This is an issue I've been thinking about for a while now, and I'd like to hear your opinion about it. Our healthcare system is a hot issue in the news right now, and President Obama (who I'm proud to say I helped elect) has often talked of his hope that every man, woman and child in this country has access to health care. Of course I agree with this.

However, the way our nation goes about this is another thing entirely. Socialized health care is a method strongly upheld in much of the democratic party, and without giving it much thought, it does sound quite nice- free health care for all and whatnot. This easily criminalizes Republicans (who oppose the idea) as greedy jerks who would like the see the less-than-fortunate go without proper care, which of course is a stereotype. Simply speaking, socialized medicine means any type of publicly-funded health care. It can refer to any system of medical care that is publicly financed, government administered, or both, though usage is sometimes inconsistent. It sometimes has a negative connotation as it is often associated with socialism, which many people are turned off by.

However, I've talked to a few people living in socialized countries who are entirely unhappy with their health care system. A friend in Sweden has told me it takes her months to see a doctor, even though she's currently battling cancer. Doctors are also paid far less in these countries. As someone who is living with a chronic disease, this is not a way of life I would be warm to adopt.
However, I seem only to hear the negative. I know there are positive aspects to this too and I would love to have someone share them with me.

And this does not mean the "American way" of doings things has helped us either. In 2007, 46 millions Americans under the age of 65 were uninsured - it's unanimous across both parties that something must be done to shrink this number.

So what are your opinions on this matter? I would love to hear from Americans as well as people from all countries who are living in an area with socialized medicine or have a view on it. Do you like it? Do you hate it? Is socialized medicine a good goal for the US? Is it possible to adequately take care of every citizen in the country? Or will someone always be left out in the cold?

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated!


_{Oh, also, watch this: [link]
Awesome, right? I know.}