However, the collective losing of shit over a health care proposal is pretty perplexing from a Canadian perspective. I'm not saying what's in Canada is perfect, but it's a damn sight better than what's in the United States. We've occasionally thought about moving to other parts of the world over the years. We certainly loved our time in Australia and there were a couple of Caribbean islands that we would have no problem living on.
However, we've never thought about living in the United States. And it's not that it's a bad country or filled with crazy people (OK, probably about 25 per cent of the country is deeply crazy). It's just because the health care situation there is so completely fucked, why take the chance? At least in Canada you know what you're getting.
In the US, I'm pretty sure my grandfather would have been dead years ago, or my family considerably poorer for his treatment. Cathy's convinced she would be dead or her family bankrupt if she had been born in the US.
So I don't pretend to understand or to have completely followed what it is President Obama is trying to do in the United States. But surely God it has to be better than the mess that currently exists in the United States.
So that's why images like the ones below, from a protest march in Washington yesterday, just baffle the hell out of me.
I mean, dear God, really? You don't like the president, I get that. But this is the tactic you're going to take? This is hate and kind of language you want to bring to the debate?
I keep reminding myself that there were people who likely said worse things about former President Bush. And while I don't like him or pretty much anything he did during his presidency, I can understand there would be people who would be offended by some of the things said about him. Probably the same people who are carrying signs like this about President Obama.
But this is the best you can bring to the debate? This level of unconstructive bile, lies (there's no way Obama is on the same level of Hitler and Stalin. No one is) and just unwillingness to engage in any kind of debate. It would have been foolish for the Left when Bush was in power, even if Bush was far more likely to completely ignore people who opposed him. At least the current president has shown some willingness to talk and listen.
This kind of unreasoning hate is always baffling to me. I suspect it's probably just as well.
Last Five
1. Women and men - Josh Rouse
2. We are nowhere and it's now - Bright Eyes
3. Dirty knife - Neko Case
4. Play it all night long - Warren Zevon
5. Dublin in Vigo - The Chieftains
6 comments:
What is really baffling is that most of these people would benefit from the overhaul.
Its an excellent example of where the Republican party has gone. This is their base and it shows they have no message except hate and fear. They refuse to come to the table with new ideas or thoughtful discussion about making a change.
Obama called these people out in his speech the other night and quite honestly they look even more pitiful today. Let them keep going because it just exposes the GOP for what they really are.
How is it that government run health case is worse than no health care at all? I'm with you, I just DON'T GET IT. Canada's system isn't perfect but I'm so thankful to have it. I'd be curious if most who are protesting are people who can afford their own.
Why is it okay to let 'government' run education but not health? and if it is just that there's local control over schools, then maybe there's a model there?
I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop when Americans will suddenly start listening to what is being said and realize how crazy it sounds. It might have occurred in Congress last week with the "you lie" moment.
I think it is somewhat ironic that the "death panels" accusation regarding gov't health care is essentially what US citizens are getting now with their "managed" health insurance plans. Once Granny or little Billy have exceeded their magic ROR numbers (Rate of Return) they ain't gettin' no mo'. And some greasy corporate schill will happily tell you that (though they prefer to do it over the phone) cause its all about the bottom line and keeping the numbers in the black.
PS - I'm an American btw....
Lack of tolerance and understanding is at the heart of the world's problems. Cheesy but true!
Stumbled upon your blog via Melissa in Korea's - glad I found it - your life seems quite interesting.
As a Canadian in Ghana (for the past 13 years!), I always find it great to meet new expats and people living all sorts of lifestyles around the world.
Keep it up and all the best with the editors - you're a great writer!!
Cheers
Holli in Ghana
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