| I'm thankful to be retired in Canada. Single-payer healthcare. Do you wonder why the various insurance, pharma-related and other agencies in the health field who happen to have an ax to grind are spending millions to try to influence the U.S. citizenry that they don't want it? They like things the way they are. But ask yourself ... is your present system best for the little guys? Our governments are elected, and pay at least a modicum of attention to the voters. Do your health-related agencies have even a smattering of democracy related to them? Do they listen to the voice of the people? Not that I've noticed. Don't listen to the those who pin besmirching labels on others - investigate for yourselves. Do yourself a favour - do some serious thinking about this huge issue that affects everyone at the place where they're most vulnerable. Here's an idea: vacation in Canada this year. Ask a number of Canadians how they like their health care system. Sure, it has its faults, it needs some repair: what doesn't? It's bottom-line with those big guys in your healthcare field - as it is with your fractured banks whose heedless, greedy policies almost got them dumped into the dumpster ... ... at which point they told the gov't that they were "too big to be allowed to fail". And, like little pigs, got to suck at Momma's belly - till they got bigger (again). Canadian banks, better regulated, (mainly) didn't get their wheels stuck in that manure pile - though I have some bones to pick with the one that I have shares in, that partly did ... share price dropped to a little over a third of highest level! Enjoy your weekend - stay healthy (whether you're in the U.S. ... or that country that the O P spoke of ... what was it, Panama?) ... especially if you're old and on the edge of decrepit! ole joyful | 
