You actually contradict yourself
BiggieE said:
I don't consider the Fire Dept a handout because it's funded with MY tax dollars.
I agree. When citizens agree to pool their resources in the form of government taxation in order to provide services to their community, this is not a handout but a sharing of responsibilty.
BiggieE said:
I wish I could understand how Canadians are so willing to give away the responsibility for their own safety, their medical care, and are even willing to accept government assistance in such simple things as food on the table, and clothing on the backs of their children.
In Canada, these services are funded by MY taxes just like our (and your) fire departments. We don't abdicate our responsibility; we share it. You have contradicted your own argument.
Americans, as a society, tend to adopt an "every man for himself" attitude for the majority of their lifestyles. The result is that those who have
have and those who don't
don't.
In Canada, we tend to take more responsibility for our community and society as a whole rather than focusing only on our personal needs. I may not have the cash to pay for my medical attention
today but, if I receive tax-funded treatment, I'll be around and productive
tomorrow to contribute once more to the tax pool...maybe the
next time,
MY tax dollars will help someone else. In the end, everyone is better off.
BiggieE said:
The 40 million people without healthcare is a myth. If you are sick, and you go to the hospital, you get taken care of. You know why? Because it's the law.
Actually,
this quote is the real myth! While it is true that anyone in critical condition is obliged by law to be given the minimum life-saving care required, this does not equate to available health-care for everyone. Millions in your country can only afford to see a doctor only as a last resort and, as a result, to not receive the required ongoing maintenance health-care that we take for granted in this country. Many serious conditions can be avoided entirely by regular visits to the doctor but too many Americans become critically ill because they never have this opportunity. Many die early as a result of this problem or are rendered unproductive in society for much longer periods of time...to everyone's detriment.
The Canadian Healthcare system may be imperfect but it is based on the right approach to community and societal health. Wealthy Americans enjoy some of the best quality healthcare in the world but, sadly, too many of their
fellow citizens get less than the bare minimum.
Zog.