I live in Germany, home of socialized medicine since the 1880’s (yes, the system predates the country). I have never waited longer than a few hours for an appointment at a GP, and I have never waited for more than two days for an appointment at a specialist. I only had to wait the two days once.
Russellnash. With all due respect, I don’t believe you. As a physician I have interacted with my German co specialists. Emergencies yes immediately, routine -days or weeks.
This cartoon reinforces old stereotypes that fail to take into account the end results: Americans are not very healthy and the current system is broken- no matter how long it takes individuals to get in to see a doctor.
The anecdotal evidence of Russelnash and GNWachs is just that - anecdotal. Let’s get beyond anecdotal and take the time to understand all the pros and cons of health care systems. Here’s a pretty good review of them at the end of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalhealthcare
ANandy, I’m an American, so I can punch holes in you boloney as much as I want. I just happen to be lucky enough to not live under the American medical system anymore.
BTW name one country who’s trying to move out from under their socialized healthcare system. There isn’t one. They’re all looking at ways to make it cheaper, but that’s not because they think it’s wrong. That’s because smart people always look for ways to make things better.
ANandy, I CHALLENGE YOU TO POST ONE QUOTE FROM THE LEADER OF A COUNTRY WITH SOCIALIZED MEDICINE, WHERE THEY SAY THEY WANT TO CHANGE THEIR SYSTEM TO ONE THAT IS MORE LIKE THE US. Official challenge, put up or shut up.
RussellNash almost 15 years ago
I live in Germany, home of socialized medicine since the 1880’s (yes, the system predates the country). I have never waited longer than a few hours for an appointment at a GP, and I have never waited for more than two days for an appointment at a specialist. I only had to wait the two days once.
riley05 almost 15 years ago
Russell, that’s because you live in the real world.
Varvel’s cartoon comes from a far-right Republican fantasy world, in which perfect medical care can only come from profit-seeking corporations.
Michael Peterson Premium Member almost 15 years ago
The joke is, American kids know nothing about other countries.
GNWachs almost 15 years ago
Russellnash. With all due respect, I don’t believe you. As a physician I have interacted with my German co specialists. Emergencies yes immediately, routine -days or weeks.
vhammon almost 15 years ago
This cartoon reinforces old stereotypes that fail to take into account the end results: Americans are not very healthy and the current system is broken- no matter how long it takes individuals to get in to see a doctor.
The anecdotal evidence of Russelnash and GNWachs is just that - anecdotal. Let’s get beyond anecdotal and take the time to understand all the pros and cons of health care systems. Here’s a pretty good review of them at the end of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalhealthcare
RussellNash almost 15 years ago
ANandy, I’m an American, so I can punch holes in you boloney as much as I want. I just happen to be lucky enough to not live under the American medical system anymore.
BTW name one country who’s trying to move out from under their socialized healthcare system. There isn’t one. They’re all looking at ways to make it cheaper, but that’s not because they think it’s wrong. That’s because smart people always look for ways to make things better.
ANandy, I CHALLENGE YOU TO POST ONE QUOTE FROM THE LEADER OF A COUNTRY WITH SOCIALIZED MEDICINE, WHERE THEY SAY THEY WANT TO CHANGE THEIR SYSTEM TO ONE THAT IS MORE LIKE THE US. Official challenge, put up or shut up.
riley05 almost 15 years ago
One can only hope for Mr. Nash’s sake that he isn’t holding his breath…
riley05 almost 15 years ago
In other words, you don’t know. You could have saved a lot of time up front.