Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl
I disagree with this argument. We have the best health care because of competition, both academic and monetary and for prestige and then throw in a matter of pride and diligence and brilliance. We have attracted the finest physicians from around this world. I cannot tell you how many lived on my street in Cincinnati.
Our systems WORKS and the expertise is extended to many people who cannot afford it, either by the teaching hospitals or by the generous grants and funds and charities established by those who ARE monetarily successful.
If you do not like to use insurance. SAVE YOUR MONEY, but don't take mine. I have never taken a thing from anyone that I didn't work for. Plus the truly kind, the real givers, the kind souls who help are usually very silent about it.
I do not feel any true caring in many posts I read here, just more of the same old "one upmanship" and big mouths.
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OK, I feel forced to give my answer, which is an opinion just like yours is, and which I respect. To generalize, I see the statements of "American Exceptionalism" coming through loud and clear. You are in good company and MANY people believe that. I believe that it is a PARTIAL truth. It was 100% TRUE starting in about 1950 and continuing until about 1974, which is MY estimate only (others have mentioned different ending dates). As a proof of that.....just one proof among many, but one easily researched......look at a graph for average US worker wages in constant dollars (that eliminates dollar inflation). it shows a consistent increase from 1950 to 1974 - then it begins to level off and stays constant until around 1990 to 2000 (exact date, not important) . This was caused by several factors - increased immigration (both types) - planned weakening of US Unions - increased salaries to CEOs and even University Heads (wonder why student debt went up?) - robotic assembly lines and basic level A.I. - and foreign wars draining US men and treasure.
The end result was intentional and it increased Corporate power and profits and drove the Global Economy while leaving behind the average US worker. Note: that did NOT happen in Germany where management and unions made peace and have bathed in the glory of high GNP and quality of life because of it! Now today A.I. and robotics have improved and soon will cause CHRONIC unemployment for around 30% of US citizens. We will live to see that!
Now on to INSURANCE......it is a subject too large. I can try quickly to scratch the surface. Why is the US the only country that links insurance to employment?......you must study post WW1 to get the background. .......Richard Nixon proposed Universal Health Care - Mitt Romney had a fully functional version in Massachusetts when he was Governor......see a pattern? The VA and medicare are National Health Care programs. In the future, the US WILL universally accept Universal Health Care! - hope that helps.