who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

this MEP has been all over the US news stations today , he is being touted as a future Prime Minister, how well known is he in the UK ?
YouTube - Daniel Hannan MEP: The devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government

anyone have a comment about him :confused:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

?????? who is he?:D:D:D never heard of him

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

he looks like the love child of those two who run that shop in the league of gentlemen

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ilove/year...340/league.jpg

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

never heard of the guy.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Snap cashy......never heard of him, never seen him, and not sure if I want too :D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Never heard of him, but full marks to him, he certainly told mad Gord a few home truths...probably too late, as we're headed for national bankruptcy anyway. :rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Don't know much about the guy other than he's a Tory MEP for the South East, but he's one hell of an orator

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I'll bet GB had never heard of him.............but he has now.

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Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Never heard of the chap.............

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

If he is going to be a Tory Prime Minister then I presume you lot will have to get rid of your golden boy Cameron! :rofl38:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Play it again 'Sam'..............................:):D

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No Mancie, he'll take over from Cameran after ten years:D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

reviving an old thread , this guy ( Conservative MEP)has been all over the US media in recent days decrying the NHS ...........Nowhere on US media have I seen one British politician opposing his views . Labour/Conservative/Liberal...........this clown is the face of Britain to the US
YouTube - Dan Hannan MEP rubbishes the NHS on Fox News

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

This is what a British Conservative MEP is telling the world about the NHS , is this Tory policy ? the guy has been elected twice , so someone at party HQ must approve of his ideas


YouTube - Glenn Beck: Daniel Hannan (MEP) Warns America about ObamaCare [FOX News]

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

The boy David is rushing round conducting a damage limitation exercise, as we speak. Not been a good week for him, what with this and the Alan Duncan debacle. Expect Mancie on the case soon! ;)

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

thats 2 of the tory gob****es saying what they really think this week, n cameron flapping n denying its what the party are about.:rolleyes: the stupid british public will ignore this though n still vote em in come election, still that will make a few on here happy.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

3 now n counting Roger Helmer who ever that nonetity is MEP, has joined Hannan, whom cameron has already rebuked, says to me all is not well in torydom.:D:D:D

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Well thats not what Call Me Dave said when I was speaking to him last night cashy:D:D:D:p

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

All parties have people in who disagree with the party line. If one child from a school was caught stealing it would be wrong to brand all the children at that school as thieves. Branding his thoughts as 'what the Tories really think' serves no purpose other than a shamefully false party political attack.

It really is desperation when you have the health secretary on live TV denouncing David Cameron, suggesting he has wanted to stay quiet on the NHS. Its patently not true. Cameron has an emotional bond with the NHS, he knows that people rely on it as he too has relied on it over the years.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

yer entitled to believe that andrew, i'm certain history will prove you wrong, just a shame i will probably have croaked by that time so will be unable to take the mick.:D

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Maybe he really wants to be a Politician in America. I think it may well be he's best option after exposing to the entire world the Tory divisions on the N.H.S.

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Oh yes Bernard some division, there's more members of the Labour Party think Brown's a clown than Tories who oppose the concept of the NHS

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

that i could agree with if you mean the ordinary tory voter, but certainly not if ya mean the ******* in high office.:rolleyes: n they are what count we sure don't.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Bring out your dead!

Just as long as you've got enough money to pay the man with the cart.

David Cameron’s MPs want more private health

'DAVID CAMERON’S campaign to present the Conservatives as “the party of the NHS” has suffered a setback with evidence that many Tory MPs want a bigger role for the private sector in healthcare.'

David Cameron’s MPs want more private health - Times Online

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

http://images.zaazu.com/img/male31-m...0073-large.gif

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

What you waiting for Garinda? Best get a coat, you'll get cold. :D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

A miraculous explanation.

Though sadly no one came along to give one.

Still, whistling whilst I waited in vain, showed better manners than petulantly stamping my little feet, and demanding a reply from the blue rinse brigade.

;)

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I think you should have wrote rain not vain. It's been pretty wet outside. Glad I advised you to get a coat, looking after your welfare. :p

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Which is apparently more than most Conservative MPs want to do, if they wiin the next election.

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Herein lies the fundamental conflict between the Cameron and Hannan wings of the Conservative party.

Cameron sees that the easiest path to victory for his party in the next election is to accept the status quo regarding the NHS and anyone who thinks otherwise is, at best, "eccentric," - as he recently dubbed Mr. Hannan.

Hannan favors ending the NHS and creating a system of private accounts. It will come as no surprise to any of you that I agree with him on this. However, Britain's NHS is the third largest employer on the face of the earth and the fact that Mr. Hannan believes that such a bureaucracy should be dismantled is a radical concept to most Brits. I continue to maintain that it is not the role of government to intervene in the free market. Government programs never work well. Mr. Hannan's point was bolstered last week when the Canadian Minister for Health announced that Canada's NHS was "imploding." These things are unsustainable, even with rationing.

We in the U.S. are fighting hard to defeat such a proposal here. The majority of Americans are opposed and are challenging their representatives at every turn. Most of us still value freedom, I am happy to say.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

so long as they are white.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

So as well as having a purely private health care system, for those who can presumably afford it, I assume you also don't believe there should be any state run education, and that all children's education should all be provided by private comanies, in the commercial free market place, again for those lucky enough to be able to afford it?

Thank goodness I don't live on your planet.

:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

'David Cameron's claim that the NHS is safe in Tory hands has been hit by a poll showing most of his MPs say it has no future in its current form.'

'The survey of 150 MPs revealed that two thirds of Conservatives want tax breaks for patients who go private and firms to take over the running of failing hospitals.'

'It comes just days after the Tory leader was forced to distance himself from Euro MP Daniel Hannan who branded the NHS "a 60-year mistake" on American TV.'

David Cameron's NHS 'safe' claim hit by lack of support from Tory MPs - mirror.co.uk

I suppose next it'll come to light that most Conservative MPs don't really agree with hugging a hoodie, as their leader, 'Dave', told us we should do.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

You've been warned before, you liberal thinking, pinko lovin', commie red arse.

http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpi...11/12w_kkk.jpg

Still at least the rest of us can save on our free market fuel bills, whist we warm ourselves, and watch you burn.

:D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

It's obvious our NHS can be improved. New polling suggests people don't trust Labour as the party to do that. Probably because the party that formerly claimed to be 'progressive' has jumped and screamed when anybody has suggested reform to a service established in 1948. Not a sensible response to genuine problems within the NHS that need addressing.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

That'll be the screams of the long term ill, such as cancer sufferers, diabetics, patients with chronic asthma etc., who no private health insurance firm will touch, and are no longer able to access the medical care they need.

Or so it seems will be the case if the majority of Conservative MPs get their way, despite the platitudes of their present leader.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

What you fail to take account of is that for many people the price of private healthcare would be completely unaffordable. If you have any kind of serious medical problem the premiums would be 'sky high'. Some people are unfortunate enough to have long term medical problems which will require medication throughout the rest of their lives.

Also you do not mention the millions of your fellow countrymen who do not have any healthcare, because their income does not allow them to pay.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

'Why then Missy red drawers, we'll do what we do to our nags who're lame.'

'Shoot 'em!'

'Saves on payin' any of them doggone fancy vet fees.'

'Now scoot off our God damn land, before I put a bullet in your commie breeches!'

http://thenashvilleminx.files.wordpr...mpetts-gun.jpg

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Pretending that the poll is tantamount to them wanting an entirely private system identical to the US is really clutching at straws. :rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

'It could hardly be more embarrassing for David Cameron that two-thirds of his MPs are said to oppose his plan to spare the Health Service from cuts.'

'Yet a poll suggests only 29 per cent of his party's MPs support his guarantee, while 62 per cent oppose it.'

Come clean on NHS, Mr Cameron | Mail Online

Even the Daily Mail's reporting that Cameron is out of touch with what the majority of Conservative MPs really want to do to the NHS.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Like I say.. you're clutching at straws considering the Labour party haven't even ring fenced NHS spending. Of course some Tory MP's want more private sector involvement - as Labour have introduced over the past 12 years too. A 60 year old service does need some reforms. They still however believe in a free at point of use national health service where everybody is treated regardless of wealth. Do find me a poll that says otherwise.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

No straws being clutched, just commenting on reports in the press that what Cameron says, and what the majority of Conservative MPs want, seems to be poles apart.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

headlines like this and other similar stories on US news website links don't help the NHS project the image of quality service
The babies born in hospital corridors: Bed shortage forces 4,000 mothers to give birth in lifts, offices and hospital toilets | Mail Online

what were the reasons for closing down places like Rough Lee and Bamleymead (sp?) seems they and other maternity homes served the country well :confused: :confused:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

only person clutching at straws is you dear boy.understandable given yer belief.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Sorry Barb, think most working Californians would disagree with you , would be happy if you could let me know where a 61 year old Californian male can purchase Health insurance for less than $750 per month , something that does not EXCLUDE pre-existing conditions .
Since this and previous US Govts. have destroyed the manufacturing base of the country the only folks now who are guaranteed decent health care are Govt./state/County employees ....something the President wants to extend to the folks who actually pay the bills .
Don't agree with the guy on a few things , but on this one I do.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Since I believe in a national health service I don't see any reason for me to clutch and straws! If they were going to make it like the US system I'd be having something to say about it!

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Docs in USA have a 'licence to kill'
Death by Medicine
Allopathy is the leading cause of death, 783,936 every year in the USA

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

... and rich.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

If the US system is so goddam good, why is it ranked 37th on the World Health Organization's list of world health systems, just behind Costa Rica:confused: Soon, perhaps, we will hear from Barb telling us that the WHO is nothing more than a front for the commies and other assorted pinko liberals.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

you do andrew, i am aware of that, its those ya have on a pedastal "The Gods" in yer beloved party that don't.:rolleyes: n you refuse to see it, either that or yer blind.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Andrew ain't blind Cashy..I reckon he knows, and always has known, that there are people in his party who are out and out thieving con men that consider themselves upper class.. but if you go all in with the Tories you turn a blind eye!

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

He's just a rebel.

Opposed to the government of his generation's day.

A rebel who doesn't have the skills to sell his politically naive ideals to many others.

A Rebel Without Applause.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

young Tory/Conservative Daniel Hannan at it again , this time he says Enoch Powell was one of his "hero's" , wonder how Cameron and Party HQ will spin this .
Some of the stuff the guy says makes sense in a populist way, it will be intersting to see if he starts to get as much TV time in the UK as he does in the US

YouTube - British MEP Daniel Hannan on the NHS, Enoch Powell, and His Libertarian Plan for Britain

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Besides some embarrassing headlines in the press for the Tories to explain, he's getting little or no air time here.

Anyone remotely connected with the European Parliament is a major turn off, both for broadcasters and viewers alike.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Since he was born in the Americas of Anglo-Irish parents, if you want him back, you're very welcome to him.

I'm sure Barb'll find room in her bunker.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Said it years ago and I'll say again...Cameron is the front for the Tories to regain power.. he will win the next election for the Tories and may serve as head for the first 4yrs years or even 6yrs if they think it is possible to win 2 terms...."they" ..are the real hardcore Tories in the mens clubs down Pall Mall that sort out policy while shwirling...or swilling glasses of brandy.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Hannan was born of Anglo-Irish parents living on their farm near Lima, Peru (the centre of one of Peru's largest and most modern poultry businesses;[4] the family estate also included a cotton plantation in Santa Cruz, Bolivia).[5] After spending his childhood in Peru, he was educated at Marlborough College and Oriel College, Oxford, where he studied Modern History.[6] He speaks French and Spanish.[7]

why does this remind me of the Movie "the Boys from Brazil" :D :D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

People said Blair was just a friendly grinning front, that would appeal to cautious middle England, and as soon as they'd conned them into power high taxing socialism would be the order of the day.

It never came.

You want to get yourself up to St. James, nothing politically exciting happens in the clubs on Pall Mall.

;)

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I would make an attempt Garinda.. but public transport is such an effort these days under Mayor Boris!

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Get on your bike.

Most have railings outside.

Some people fall so easily at the first hurdle.

:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Even though they are in a minority, our tories, who come from populist western roots with the Reform Party, sometimes try their right-wing little tricks ... some things they can't get away with: like re-opening the debate on gay marriage and attempting to insinuate the private sector into public health care. But some things they can do, and are doing, because they tap into the darker aspects of Canadian public opinion. The attitude to immigrants is becoming noticably harsher ... not you white English speaking guys, but muslims and poor people of colour. They can do this because there is a strong current of anger against Islam, approaching Islamophobia in some, which grows in direct proportion to the rising casualty lists from Afghanistan. Ironically, considering that all of us here, apart from the First Nations, are immigrants, there is a growing feeling of isolationism, not quite a "Canada First" movement ... but gettin' there.

I think what I'm trying to hint at in this ramble is that tories can't be trusted. They will screw over the little guy, so that the rich can line their pockets even more. For most of the population, tory times are tough times. When you guys go to the polls and elect the tories, they will gut the NHS; and they will rip great big holes in the social safety net. "This Daniel Hannan guy" is what lies behind the smiling mask ...

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

They..(the Tories) almost ripped the arse out of the NHS and any basic social welfare in the 80's but even over 18yrs in power did not achieve the aim of Thatcher,Tebbit,Clarke, and Lamont whose policiy was to turn us into a nation of greedy thieving bastards.. or failing that be a street corner begger to gain income..the Tory proclamation was income is everything.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

One question I think I asked before, in another thread, is: why are you guys heading for the far right in response to the economic crisis, when, over here in Canada and the US, voting trends seem to be heading towards the center, even a little bit left of center?

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

There is no leading to the far right here ... but there is a leading to the Tories because of the economic situation .. here... and in any democratic nation the people vote for whoever is in favour with the daily mail or the sun.. newspapers that control the voting habits of Great Britain..any other view is quickly hit on by the Tories on here..but as one member stated they are really only a few..and even they are not very good.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

And I will add that most of the die-hard Tories on here would play along with any policy thier leaders had.. even if you kicked em up from the library all the way up stanhill lane.. they are thick.

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I dunno ... your tories seem pretty extereme ... think I'll stick with my "far right" comment ...

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Mancie's right.

At least on the surface the Conservatives aren't portraying themselves as being on the politically far right.

Just as New Labour dropped every policy that could be seen as 'socialist' in 1997, in order to appeal to middle England, and thus ensure a victory, the Tories have done the same thing, but towards the centre left.

In theory they are supposed to be caring and sharing, and embracing of all.

Buy scratch beneath the surface a little....

and you find the majority of their MPs don't think the same was as their liberally promoted leader.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Been telling AndrewB that for years, going back to the days when he still a cyfr, but he won't have it!

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

In many ways Cameron is more radical than Thatcher. The Conservative party are a broad community, many different views, I have my own some of which differ strongly with the leadership. We have many MP's that don't just follow the leader, it's good that we can have debate within a party. Basing things on current Tory MP's is fruitless, it'll be a completely different makeup after the next general election, whoever wins.

Unfortunately for Labour they've picked the one policy that nearly everyone in the Tory party is agreed on. The one policy where Cameron had no resistance from the party in his changes. A national health service that offers health to all not just those that can afford it.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

nearly everyone in the tory party is in agreement with a national health service :D..nearly?..and what will you or any other up and coming William Hague stand in do about the minority in your party that are not in favour of the NHS?.. nothing.. because they are the top brass that will call the shots when Cameron gets in.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Mancie there are minorities in all parties. It's good to have debate within a party. You shouldn't get your knickers in a twist creating dividing lines which do not exist - the NHS is safe with the Conservatives. :)

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'Tory sources said that Mr Hannan would not be disciplined over his latest remarks.'

"When another Tory candidate praised Enoch Powell in 2007, David Cameron criticised him and he was forced to resign.

Daniel Hannan risks angering David Cameron by praising Enoch Powell - Telegraph

There's nothing like strong leadership...and this is nothing like strong leadership. More like someone so desparate for power he'd stop at nothing to achieve it.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

"The war will be over by Christmas."
"The pound in your pocket has not been devalued."
"a woman rang to say there's a hurricane on the way...don't worry, there isn't."

Oh sure... ;)

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

'Two-thirds of Tory backbenchers oppose his (Cameron's) plan to exempt healthcare from any spending cuts that an incoming Conservative Government would make.'

Tory MPs revolt over Cameron's NHS plans - UK Politics, UK - The Independent

....scratch beneath the surface and reality rears it's ugly head, despite what Cameron says.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

yer last sentence is the real key to this, Cameron will change his liberal views once elected, n his followers are too stupid to see this.:rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I see you ignore that Labour party policy does not commit to excepting healthcare from spending cuts.

Did you read in to why the candidate in 2007 differed? He agreed with Enoch on immigration. He was forced to resign. Hannan agreed with him on other issues. Hannan is more liberal on immigration than any of the main parties and he is down on record as so. It's apart of his ideology. It really is the silly season. :rolleyes:

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Labelling the National Health Service as a 'sixty year old mistake', and then heaping praise on the most controversial British politcan since Oswald Mosley, may win him friends in America amongst right-wing extremists, but I can't imagine the vast majority of the electorate in this country will be too impressed with this Consevative MEP.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Well good of you to admit you are on first name terms with the dear departed "Enoch"... but you still defend the members of your party that are so far right wing they could leave the atmosphere...you can't do anything about it yet will carry on...you really are desperate for power.

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Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

If the feds had not mandated that insurance companies cover every jot and tittle, insurance costs would be affordable. Likewise, you should be allowed to deduct premiums from your income taxes, just as employers do when purchasing group insurance. Medical insurance was never intended to be what it has become. Don't delude yourself into thinking Obama cares about the state of your healthcare. This is all about power and control. There are many things our government could do to make things better.....but those things would empower individuals....and we can't have that, can we? I believe the Swiss have a universal system which is not run by government - but they did come to an agreement with private insurance companies that each would absorb an equal number of people with pre-existing conditions.

Before we embark down the road to socialized medicine here, don't you think it would be a good idea for the government to fix what it has already broken? Medicare and Medicaid are already insolvent. And look at the VA and Indian Health Services. None are good recommendations for more government intervention.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Can you explain why there are so many citizens of the US that have difficulty accessing the health service in the US because they can not afford to pay for medical insurance. It has been mentioned earlier in this thread that the NHS (despite it not being perfect) is accessible to all the UK citizens irrespective of their ability to pay for the service. My husband has a medical condition for which their is no cure -if it was untreated it would be life threatening, but he receives an excellent service from the NHS. I am certain if he had to purchase medical insurance the costs would be prohibitive and he would likely not be able to receive the medical treatment and prescription drugs he needs to take every day to control the condition, because we could not afford the fees. He has been working (and paying tax) since he was 15 so he is helping to pay for his treatment.

I am very happy that the NHS is free at the point of delivery and paid for by our taxes.

Maybe you are forgetting the all basis of our Welfare State is - from each according to his means to each according to his needs.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Karl Marx 1875.

Just because one does not have medical insurance does not mean lack of access to health services in the U.S. There are many options. No hospital refuses care simply because a person lacks means. There are also low cost and free clinics all over the place, (unless you happen to live out in the middle of nowhere, of course.) The largest free clinic in the U.S. is in my own community and is supported by private donations....and to some tune, I might add. Beautiful facility. Doctors and dentists volunteer time each month and we have a great many of them so there are always medical professionals on hand each day. Equipment and drugs are likewise donated.

If you are happy with the care that your husband is receiving under the NHS then that is all that matters. My own family was not so fortunate. I don't believe it is a good idea to rely on the state for something as important as this.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Bullseyebarb, I notice you haven't commented about state run education.

Shall we assume you also disapprove of it, for the same reasons you don't support a state run nationalised health service?

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Sorry about that, dear. Didn't mean to ignore your earlier comment. Yes, you would be correct in that assumption. I have no objection to schools being funded and operated by local communities using taxpayer dollars.....which is the way it used to be. In this way, parents have a great deal of control over the education of their children. It is the federal government and their meddling that I have a problem with. Hence the rise of home schooling and private school enrollments. Public school teachers are the most likely to send their own children to private school. Speaks volumes.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

just a note of explanation for folks who may be confused , the term "Public School" when used by an American means a State school open to everyone , and private schools are what the British call Public schools ( the exclusive ones where you have to pay) .;) ;)

think the Americans have English usage right in this case . :D :D

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

[QUOTE=bullseyebarb;739853]
If you are happy with the care that your husband is receiving under the NHS then that is all that matters. My own family was not so fortunate. I don't believe it is a good idea to rely on the state for something as important as this.]

The point about the treatment that my husband gets under the NHS is that no private medical insurer would take him on (this would probably also apply to my children and grandchildren - in case they had inherited the condition). He has not option (and neither do the majority of people in the UK) but to rely on the NHS. You don't say what happens to people in the US who have chronic medical problems that can only be treated but not cured, if they have no medical insurance. Even in the US and no matter how sophisticated your treatments are, it could not be cured and it is only by taking medication every day can it be kept under control.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Whilst growing up in the U.K. did you receive any education supplied by the state, or were your parents in the fortunate position to be able chose to send you to private schools, or even more fortunately, had the time to home school you?

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I don't like the look of that.. no one may be refused health care in the USA system but those who cannot afford insurance are given a down graded service... you say there are "low cost" free clinics relying on volunteer doctors...that is not a health care "system" we had that so called "system" here 70yrs ago.. we chose to put in place a real system were no matter rich or poor everyone received the best treatment possible.
You don't think people should rely on the state to provide decent heallh for it's citizens?...that sums up what the rest of the world already know about the American bill of rights..Bull kak of rights.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

You're another one now, who won't be allowed into her bunker, or as I more quaintly call it, Fort Clampett, come the Armageddon.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

My parents, were they stlll living, would get a chuckle out of your inquiry as to whether or not they were people of means. Heck, no.

I attended schools in Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington and Gloucestershire.....none of which were private. Not that that has anything to do with the current state of education in the U.S. There is an excellent book called "The Underground History of American Education," by John Taylor Gatto, a former NY State & NY City Teacher of the Year. His Wall Street Journal article, "I Quit, I Think," has been widely disseminated. If you are interested, I believe you can link to it at I Quit, I Think - John Taylor Gatto Also, if you have the time, pages 3 through 8 are worth reading as well.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Thanks for answering.

So personally you were happy with the education supplied by the state yourself, it's just that you think those who need it now shouldn't be educated by the state, and should be home schooled, or let their parents find the money to pay for it, in an education market place?

Personally I'm glad we have a system which ensures all our children have access to a good and rounded education. Regardless as to whether their parents are wealthy or poor.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Are you being deliberately obtuse? I think my earlier posts should have been sufficient for you to grasp the point I am making. I am NOT opposed to LOCAL communities using taxpayer dollars to fund education.....although, to be honest, I prefer education vouchers, (with no strings attached mind you), so that parents may have the autonomy to choose the schools their children attend....whether public or private. What I don't want is the involvement of the federal government in Washington, DC.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Apparently, you don't read your own newspapers which, over the years, have chronicled a litany of abuses in the NHS. And government-run healthcare does not provide access to equal care. The British press has described the NHS as a "postcode lottery," as the type of medical care a person receives depends on the neighborhood in which he or she lives. The Fraser Institute's "Waiting Your Turn," concludes that famous and politically connected Canadians are moved to the front of the queue and lower income Canadians have less access to care than their higher income neighbors. Our fellow poster, Eric, hasn't mentioned that, nor the fact that Canadians come to the U.S. in droves every year in order to get the healthcare they need in a timely manner - or, indeed, to get it at all.

Go ahead and scoff at our community clinics and other services.....but aren't such services a product of real community and compassion? I believe so.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Our state education policy is decided by central government in Whitehall, even if it's managed at county level, just as it was in your day.

I presume you were satisfied with the education you received here, which was provided by the state, or is it just in your country of residence now that you have such a problem with the concept?

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Back in those days I was too young to understand the ramifications. Besides, as my sister, a retired school teacher, would tell you, things have deteriorated considerably since she entered the profession more than 30 years ago.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

I have friends in the U.S. who can't access the same drugs as I get prescribed here, for Parkinson's disease, because their health insurance won't supply them. They are the lucky ones, the ones with some form of health insurance.

As a consequence many of them suffer unnecessarily, and have a poorer quality of life than myself. Other patients with long term degenerative illnesses have similar experiences.

Health insurance companies are businesses, whose primary motivation is making money.

As flawed as it might be, happily here in Britain, patient's needs still take precedence over shareholder's profits.

You shouldn't always believe everything you read in the press.;)

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

But you can type..you seems to be well educated.. I presume your sister had a state education and became a teacher.so what is your problem with the state paying for education?

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

Things have changed.

Nowadays you need to be educated to degree level to teach, from nursery classes to sixth form colleges.

Thirty years ago we had the situation of having not only teachers who hadn't been to university, but headteachers too.

Re: who is this Daniel Hannan guy
 

It seems like another case of 'I'm alright Jack'.

The state gave us a good education, but everyone else nowadays should be paying for it in the free market economy market place...if they can afford it.