Otter- I see no reason to argue this issue. You are convinced you're right. This is America and you're welcome to your opinion. I don't see anything that you could possible say would convince me that big government is responsible for the healthcare mess. Ron Paul is OK, I don't dislike him but it is obvious his opinions are driven by his ideology, and lets face it, he's a dreamer. IMHO Enjoy the fourth.

Thanks H20 -- I get passionate when it appears people are questioning my integrity (perhaps this wasn't as much you as others). I appreciate the debate. Happy 4th to you as well!

Your integrity was never in question. Passion is a good thing............Off to the bar b que!

brilliant - lets compound idiotic mistakes with idiotic BIGGER mistakes. Ah, the Canadian Way- soon to be the American Way!

This seems like a fairly well-balanced article. I'll be interested if everyone else thinks so...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/06/canadian.health.care.system/index.html

Propoganda.

My Father was diagnosed with a brain tumour (glioblastoma multiforme). He had surgery the next morning.

I agree Simon, have had nothing but success with the Canadian med system for myself and my family.

okay cool. I'd trust you guys over the article. Good news!

Living in northern Michigan for most of my life, I've ran into my share of Canadians. I always heard very negative things about the Canadian socialized health care system. Just recently the Canadians I've met have all spoken highly of the system. Not sure if there is a trend there in that it's getting better, or just a random coincidence. Regarding, I maintain that I would not want to travel to Canada for any treatment I might need. Prescriptions though, that's another story.

I agree with Simon and papashine and since we are living (or have lived) with the system I think our opinion has some weight. My Mom had a brain hemorrage was flown from the hospital in her tone to a regional neural centre and had surgery the same day. She spent 4 weeks in ICU then 2 weeks in SCU. She walked out of the hospital with no permanent damage. My wife was diagnosed and cured of her cancer, all my sisters had their babies in a delivery room with attending doctor, my sister-in-law's type 1 diabetes was managed for over 20 years and my Dad, now suffering from alzheimers, is in a nursing home. None of us had to mortgage our homes to get care needed. I'm wondering why the patient in the article is not getting the surgery she had in the states paid for? I understood that in critical cases if the care can't be given in Canada the patient can receive the care anywhere and the plan will cover the cost. My co-worker did exactly that a few years back and received surgery in Detroit and had it paid for.
No one is proposing that the US adopt the Canadian style of healthcare nor is anyone saying that it is perfect (we have abuse, fraud, budget constraints) but I think it's better than being gouged by insurance companies, hospitals, doctors etc. or not having any coverage at all.