You know, my friends. I live in one of the richest countries in the world. Most people in my country call it "the best country in the world", which I find a little obnoxious, but understand most people love their native land, so to them it is. I love my country very much, too, so see it as the best, in most ways. However, responding to the conversation between Wild Coyote and Christina, I, too, think there is ZERO reason why anyone in the United States should be without medical coverage. It's not a privilege, in my view. It's a human right. Why do so many countries on continents like Europe have universal healthcare, and not us? Are they so much richer than those in the United States that they can manage it, but the US can't? Do those countries care more about their fellow citizens than the US citizens care about those who can't afford coverage? Why are the citizens in my husband's European country more than happy with their universal healthcare, than we are with our Aetna (big friggin name) insurance coverage? Why do they pay so much less than we do for the same procedures? Why do their citizens not end up in the poor house when they have major medical procedures? Why are they so lucky, but my husband and I have to struggle and worry about not being able to handle our medical issues in the future? Or retire. Ever! Why can they remain in their home areas, but my husband and I have to leave our home in the next few years because we can't afford to live where we do anymore?


So, should we "leave my country" because we complain about the status quo? "Love it or leave it??????????????" Yes, my husband was born in a European country, but my ancestors date back to the early 1700s in the state that I live in. But even if I didn't have my husband, I would still be impoverished and unable to afford healthcare if I lost my SSDI tomorrow. I would no longer be able to afford my doctors and medications, unless my brother (who refers to some people on disability as "leeches") or my sister helps me out financially. And can they really pay these bills? And really big bills? Or would I find myself in a situation where I die?


I vote. I vote for what I think serves my interests and the majority's interest the most. I will always vote in the elections for my country. I write my congressman/women and senators. That's as much as I can handle now. I'm otherwise at the mercy of the system. However, if I can't live a reasonable life in my country in the future I will go, unless things change for the better. I will have to be the one saying "Good riddance!" to a flawed country that doesn't take care of all of its citizens sufficiently.


People in my country ask "Where are you going to get the money to fund universal healthcare?" Well, there are a hell of lot of places to get the money. The fact is, there is a hell of a lot of resistance to taking money from some places vs. others. And those "others" are not doing me one lick of good.


So, my husband and I may be moving to France in a couple years because we have fears about the future. Believe me when I say, that there would be plenty of people in my country saying "Good riddance!" to me and my husband. Nice, huh?