Originally Posted by Steerpike

I stated something similar in a response to another thread, but I think it's applicable here too. It's almost unfair to compare, say, UK, to the USA. If not unfair, then at least, not very meaningful. The USA should be compared to something more along the lines of Europe. In Europe, you have poor countries (eg, Portugal) and rich countries (eg, Germany), and the range is wide. Similarly, in the US, you have poor areas (eg, the Appalachians of West Virginia and Tennessee) and rich areas such as the Northeast and the cities of the West Coast.

The chronic state of healthcare in this country is a nationwide embarrassment, however, for those without insurance.

Originally Posted by Bob

And that would be?

It's been a fairly valid discussion so far in the main in my opinion.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

Maybe you should read the whole thread and not comment on the last post.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

whatever way she meant it, its a mute point now.

Originally Posted by Songbird

And why would you assume I haven't read the whole thread??? Would that be because I happen to question your implied motives of the OP?? Trust me Lisa I 'get' the point you were making - I just happen to disagree with it is all. This discussion is not only valid but also pertinent - as illustrated by the numerous contributions.

Originally Posted by Hiro11

Moot.

Also, I thought it was funny that everyone complained for about seven pages that people were just dismissing Elvira's post, complaining that anyone who doesn't want to get dragged into this debate (again) is "sticking their head in the sand".

Finally, someone (post 105) does respond with a well reasoned, fact-based response complete with links to entirely reputable sources of data that completely destroy the credibility of the original post and everyone completely ignores it. I guess people got the debate they pretended to want, but not from the correct viewpoint. Well done.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

Good, I'm really glad you got the point I was making. Then I don't need to go any further in discussing it.

Originally Posted by Songbird

and I'm really glad you got my 'point' - hence no need to further discuss it, well that aspect of it anyways.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

I'm sorry your point isn't and wasn't taken. Is this what you and Bob are referring to as a valid discussion on a serious matter? Because I've not seen that yet.....

Originally Posted by Songbird

Your apology is accepted - in much the same vein it was proffered.

Really does it matter why the OP initiated this thread? Is that REALLY the issue?? Bottom line if it didn't raise valid points for discussion it would have died 10 pages back. The fact that it never AND discussion is ongoing on the ISSUES ( as opposed to this inane 'discussion') is evidence enough that some people regard it as important enough to discuss, and I for one am finding it interesting enough to take the time to read.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

Oh for crying out loud - this has/was/is a mud slinging match. Very hardly any "valid" discussions on the original post. If it has helped anybody to read this whole thread - then I'm extremely happy for them Now lay off!

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Come on you two please take this to PM.

Originally Posted by Hiro11

Moot.

Also, I thought it was funny that everyone complained for about seven pages that people were just dismissing Elvira's post, complaining that anyone who doesn't want to get dragged into this debate (again) is "sticking their head in the sand".

Finally, someone (post 105) does respond with a well reasoned, fact-based response complete with links to entirely reputable sources of data that completely destroy the credibility of the original post and everyone completely ignores it. I guess people got the debate they pretended to want, but not from the correct viewpoint. Well done.

Originally Posted by Steerpike

Here is post 105, for reference (so you don't have to go looking for it!

Not sure which facts are accurate (lies, damn lies, and statistics ...) but I will say that Elivira will post anything that portrays the US in a bad light because she's not happy here and seems to revel in 'proving' how bad it is! (DUCK!!!)

Originally Posted by Steerpike

Here is post 105, for reference (so you don't have to go looking for it!

Not sure which facts are accurate (lies, damn lies, and statistics ...) but I will say that Elivira will post anything that portrays the US in a bad light because she's not happy here and seems to revel in 'proving' how bad it is! (DUCK!!!)