Sneaky cut-backs in the Health Service...

[Eric]

I just can't understand the "we can't afford it argument" ... In a rich country such as the UK, publicly funded health care should be a right, not a privelege. That's how we feel over here ... sure, we pay a few cents more tax on a litre of gas, on a pack of smokes, on a bottle of booze; but what the hell, it's sure worth it when you get sick.

The reason that the tories can't win in Ontario, is that they screwed around with health care last time they were in power. With the general election only days away the tories are tied with the Liberal party in the polls. But they are facing a two term party that is losing popularity, and a premier that few like ... they should have won this election in a romp. But no, it looks like a minority government coming up And it's about health care ... the Liberals are not slow to remind voters that the tories closed hospitals, cut back on funding for nursing and medical schools ... in gerneral, really screwed things up. And much as they dislike the Liberals, they don't trust the tories. Looks like the NDP (Labour) could hold the balance of power.

From what I read, I sense that the UK tories are facing a similar problem: they no doubt would dearly love to Americanize British medical care; but they daren't ... at least they daren't go too far too fast.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Problem with the NHS is, they seem to cutting in the wrong places. There are countless layers of management, bureaucracy, red tape, ethnic awareness courses and all manner of fripperies that should be cut back. The government don't seem to have the ability to do it and, of course, the pen pushers are very skilled at protecting their own positions, if nothing else.

As for the likes of Spain and Italy, I would like to see them cutting right back to the bone on their health service, welfare state and anything else. Anything, just as long as they don't have to come begging for bail outs which we then have to help fund via the IMF. Due to a combination of the world financial situation and the willful wastefulness of the last government, we are now in financial dire straits. Other countries like Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain are in an even worse position, because they've been living beyond their means on an even grander scale than us. Why should we bail them out when we are trying to pay our own debt off?

The only problem there Wyn is if these countries cut back on their health care, where will they come, to the land of milk and honey and do gooders who will fight for their rights to get treatment here not now afforded to them in their own hard pressed country on legal aide of course

[Wynonie Harris]

Originally Posted by jaysay

The only problem there Wyn is if these countries cut back on their health care, where will they come, to the land of milk and honey and do gooders who will fight for their rights to get treatment here not now afforded to them in their own hard pressed country on legal aide of course

Well, some of 'em would. However, when the government start taking advice from me, they'll withdraw from the EU, so there won't be freedom of movement from other European countries and that situation won't apply.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

Well, some of 'em would. However, when the government start taking advice from me, they'll withdraw from the EU, so there won't be freedom of movement from other European countries and that situation won't apply.

I'll pass your thoughts onto Call Me Dave, Wyn

[Tealeaf]

Originally Posted by jaysay

The only problem there Wyn is if these countries cut back on their health care, where will they come, to the land of milk and honey and do gooders who will fight for their rights to get treatment here not now afforded to them in their own hard pressed country on legal aide of course

Beware the Greeks - and this time they won't even be bearing gifts.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

Beware the Greeks - and this time they won't even be bearing gifts.

And they won't even use a Trojan Horse either Tealeaf they just walk in

[MargaretR]

I have read that the origin of the Greek financial problems is the failure of tax collection.
It seems that income tax avoidance is a way of life there.

So don't be gleeful that civil service jobs are cut - it could result in increased tax avoidance here.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

I have read that the origin of the Greek financial problems is the failure of tax collection.
It seems that income tax avoidance is a way of life there.

So don't be gleeful that civil service jobs are cut - it could result in increased tax avoidance here.

Margaret there weren't to many forced redundancies at HM Revenue and Customs, as the staff have been bailing out in their droves for years, my Daughter couldn't get out fast enough together with lots of her colleges, the reason, they were no longer tax inspector more like social security specialists