Originally Posted by Adult Lounge - Brad

I say the bottom line is that it is irrefutable that at some point or another we are all going to need to use the health care system. When we do, we can only hope that it takes care of us and does not run us into the ground financially.

Over the years I have heard and read many a story about people getting screwed by their insurance companies. When this happens, it not only ruins that person, but also their family and friends who rally to help support that person. Sure they could sue the company, but everyone know where that would lead...further financial disaster.

I am sure that there are also many good stories about insurance companies helping out people as well, but they go unnoticed because that is not the kind of news that we like to read and talk about. Who wants to sit around and talk about how Johnny got hooked up by his insurance company?

So where does that leave us with respect to the debate between a private system and a public one?

As far as I have seen and heard, the only real plus to a privatized system is that you can have faster service in a nicer place. Great. On the flip side, you could be saddled with an endless list of medical bills.

On to a public system...sure there could be longer wait times and yes the room you are in may not be lined with gold, but at least you are going to get the treatment you need without having to worry about getting a heart attack when you see how much everything cost.

When you look at both sides of this debate and the fact that it is in essence a black and white issue it seems to me that it comes down to a show down of who is most patriotic rather than a debate over what system of health care is better. It is no different than the debate over guns in the US from my perspective. Some feel the undying need to rally around the flag and others see that there is room to make positive changes.