Why not Universal Healthcare?

[markw]

Wow. The more I read here, the more it sounds like all Americans are scumbags. Past present and future. Not for nothing, but I live here. We're not as bad as we're being painted in this thread.

Only if you listen to the Canadians and Aussies. There's that classic delusion of moral superiority they suffer from.

Now, this does not apply to all. Most canadians and aussies who post here are cool, but that descriptiion certainly applies to a few posters, and those to whom I'm addressing.

Of course, when you consider that both Canada and Australia have a population roughly that of Texas, and a GDP to match, they don't really have to deal in the sheer numbers that the US has to deal with. Both countries comprise what is only one American state! So, to begin with, this country has to deal with numbers of such magnitude that your government's simply could not comprehend.

Likewise, they aren't the ones the world comes crying to when problems arise. Think Marshall plan to begin with. Serbia-Herzegovina, anyone? Who was Johnny-on-the-spot when the tsunamis hit, even though the locals fired upon us? I can go on.

Hey, you could take on Africa if you're really feeling froggy. As it stands it's mostly Pakistanis and Indians doing it now as UN peacekeepers. Don't you think you could do a better job?

Not to mention that neither has a real stand-alone military. They are great as helpers, but as a stand-alone unit, they don't make it. Canada has been dependent on us for so many years that they forget that. How many big icebreakers do they have? How many subs? Remember, the northern ice is melting and the Russians are sniffing around up there contemplaing the "new" internatonal waters that just happen to contain oil that Canada now, or at least used to, claim
.
Dunno about Australia, but I can't think of them taking the forefront in anything, aside from dropping another shrimp on the barbie.

And, yes, we do appreciate them being there in times of conflict but, in reality, while we might be the policemen of the world, I guess that makes them the meter maids of the world.

As for industries, I do believe neither has any "real" large industries of their own. How many drugs have they developed, tested and manufactured in a Canadian or Aussie initiated concerns? I do believe that GM, Ford and Chrysler are American companies, no? Is Toyota a Canadian car?

Face it, you've both got bucolic lives but you tend to forget that it's the big countries that allowed that by investing their money and plants in there and providing the protection that you seem take for granted.

So, kiddies, run along and play nicely Mommy and daddy have adult matters to deal with about which you have no concept.

[ForeverAutumn]

Only if you listen to the Canadians and Aussies. There's that classic delusion of moral superiority they suffer from.

Now, this does not apply to all. Most canadians and aussies who post here are cool, but that descriptiion certainly applies to a few posters, and those to whom I'm addressing.

Well considering there are only three Canadians and one Aussie posting here, would you care to get more specific? Obviously my previous comments to you had no effect and so I'm not going to waste my time responding to the rest of your post. But let's just say that you, personally, aren't doing anything to help disprove GM's concerns.

GM, I don't think that American's are scumbags. And I don't think that this thread makes it seem that way either. I think that this is a huge issue for any country, especially one with the population of the U.S. and I've found reading the different viewpoints here, quite fascinating and educating.

I do believe that GM, Ford and Chrysler are American companies, no?

Are you sure that's something that you want to be bragging about right now? Yeah, they're US companies...and you can keep 'em. Wanna buy my share of the bailout? I'll gladly sell it to you.

[markw]

There are other canadians on this forum. They just chose to not take sides in this fiasco, and those i salute.

It's a common thing on forums for canadians and aussies to try, for whatever reasons, to dig on America, the big guy that is pretty much responsible for their standard of living. And, every so often, a little restatement of the way things are is needed.

Again, there's no need to take it personally unless you threw in with those that are guilty of what I claimed.

Was what I said as far as facts inaccurate?

[ForeverAutumn]

There are other canadians on this forum. They just chose to not take sides in this fiasco, and those i salute.

It's a common thing on forums for canadians and aussies to try, for whatever reasons, to dig on America, the big guy that is pretty much responsible for their standard of living. And, every so often, a little restatement of the way things are is needed.

Again, there's no need to take it personally unless you threw in with those that are guilty of what I claimed.

Was what I said as far as facts inaccurate?

[sarcasm detector on] Yes, all bow down to the great United States of America. Leaders of the free world. Do gooders of all and wrongful doers of none. [positive hit. sarcasm detector off]

Do you have any idea at all (or care) how ignorant you sound?

[markw]

[sarcasm detector on] Yes, all bow down to the great United States of America. Leaders of the free world. Do gooders of all and wrongful doers of none. [positive hit. sarcasm detector off]

Do you have any idea at all (or care) how ignorant you sound?

Nowhere have I ever said we're perfect, but sometimes the little countries don't realize just how much of the world depends on this big old lumbering country and how much of a responsibility it is.

I think we would be glad to see someone else step up to the plate but so far, no takers. Hello... EU, are you listening?

The more one does, the greater the odds that someone won't like it or mistakes will be mad. Then again, when one does nothing, they can do no wrong, and casting stones is fun and easy.

[GMichael]

GM, I don't think that American's are scumbags. And I don't think that this thread makes it seem that way either. I think that this is a huge issue for any country, especially one with the population of the U.S. and I've found reading the different viewpoints here, quite fascinating and educating.
.

Good, I'm glad that you don't think of us as scumbags. (I like you too) This thread however, has traveled down the anti-American road more than a few times. Huge issues like this need to be explored without that sentiment to be useful. Much of what has been said has been "quite fascinating and educating" (if you don't mind me quoting you), but some of it has just been kicking dirt.
To be fair, I have seen a few anti-non-American comments as well (not from me) and I apologize for those.
I usually stay away from these debates. The fact that I joined in this time should say something.

[ForeverAutumn]

Good, I'm glad that you don't think of us as scumbags. (I like you too) This thread however, has traveled down the anti-American road more than a few times. Huge issues like this need to be explored without that sentiment to be useful. Much of what has been said has been "quite fascinating and educating" (if you don't mind me quoting you), but some of it has just been kicking dirt.
To be fair, I have seen a few anti-non-American comments as well (not from me) and I apologize for those.
I usually stay away from these debates. The fact that I joined in this time should say something.

I always look at the source of the comments and judge them accordingly. In fact, some people's posts I just skip because I know by now that they often aren't worth reading (markw is treading that line right now). But it really gets my goat when the person or people who seem the most offended respond with similar ignorance.

That's the last I'll say on this issue. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...