Comments on: My Simple Views on Health Care Reform Debate

By: chris

chris — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:11:41 +0000

I have zero interest in having government run health care. I believe in small government. Less intrusion. I believe in free markets despite all its problems. I believe that the government should protect the consumer. Not provide for their needs. I have zero faith that government can run anything efficiently. All the other entitlements are going broke. Politics keeps them from being fixed. I do not want health care to be further dictated by politics, now or in the future. If I wanted to live in a European style government I would move to Europe. I live in a country that declared its independence from European government. Why the hell would I want to see my country go back to that? This country seems to have lost its confidence that it can solve its own problems. Now we are looking to the Europeans for guidance? No thanks.

By: Ralph Woodgate

Ralph Woodgate — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:38:59 +0000

I lived in the UK and Canada,and came to the USA over 40 years ago. I have friends in all countries that keep in touch. Although some folk in the UK and Canada complain about their healthcare I have never heard of any desire to change their systems. Recently in the UK a friend was diagnosed with cancer and was immediately taken to the hospital and first class treatment. Another friend with a painful knee had to wait about two months for treatment. However all the citizens have the comfort of knowing they will get first class treatment no matter what the cost and their ability to pay. It is all free. Why do we not review the various systems that seem to work very well in Europe. What is so terrible about giving the government control of this service????

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:06:29 +0000

Lipskip: Some of what you say is true, but I must take issue with your linkage of health care and litigation. There is no such thing as “lawsuit abuse” in this country. It is a term made-up by the insurance industry and the United States Chamber of Commerce to prevent serious recoveries for serious consequences. I have never seen a single piece of “tort reform” legislation that featured punishment for bringing a “junk” lawsuit. Every piece of “tort reform” legislation seeks to cap recoveries or limit rights to sue in serious lawsuits. Do your homework. Health care reform is a worthy endeavor; it does not need tort reform to succeed. You say: “Ask anyone what they want improved with health care and they will say tort reform” I say baloney! The “tort reform” battle is being waged between big-business/insurance and lawyers/victims. The average American has never been involved with the legal system and is not informed on this issue. Only big business and big insurance connect health care to tort reform; the insurance companies control that debate because they have the largest lobby in America (well, maybe the pharmaceutical companies have them beat, but they are in bed together on these issues). They are pocketbook issues and big insurance is laughing at people who are willing to sacrifice their civil rights in response to their rhetoric. Please “Google” the name ‘Richard Flagg’ and read his testimony before 108 Congress 69-72 on February 11, 2003. Maybe it will change your perspective. Regards, Mark