national health care

I appreciate the response, Smashlove. I do disagree, however, with health care being a privilege. How can education be a right, and health care be a privilege? With "No Child Left Behind" George W. Bush made education a right for every American. But in the big scheme of things, which is more important-educational competency or staying alive and functioning without illness? The obvious answer is that health care is far more important than even education. Now, I'm not arguing that education is not important. It is imperative to developing our nation. However, health care MUST be a top priority on the upcoming candidate's platform. Also, it is not true that "Canadians come over the border to get an MRI in a timely fashion." I'm sure that some have. However, the FACTS (not "rumors") are that a higher percentage of people are satisfied with the health care they have received in OTHER countries (industrialized) than in THIS country. Perhaps if we weren't in a major deficit right now, socialized health care would be attainable. Instead of keeping this nation's citizens alive, congress has approved spending of over $699 billion dollars for fighting this war on terror. Granted, that money is spent and gone, but if we get the troops home in a timely manner, and spend money on the citizens that are dying HERE on our soil, instead of paying money to kill other people on THEIR soil, health care is an attainable goal. I think the only reason people oppose the notion is because they don't believe it. It's not too good to be true, it works in other nations, and it can work here. YES, taxes will go up. But why did we have a tax cut during war anyway?? That was the only time in US history that we got a tax CUT during a war. I am prepared and more than willing to pay more in taxes if it means a free doctor visit whenever I'm ill, and affordable medicine. The insurance and pharmaceutical industries are both fraudulent, and don't deserve our money any longer. I would prefer LESS money go into the government and in the end, help me when I'm sick, than MORE of my money go to white-collared criminals who take advantage of our nation. I know that sounds extreme, but it is true. Why should we pay up to $400 for certain precriptions that can be attained for $10 in other countries? Because that $390 difference goes into the elite pockets of the pharm. industries. Quick example that many might be unaware of-- Rick Perry, Republican Governor of Texas, had his campaign funded for primarily by the pharmaceutical company Merck. Shortly after being elected governor, Perry made the "Gardasil" vaccine mandatory for all 6th grade girls. Gardasil is the HPV preventive vaccine that Merck created. It costs $200 per shot, and 3 shots are required to be immune to the virus. That is $600/girl. So basically, "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" philosophy applied. Merck paid to have Perry elected, then Perry makes their vaccine mandatory, and Merck brings in some serious money. This was wrong on a lot of levels, but I do realize it wasn't my initial point. In conclusion, I am prepared to pay more taxes for better healthcare, because it shouldn't be a privilege, it really should be a right. If you're willing to socialize education, why not medicine? Your taxes already go toward school....which is more important-reading a book, or living to see tomorrow?