I thought I would post my own little thing about healthcare.

First a few numbers = Italy is considered in the top ten of healthcare while the US is only 37 in the WHO ranks....you know what though....thats CRAP.

My grandmother was born, raised, and lives in Italy, and is now in her late eighties. A few years ago she decided it would be a good idea to go running after a guy who stole her purse. She collapsed and was taken into a hospital where they proceeded to put a pacemaker in.....a pacemaker that was promptly turned off when she came to the states to visit us...she didnt need it...and while she now has a get out of jail free card when it comes to airport security, I have no idea why she had to be put through that.

More so than that, the hospitals are in bad conditions - there arent enough doctors because their medical school sucks, and because they arent getting paid enough they dont care as much. There arent enough nurses for the same reason. And they dont have the same health standards there either.

I frequent Europe on a regular basis...and I cant say I am very impressed with these socialized/nationalized systems...I see that those who have the money and means to come to the states do come to see doctors here because they dont trust their own nations healthcare. I know that, with maybe the exception of switzerland (because they are so dang tight and concise and Picky about everything) I would never go to a european hospital....having been in some as an observer I have kind of gotten this frightening perspective.

The problem with malpractice is not only do the doctors loose alot of money...they loose their credibility...and with their credibility goes their jobs....no kind of regulation of price will change that. My Uncle Ben had to stop practicing because some jerk decided he had done something wrong - in court Uncle Ben came out smelling like a rose...but because he was in a malpractice suit period he lost his credibility and his patients...It was a pity...he was one of the top eye docs in DC. My Uncle Max has been a little more shrewed...and thank goodness - he is one of the top eye surgeons at home as well. I hate malpractice (but at the same time I understand it for reasons)....I just cant imagine the number of good doctors who have been hacked off from their proffession because someone wanted a little extra money.

As far as taxing the richer more than the poor....hec, my family is towards the lower middle half of the pay bracket...and I know I for sure will be when I start completley paving my own way after graduation (the goverment pays its service members soooo well(hack ::sarcasm:: cough); and I think everyone should get taxed the same daggone way....the same percentage accross the board. Its fair that way...I dont begrudge those who had more drive then me to do something better or different....who had talents in other sections than I did....whatever....it's stupid to be jealous of those who have more than me...if they want to donate money to some charity...thats cool - but you shouldnt force them to support everyone else.

just my two cents.