In a Sense, Abroad Part Quatre: You Bet They Canada!

I am currently in the northern territories on a work assignment, as seeking gainful employment in the wonderful world of television will occasion one to do.

Our famously pleasant upstairs neighbour (note my use of "u" in "neighbor" out of deference to my host country, a selfless act of diplomacy all American representatives abroad should engage in) has made my stay famously pleasant and I have been privileged to observe close-up what some people in the American media have told me was bad and ugly and evil and vile and stinky and Commie and shitty and bad. And also bad. And did I mention bad?

And it makes me wanna heave a curling stone, drain a can of Molson's and yodel O, Canada! O, your hockey. O, your syrup. O, your Leonard Cohen. O, your exported comedy.

And O by the way did you know that according to the largest survey on primary health care ever conducted in Canada that most people have high praise for their family doctor and a staggering 92% would recommend their physician to a relative or friend; that they have excellent access to primary care and experience relatively short wait times for treatment and that the concept of prevention is strongly built into the public's understanding of viable and efficient national health care?

And they're not teeth-gnashing, flag-waving Red menaces. Well, maybe during the Stanley Cup playoffs they are.

For you see, Canadians enjoy a quality of health care (and, subsequently, quality of life) that has been demonized by the bitter mouthpieces for the corporate health cabal in these United States, who themselves have much to lose if American citizens choose a national health care plan:

Firstly, they would lose all the profits wrung from an aging and increasingly unfit population (66% of Americans over age 20 are overweight or obese) which is dependent on exorbitantly priced medications.

Secondly, they would lose their power to influence political policies involving unregulated production or research into more affordable medicines, policies which ultimately favor them and their fellow capitalisto fuck-buddies over the ailing and elderly.

And thirdly, what I just said but double.

How many cases of Hobson's Choice must Americans hear before they realize that they are being colossally ripped off; that the pay-or-die option so generously offered by the medical and drug industry actually, really does not represent the best care in the world? All the fear-mongering, political obstruction and verbal gymnastics opponents of a national health care plan for the United States have been spewing are nothing more than frantic attempts to keep money in the bottomless pockets of Big Pharma. And the stranglehold the pharmaceutical industry has on the country is the same one the banks have, tenaciously hanging onto their primacy as the physical well-being of the country it professes to care about ebbs away.

In fact, the greatest threat to the health of individuals in the US is the lack of a nationalized, affordable health care program. Why the spin to cast it as socialist or downright deadly? Because to some, it ain't medicine which makes you live a better life.

It's money.

And that's the only reason everyone from the Blue Dog to the fair and balanced Fox (craven animals which have a tendency to lick their own testicles and consume feces -- just saying) hates the idea of people paying less and ultimately becoming healthier and detached from Big Pharma's slow drip.

And listen, Canadians also seem to have skirted (for now, anyway) the housing and real estate crisis which has gripped its big shot, big-assed cousin by their wallets. Canadians are still making tidy profits on sales and construction, the same ones Americans enjoyed for so many years of blissful indulgence. Only, the Canadians have hold of their senses. And it shows in their stable economy and satisfied health care recipients.

And once again, ONCE AGAIN (Zeus, it is so boring to have to say it over and over) the obvious need for universal health care, the kind that works so well in most other technologically advanced countries, is prevented from being implemented by the same folks whose job, apparently, is to obfuscate the necessities rightfully due all American citizens; who brought us the tragically corrupt morass in Iraq; who instigated the unregulated banking fiasco; who toil in the dark cause of relentless profiteering while cynically cloaked as Conservatism, as Republicanism, as reliable news and information, as food and drug regulation -- you name it, they corrupt it. The people who want to bring health care down want to bring you down.

From up north it's easy to see the cure for what ails.

Comments

[AlanMaki]

Mr. Weber, you missed a few important points.

Canadian auto and steelworkers would disagree with how "well" the economy is doing.

The Canadian Health Care system is far better than what we have here in the United States; but, socialist Tommy Douglas, widely recognized as the father of the Canadian Health care system, warned Canadians that if they wanted to avoid problems in health care delivery they would have to push for a fully socialized health care system. What Tommy Douglas had in mind is something like our VA or the Indian Health Service for all.

Capitalism in Canada doesn't work any better for Canadian workers then it does for U.S. workers.

Capitalism doesn't work at all except for the Wall Street and Bay Street bankers and industrialists.

I would also point out that the Canadian working class has its own socialist oriented political party, the New Democratic Party... if not for this labor based political party Canadians still wouldn't have their fine health care system. We here in the United States would do well to keep this in mind seeing as how Barack Obama and the Democratic Party have killed off any hope of achieving single-payer universal health care. The Democrats killed single-payer without any help from the Republicans. We need a political party similar to the New Democratic Party if we really expect to achieve any reforms.

Alan L. Maki
Director of Organizing,
Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council

http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/

[WriteStuffNYC]

Excellent rant there, Stevo. No surprise in that. Allow me to throw in one tiny quibble, though -- and it is indeed tiny. While extolling the virtues of all things Canadian, expecially their economy that has successfully escaped much of the world economic meltdown of the recent past, you fail to mention that Canada is being buoyed by a major infusion of cash from the tax revenues they derive from oil production coming out of their Alberta oil sands. In short, they're sitting on a money tree up there that will float national health care and all manner of other national programs for the next several generations because we Americans love to drive thirsty cars and so we pay for gas that, to an increasing extent, originates from the ground to our north. That doesn't make their national medical system bad by any means. But when we're sending them so much cash it does make things much easier for them to afford health care than it will if/when we start to travel that same path.

[JuliaRain]

Your comment sounds like thinly disguised blame on Canada for the US money and energy problems. Don't go there.

Let's be clear. Your government could afford health care for your citizens if it could prioritize saving lives as opposed to k. illing. Spend tax dollars on health care, not warfare.

[IrishMale]

Second. You don't see Canada spending billions on war. Of course, Canada doesn't worry about terrorists, because Canada doesn't occupy foreign nations or demonize Muslims.

[IrishMale]

GREAT post, and GREAT comments from everyone below. Give yourselves a pat on the back everyone. Rational heads must prevail!!

It's become increasingly apparent that the word "socialism" is rapidly losing its effect as a way to instill fear in the populace. Republicans and "big money" have flogged their prized horse within an inch of its life, and people aren't sure what it means anymore - and that's kinda a good thing. Socialism used to mean stifling growth and being anti-American. That was easy to swallow. Wait, now socialism means supporting our President? It means NOT bailing out selected Wall Street fat cats? It means making sure my kids have health coverage?

Suddenly socialism isn't the Great Satan that we thought it was. A bit scary, because real socialism DOES stifle things somewhat and like anything, it can be taken too far. But it's just not effective to paint with the big red brush anymore.

[graffen48]

Obvious, and only sane postion against the insanities of power and greed, but it's the metaphors that tell the truth in this piece. As usual , just when i think i'm all alone in this world, Mr. Weber comes in with a gem, and restores my beliief that, yes, there are still "good guys" in the world.

[tablogloid]

Yes, we have universal health care in Canada and I am thankful for it. However, we do have a substantial right wing element among us, including many in our Prime Minister Stephen Harper's minority conservative party. Many of them would like to see more privatized options.
If you are interested in reading up on these folks, I advise you to link to: www.nationalpost.com, our right wing daily. Check out what people like columnists David Frum, Conrad Black and the rest of their editorial staff have to say in their Opinions and Full Comment blog sections. It is often very scary.

[AlanMaki]

Is that right-wing crook Conrad Black out of jail already or does he write from his prison cell?

[MyThought]

Let's just hope we (Canadians) get to keep it all. If you've noticed - our government has not even bothered to defend our system - why? Because we now have a wannable Republican right wing government who doesn't like universal health care - it was a Liberal government that brought it to us.

Banking/finance - the banking system we have IS NOT because of the current government. In fact, when the "Liberal" government dealt with this our prime minister, Stephen Harper was against it and voted against. Now he's been on the US media bragging and boasting about our banking system the he (Stephen Harper) opposed.

Our health care system does need improvement like others, but at least we're in the right direction - no thanks to our current government.

[slowtono]

They won't dump it, they will just become more competitive if America gets it. $3-trillion dollars to you competitive.

[CJWebber]

What are you talking about? Please explain.

[Bluebell123]

Which is why Harper must go. We have to ensure a Liberal majority in the Fall to keep Canada on the right path, so to speak.

[canadian11]

actually, Tommy Douglas, an NDPer was responsible for our universal healthcare system, not the liberals.

[MyThought]

Tommy Douglas brought universal health care to "Saskatchewan" - not the entire country. The Liberals brought it to all of Canada. Tommy Douglas was never government - only premier of Saskatchewan and sat in the House of Commons.

[fairandjust]

Well said.

"For you see, Canadians enjoy a quality of health care (and, subsequently, quality of life)" - how much life would be better if we in the US did not have to WORRY about NOT having affordable health care - the Stress of losing your job AND your health insurance. Don't forget the Stress of constantly Fighting with your private insurer.

Yes the Quality of Life for many in the US would see immediate benefits - no more fighting over the medical bill, no more worry If you have to go to a doctor or ER. One less stress to worry about.

We Must Get Health Care Reform NOW with a really good Public Option like Medicare for ALL.

[CharlieMarlowe]

And speaking of worry, I wonder how much of a stake "big religion" (i.e., the slick televangelists and Christian Right lobbyists) has in preventing universal health care. People who live in countries with universal health care are less religious, or religion plays less of a role in government. If you reduce fear in people's lives they tend to think more about this life rather than an afterlife.

[fairandjust]

Yes. That Grand Ole Religion of Free Market Capitalism.

Interesting you made that connection. The recent interviews with Jeff Sharlet about "The Family" the C Street religious group of Ensign, Sanford, Coburn, Pickering, International Dictators, and Wall Street Execs, etc.

"The real constants in the Family are the fetishization of strength and the worship of the invisible hand -- free market fundamentalism backed up by American military power."

I also read that "The Family" started in the 1930s was extremely Anti-Union.

You are correct that many use "religion" for power and profit. Not for any good.

[mazaza]

Religions like private charity. That makes them look good and they can control the poor and the way they behave ("if you're not nice, forget that free bowl of soup !"). I personally profoundly dislike private charity. It's about helping a selected poor, sort of like each rich lady has its own.

[MyThought]

The right wing evangicals are trying to do their thing in Canada - we have Charles McVety, a member of the Coalition along with the Falwells, Robertson and Dobson of the US. He seems to have a great inflence on our prime minister - who is evangelist­/Christian right.

[sixyfivepercentwater]

As an American who lived in the UK for three years and experienced their health care system, I agree with you. No system is perfect, but there are many models for a viable health care system. Americans want adequate health care. The politicians, unfortunately, are in the pockets of the insurance companies.

[bereasonable0]

Is there anything in the house or senate bills that would suggest a government plan to take over the health care delivery ? I know they have ideas on improvements but all the comparisons to the Canadian and British systems would lead you to believe the plan here is to Nationalize the delivery of healthcare. It seems to me that single payer systems threaten private insurance not private hospitals. The republicans continue to blur the line in order to protect the insurance giants.

[Social Construct]

The people get that "uniquely American" notion of individual responsibility crammed down our throats continuously by groups that have no interest in supporting that very ideal unless there's money to be made. Individualism is a fine ideal and would actually provide opportunities and freedoms in return for an honest day's labor if there weren't such a collective effort keeping the playing field so lopsided. Just how many full time working poor are there?

[MeinNH]

Exactly. It's all about money

[reliant1]

Why not shoot for true equality - suspend Medicare. Buy your own, pay cash or do without care - just like the good old days. Rugged individualism for all.

America was built by the uninsured - they'll unbuild it when the time comes.

[TheEmptinessOfTruthiness]

But...but.­..how is the mediabot supposed to cover 2 "stories" at once???

They have to choose between talking about Obama's comment about some local police department, and talking about his plan for health care. So obviously, of course, they have to talk about Obama/Gates.

[mimo70]

Sorry to say, but, your mainstream media is a joke. They have been compromised. By and large, they do not serve the public interest. They serve the political and business elites interests first and then their own.

If they did serve the public interest, they would be pointing out just how desperate your country needs a public option for healthcare. And a real one, at that. Not watered down. They would also be pointing out just how cruel your current Health care system is.

I suggest everyone watch Bill Moyers Journal and NOW on PBS. Read Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com, Dan Froomkin here at Huff Post.

There are true voices in the Fog .

[fairandjust]

Too true. Our Corporate-Owned Media - is a sad joke.

You are correct that Americans really have to go look for the truth - they won't hear it on the tv news.

[JuliaRain]

Anti-reform Americans are creating unnecessary animosity between Canadians and Americans with their li3s, misrepresentations, and distortions of Canada's health care system. Vilifying other nations does nothing to help America and just creates more an ti-am erican sentiment.

[reliant1]

Vilifying other nations is one thing America is really good at...to ask them to stop hundreds of years of their beloved national pasttime is cruel. It makes them pissy and the world knows what happens when America is feeling pissy...mi­llions upon millions die and many more millions wish they would have.

[JuliaRain]

So I guess Canadians should expect a preemptive military attack and an occupation in the near future? Based on a li3?

[taptaptap]

JuliaRain, as a fellow Canadian, I couldn't agree with you more. The sad reality is, vilifying other nations is a necessary tactic (and a very familiar and comfortable one) if you want to keep Americans believing and cheering "We are Number One!" even in the face of contradictory facts. Anti-reformists equate the "best health care in the world" with ranking 37th in the world.

[MP32]

I don't think Americans have the courage to press for the change needed. Or is it the average american feels powerless against the big pharma and HMO lobbies? I'm a pretty healthy Canadian who doesn't access my healthcare often - once a year for a physical is about it for me and never experience a problem getting an appointment with my family doctor for the infrequent needed visits, nor to an urgent care facility when I need to be stitched up due to some bonehead gardening accident. But one of my parents has a chronic disease which requires her to be seen by specialists frequently, lots of tests to keep on top the disease and make sure it doesn't progress quickly so she has a decent quality of life. She lives on a fixed income and I shudder to think how she'd probably be driven into poverty by now, if she lived in the US. I'm not saying we're perfect, but heck, when we need it, it's there and it doesn't cost us extra beyond what we pay in tax. And really, what's the difference between paying a monthly premium for private insurance that seems to be able to decide whether you get treated or not rather arbitrarily, or paying that same money (or even less) in tax and know you will get care when you need it?.

[elizlucinda]

I don't see many Canadians lining up to go to the United states to get their health care......­.

[CJWebber]

Neither do I, yet if you listen to Americans they say Canadian ARE lining up to get American healthcare.

It is a blatant l!e, and many, many gullible Americans believe it.

[getmeouttahere]

They may not be lining up to get healthcare, but as an ICU RN I can assure you that I have worked with many nurses who have secured visas to come here to work. A few years back I was told by one that the average RN in Canada made $12.00/hr. Multiply that by the cost of living and what you have are lower standards in healthcare providers. I promise you that for that amount of money, I'm not going to wipe your #$% or subject myself to your tirades and blood-borne diseases. I'm all for affordable healthcare, but I want the best people delivering it. Surely a compromise can be reached.