Censored because I'm Canadian?

[Skippy]

CNN= Commie News Network
It is basically a propoganda machine for the U.S., although not many would ever admit to it.
As far as being the World Leader in News, it is anything but.

[Lynn49]

The republican news media doesn't want their citizens to know how much better health care is in every other developed country compared to theirs! They use the words "socialist medical system" and OMG!!! That's commie, right?!! Scares the heck out of the masses. Those masses however, DO pay for the Iraquis to have free medical care!! Now isn't THAT a hoot!!!?

[TaraF]

The problem as to why alot of Americans don't want it to pass is because they are being fed lies on how it will operate and they are selfish. Sorry, but they are. My Husband as an American has said many times, "I come from a country of me, that's it. I don't care about the next person as long as I am comfortable". When I was on that thread lastnight I read so many comments about how "MY" taxes would go up, and how does that benefit "ME"? To which I replied that it is an attitude I can't rap my mind around. I further said that I'm not that selfish as a human being and if a bit higher tax allows not only myself and family to healthcare but others as well, than I'm all for it.

It's unfortunate but it's true. Americans can't see past their own noses. Unfortunately, that's a really bad mix for a big explosion somewhere down the line in their country.

Are our taxes high? Yes. Does our Healthcare lack in some areas? Of course, nothing is perfect. However we HAVE healthcare. We have the ability to question, complain and try to improve our Healthcare because we have access to it. We are alot better off than most Americans in that sense. But as long as the majority have the attitude that "I am the only one that matters", it won't work in the US. It's sad, but it's true.

[TaraF]

The republican news media doesn't want their citizens to know how much better health care is in every other developed country compared to theirs! They use the words "socialist medical system" and OMG!!! That's commie, right?!! Scares the heck out of the masses. Those masses however, DO pay for the Iraquis to have free medical care!! Now isn't THAT a hoot!!!?

Exactly. Although the irony is, the United States is very Socialist. Their media is Government run. Their Government feels that they are "The best" and "The tops" that they ignore the United Nations and enter illegal wars, yet would call for a boycott of another country who dare attempted that exact scenario. More than likley even joining the opposing forces against said country. They believe they have freedom but do they really? Roe Vs Wade has legalized abortions, with stipulations. Each state can determine whether they offer the services there, even based on religious ideals in that state. If they decide not to offer it and you want it you need to find a state that will do it for you. That's their loophole, "It's legal, but search far and wide to get it. We aren't telling you that you can't do it, you just can't do it here." Some states won't even allow you access to condoms and birth control.

But yes, the "land of the free". It seems as long as they are allowed to freely carry guns, they consider themselves Free.

[Skippy]

The republican news media doesn't want their citizens to know how much better health care is in every other developed country compared to theirs! They use the words "socialist medical system" and OMG!!! That's commie, right?!! Scares the heck out of the masses. Those masses however, DO pay for the Iraquis to have free medical care!! Now isn't THAT a hoot!!!?

Apparently the enemy also gets free medical care so they can then be tried and shot.

[Lynn49]

Absolutely true....I was like......when the good 'ol boys passed the Patriot Act and expected riots in the streets, but noooo...if it didn't affect THEM personally, then it was just peachy keen if someone else landed in jail "just because", and disappeared or was shot trying to escape. Our scientists world-wide are all dying prematurely, but who really cares?

We travel to the US quite a bit and I do enjoy the people...but they're being fed lies and propaganda and frankly...although many of them realize that, they STILL won't hit the streets!

I really can't understand it.....

Exactly. Although the irony is, the United States is very Socialist. Their media is Government run. Their Government feels that they are "The best" and "The tops" that they ignore the United Nations and enter illegal wars, yet would call for a boycott of another country who dare attempted that exact scenario. More than likley even joining the opposing forces against said country. They believe they have freedom but do they really? Roe Vs Wade has legalized abortions, with stipulations. Each state can determine whether they offer the services there, even based on religious ideals in that state. If they decide not to offer it and you want it you need to find a state that will do it for you. That's their loophole, "It's legal, but search far and wide to get it. We aren't telling you that you can't do it, you just can't do it here." Some states won't even allow you access to condoms and birth control.

But yes, the "land of the free". It seems as long as they are allowed to freely carry guns, they consider themselves Free.

[TaraF]

Absolutely true....I was like......when the good 'ol boys passed the Patriot Act and expected riots in the streets, but noooo...if it didn't affect THEM personally, then it was just peachy keen if someone else landed in jail "just because", and disappeared or was shot trying to escape. Our scientists world-wide are all dying prematurely, but who really cares?

We travel to the US quite a bit and I do enjoy the people...but they're being fed lies and propaganda and frankly...although many of them realize that, they STILL won't hit the streets!

I really can't understand it.....

Some realize it, some don't. But you are right, if it isn't effecting them personally, they just shrug it off. I'm sure if the polls on Healthcare reformed were done in a way where ONLY those without insurance and ONLY those with insurance were polled, you probably wouldn't be shocked. The majority of those without insurance polled would likely be FOR healthcare reform and the majority of those with insurance polled would likely be against it. At the end of the day it's just sad. Sad that a place like America that is so far advanced on so many levels, can't and won't make Healthcare available to everyone. I just don't get it.

Apparently the enemy also gets free medical care so they can then be tried and shot.

It's ironic and sad all at the same time. They give them this Free Medical Care which is on the tax payers dime because even the "enemy" deserves Human Basic Rights, yet what about American Citizens???

[Skippy]

The problem as to why alot of Americans don't want it to pass is because they are being fed lies on how it will operate and they are selfish. Sorry, but they are. My Husband as an American has said many times, "I come from a country of me, that's it. I don't care about the next person as long as I am comfortable". When I was on that thread lastnight I read so many comments about how "MY" taxes would go up, and how does that benefit "ME"? To which I replied that it is an attitude I can't rap my mind around. I further said that I'm not that selfish as a human being and if a bit higher tax allows not only myself and family to healthcare but others as well, than I'm all for it.

It's unfortunate but it's true. Americans can't see past their own noses. Unfortunately, that's a really bad mix for a big explosion somewhere down the line in their country.

Are our taxes high? Yes. Does our Healthcare lack in some areas? Of course, nothing is perfect. However we HAVE healthcare. We have the ability to question, complain and try to improve our Healthcare because we have access to it. We are alot better off than most Americans in that sense. But as long as the majority have the attitude that "I am the only one that matters", it won't work in the US. It's sad, but it's true.

Apart from everyone being covered, what is the difference between insurance companies or the government deciding who gets what?

[TaraF]

Apart from everyone being covered, what is the difference between insurance companies or the government deciding who gets what?

Well the bottom line (at least in my opinion) is that taxes will always be there. The Government will always be taking their cut and we can't stop that. You can either have your Healthcare taken care of with your taxes and not need to worry about it or you can plan to save for your private insurance.

The problem with this is that unfortunately with the expenses of everything (especially nowadays) it's incredibly hard for people to save money for reasons other than keeping a roof over their head. If you went to paid private insurance, you would get alot of people who are either going to forgo food on the table in order to pay their insurance or forgo insurance keeping the faith that nothing will happen.

Aside from that, while we do have a tax of about 5% higher than most states in the US (at least here in Ontario) if you really calculate what 5% adds up to over the course of a year, and then add up what it would cost you out of pocket over the course of the year to take yourself and your family to the Drs for your checkups, or even 1 emergency room visit a year, you are coming ahead financially be having your taxes pay for your healthcare.

The sad reality is if you or anyone in your family were to get into an accident, the cost of care can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time you get done. And in a situation like that, is it really fair to a family to ponder over what level of care they can afford for their family? You shouldn't have to make that choice simply because you work a minimum wage job to keep your head afloat.

Everyone should be entitled to basic healthcare, and if that means overall we payer a higher tax I really don't see that as a problem. Even those that are fortunate enough right now to be able to pay for private healthcare may be in a situation one day where that isn't possible and they should be able to have access to healthcare as well, even though the largest opposers of Health Care reform in the US are those in higher tax brackets.

[Skippy]

Thanks for the informative input.
We'll see if Obama gets the necessary votes.
He gave a speech somewhere and is quoted as saying: "you've got to stand with me just like you did three years ago"
If I'm not mistaken, many have had second thoughts on that too!

[khipson]

Well the bottom line (at least in my opinion) is that taxes will always be there. The Government will always be taking their cut and we can't stop that. You can either have your Healthcare taken care of with your taxes and not need to worry about it or you can plan to save for your private insurance.

Declining to comment on most of this thread... except to say that the thought of CNN being influenced at ALL by the conservatives really did make me laugh out loud. Sorry.

I keep rather obsessively-details records of spending. In 2009, I paid out over $1400 in sales tax. So far this year I have spent over $400 in sales tax. That isn't counting the provincial income tax, federal income tax, tax-on-tax...

You know, for a few hundred dollars a month, I could have a pretty good health insurance plan in place. I would be much happier to see a tax cut and be able to pay for my own private health insurance. But for those who were unable to pay for insurance, then a government-run program like what we have now would work fine, if all of the people who could afford their own insurance were removed from the queue waiting for those services. As it is, we're stuck with the government coverage, because with taxes this high, there is no room in our budget for additional coverage to pay for the numerous things that the government does NOT pay for. Although for those who can afford it, they can pay to jump to the head of the line by going to another province or to the US for surgeries that have a long wait list.

(Opinions like that get some people's ire up - my apologies if you are among those. Not really looking to start an argument.)

[Skippy]

Skippy apologies for his commentary, and signs off this thread.

[TaraF]

Declining to comment on most of this thread... except to say that the thought of CNN being influenced at ALL by the conservatives really did make me laugh out loud. Sorry.

I keep rather obsessively-details records of spending. In 2009, I paid out over $1400 in sales tax. So far this year I have spent over $400 in sales tax. That isn't counting the provincial income tax, federal income tax, tax-on-tax...

You know, for a few hundred dollars a month, I could have a pretty good health insurance plan in place. I would be much happier to see a tax cut and be able to pay for my own private health insurance. But for those who were unable to pay for insurance, then a government-run program like what we have now would work fine, if all of the people who could afford their own insurance were removed from the queue waiting for those services. As it is, we're stuck with the government coverage, because with taxes this high, there is no room in our budget for additional coverage to pay for the numerous things that the government does NOT pay for. Although for those who can afford it, they can pay to jump to the head of the line by going to another province or to the US for surgeries that have a long wait list.

(Opinions like that get some people's ire up - my apologies if you are among those. Not really looking to start an argument.)

Why would your opinion get me upset? I'm totally not like that and appreciate differing opinions

Just wanted to make mention of a few things however. Taking the $400 you've spent on taxes this year already, over the course of 1 year you'd spend approximately $1600 on taxes. That would be approximately $130/month spent on taxes. Granted you could purchase insurance for that amount each month, but what would it entail. And this is of course on the assumption that all of your taxes go to Healthcare, which they don't.

Taxes also go to fund road repairs, and to pay the salaries of teachers, politicians, police, fire and even Military Personnel. If taxes were reduced to cut out just the Healthcare aspect of it, you'd more than likely still end up with a 2 digit sales tax percentage and still have to pay for Private Insurance ontop of that. I don't know too many people that are fortunate enough to be able to do that, but am happy for those that would be.

I'd also hate to see your family come into hard times and not be able to afford insurance either. It happens, that's life. It's one of many reasons I am for Universal Health care.

That however is just my opinion and only my thoughts