream” is not always about being rich and famous. For most of us, it is about being able to lead a healthy life while offering our families the best that we can muster. I think perhaps you’ve confused the dream with the “American Attitude” which does need some serious readjustments. And I’m sure that other nations do a great job with their health care. We just need to find our way through the profit takers first.

As for being led by the nose, I doubt you’ve read many of my posts. Particularly those that deal with foreign relations.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll visit your site soon.

Windspike- I like that. At least it’s honest.

SheaNC- Welcome back. I think these things sould be available to all too. But that doesn’t necessarily mean free or unrestricted or unlimited either. I think that while access and quality should be universal, we must put back in some fashion to keep it all flowing.
And you’re right- having these things in sufficient quantity and quality only relieves that many more troubles from our ever busier lives, making us either more productive or more balanced.
See you next time.

“National Health Policy = Don’t get Sick”

Secondly, I studied Business Administration at University of California (UC), Berkeley, from August, 1965 till April, 1969, and obtained a B. Sc. and an MBA, and subsequently visited the U.S. on various extended trips throughout the states when I lived in Canada, so I am quite familiar with the U.S. and the Americans. The statements and comments found on your site reveal that most Americans, including those with a higher education, remain as indoctrinated as ever. The American Dream, plays a fundamental role in this indoctrination, but is just that, a dream, for most people, who are sucked into this indoctrination. The health care system is far better here in Spain Costa del Sol), where I have retired to, and also to your north, in Canada, where we came from.

Wake up, smell the coffee, and think, instead of being led by the nose.

I follow developments and research within health care on a regular basis, and my findings frequently find their way into my own weblog, found at http://www.xanga.com/arnejan. Have a nice weekened. Cheers!

Todd- I agree with you regarding the lawsuit issue and will be addressing that, as well as the other points you mention. I don’t think that health care should be free either, but you’ll have to catch the next few posts for the details. Hope to have you back.

Sar- Thanks. Hope you drop by again.

Windspike- The same can be said for buying meds south of the border, and they are often even cheaper than in Canada. Same medicine, same makers, just a different box.
And we should look at the importance we place on family versus profit. This is a true irony of the conservative platform, since the two often seem to be incompatible.

David- Who said anything about governmental control. You’ll have to catch the next few posts where I lay things out. At best, government is like a clearinghouse and regulator. They certainly don’t need their fingers in every piece of the pie.

Ashley- If I remember right, you weren’t too fond of my opening piece on a national retirement plan, but I think I almost turned you around at the end of the series. Maybe you’ll be surprised at my health care ideas too.
Government regulation does not have to be obstructionist. Clearly defined methods and rules don’t require massive bureaucracy.
I’m with you on preventive care also, and with our over dependence on “professional” care when it’s not needed. I think the drug companies have some of the blame, what with the way they push a cure for every ill constantly through the tv, radio, and print ads. Soem real consumer education is what is needed to help that end.
And yes, people will have to pay. Like I’ve mentioned before, the details are forthcoming in the next few essays. be sure to drop back by.

It is hard to balance compassion with self-interest. On one hand, I don’t want anyone to suffer. On the other, I don’t really want to have to pay enough out of my own pocket to ensure that no one ever suffers.

I agree that our health care system isn’t great. But, I don’t think nationalized health care is the answer.

I think the answer lies in the opposite direction. The government needs to stop over-regulating things. The FDA is holding up drugs and making them more expensive.

Also, there needs to be more emphasis on preventive medicine. My old insurance company refused all three doctors visits I had under their plan. They refused the visits because I didn’t go to the doctor for a problem I already had, but future problems I was trying to prevent.

Finally, we are already so spoiled. Most of our employers cover the costs of our health care. We go to the doctor and pay five to fifteen dollars. If we understood the true cost of health care then we would be more conscious of taking care of ourselves. Some people have catastrophic health issues, but not most people, or even a lot of people.

If you want something in place to ensure that people who get horribly sick through no fault of their own have a safety net I can get behind that. Otherwise, I think people have to take responsibility for themselves. And, I am not saying that as someone who has never faced this issue. When I was 21, I got really sick and ended up in the hospital. It took me four years to pay that bill-but it never occurred to me that it wasn’t my responsibility. I was the one who got sick and I didn’t expect someone else to foot the bill. I received a service and I paid for it as I was able to.
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God Bless America, God Save The Republic

If ever there was a time where we could steal a system that is actually working, make some tweaks in it to improve it and adopt it as our own, the one in Canada is working fairly well.

Incidentially, before folks jump all over me, do know that I have a cousin that lives in Toronto – and she had a substantial amount of time off for maternity leave – scads more than we get here in the USA, and her spouse got parental leave as well – which strikes me very much to be a prime target for the pro-life/family culture of lifers out there.

Why can’t we get on board the Canadian Policy Train?