Tommy Douglas "The Greatest Canadian" A healthcare primer for Americans

Canadians in a recent poll named the late Tommy Douglas former premier of Saskatchewan as the greatest Canadian of all time. Here's why. He introduced socialised medicine in Saskatchewan against tremendous opposition. There was a strike by doctors,major opposition from the U.S. and in spite of all the opposition,this small town preacher almost single handedly brought universal healthcare to all Canadians regardless of age, income or social standing. This is somthing that I'm desperately proud of as a Canadian. I would urge my American friends to read about Tommy Douglas and understand why I am so hopeful that your people will realize how grateful Canadian's are for our healthcare system. I just wish for American's sake they would disregard the incessant propaganda from the insurance lobby and realise how much better a country the U.S. can be. I am one Canadian who would have been bankrupt as a young man after an auto accident had I not been in Canada. I just want the same for my U.S. brothers and sisters as what I have been fortunate enough to have. Please don't call me a commie or socialist,that is just a label that right wingers put on anyone they disagree with. I'm speaking from my heart, you guy's really need to fight for this.

Goes both ways my friend.

What the hell does that mean?

We are really fortunate here in Canada. Since I have spent a fair amount of time in hospitals, I understand what you are saying. (I had a severe eating disorder and 5 operations on my hips.)

However, our system is falling down. We have long waits for surgery and people actually die waiting for health care.

My aunt is an American and she has a health plan that is good. I know she is very fortunate. However, I suspect many Americans receive health plans through their employers.

Even the plan I have through my employer supplements the plan the that health care gives us in Canada. In fact, my employer has spent thousands of dollars on my health so it is not as black and white as people think.

And, Canada, wake-up because we are going to have to fight to keep what we have. We have seen private clinics open here. I believe we are moving toward a 2 tiered level of health care.

That you have also been subject to propaganda.

Why because my life was saved by our system in 77?

My life was saved by our system as well.

God I miss Pierre Trudeau. This neo con jerk we have now sux!

Because you were lucky enough to be able to afford coverage? Lucky You!

Your life may have been saved in the States too. 77 was a long time ago. It is not the same health system. It has seriously suffered. If you love our system as much as you say you do, I hope you will fight for it, rather than acting like it makes us somehow superior.

Where do you get your facts from?
Propaganda? Oh wait..

My health care was covered by my employer, and I was 16.
And I do feel lucky, since I didn't have to wait in a line to get the help I needed.

The best way I can fight for it(you too) is to encourage Americans to get the same thing, and I resent that you think I'm acting superior.

Bet you got that job from your Dad.

Sorry, Rasputin but you are coming on a little strong here. Read what Falsifying said: he did not have to line up.