Communists, Socialists, Liberals, OH MY!
Now, I can't say I know a lot about American politics (in fact, probably next to nothing) but I thought I'd comment on the stupidity of some American Republicans in regards to this article I read the other day:
"In an editorial on July 31, Investor's Business Daily warned of end-of-life counseling in health care reform by saying people like Stephen Hawking "wouldn't have a chance" in the such a system.
'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/12/stephen-hawking-enters-us_n_257343.html)
Since when has Prof. Hawking NOT been English?
As he states, "I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS". The NHS is far from condemning someone's life because of an illness or a disability. For example, the case of Diane Pretty, a motor neurone disease sufferer (might I add, the same disease which Professor Hawking suffers from). Her case for euthanasia was dismissed not only by the NHS but by the European Court of Human Rights.
And how DARE individuals such as Sarah Palin attack the NHS. For her to call the NHS 'Orwellian' is a ridiculous claim - it is the American healthcare system that is 'Orwellian' and dystopic; where healthcare is only given to those who can afford it, and those who cannot afford it are made to suffer.
Two months ago, I was very ill and because of the NHS I was referred immediately to a specialist and a bed reserved for me, does this happen in the USA? My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and was treated by the NHS AND survived. He was 72 at the time, which completely discounts a statement made by some ignoramus called Chuck Grassley:
"I don't know for sure," said Grassley. "But I've heard several senators say that Ted Kennedy with a brain tumour, being 77 years old as opposed to being 37 years old, if he were in England, would not be treated for his disease, because end of life - when you get to be 77, your life is considered less valuable under those systems." (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/11/nhs-united-states-republican-health)
A bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. According to him, age affects whether you will be treated under the NHS, however, doesn't income, in essence, affect whether you will be treated under the American healthcare system? My grandad is now 77 years old and he is still under the care of the NHS.
I think many US Republicans such as complete and utter arses like Palin and Grassley are still labouring under the idea that a Cold War is being fought, this time attacking something which is indeed a Socialist idea (the NHS) because they - being the ignorant ultra-Conservative capitalist arseholes that people are starting to associate the USA with - cannot stand the idea that something that may help those who need help and may have a tiny little whiff of Socialism about it.
GET A GRIP AMERICA!
"In an editorial on July 31, Investor's Business Daily warned of end-of-life counseling in health care reform by saying people like Stephen Hawking "wouldn't have a chance" in the such a system.
'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/12/stephen-hawking-enters-us_n_257343.html)
Since when has Prof. Hawking NOT been English?
As he states, "I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS". The NHS is far from condemning someone's life because of an illness or a disability. For example, the case of Diane Pretty, a motor neurone disease sufferer (might I add, the same disease which Professor Hawking suffers from). Her case for euthanasia was dismissed not only by the NHS but by the European Court of Human Rights.
And how DARE individuals such as Sarah Palin attack the NHS. For her to call the NHS 'Orwellian' is a ridiculous claim - it is the American healthcare system that is 'Orwellian' and dystopic; where healthcare is only given to those who can afford it, and those who cannot afford it are made to suffer.
Two months ago, I was very ill and because of the NHS I was referred immediately to a specialist and a bed reserved for me, does this happen in the USA? My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and was treated by the NHS AND survived. He was 72 at the time, which completely discounts a statement made by some ignoramus called Chuck Grassley:
"I don't know for sure," said Grassley. "But I've heard several senators say that Ted Kennedy with a brain tumour, being 77 years old as opposed to being 37 years old, if he were in England, would not be treated for his disease, because end of life - when you get to be 77, your life is considered less valuable under those systems." (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/11/nhs-united-states-republican-health)
A bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. According to him, age affects whether you will be treated under the NHS, however, doesn't income, in essence, affect whether you will be treated under the American healthcare system? My grandad is now 77 years old and he is still under the care of the NHS.
I think many US Republicans such as complete and utter arses like Palin and Grassley are still labouring under the idea that a Cold War is being fought, this time attacking something which is indeed a Socialist idea (the NHS) because they - being the ignorant ultra-Conservative capitalist arseholes that people are starting to associate the USA with - cannot stand the idea that something that may help those who need help and may have a tiny little whiff of Socialism about it.
GET A GRIP AMERICA!