Socialized Health Care in the USA

[kandrathe]

You wanted to tactfully suggest what you've been shouting at the top of your lungs in every thread since the boards opened? By not-so-subtly implying that systems developed in America are inherently better than systems developed in Europe?

I'm not sure that really counts as "tact".

I remember being somewhat complimentary of the German system. And... I'm sorry if my libertarian passion seems boorish. I really do like many parts of European culture. I'm actually most critical of the continuing socialist slide in the US government, and as for Europe, if it works for the people, and they are happy with it, then more power to them.

Really, the biggest issue I have with the US system's erosion is on the freedom of choice. The lower 50% of workers pay little or no taxes at all, but still get an equal share of all the benefits. The upper 50% of the workers are taxed at a high rate to pay for systems whether they use them or not. Yes, the worker or pensioner, who now has a significantly lower income can go send his children to a private school, or go purchase health care outside of the system. That is, if they happen to earn enough to still cover their other life costs.

Why not socialize energy usage? Why not socialize food distribution? How about shelter? If people have an inherent right for education, or health care, then they have a right to eat, to heat their home, and to have affordable housing. If the government can provide the most efficient administration of health care, then why not these other life sustaining functions?