Why do Americans,who repeat the mantra about democracy all over the world, think it is ok to have political dynasties?

[moondog]

I mean,what the hell gave Dubya or Hillary the right to be in the White House beyond the fact that a relatave got there first?

In Hillary's case,it seems such a betrayal of her feminist convictions. I jsy don't geddit.

Still, good to see Obama doing well in Iowa. Maybe there is hope yet?

I agree. The majority of the people in the States have excellent health care. I realise that the system doesn't work for everyone and that does need to change but bringing down the standard of care for the majority to help the few seems folly to me. I don't know what the answer is but socialised medicine would be a disaster for the US.

Reserve troops are already being sent to Iraq, as well as the National Guard (who are not meant to be deployed in overseas war).

Where else are you going to find sufficient troops to invade another country? Boy scouts?

My mother tried to bribe me back to the US.

Offered to settle all my debts and buy us a house and car and even said it could be in Colorado.

But that whole health insurance thing, extra long workweek and lack of holiday time puts me off.

And let's stop referring to NHS services as free because they most certainly are not. The NHS cost a bloody fortune and the service is mediocre. They do a pretty good job in an emergency. But preventative care is practically non-existant.

The introduction of medical care for evryone in the early days was a good thing at a time when the population was suffering. But, today, compared to the US system, it is substandard for the vast majority. So, I am opposed to downgrading the US system to one like the NHS. Sadly,I think there is a good chance that either Hillary or Obama will get into the white house, and so there is a good chance of socialised medicine. But it will lower the standard for everyone.

It won't lower the standard for those without health insurance (how many is it?) and presumably private healthcare will still be an option.

Bigger picture etc

47 million citizens in 2005 without health insurance according to NCHC.

Without knowing too much about the NHS, I believe that the plan (at least hillary's) would be for us in the US to buy into a plan and receive tax breaks. And it would be completely optional. If I like the healthcare from my job I can keep it, If I pay for it I can, if I opt into the government one I can (It will be similar to medicare/medicaid which my children have and is really a good plan).

It's not so much making sure that everyone is covered, but providing affordable coverage for those that want/need it.
I think it's going to be difficult to provide healthcare to everyone without losing the level of care that we are used too. I think that total universalization would leave not work in the long term.

Hillary's original plan gave choice of doctor only to government employees. So one system for her and her people, and aother for hard working Americans. Still want to talk about "fair"?

And Americans on welfare get care that is just as good as the NHS, so I don't really see how their care will improve. It's just that everyone elses will come down to their level.

Exactly, I would rather have the option of going to my old county hospital back home than the hospitals here.

Actually I don't think Obama wants Universal Healthcare. Its Hillary and Edwards

Actually I don't think Obama wants Universal Healthcare. Its Hillary and Edwards

I still don't get why it was considrered acceptable to give Hillary the whole health reform responsibility when Bill was in charge.I mean FFS, imagine what we would do if Sarah Brown suddenly started holding forth ob foreign policy.

It's just not on and I don't understand why it is accepted.

correct me if I am wrong but in the US you do not have to be elected to serve in the Govt iykwim, as opposed to here in the UK where the majority of the cabinet etc are elected members of parliament. The US has a different system.
Compared to other countries around the world it is still a democracy.

Here's my story of US state provided healthcare: I moved from London to America when I was pregnant (US citizen but longtime UK resident). I looked into purchasing private health insurance (mainly for coverage in case anything catastrophic happened), but was told my pregnancy/the birth/any care related to the baby's birth would NOT be covered as the pregnancy was deemed a 'pre-existing' condition. I was therefore considered 'uninsurable' for the pregnancy.

Subsequently I jumped through the necessary hoops and registered for the state health insurance plan (reserved for those who either can't afford to pay for their own insurance, or whose bad health/conditions prevent them purchasing insurance). DD was delivered by caesarean (using the ob/gyn of my choice), in the new birthing wing of a sparkling hospital of my choosing. We both remained in a private room in hospital for 4 days total.

I didn't have to pay a penny, as the government picked up the tab completely. Ludicrous really because I was financially able to pay, but my 'uninsurable' status meant the state became responsible for me. I couldn't have asked for better care. I'm sure there are horror stories, but thought I should offer a positive story because they do happen.

The US judicial system is democratic in that you can vote for judges sheriffs etc, here we do not have that choice with police officers or judges.

Absolutely. Clinton should not have handed that responsibility to his wife. I thought it was illegal, but then when did a little thing like the law ever stop Bill Clinton?

There's a word for it, but I can't remember what. I think Kennedy did it with Bobby as well and that put an end to it.... I could be wrong about this though.

Can I correct you BGD about being elected to the Govt.
What about Tony stuffing the House of Lords with his unelected cronies!

Universal health care is a wonerful idea. Thing is universal health care doesn't work - the uk has a failing universal health care. So seems a little stupid to go for something that doesn't work on a smaller scale in another similar country? Just my thoughts feel free to explain that I am being silly (meant in a nice way)

House of Lords can't really do much though can it?
Only refuse an act or whatever a couple of times before it goes through.

but why is standing for the white house a betrayal of HC's feminist convictions moondog ?

fembear i was referring in the main to the cabinet. the house of lords is another thing altogether (on which I agree with you)

Because she alludes constantly to her knowing the ropes having been there before which is shit I think.

Imagine Norma Major coming out with this.

Because she is using her association with her husband to (try to) get there.

She hasn't got the experience. He has. Did you know Bill never gave Hillary security clearance? So how involved was she really? So involved she didn't notice the intern who was blowing him? Involved???? Not really. She is claiming to have a world of experience she simply does not have.

Eleusis its called Nepotism and it was very questionable at the time. I don't know if it violated the anti-nepotism laws or not but it certainly should have. She had no business there