Quote Originally Posted by 3LB
it was inevitable, given Canada's proximity to the US and status as 'developed nation with large land area and population' who also has national healthcare. If Canada's healthcare is the success story you say it is, then a comparison is all the more warranted.

I can't make an assessment of how Canadian gov't is percieved within its own borders regarding its own tax revenue, but we here in the US have every reason to believe that our own gov't could screw up anything, no matter how noble and/or basic it seems. I personally do not like the notion that healthcare is considered a fundimental birthright rather than the financial sacrifice that it seems it going to be...on someone's behalf. Of course, it ain't like we haven't spent the same amount money elsewhere on other uhh, stuff. Just to pile on, our national security is provided by a publically funded gov't entity, and lord knows how efficiently they spend money
I understand that. And I don't blame you for your suspicion about having the gov't run your health care. But having been raised with public healthcare, I just can't imagine not having it. As I said, our system is not perfect. There can be long waits for treatment sometimes if your need is not critical. Critical needs are always taken care of quickly. But if I was told that I had to wait for a test to confirm an illness, I'd be in Buffalo the next day...for sure. So, is it really that much different than the US system in that respect? Those who can afford it get better treatment...they just don't get it here. I'm not disagreeing with you in that respect. Its the day to day and emergency treatment that I was referring to.

If it makes you feel any better, I've been told by the elders that we had the same resistance here when universal health care was first introduced in the 50s and 60s.

Personally, I think that there can be a happy medium between the two systems. But for now I'll sit back and let you all fight it out in your own country.