It's [Not] the Economy, Stupid
The main difference between the healthcare systems in the United States and countries like Britain and Canada isn't money--we are certainly wealthy enough to provide for every citizen--rather, it's our attitude.
In Michael Moore's "Sicko," interviews with several Canadians and Brits reveal that their values are in a different place--they care about the well-being of their fellow citizens. We don't; or at least we're not willing to pay slightly higher taxes so that everyone's needs can be met.
Rather than saying "your insurance doesn't cover it," people in those nations never turn away anyone in need. They choose compassion over capitalism. The interviewees reacted with horror when Moore told them stories of patients in the US routinely being denied critical services. They had an attitude of "that would never happen here; if someone is in need, of course we're going to help."
It's not the economy. It's our values and attitudes that lie at the heart of our healthcare system. I have a feeling that a change in attitude would also help our homeless problem.
In Michael Moore's "Sicko," interviews with several Canadians and Brits reveal that their values are in a different place--they care about the well-being of their fellow citizens. We don't; or at least we're not willing to pay slightly higher taxes so that everyone's needs can be met.
Rather than saying "your insurance doesn't cover it," people in those nations never turn away anyone in need. They choose compassion over capitalism. The interviewees reacted with horror when Moore told them stories of patients in the US routinely being denied critical services. They had an attitude of "that would never happen here; if someone is in need, of course we're going to help."
It's not the economy. It's our values and attitudes that lie at the heart of our healthcare system. I have a feeling that a change in attitude would also help our homeless problem.
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