>>>>http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.09affc88c9815310300a92378aed0564.2f1&show_article=1
>>>>
>>>>I don't think nationalized medicine will look so enticing to everyone if this was widely publicized. It certainly has not been in the mass media (yet).
>>>
>>>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/03/06/MNG71OG4NQ1.DTL
>>>
>>>but then I guess these people weren't paying either.
>>
>>
>>Interesting that you have just done something that folks here are accused of doing. I have read numerous posts complaining that whenever something in the U.S. or some action here is criticized by non-Americans the first thing an American will do is say that it happens elsewhere or it is not as bad as this over there, and essentially not address the issue but try to deflect attention...
>>
>>But you are right: the Walter Reed example only supports an argument against nationalized health care. People like to dismiss that since it is a military hospital (one I have personally been treated at by the way) and often the military are not given the same 'cushy' care as the public. I'm not saying it isn't wrong or shouldn't be fixed, but rather that the public tends to see the 'military' in a different category than the general public at times and the military suffers for it.
>
>Its good to know that Americans and non Americans have the same reponses then isn't it. The NHS often gets a kicking from over there and while by no means perfect (IMO) its better than your system.
>
>BTW treatment of injured military is no better here.

Just to be clear, I am a supporter of national health care. However, I am not convinced that it produces the same quality care and availability of treatment as the system we have now. I believe it can, but I don't think that has been achieved (yet) in any other country. Ours is outrageous when it comes to cost, but there is availability for everyone and no waiting list for specialized or expensive care and I truly believe we have one of the highest levels of quality care in the world. My daughter's immediate CT scan and MRI are just one example for availability. Two winters ago I fell down some very steep stairs in the middle of the night and I received an immediate CT scan and MRI as well and that was in another city and in a different hospital. Pittsburgh has more MRI machines than all of Canada. Where we are lacking is in medical mistakes and the treatment of chronically ill patients and affordability. I have received medical treatment in France, Germany, Panama, and another country(s) I won't mention. France SUCKED and Germany's care was excellent but lacking in personal care that is standard in the U.S. Panama actually was very good but they lose a lot of doctors to the U.S. and the oversight is lacking.

Recent study results (March 9, 2009):
http://www.healthimaging.com/index.php?option=com_articles&view=portal&id=publication:9:article:16596:mri-prioritization-necessary-to-reduce-canadian-wait-times