chong

That is your opinion. I know of some Canadians that don't like the long waits for major healthcare procedures in their country. As a matter of fact, those that can afford the treatment come to the US. I read where a doctor from Canada even wrote in one newspaper's editorial page that if the US gets universal healthcare, he may not have any place to send his patients to, who might require urgent health care.

As one who has been unemployed so many times and has been without medical insurance, I can appreciate getting free healthcare. But neither I nor my family ever received free healthcare. I can appreciate also, not being forced to pay for someone else's medical bills, because sometimes, I can hardly pay for my own. There is also a perception that once there is universal healthcare, the quality of care will go down a lot.

At least that is the perception. I don't know if that's true. One thing I know is that prescription medication is so much cheaper in Canada. And I don't believe it has anything to do with universal healthcare. I believe it has more to do with the drug companies charging a lot more in the US.

I am fortunate to be living in a state that has a common border with Canada. During the times that I do not have medical insurance, I'm glad to be able to take a 2 and a half hour drive to Vancouver, BC once every 3 months to purchase my wife's medication. They cost us almost $800 per month for her meds at the local Costco. But buying them from the Costco there, they cost just over $600 for 3 months. (There are Costco stores opening in Australia soon, if not already.) I could get the prescription filled for 6 months, but the US feds at the border stations will only allow a 3 month supply.

It is indeed pretty touchy. Most of the politicians that are in favor of it are mostly stinking rich and the additional tax to them is so negligible. So, they don't know how it will affect the ordinary person's pocketbook. The additional tax to one's income would further reduce the amount he may have budgeted for food, shelter, and/or clothing. And those rich politicians will still be able to go to their own private caregivers.
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From a purely humanitarian standpoint, yes. That's why most people donate to their favorite charity.