To think the USA and UK should become 1 country

[FortyDoorsToNowhere]

As the title says.

I think it should happen, not sure why exactly other than to pool out resources.

[Ericaequites]

Vinegar in all varieties is readily available in the States: balsamic, white, malt, and red.

[Ericaequites]

Workers do have rights in the States. At mutual will employment is no worse than your zero hour contracts.
We have roundabouts here in New England, but call them rotaries.

[MinnesotaNice]

raven That was grim.

[Ericaequites]

For the most part, Americans don't want free health care because it's paid for through high taxes. Besides, I don't trust the government further than I can throw it.

[MinnesotaNice]

But if the UK leaves the bastard EU does that make America the rebound relationship?

[nonmifairidere]

Are you serious, OP? There are two great things about America - the scenery and the wildlife, unfortunately these would come with a lot of unwelcome attachments. Anyway, they wouldn't want us, we're progressives, liberals and socialists.

[goinggreyagain]

Erica I don't want free healthcare (the NHS is not free) I want healthcare that is a basic right not a privilege.... With the new healthcare laws we are making a dent in this but still have a long way to go.

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Looks like jet packs would be needed.

[Caitlin17]

Daft idea. Another forum I post on is a music forum roughly people my own age , more men than women, about 1/2 American and 1/2 European (which for purposes of this Canada and Australia are in Europe) They are mainly lovely people but if the topics veer off music, books, films, my goodness there is a huge gulf between USA and Europe.

[DizzyZebra]

Minnesotanice I had all of that when i had DS apart from cable TV but then in not sure why that would be necessary and unless you have complications a midwife is more than adequately trained to provide care.

Anyway, in answer to the OP; Fuck that.

[MinnesotaNice]

Well Dizzy I suppose it's not necessary, but it was nice.

Especially the continuity of care.

Basically, why would I choose to be in an understaffed ward with 5 other people and all of their visitors and their drama?

[KeatsiePie]

Well it certainly would be interesting. Perhaps good for diversifying the genetic pool?

If there could be little hotel-ettes along the bridge it would be a lovely trip across, think of the view. Sort of like doing one of those multi-day marathons. But there would have to be food carts.

[Caitlin17]

On the health insurance issue I have BUPA via work, it specifically excludes anything relating to the gynaecological treatment Standard Life had to pay up for under the cover provided by my previous employer and both exclude any treatment for migraine as it was pre-existing.

I've always assumed people have private cover in the UK to jump the queue for things that will make life more comfortable rather than wait in an NHS queue but for all the biggies it's back to the NHS.The treatment my mother has received over the last few years from a local cottage hospital, health visitors and a large teaching hospital simply can't be faulted.

[MinnesotaNice]

Ok, I think KeatsiePie is on to something. But what are we going to do about driving on the left-/right-side of the road?

[KeatsiePie]

Oh dear. MinnesotaNice (perfect name for this thread!) that might be unsolvable. Perhaps if only bicycles and those pedalled carriages were allowed ... do the same rules apply on both sides for bicycles?

I like the idea of waking up and wandering out to a food cart for an egg-on-croissant and then eating it while staring down across the ocean.

[spamm]

Having lived in both countries, I can see very clear benefits to both.

Yes, you can find malt vinegar, in fact it is practically a staple in Pennsylvania. I love the US healthcare system, but agree about those without insurance - it is a nightmare. I adore my dentist here in the US - never found good dental care in the UK. We live in a very multicultural area, and my son's school has so many different cultural influences - Chinese, Korean, Peruvian, Argentinian, etc.... The fish and chips here is a very poor parody, I hardly ever waste the calories unless I am in the UK.
The weather can be truly AWEsome (read scary!) and most people we meet are friendly, thoughtful and fantastic. But there are many, many idiots (just like the UK). Most of all, I love the can do spirit.

But the cultural differences are immense - far more than I even anticipated (and Marmite costs a bomb!).

[steff13]

That's a lovely offer, but I will have to decline. We would, however, be willing to accept Idris Elba and David Tennant.

Just FYI about our healthcare, there is Medicaid, which covers 100% of everything for low-income people (90%-200% of the federal poverty level, depending on the area), and public hospitals cannot refuse treatment for people due to a lack of insurance. They might get a gigantic bill, but they can take it back to the hospital and get it written off if they can't afford to pay it.

[goinggreyagain]

Steff have you ever used Medicaid or tried to have a hospital write off a bill ?

[arfishy]

No No No re the chocolate. Based on my extensive research the worldwide chocolate rankings in order of deliciousness are:

European
UK
Australian
American*

*Doesn't qualify for the term "delicious" used in any way, such as "partly delicious" or "vaguely delicious"

[steff13]

Steff have you ever used Medicaid or tried to have a hospital write off a bill ?

Yes to both. And, I work with Medicaid eligibility.

[goinggreyagain]

Then you know it is a dire system and cannot be compared to the NHS.

[Minion]

Steff you cannot have David Tennant, that's a deal breaker. In consolation, however, I proffer davina mcCall and Tess daly.
You can keep them two.

[wobblyweebles]

My experience of both using and working for the NHS was also dire.

Personally I think we should all adopt the French healthcare system. Perhaps some sort of menage a tepid?