Adam, I have to say I'm with you. I don't get what the problem is either. What would be the horrible thing to tell doctors and HMOs/insurance cos. that they must now treat any and all citizens of the nation, simply because they are a citizen of that nation. Oh. Wait. I just clued in. The HMOs and insurance companies would all of a sudden have to find another way of "making a living".

Access to medical care is a human right, not just a perk for people who can afford it, especially in a country founded on the idea of equality for all. Equality doesn't mean that John Doe can get treatment because he can afford really good insurance, but Joe Schmoe can only get treatment from certain doctors and certain hospitals (even if they're 500 miles from where he lives), and Joe Public can't get treatment unless he happens upon a hospital that doesn't require specific insurance as a prerequisite to giving treatment. There's nothing equal about that.

And I have to say that he concept of "Why should I pay for someone else to get healthcare," is so completely alien to me as to be incomprehensible. Are you saying, then, that because you have a good job with good coverage your children and elders are more deserving than those of someone earning under the minimum wage at two jobs with no insurance? You need to read the book "Nickel and Dimed".

Sorry to be so opinionated on this. I just don't get that is all. A couple of years ago Parliament was bandying about the idea of a national daycare program so that all parents can have affordable daycare (including those living under the poverty line), instead of just those who have good paying jobs. A woman I know said, "Why should I pay for someone else's kid to be in daycare." There are two ways I could have answered that (but since I work with her, I didn't say either).

"Why should I pay into an education system that I will never be adding children to, so that your kid can get an education?"

"Why should I have to pay for your daughter's multiple heart surgeries? She's not my kid."

Of course, I would never say either of those things because they go against everything I believe, but I hope you get my point. The answer to both those questions is:

"Because it's the right thing to do."

It's not about richer or poorer, it's about true equality and human rights. If free education up to College/University is a human right, why is healthcare (good health being something without which you cannot live ... period) not?

Anyway, I'll shut up again. I'm sure it's none of my business.

Warm hugs,

Kat

A life lived in fear is a life half lived.
"Strictly Ballroom"