shantra

I would second this and learning to do it more. Unfortunately I ignored one particular one the last few weeks to call my friend, you can imagine how I felt to be told she just died. After that one I am going to make it my mission in life to really listen for that uneasiness and act upon it. Whether it is not to do something or to do it, whether it is to contact that person, or not, whether I say or write something or not.

I am pre-surgery for lap band, I already know well the pitfalls and just how important it is going to be for ME to put the work in. I will keep coming back to your story to help me climb that mountain. AWESOME.

Thank you for your post pattygreen. The abortion topic I will just say that in England originally many years ago it was considered way better than backstreet abortions which women were getting anyway.. in my Grandmothers time or before I think. Interesting that they feel all private will dwindle away under a health system like this, in the UK the opposite happened, with health insurance growing for those who could afford to take advantage so that they could actually plan their surgery around their lives and take advantage of nicer surroundings. There is no force involved to use the National Health system, which is simply that, a Health system for the Nation instead of the few who can afford it. Obviously I am not qualified to comment on the workings of the American government. But I am genuinely tired of the propoganda I have seen since coming here and currently the absolute slew of scaremongering emails being bandied around. I think my message is simply, hey, this system is not the terrible thing that you are being told that it is. It truly isn't. One thing I will add is that I have a friend in the medical supply field and you would not believe the markup on the price of medical supplies that are added and passed on to the patient, it is honestly horrific. I believe those pushing for a plan know this and those who are opposed (in goverment, medical and pharmaceutical fields) are opposed because they know they will not be able to make the money they do now. Give this a chance, it really is a great thing for America.

Why is it interesting? I saw the rants and raves when I was looking through and saw the title and it is something I feel very passionate about. That is it. And if you read through you will have noticed that I am angry FOR Americans and my husband IS American and a disabled vet who fought for this country. I stand by my view because I have actually lived it.. for 44 years of my life before I came here whereas you have never experienced it so I hope to make those of you who never have and think it is so terrible just stop and 'think'. Oh and btw.. my Doctor tells me the US has the highest infant mortality rate in the Western world. What next? The words of Charles Dickens, then let them die and decrease the surplus population, seems to me that there is a lot of that here but they don't like the public to hear about it. As for being so rude and telling me to go back to Europe, I am not European, I am English, I attacked no one here at all and my husband and I don't want to divorce and he can't leave his kids.. thanks.

Frankly I don't care whether you call it socialized medicine or not. Although it does rather reek to the American people of something to be deeply feared put like that. I am English and have lived here in the USA for almost 7 years, the health system SUCKS. I was utterly appalled when I came here and found that there is a level where you can't get care here.. yes.. there really is, no, Medicare and Medicaid don't cover it all. More appalled to see a dinner benefit being held for a child with cancer to help with medical bills.. say WHAT? At that time in a child or parents life it not the time to be worrying about how to pay for treatment, it sickens me. To hear my relatives went bankrupt years and years ago when their child died of a brain tumor and they were sunk in medical bills they still haven't paid off. Beyond disgusting. Then I hear things like.. well why should I pay for people without insurance.. how selfish is that attitude? I want choice, fine, if you can pay for private healthcare as the wealthy do in the UK then do it. How on earth can America call itself a civilized country when it's own people are dying for lack of treatment or deciding whether they pay for food or medicine especially the young and the old. I am proud and happy I grew up in England... and never had to worry a minute about any of my families healthcare and none of them had to worry about bills. If Americans are really so gullible that they fall for all of the propoganda being shoved down their throats while watching endless commercials paid for in massive amounts by pharmaceutical companies raking in millions of YOUR money and Doctors with huge fat paychecks because you are paying them a ton over what you should whilst you pat yourselves on the backs because you have the greatest med system in the world don't you? Open your eyes and look deeper.. you should be DEMANDING that your Government make sure that ALL Americans get quality treatment at very low cost.. because that is how a civilized country SHOULD be. I have to be here because my American husband is here and I love him so very much and I do love America but I am so very angry for Americans every time this subject is raised and I know they are being lied to by extremists who are probably raking it in and are afraid of losing their cut if the American people rise up. Where health care is concerned.. God help America if they don't bring this so called socialized medicine in.. I can't wait.. then I can have my kids and grandkids here with me too.