Why would any one want something that is a tax this big that has not been thoroughly read? As a middle income employed resident of this country, I will now be responsible to pay for those who will decide to pay the penalty they cannot afford. Then the government cannot collect from those on government subsidies because they cannot put wage with-holdings on the type of income they receive. Because of this my premiums will begin to rise a little at at time as things begin to be implimented. That would be a reason I would want to vote that way. I agree there is a definate need for reform in the healthcare business. Let’s figure out how to have everyone pay for their own instead of those like me. As has been noted by some, the rich will vbe able to afford the increase but those in the middleclass will struggle.
Danny Williams got heart surgery in the US, Sarah Palin got free health care in Canada growing up. The anecdotes are cute, but irrelevant compared to the actual statistics — Canadians get much more comprehensive heatlh care, get it quicker, get it cheaper, give more support to medical research, and no one there dies purely because they don’t have the money. We’re barbarians in this regard, and Obamacare only gets us part-way to civilized norms.
“Conservative Senator Wilbert Keon, a retired heart surgeon and professor emeritus at University of Ottawa, told the Toronto Star that Newfoundland lacks the equipment and post-op technical support for advanced complicated cardiac procedures. But complicated heart surgery can be done at Ottawa’s Heart Institute and in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton, he said. “I can’t imagine anything that couldn’t be done in Canada that is done in America,” he added.”
So, Tigger, you should read the articles you cite.On a personal note I might add that my cousin is a cardiac surgeon in Toronto, and he does the operation.
Danziger again places his finger on the carotid of the TEA party (as amended and demented), but can find no pulse. CALL 911!! Oh, wait, they won’t ever need medical care.
I hear the death threats have already started on Roberts, you know, from those calm, resolution oriented, kindly, and sweet “conservatives”.
Jeff, I love your animals. Dogs sit down and scratch when they’re bored. Cats stop and groom themselves when they’ve been dissed. I love them! They’re funnier than the right wing nut jobs.
Yes, when they persist in spreading this misleading story even when it has been pointed out to them again and again that it’s just not what they say, then they show the true level of their interest in honest discussion of issues. Piffle.
Heh. people have to WANT to learn truth to be able to learn.There are SO many people enjoying their hate and rage way too much to give it up by accepting reason.
I fear what would happen if their lying leader gets elected.Remember during the primaries it was a constant refrain, "is there ANYbody but Mitt??
This comic is pitiful, as are some of these ignorant rants about the greatness of the Canadian healthcare system. It amazes me how people repeat what they hear without investigating for themselves. If we don’t start paying attention, we will live with our hands out depending on the government to provide us with everything except our independence
Hey, no one ever said Williams didn’t go to the US for this operation. The question is So what? Many people use this story to suggest that he could not have received the operation in Canada. That’s just not true. So what point are you trying to make?
Not much of an argument. You’ve got one instance — the value of which is not at all clear, since Williams never really explained why he went to the US for an operation he could have received in Canada. As it happens, I do know some Canadians who don’t like the Canadian system — mostly rich people who would be able to buy expensive plans if they had to. But in my experience, most Canadians like the system okay, though they would like to see the wait times for some procedures reduced — and they would be greatly distressed to see the system turned into the US lack of a system.
I don’t want to force anything on anyone. I would be happy if my US friends and relatives could benefit from a good system. You don’t have to get rude just because you’re losing the argument.
Who holds the gun? I didn’t hear about that in the decision. I guess the NRA put that in.
They can’t “illegally” force you to have health insurance — first, the court said it’s legal, and second, you can choose not to have insurance and pay the penalty.
With a single payer system, funded by taxes (in the ordinary sense of the word “tax”) health insurance is a right of citizenship. Of course if you don’t want to go to a doctor, you don’t have to go. But if you want to go, you don’t have to be afraid that you can’t pay for it.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…so in the long run Obamacare is a big winner. Early diagnoses will save millions of dollars…and ultimately lives.
Danny Williams opted to get heart surgery in an American hospital. So, the moral of the story is that Americans get great healthcare… if they are lucky enough to work for a generous employer or are filthy rich.
The claim that people who are currently insured will have to pay one cent for the ACA is a big fat lie. If anything, insurance premiums will come down when more people get insurance.
Hello Neighbors,If we really want to see a viable health care policy upon which everyone can compromise, give hospitals the right to not care for people who can’t afford their emergency room visits and medications. That would be a true death panel where your income and situation decides the quality of the care you receive. It is not moral, ethical, or honorable by any religious or humanitarian standard of which I’m aware, but it would bring down health care costs and make those who hate the idea of paying for health care happy- until they or someone they love dies because a doctor wouldn’t treat them.This health care policy is flawed, even our president agrees, but until both parties are willing to come together and write a bill we can all stand behind as the best product conceivable, we and our loved ones need the one that did pass. To paraphrase Rumsfeld, you don’t go to the hospital with the health care you want, you go with the healthcare you have.Respectfully,C.
It’s so sad that the northern neighbors of the US, the poor Canadians, have to live under a socialist dictatorship that forces them to have health insurance. You can really tell how sad Canadians are, as soon as you cross the border you can see the difference between a free society and a socialist dictatorship. Canadians all walk around in their state issued uniforms, going to their state controlled jobs, living in their state constructed houses, all the same, no freedom to pick their own doctors, their own jobs, they are even forced to marry according to the government rules, they are all forced to marry people of the same sex, and then they have to have abortions. And it all started with health insurance — that was the thin end of the wedge. Once that was in place, it was just a matter of time until total socialization. Mr. Harper, tear down this wall!!
Well, yes, I do live in Canada. I moved here because I got a job here, but I have family here as well. It’s a good country. I have a lot of experience with the Canadian health care system, because of my own various ills and those of my family and friends. I do not and never have claimed that it is perfect. I do like it better than the US system. I trust my own experience in both systems. For one reason and another I know quite a few MDs both in the US and in Canada. They have various opinions, but I have never come across a Canadian MD who preferred the US system — even those who had complaints about the Canadian system didn’t advocate the US system — but I know a number of MDs in the US who would very much prefer the Canadian system. The idea that socialized medicine is the slippery slope to a completely socialized society is countered by the facts of Canadian life. Are you willing to hear first-hand accounts from people who live with the Canadian system, or does you prejudice against it prevent you from listening?
Mighty_Mouse almost 12 years ago
This foreigner is genuinely happy that the USA is now going to be better off and moved itself from third world status in this regard.
Mighty_Mouse almost 12 years ago
I think it’s only Botswana and one or two others left that don have a viable national health care system.
Mighty_Mouse almost 12 years ago
Not sure about Botswana.
Justice22 almost 12 years ago
The thing I hate is that the insurance companies are still winners. Big profits for the CEOs!
neuturn almost 12 years ago
Why would any one want something that is a tax this big that has not been thoroughly read? As a middle income employed resident of this country, I will now be responsible to pay for those who will decide to pay the penalty they cannot afford. Then the government cannot collect from those on government subsidies because they cannot put wage with-holdings on the type of income they receive. Because of this my premiums will begin to rise a little at at time as things begin to be implimented. That would be a reason I would want to vote that way. I agree there is a definate need for reform in the healthcare business. Let’s figure out how to have everyone pay for their own instead of those like me. As has been noted by some, the rich will vbe able to afford the increase but those in the middleclass will struggle.
ARodney almost 12 years ago
Danny Williams got heart surgery in the US, Sarah Palin got free health care in Canada growing up. The anecdotes are cute, but irrelevant compared to the actual statistics — Canadians get much more comprehensive heatlh care, get it quicker, get it cheaper, give more support to medical research, and no one there dies purely because they don’t have the money. We’re barbarians in this regard, and Obamacare only gets us part-way to civilized norms.
Kylop almost 12 years ago
Jeff, well done. Life is imitating art all over the comments section today.
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Here’s a paragraph from the article you cite:
“Conservative Senator Wilbert Keon, a retired heart surgeon and professor emeritus at University of Ottawa, told the Toronto Star that Newfoundland lacks the equipment and post-op technical support for advanced complicated cardiac procedures. But complicated heart surgery can be done at Ottawa’s Heart Institute and in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton, he said. “I can’t imagine anything that couldn’t be done in Canada that is done in America,” he added.”
So, Tigger, you should read the articles you cite.On a personal note I might add that my cousin is a cardiac surgeon in Toronto, and he does the operation.
mnsmkd almost 12 years ago
“Affordable” health care….. Has anyone looked at the “plans” to pay for this? We’re in a serious heap of trouble folks.
And the depiction of Tea Party members as a bunch of ignorant hicks is an affront to all mountain people!
daveea almost 12 years ago
So all tea party people are stupid? I have a few words for you, Jeff; Arrogant Elitist.
Dtroutma almost 12 years ago
Danziger again places his finger on the carotid of the TEA party (as amended and demented), but can find no pulse. CALL 911!! Oh, wait, they won’t ever need medical care.
I hear the death threats have already started on Roberts, you know, from those calm, resolution oriented, kindly, and sweet “conservatives”.
jkshaw almost 12 years ago
Jeff, I love your animals. Dogs sit down and scratch when they’re bored. Cats stop and groom themselves when they’ve been dissed. I love them! They’re funnier than the right wing nut jobs.
dalbino83 almost 12 years ago
@TiggerIt happened, but his reason for pursuing it in the US was because of cosmetic reasons:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/surgery-williams-underwent-advisable-only-for-cosmetic-reasons-expert-says/article1478816/
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Yes, when they persist in spreading this misleading story even when it has been pointed out to them again and again that it’s just not what they say, then they show the true level of their interest in honest discussion of issues. Piffle.
pam Miner almost 12 years ago
Heh. people have to WANT to learn truth to be able to learn.There are SO many people enjoying their hate and rage way too much to give it up by accepting reason.
I fear what would happen if their lying leader gets elected.Remember during the primaries it was a constant refrain, "is there ANYbody but Mitt??
John Vecchio Premium Member almost 12 years ago
This comic is pitiful, as are some of these ignorant rants about the greatness of the Canadian healthcare system. It amazes me how people repeat what they hear without investigating for themselves. If we don’t start paying attention, we will live with our hands out depending on the government to provide us with everything except our independence
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Hey, no one ever said Williams didn’t go to the US for this operation. The question is So what? Many people use this story to suggest that he could not have received the operation in Canada. That’s just not true. So what point are you trying to make?
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Not much of an argument. You’ve got one instance — the value of which is not at all clear, since Williams never really explained why he went to the US for an operation he could have received in Canada. As it happens, I do know some Canadians who don’t like the Canadian system — mostly rich people who would be able to buy expensive plans if they had to. But in my experience, most Canadians like the system okay, though they would like to see the wait times for some procedures reduced — and they would be greatly distressed to see the system turned into the US lack of a system.
I don’t want to force anything on anyone. I would be happy if my US friends and relatives could benefit from a good system. You don’t have to get rude just because you’re losing the argument.
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Who holds the gun? I didn’t hear about that in the decision. I guess the NRA put that in.
They can’t “illegally” force you to have health insurance — first, the court said it’s legal, and second, you can choose not to have insurance and pay the penalty.
With a single payer system, funded by taxes (in the ordinary sense of the word “tax”) health insurance is a right of citizenship. Of course if you don’t want to go to a doctor, you don’t have to go. But if you want to go, you don’t have to be afraid that you can’t pay for it.
Call me Ishmael almost 12 years ago
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…so in the long run Obamacare is a big winner. Early diagnoses will save millions of dollars…and ultimately lives.
Uncle Joe Premium Member almost 12 years ago
Danny Williams opted to get heart surgery in an American hospital. So, the moral of the story is that Americans get great healthcare… if they are lucky enough to work for a generous employer or are filthy rich.
Uncle Joe Premium Member almost 12 years ago
The claim that people who are currently insured will have to pay one cent for the ACA is a big fat lie. If anything, insurance premiums will come down when more people get insurance.
chazandru almost 12 years ago
Hello Neighbors,If we really want to see a viable health care policy upon which everyone can compromise, give hospitals the right to not care for people who can’t afford their emergency room visits and medications. That would be a true death panel where your income and situation decides the quality of the care you receive. It is not moral, ethical, or honorable by any religious or humanitarian standard of which I’m aware, but it would bring down health care costs and make those who hate the idea of paying for health care happy- until they or someone they love dies because a doctor wouldn’t treat them.This health care policy is flawed, even our president agrees, but until both parties are willing to come together and write a bill we can all stand behind as the best product conceivable, we and our loved ones need the one that did pass. To paraphrase Rumsfeld, you don’t go to the hospital with the health care you want, you go with the healthcare you have.Respectfully,C.
lonecat almost 12 years ago
It’s so sad that the northern neighbors of the US, the poor Canadians, have to live under a socialist dictatorship that forces them to have health insurance. You can really tell how sad Canadians are, as soon as you cross the border you can see the difference between a free society and a socialist dictatorship. Canadians all walk around in their state issued uniforms, going to their state controlled jobs, living in their state constructed houses, all the same, no freedom to pick their own doctors, their own jobs, they are even forced to marry according to the government rules, they are all forced to marry people of the same sex, and then they have to have abortions. And it all started with health insurance — that was the thin end of the wedge. Once that was in place, it was just a matter of time until total socialization. Mr. Harper, tear down this wall!!
lonecat almost 12 years ago
Well, yes, I do live in Canada. I moved here because I got a job here, but I have family here as well. It’s a good country. I have a lot of experience with the Canadian health care system, because of my own various ills and those of my family and friends. I do not and never have claimed that it is perfect. I do like it better than the US system. I trust my own experience in both systems. For one reason and another I know quite a few MDs both in the US and in Canada. They have various opinions, but I have never come across a Canadian MD who preferred the US system — even those who had complaints about the Canadian system didn’t advocate the US system — but I know a number of MDs in the US who would very much prefer the Canadian system. The idea that socialized medicine is the slippery slope to a completely socialized society is countered by the facts of Canadian life. Are you willing to hear first-hand accounts from people who live with the Canadian system, or does you prejudice against it prevent you from listening?