Doctors Within Borders

Even Mexico has a national healthcare system - so why doesn't America? Probably because the special interests (pharmaceutical companies, big corporation hospital/medical services, etc.)have worked our Congress over to not pass National Healthcare. We as a nation are one of the few industrialized nations without national healthcare. Some nation's plans are better than others. The one outstanding thing is that no one individual has to declare bankruptcy due to medical bills in other industrialized countries. It is shameful the way that our government treats the average American. What do you get for your Federal tax money? Nothing. In other countries Centralized taxes pay for healthcare, higher education and other valuable things to the individual. In this country our Federal taxes pay for helping out the biggest money makers in the nation, giving Congressmen and their friends special project funds and wars that we don't even want. It's time for America to have a healthcare benefit for all Americans. Remember - even Mexico has a national healthcare system.

You just need to read these posts to see a microcausm of everything that is wrong with this country. Basically most of you don't give a sh*t about anyone but yourselves. I read comments like "what about alcoholism, drug abuse" SO WHAT!! Alcoholics and drug abusers need help too. You people who don't give a dam; sit in your cozy living rooms and pray that you never find yourselves in a bad situation. You are everything that is WRONG with America. Personally, I have had enough of reading these heartless messages, I'm going back to dealing with civilized people.

Goodwillhunting22, I grew up in Southwest, VA and I can attest to the fact that this is a cultural problem, not an economic or political one. A good education is not valued here. I remember my history teacher showing us filmstrips every day instead of teaching. The vice principal used to wear t-shirts and chew tobacco during class. But these people don't live in a vacuum. They know that a better quality of life is out there. Many of them simply choose the path of least resistance--staying put and relying on the kindness of strangers. The ones who get educated leave. If you are willing to work hard you can take advantage of the abundant opportunities of this country.

My mom volunteers for this program every time it is in Wise, where I am from. I can tell you, the majority of the people who are helped are NOT lazy, just underpriviledged. I think this is a wonderful thing being offered to people who need help and care.

GoodWill Hunting2008: You show your ignorance by assuming that all people without health insurance are poor and lazy. Had you looked at the statistics, you would see that the fasting growing section of the population without insurance is middle class America! I have a master's degree and worked hard only to lose my job, my insurance and ended up walking around with impacted and infected teeth until I could scrape together enough money to pay for dental procedures, along with food, shelter, GAS, etc. If someone would have offered free treatment, I would have been all over it like a rash on a bug bite.

I am always a bit suspicious about those who take pot shots at the poor for accepting handouts. My guess would be you asked for handouts but were turned down at some point. Get over it. If you really want to do something proactive, write your local,state and national politicians asking for some medical/dental insurance relief.

I sympathize with most individuals who suffer without healthcare - I'm one of them. However, this idea of "free" healthcare provided by the government is a myth - there's no free lunch. In other words, we will pay the price of the increased demand of health services through taxation and other associated costs - something many of us are not willing to do. Not only are many people unwilling to bear the cost of poor decisions made by others (i.e. smokers, drug abusers, etc, etc.) but many are unwilling to be forced by the arm of the gov't to stand in line behind these people at the doctor's office.

The only way to better care for the individuals in need is to eliminate the government's paternal hand in these affairs. The people of the U.S. are always quick to turn to legislation to get us out of a pickle. It is this sort of interference that put us in this situation. Why not take gov't out of the equation and put the fruits of every worker's labor in their deserving hands? There's no doubt in my mind, considering the compassion expressed here for the needy, that this sort of action would lay the foundation for more charity.

Conversely, this "privatization" of sorts would favor the pockets of healthcare consumers. We often assume that more people would simply not be able to afford healthcare without gov't assistance. However, what many often fail to consider is the affect a reduction/elimination of assistance would have on healthcare providers - currently, providers have no incentive to lower prices. Without gov't subsidy, they would have every incentive to do so.

I urge people to look to the institutions that motivate the behavior of individuals and our markets before we ask our government to extend yet a larger hand.

All I hear is "what can the goverment do to help these people! ". " Where's the government to help all those poor unfortunate souls?". What about people taking responsibility for thier choices. I went to school with alot of girls who made it out of high school not pregnant. People have choices in life and that is what should be taught is that you are responsible for your actions. What about people relying on themselves to make thier life better. It's called hard work, long hours, two jobs, going to school. Doing what you have to do to get yourself out of poverty to a better life. It's not easy but the opportunities out there for anyone who is willing to apply themselves to make a better life. No one would begrudge a hard working person a hand up when things are down. As a country we want to help those who need the help to get ahead but we hate to support those who would rather take a hand out and live in poverty as long as they aren't responsible for themselves or their actions.

tresanus - (funny how the second part of your ID is latin for ***) - However, I digress - Your comment highlights the profound difference between us - we don't mind paying for people in need, in fact, we demand it! - you? well, the almighty dollar is your God - I hope you can live with that.

CAN'T AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE? GIVE UP THE AUTO INSURANCE? SIMPLE AS THAT?

This type of charity and volenteerism is what makes America great! And more would be better! Lets' not let the cynics in the shadows suggest that all this effort the Government can do, do more of and do better. It's just another Big Lie to make us all feel something can be got for nothing for someone in a plight.
Constructive criticism is beneficial... but the Liberals whispering is not constructive. It's intentionally calculated destructive cynicism of the type socialist have use to mess countries up since the late 1800s.
The US version of social attack is the America Sucks First campaign. of the DNCs Left Wing. It's a wrecking ball!
Don't buy it people! The Country you save may be your own!
America is a great country! Americans are great people! Don't let ANYONE try to convince you your countrymen suck!