by Faye Daughterson

Created on: October 26, 2007

I agree with Patrick Plaskett's point of view in which he stated quite eloquently what the problem is. Money rules and because it rules just as he said it will be difficult to make any constructive changes. That being said I believe we must at least try. Americans view anything "social" with suspicion. If we followed Canada or Brittan with social medicine no matter how positive it was there would be an uproar about cost and government control. And as Mr. Plaskett said many jobs would be lost. Therefore I believe HillaryCare is a well thought out plan of action that would correct some of the worst problems of the health care industry.

I lived in Scotland for eight years and during that time I experienced the excellent socialized medicine that Scotland offered me - even though I was a citizen of the United States. When I became pregnant I got excellent prenatal care and after my baby was born I received post natal care - the clinic was available at all times. I might add that in the early seventies the prenatal care I received in Scotland was far more advanced than what I would have received in America. My friends in America did not receive birthing classes teaching them how to breath and control their pain. The halls of the maternity units in America were "alive and well with the sound of screaming" husband in the waiting room helpless. I was as comfortable as could be expected and "my" husband was at my side. Not only did I receive prenatal care; it was mandatory. Why, because the British know that if you make sure each child gets the best care possible from day one they will have less problems in the future and cost the system less money. During the post natal period they gave me extra support because they knew I was alone - no mother or sister to help me. Not one time did I feel the care I received was inferior or less than I needed.

In Britain dental care is also free. I had my children's teeth coated so cavities were not an issue. Why, again it costs the system less money.

I hear people say this system is bad because you may have to go on a waiting list for a year to get a hip replacement but I say to you it is better to be on a waiting list and receive the procedure than to be without insurance and not get the procedure at all because you cannot afford it and you are not old enough for Medicare.

I was in the health insurance business when Hilary Clinton tried to reform health insurance. They were running scared with standby options in-case she succeeded.

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