I think McCain would disagree.

Another way to look at it.

But have you or anyone you directly know ever needed specialized care (heart bypass or stent, chemotherapy, surgery for tumor removal, etc.)? That’s where the socialized system loses some of it’s luster. Growing up 100 miles away from the Canadian border and having actual Canadians in the family means I’ve heard a lot about the universal health care system they have up there (one that many point to as a model for a US version). I’ve heard about the 6 month waiting lists for specialized care. When my brother-in-law’s father was having a stroke, my BIL had to drive all over Vancouver, BC, going to hospital to hospital, until he finally found one that would accept his father for treatment. In the US, the first hospital he would have gone to would have taken him in and treated him. Without question. By law. There is a reason why Canadians who can afford to do so come across the border into US to get their specialized treatments.

If you’re relatively young and in relatively good shape, then I’m sure the nationalized health care system seems pretty awesome. If your medical needs go beyond that, you likely to be less impressed. I’m sure it’s very economical. Limiting or not providing treatment can be pretty damned economical.

That the US medical care system is f-ed up and needs fixing can’t be disputed. But there are a hell of a lot of changes we could make that would get us closer to the model that provides basic and affordable health care to all Americans without having to completely replace the current system.

But these changes have to be made all across the board. It’s not enough to just target the insurance and drug companies, hospitals and doctors. You also need to reform the legal side of it as well (what percentage of the high costs is a result of doctors forced to practice “defensive medicine” by ordering every possible test to protect themselves in a malpractice suit from claims that they didn’t do “everything possible” for the patient?). And people need to understand what they have an expectation to contribute for their own health care. What percentage of the people who are currently “without medical coverage” are people who can afford to buy health insurance but choose not to, either because it’s too expensive (and out of their reach) or because they have other things they choose to spend their money on. Sure we need to make it affordable for everyone, but people have to understand that if they CAN afford it, they can’t let others (i.e. other taxpayers or insurance companies) pick up the tab for them because they’d rather spend their money on that new big screen TV.

People want to just point to those greedy insurance and drug companies and rich doctors and hospitals as the culprits. But it’s a hell of a lot more complicated than that.

Last week, Democrats (and the media) were slapping each other on the back about what a great speech Obama gave. It fired them up and got them energized. This week it’s the Republican’s turn.

Feel free to point out all the flaws you saw, or how much it angered or irritated you. It’s your opinion and just as valid as anyone else’s. The Republican’s did the same thing last week over Obama’s speech. I’m sure not many of you were dismayed by it.

Face it, speakers and speeches affect people differently. Just because it didn’t do anything for you doesn’t mean it wasn’t effective.

True. Who knows how stable either number will be? But a net 5 point swing either way could be significant.

I saw that too. But in a race this close, that 24% can make all the difference.

As noted in my link, 24% of those who were polled do.

Speaking of 51 and 24:

Poll: 51 percent say reporters are trying to hurt Palin

Over half of U.S. voters (51%) think reporters are trying to hurt Sarah Palin with their news coverage, and 24% say those stories make them more likely to vote for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in November.

You’re doing a fine job, Oliver. Keep up the good work!

I really am baffled by people who think the speech was good or that she is charismatic. Yes, I’m biased, but I actually think McCain is a more compelling speaker than Palin. Her voice… to my ears she sounds like a mean kindergarten teacher or an annoying church lady. In my opinion, she doesn’t come off as presidential at all. This isn’t sexism either. I’d love to see someone like Rachael Maddow up there.

Yep, that’s it. It seems to be just in America that this word is so terrifying. I try to use that word regularly to explain to people what it actually means. Socialism is NOT Communism. Socialist programs can and do exist in Democratic and Capitalistic societies. For example, our public education system is “socialist.”

Gasp. Horror.

So, are you arguing that the quality of health care at the VA is on par with the Mayo Clinic? I’ve done enough volunteer work at VA’s to know that they are underfunded and overstretched, but McCain got his, so he’s not that concerned about anyone else.

McCain served in the Navy for 23 years and retired honorably. He also received a disability rating for permenant injuries he received while in the service. That entitled him to medical care through the military while he was on duty, and to care through the VA after he retired. Just like every other 20 year veteran or person receiving the same level of service-related disability earns their medical care. Suffice to say he earned that medical care through actions beyond him being shot down and captured.