Socialized medi-care does NOT denote Communism

How would you feel if you went into the hospital to have a baby?
How would you feel if you went into the hospital to have a transplant?
How would you feel if you went into the hospital for Cancer treatments?

I don't know what your 'exact' thoughts would be when these happen, but I'm willing to bet, that Americans would probably cringe at the after-math -BILLS.

Now...

Let's wipe that terrible thought from our minds - Bills.

I wan't to introduce you to a man...that has made Canadian medical/economical/political history.

One man.

Made a difference.

TOMMY DOUGLAS

Douglas introduced numerous bills that were mindful of the lower end of society; in 1959 he brought in Canada's first provincial hospitalization and medicare plan.
In 1961,the CCF party transformed itself into the national New Democratic Party with Douglas as its leader.
He lost in the 1962 national election but was successful in gaining a vacated seat in British Columbia.
Canada passed the Medical Care Act in 1966; the work Douglas did in Saskatchewan proved such a plan was feasible.
Tommy Douglas was a dynamic leader for the socialist movement across Canada; for that, many Canadians are grateful for this important contribution.

SOURCE

Preacher - turned Medical and Political Advocate

"In was in those days I made up my mind that if ever I had the power I would, if it were humanly possible, see that the financial barrier between those who needed health services and those who gave health services was forever removed."

It is a well-known fact that there are certain countries around the world, that are taxed heavilly.

Canada is NO exception.

I can rely on the fact, that my taxes contribute to a far-better medical system; rather than having any monies contributed to military resources.

Given the options, I would prefer this route.

Knowing that my taxes are put forward, so that ALL may benefit, so that ALL have the SAME quality care. Rich and poor.

From my understanding, ALL Americans, have to PAY for their hospital visits/operations/etc. Woe to those who don't have 'Insurance' or those who have been rejected by insurance companies. Then...where does that leave you?

What I'm proposing Isn't a Pipe-dream, it's a matter of Social Priorities.

It's a matter of 'funding allocations.'

It's a matter of voting for/against those in office.

It's a matter of 'choice'.

I watched the movie: Sicko by Michael Moore (controversial fellow), and was sickened ,myself, to see the (inadequate medical treatment) of former 911 workers. It wasn't until Mr. Moore hired 3 boats, and brought these workers to Cuba. These workers received 'top notch' care; which otherwise wasn't permitted under American medical insurance 'juristictions', and 'normal health-care'?

You have to see this movie! Unfreaking believable.

Is it any wonder that some Americans come across the border, up into Canada on the Q.T.?

What does that say about the medical health system in America.

~Ducky~

While this has been talked about quite alot here at ATS each systems has its pros and cons.

In the Canadian system and many like it, there are caps on procedures and treatments etc. A top pediatric cardiac surgeon that I worked with left Sick Childrens Hospital in Toronto because they would linit the number of surgeries you could do.

If the quota for say a bypass operation is reached you will be treated medically and have to wait for the next open slot (It can take a while in many cases)

This is just one of many examples of the cons of such a system.

Each system has its pors and cons. The Canadian system is like every other one, a series of compromises that seem liveable untill you are that one that has to wait for an oepration etc.

I agree that there should be no one in the US that is uninsured, but I disagree that we shoud rush to adopt a system like Canadas or any other country with universal healthcare.

Here's the latest low-down.

The United States has shelled out well over half a trillion dollars on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and running costs have hit 12 billion dollars a month, according to an independent report.

SOURCE - "BILLIONS spent on US wars

12 Billion a month?

I'm floored.

~Ducky~

reply to post by FredT


I'm Canadian.

I've never been turned down for ANY medical treatment, and received the best quality services in a timely fashion.

The same can best be said for my son. He needed Chemotherapy.

I won't go into a long speach about Chemo, but to say that anyone who elects for this, will most certainly have a 'comprimised immune system'.

In other words, 'one would be more suseptible to colds and the like.

'Being in the Canadian medicare', never meant that I had to pay thousands of dollars for extra anything. Even the product known as G.C.S.F. (administered via 'butter-fly line'; 'at-home precedures by myself - monitored with persmission of hospital staff) and cost close to $1,500 dollars.

This was 'covered', due to our health care system.

~Ducky~

I know that Americans HATE taxes.

Tell me ONE SINGLE PERSON that loves taxes.

Did you know that in France....

The government is 'afraid' of its people; not the OTHER WAY AROUND!

Go ahead...check it out?!??!? I'm putting my money where in my mouth.

What happened to the first few lines of the American Constitution?

WE THE PEOPLE...

...in order to form a more perfect union...

What the hell happened?

People are encouraged to vote, people are 'chastised' for NOT voting.

Wouldn't YOU want to allocate your monies, where you want/think it deserves merit?

Canada is a younger cousin to our American family down south of the border.

We look around the world to see what works/doesn't work.
We only have (close to) 40,000,000 million people here. HUGE land mass for a country.

There are close to 300,000,000 million people in America.

Canada has a 'military division' - if you want to call it that.

I've noticed that Americans are the 'most powerful nation' on the planet - military-wise etc.

Your taxes are put towards, what I call, 'maintaining a balance of power' throughout the world. I understand to 'some degrees' why the U.S. NEEDS to protect everyone, and assist those in need of protection.

Where's the CHARITY in that? Doesn't charity begin at home?
Where's the 'MEDICAL protection'?

I'm not waving around my own snot-nosed crooked finger for nothing.

I ask for 'what purpose'? I ask WHY hasn't the American Medical health association been reformed sooner.

It's not rocket science.

~Ducky~

Just out of curiosity?

Are any Candidates of the this next U.S. ELECTION leaning towards a 'Socialized Health Care System'?

If not...WHY NOT?

~Ducky~

You know, if you wanted to stop using bills, you could build yourself your own house and your own electricity that gains from the sun energy and stuff, yeah.....

Sorry if I went off-topic!

reply to post by TheoOne


So...are YOU for Socialized medicare?

~Ducky~