Friendly Star Trek Discussions Sun Nov 24, 2024 6:33 pm  
  SearchSearch   FAQFAQ   Log inLog in   
How would you fix this country?
View: previous topic :: next topic

stv-archives.com Forum Index -> World News This topic is locked: you cannot edit posts or make replies.   This forum is locked: you cannot post, reply to, or edit topics.
Author Message
borgslayer
Rear Admiral


Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 2646
Location: Las Vegas

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 4:57 pm    How would you fix this country?

Post your political solutions to some U.S. problems.

First off the healthcare system messed up. Doctors are now choosing patients lives over money which is horrible by standards. I suggest that America should get "Free Healthcare" like those in the north in Canada. This way doctors don't have too fight for money since the government will pay for everything.

The second thing there should be a very strong crackdown on Illegal Aliens in the United States. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas should build a massive wall to stop illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. The Illegal Aliens now living here should all be deported back to Mexico. I believe that only the legal way of entering is to get a visa and green card which is the right way.


View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative


Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 5:04 pm    Re: How would you fix this country?

borgslayer wrote:
The second thing there should be a very strong crackdown on Illegal Aliens in the United States. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas should build a massive wall to stop illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. The Illegal Aliens now living here should all be deported back to Mexico. I believe that only the legal way of entering is to get a visa and green card which is the right way.


I agree ALMOST entirely. I think that we should enact Operation Border Security. I will now quote my legislation for the STV Congress, and present to you my speech:

Operation Border Security wrote:
Operation Border Security" to protect the United States Southern Border in a more effective manner

1. Whereas millions of illegal immigrants pass over our borders every year, and
2. Whereas immigration laws are broken daily, and
3. Whereas jobs from American citizens are taken, hence leaving fewer jobs
4. for Americans, and
5. Whereas our border patrol is unable to efficiently secure our border, and
6. Whereas our welfare system has expanded because of illegal immigration, and
7. Whereas hospitals have been forced to report bankruptcy, and
8. Whereas terrorists have crossed our borders and are easily able to do so,
9. Therefore be it resolved that the United States Federal government should implement dissolve the Guest Worker Program
10. and initiate Operation Border Security.
11. Section 1: At crucial points of entry, the government place a quarter mile
12. to half-mile wall consisting of relatively low cost yet strong material,
13. perhaps made of residue, depending on the specific situation.
14. Section 2: Walls would also be scattered in a ratio of one-quarter mile of
15. wall to every two miles of land. This would therefore result in limited points
16. of entry by illegal immigrants.
17. Section 3: Between each wall, an outpost of Border Patrolmen and/or
18. National Guardsmen will be posted, and the officials at each of these
19. outposts will fan out and stop illegal immigrants.
20. Section 4: Jetfighters or other airplanes as well as helicopters and
21. unmanned vehicles will be placed along the border and search each entry
22. point.
23. Section 5: In order to make this operation work, however, the Bush Guest Worker Proposal must be dissolved until the illegal immigrant entrance rate is at no more than 500 to 1000 per year, at the very most.
24. Therefore be it resolved that the United States Federal government should implement Operation Border Security.

Respectfully submitted,

Congressman James O'Reilly.


However, I DO think that there are too many illegals to deport them. Perhaps once we have a SEVERE, SOLID crackdown on illegal immigration, we CAN allow the illegals to get guest worker abilities, but NOT until then. Now, my speech.

Quote:
"I call this speech Desert Invasion: The Border Crisis.

September 11th, 2001: The most devastating attack on American soil occurred. Planes struck each World Trade Center Tower, collided with the Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania. We had a looming threat on our hands that had lurked in the background of our country for decades, but until then was not truly realized: It was the threat of world-wide terrorism. In this time of desperate need for protection of the United States, we are faced with a massive crisis. This crisis is along our Southern Border. This crisis is the Desert Invasion--the Border Crisis.
8 to 12 million illegal aliens are now in the United States. That is what Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge testified to on December 9th, 2003--and that was before President Bush�s horrific immigration proposal. Senator John McCain of Arizona, a major border state being invaded, said, however, that about 4 million immigrants entered our country illegally in 2002--one year.
The US Border Patrol censors some of the statistics of this invasion and thusly the number of lawbreakers entering our sovereign nation is higher than official numbers. The Border Patrol has reported that only one fifth of illegal immigrants are apprehended, however field agents state the apprehensions are much, much lower, as stated by the website desertinvasion.us. Forbes magazine has stated that only 4% of alien invaders crossing in Texas are caught and then prosecuted--that's it.
The New York Times, a liberal newspaper, stated in a May article this year that 660,000 people were detained between October 1st 2003 and April 2004. Desertinvasion.us stated about this, quote, �Thus, 660,000 illegal aliens were apprehended over a six month period, or 1.2 million over an entire year. If, as the Border Patrol claims, that one in five are apprehended, 1.2 million x 5 = 6 million per year crossing the southern U.S. border, with 4.8 million avoiding apprehension and staying in the US. If only one in ten are apprehended, a total of 12 million illegals per year are crossing the southern U.S. Border, with 10.8 million avoiding apprehension and staying in the U.S.� That is a frightening statistic, but think about it: if 1.2 million were caught, and that�s only 1/5 of the illegals crossing over...well, you do the math.
A June article on VDARE.com entitled �It�s Official! Bush Betrayal Triggered Wave of Illegals� quotes official statistics from the Border Patrol: �The U.S. Border Patrol made 135,468 apprehensions along the southwest border during April 2004, an 80 percent increase when compared to April 2003.�
If so, then you must multiply that number by 12, for each month, and if you do so, then about 1,625,616 illegal immigrants are caught per year, and then if you multiply that statistic by five, because that is only 1/5 of the amount captured, the result is approximately 8.1 million illegal entries coming across the border per year. Come on, that�s a big problem.
Many other statistics show similar results. Of course these calculations assume consistency, but if accurate, these are frightening statistics. However, the said calculations do not include what are called OTMs, or Other Than Mexicans. Border Patrol spokesman Rob Daniels has stated, quote, �Since September 11th, we�re restricted in what we can say about OTMs because of national security.� Retired patrolman Stoddard said, �There are so many OTMs that there is now a special designation for those that might pose a threat. They call them SIAs, or Special Interest Aliens.� Another retired patrolman, Special Agent John Slagle, stated in his book Illegal Entries, that the Patrol releases low number figures. An actual former patrolman stated that. This is remarkably disturbing. Something must be done. Also, the population has skyrocketed because of this since 1970, and it is only projected to get bigger.
A horrible mistake. But that�s not the crux of the matter. The crux of the matter is the fact that this amnesty said this to possible immigrants: that they can brake our laws and be rewarded. Ridiculous. If I was a Mexican citizen--or a terrorist, for that matter--I would think, �Oh, yes! President Bush made a plan that will give me benefits! I�ll just sneak over the border and get everything I want! Yay!� Hence, what has happened? Illegal immigration skyrocketed. On February 19th, 2004, a FOX News article stated that 50 to 90% of illegal immigrants after the amnesty proposal was made came over to take advantage of it! And not just that, but aliens from other countries, such as Brazilians, Pakistanis, Chinese, and Chileans crossed out borders. That is why this bill must be stopped and our borders defended better. Official Border Patrol statistics even say that illegal immigration went up 190% from 2003 statistics. Now, let�s get to the bigger picture: On January 9th, 2004, President Bush announced an extremely foolish--quite incompetent--plan--a guest worker proposal--which in actuality is an amnesty for those who broke our laws. A horrible mistake. But that�s not the crux of the matter. The crux of the matter is the fact that this amnesty said this to possible immigrants: that they can brake our laws and be rewarded. Ridiculous. If I was a Mexican citizen--or a terrorist, for that matter--I would think, �Oh, yes! President Bush made a plan that will give me benefits! I�ll just sneak over the border and get everything I want! Yay!� Hence, what has happened? Illegal immigration skyrocketed. On February 19th, 2004, a FOX News article stated that 50 to 90% of illegal immigrants after the amnesty proposal was made came over to take advantage of it! And not just that, but aliens from other countries, such as Brazilians, Pakistanis, Chinese, and Chileans crossed out borders. That is why this bill must be stopped and our borders defended better. Official Border Patrol statistics even say that illegal immigration went up 190% from 2003 statistics.
However, we must consider all of the consequences of this situation. First of all, jobs are being ripped away from rightful citizens and those immigrants that have come here legally. That is wrong. Is this fair to those people who follow our laws and wait years to come to our great country? No, it is not. Second of all, is it fair that thousands upon thousands upon thousands of illegal immigrants are able to get welfare--and they broke are laws and aren't even legal citizens, and yet they get what legal citizens get! That is not fair. And they are able to use our hospitals, and because of this many have been closed down--they've been forced to report bankruptcy. That is not right!
However, what we must really be concerned about is the terrorist situation. With a relatively large amount of OTMs entering the country each month, it�s simple to assume that terrorists are coming through, which they have. And with the laxed border security, it would not be too hard for terrorists to smuggle in chemical, biological, or perhaps nuclear components into the country, which would be a dire scenario.
In fact, FOX News' Bill O'Reilly reported that a captured terrorist actually stated that Al Quada was working to move WMDs into the US via Mexico. That is frightening. However, there is little that can be done to stop it, because if literally tons and tons of Narrotics and bulks of Marijuana come through, what does that say that a WMD, such as a nuclear device, can't come through? If successful, America could be destroyed--from within. But that's if we do nothing about it.
This is why we must act now and dissolve President Bush's horrific plan for until the illegal immigrant entrance rate is no more than 500 per year. The Border Patrol, although its men have increased since September 11th and its technology has improved, can do little about this threat, and has done little. That is why we must act now. That is why I say soon, within the next three to four months, we should initiate Operation Border Security.
At crucial points of entry, the government would place a quarter to � mile wall consisting of material of a strong nature, yet relatively low cost and perhaps made of residue, depending on the circumstances so as to secure the borders better. Also, walls would be scattered in a ratio of one-quarter mile of wall to every two miles of land, which would therefore result in limited points of entry by illegal immigrants, so as to better secure our borders. In order to have agents on the field, each wall will have a small outpost consisting of Border Patrolman and/or National Guardsmen to stop the aliens from invading through the cracks, and to jail those that need to be jailed, as well as use the National Guardsmen techniques to better secure the border and to intimidate the immigrants. Section Four of the bill states that jetfighters, other airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned vehicles will be placed along the border and search each entry point. No, we will not use those resources to harm immigrants, unless deemed absolutely necessary, however it would primarily be an intimidation factor.
Once the border is blocked off, however, we can allow President Bush�s amnesty to happen, because few illegals would be able to enter through the southern border to take advantage of it, and we cannot deport the millions of lawbreakers.
But before we do that, we must take a stand. We must protect American jobs and money and citizenship rights. But paramount to all of those necessities, we must protect the United States of America, especially in this time of terrorism. I leave you with this quote: "Calling an illegal alien and undocumented immigrant is like calling a burglar an uninvited houseguest." Never have such true words been spoken. I urge you all to vote Yea on this Bill, for the safety of the United States of America."


I also think that we should enact President Bush's proposal to amend social security. That is a grave problem, and I am worried for my future in it. I thought the Democrats were pro-choice, but their leadership clearly is not. Only pro-murder (abortion). I want the CHOICE with social security, and to allow for my own personal accounts, and for Social Security to be more secure for my future and my generation.



-------signature-------

"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
lionhead
Rear Admiral


Joined: 26 May 2004
Posts: 4020
Location: The Delta Quadrant (or not...)

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 5:21 pm    

How about you guys define the country into 4 or 5 different countries? Look at europe, this big piece of land has been totally conquered 3 or 4 tims but never have they succeeded in keeping it at 1 country. Why?because its too big too rule under 1 Government.


but thats just my radical solution. I have too post it sometimes you know.



-------signature-------

Never explain comedy or satire or the ironic comment. Those who get it, get it. Those who don't, never will. -Michael Moore

View user's profile Send private message  
Reply with quote Back to top
webtaz99
Commodore


Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 1229
Location: The Other Side

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 10:24 pm    Re: How would you fix this country?

borgslayer wrote:
Post your political solutions to some U.S. problems.

First off the healthcare system messed up. Doctors are now choosing patients lives over money which is horrible by standards. I suggest that America should get "Free Healthcare" like those in the north in Canada. This way doctors don't have too fight for money since the government will pay for everything.

The second thing there should be a very strong crackdown on Illegal Aliens in the United States. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas should build a massive wall to stop illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. The Illegal Aliens now living here should all be deported back to Mexico. I believe that only the legal way of entering is to get a visa and green card which is the right way.


The entire "health care" system (it should be called sick care; if you're healthy they don't have anything to offer) including hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacology, supplies, etc. should all be a "non-profit" business, with salary caps and strict controls on mal-practice suits. No one should be part of it if they mostly want to make money. Few people know this, but the AMA exists partly to limit the number of doctors who are licensed, which keeps their salaries up. The government should provide education for anyone willing to be a nurse, doctor or whatever. And the system should be geared towards maximizing the health of the people by being proactive, not reactive.

Anyone not here legally should be deported, with records made to prevent their illegal reentry. English should be made the official language, and anybody not proficient to the degree of a native high school graduate should be forced to become proficient in order to obtain or retain residency.

To help solve many problems, anyone (born here or not) should have to serve two years, before their 20th birthday or before obtaining naturalization, in a psedo-military organization. These people would be put through a military-style "boot camp", not to learn to fight, but to establish good fitness and foster personal character and teamwork. Such graduates could be easily made into soldiers if the nation needed it. During the remainder of their two years, these people would perform national service such as disaster relief, assisting in homeless shelters, mentoring kids in trouble, and all the other kinds of things mostly handled by volunteers now. This kind of experience would hopefully result in a higher percentage of people taking up social-service type jobs (police, firefighters, EMT, etc.) rather than simply becoming cogs in the money machine.



-------signature-------

"History is made at night! Character is who you are in the dark." (Lord John Whorfin)

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Hitchhiker
Rear Admiral


Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 3514
Location: Ontario, Canada

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 10:52 pm    Re: How would you fix this country?

borgslayer wrote:
Post your political solutions to some U.S. problems.

First off the healthcare system messed up. Doctors are now choosing patients lives over money which is horrible by standards. I suggest that America should get "Free Healthcare" like those in the north in Canada. This way doctors don't have too fight for money since the government will pay for everything.

Our free healthcare system is awesome! Tommy Douglas is the greatest Canadian.

But don't fall into the trap that Canada has. We have universal healthcare, yes, but it is a decrepit system that is seriously in need of reform and rejuvenation. The money isn't getting where it's needed.

webtaz99 wrote:
To help solve many problems, anyone (born here or not) should have to serve two years, before their 20th birthday or before obtaining naturalization, in a psedo-military organization. These people would be put through a military-style "boot camp", not to learn to fight, but to establish good fitness and foster personal character and teamwork. Such graduates could be easily made into soldiers if the nation needed it. During the remainder of their two years, these people would perform national service such as disaster relief, assisting in homeless shelters, mentoring kids in trouble, and all the other kinds of things mostly handled by volunteers now. This kind of experience would hopefully result in a higher percentage of people taking up social-service type jobs (police, firefighters, EMT, etc.) rather than simply becoming cogs in the money machine.

I agree with this. Although I don't much like the discipline of the military, being lazy and not athletically inclined, I do acknowlege that grade 9 phys. ed. was good for me, and that 2 years psuedo-military service would probably do me and a lot of other people a lot of good.


View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
borgslayer
Rear Admiral


Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 2646
Location: Las Vegas

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 11:20 pm    

I think that the military draft should be put back in place to help with unemployment problems. This military draft would be totally voluntary. It would the military asking you if you would like to join a branch, but with the option to say no.

Too help with the lowering of crime rate in cities. There should be a very strong anti-gang initiative which basically sends cops to the worst places of cities and towns and arrest any gang member seen on the street. Even if the person has done nothing wrong at that time arresting the person and jailing them would prevent them from commiting crime on the streets.
Also this would help discourage people from joining a gang in turn lowering the crime rate. Any suspected gang-member arrested would spend 5 years in prison $100,000 bail.


View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative


Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 11:21 pm    

borgslayer wrote:
I think that the military draft should be put back in place to help with unemployment problems. This military draft would be totally voluntary. It would the military asking you if you would like to join a branch, but with the option to say no.


Then that's not a draft



-------signature-------

"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
borgslayer
Rear Admiral


Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 2646
Location: Las Vegas

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 11:24 pm    

Republican_Man wrote:
borgslayer wrote:
I think that the military draft should be put back in place to help with unemployment problems. This military draft would be totally voluntary. It would the military asking you if you would like to join a branch, but with the option to say no.


Then that's not a draft
Forgot to say that in the time of war then it is a full draft and no one can say no. But in a non-war time event you can say no.

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Hitchhiker
Rear Admiral


Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 3514
Location: Ontario, Canada

PostThu Mar 17, 2005 11:46 pm    

I think that there should be compulsory military service right after graduation from high school. There should probably be some choices amongst which branch you'll join, though. And in return, after two years service or so, the government would pay for your post-secondary education.

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
lex
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 23 Dec 2004
Posts: 226

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:30 am    

Re-elect Clinton.

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail  
Reply with quote Back to top
Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus


Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:36 am    

And go straight down the toilet? Thanks, but no.


-------signature-------

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
lex
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 23 Dec 2004
Posts: 226

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:41 am    

Are you kidding?! Bush has us in the toilet so deep, Liquid Plumber couldn't reach us!

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail  
Reply with quote Back to top
Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus


Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:44 am    

Oh, please. Clinton can come back and totally dismantle our military this time.


-------signature-------

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
lex
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 23 Dec 2004
Posts: 226

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:53 am    

Sheesh, does this have to turn into a debate?! I answered the question with my opinion. I'm not surprised that there'd be some here who disagree, but why do I have to be challenged in a way that no one else has been here? So far, it's been a cool discussion - why, just because I hold a minority opinion (on this board, anyway), does it have to turn to comments like "going down the toilet?"

Last edited by lex on Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:54 am; edited 1 time in total


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail  
Reply with quote Back to top
IntrepidIsMe
Pimp Handed


Joined: 14 Jun 2002
Posts: 13057
Location: New York

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:53 am    

Trust me, your opinion isn't the minority. Many want Clinton back. Don't see why though, myself.


-------signature-------

"Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being."

-Wuthering Heights

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus


Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:56 am    

Take a stroll, everything in WN is a debate,

If it makes you feel better, I'll add, "I also agree with HH."



-------signature-------

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
LightningBoy
Commodore


Joined: 09 Mar 2003
Posts: 1446
Location: Minnesota, U.S.A.

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 4:23 am    

Education, Education, Education. Start with the cirriculum, and work on the kids. Kids today get out of high-school looking for booze, not a job, not meaning to their life. This is a problem. The system is failing kids, and that is causing problems for everyone.

People are far too inconsiderate toward others too. With all the PC crap the schools try to pump into kids, they forget to teach something as simple as respect and manners. If more people had them, we would'nt need "political correctness". People need to learn that an abuse of the system will only lead to that system disappearing, that is you push too hard, everything might roll away.

That's why Nationalized Healthcare is a Joke; nobody should be forced to pay for everyone elses problems, and you know very well that abuses in a system like that will only lead to government spending to fix the problems it creates. For example: a Canadian man was forced to get an MRI from a VET, since the government's idiotic beuaracracy put him on a 6 month waiting list for one. The United States has the best Healthcare in the world for a reason, because it's run privately. When's the last time you heard about a major breakthrough in medicine by anyone other than Pfizer, GSK, or Bayer? Maybe if our education system put kids at an advantage in their start to life, then they could afford their own healthcare.

In addition, the government needs to be LIMITED to four fundamental roles. Education, Security, Roadways, and Judiciary. Social programs need to vanish, they're a leach on the rest of the society, and if Education was better, nobody would be forced into a position where they'd need such programs.

Less government, more freedom, more education. That's all there is to a successful country.


View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
webtaz99
Commodore


Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 1229
Location: The Other Side

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 8:28 am    

LightningBoy wrote:
Education, Education, Education. Start with the cirriculum, and work on the kids. Kids today get out of high-school looking for booze, not a job, not meaning to their life. This is a problem. The system is failing kids, and that is causing problems for everyone.

People are far too inconsiderate toward others too. With all the PC crap the schools try to pump into kids, they forget to teach something as simple as respect and manners. If more people had them, we would'nt need "political correctness". People need to learn that an abuse of the system will only lead to that system disappearing, that is you push too hard, everything might roll away.


I have heard it said by several people who were ardent students of history (including General "Stormin'" Norman of Desert Storm), that the surest sign that a culture is heading for a crash is the loss of everyday common courtesy.



-------signature-------

"History is made at night! Character is who you are in the dark." (Lord John Whorfin)

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Seven of Nine
Sammie's Mammy


Joined: 16 Jun 2001
Posts: 7871
Location: North East England

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 8:51 am    

I'm only replying to healthcare at the moment... might deal with the rest later

I (and a lot of other people I know) am very proud of the NHS (National Health Service) and what it stands for here. Healthcare that is free at the point of delivery means that those people who need healthcare receive it, regardless of their sex, age, financial situation, or occupation. Yes, it has it's problems, but most people here feel it is a lot better than the alternative- private healthcare that cannot be afforded by the poorest people (who are also those most likely to need it).

The NHS was created in 1948, after the government that was elected just after the second world war in 1945 decided that the government should be responsible for the country's health.

The aims of the NHS were:
a) to provide equal health care to all, regardless of age, sex or occupation.
b) to provide this service free of charge at the point of use.
c) to promote good health, rather than only treat bad health.

Now, this system has a lot of problems (many related to this government's constant attempts of privatising parts of the NHS), and we do suffer from waiting lists. However, it is also well known that when alone, the Englishman will form an orderly queue of one As someone currently on an NHS waiting list (gallbladder removal), I sometimes wish that I had private health insurance so I could get things done quicker. However, I also believe that NHS doctors are some of the best in the world, and would rather they carried out the surgery.

As for research- you obviously don't here much of the research that occurs in Europe. Much of that is state-funded, and there have been breakthroughs in several areas, especially medicine.

Another thing that shocked me when I started looking at US healthcare was the price you have to pay for drugs. I've been prescribed tramadol hydrochloride for my gallstone pain. As I am on a low income, I don't pay anything at all, however if I paid the prescription charge I would pay �6.40 (about $13). That is for 100 capsules. Looking online, I find prices quoted such as $69 for 90 tablets, up to $199 for the brand name version (Ultram). Here it isn't worth buying medication online, because if you're prescribed a drug you know you only have to pay the standard prescription charge.

I personally feel that a universal healthcare scheme would work in the US, if implemented properly. They could learn from other people's mistakes, and have measures in place before things go wrong rather than having to respond to them afterwards. It would also probably have to work on a state by state basis, because it's unlikely all the states are going to have the same requirements. Also, as for paying for other people's heathcare, I guess if you want equality you have to help those in trouble. However, equality doesn't always seem to be high on some people's list of priorities.


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
webtaz99
Commodore


Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 1229
Location: The Other Side

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:41 pm    

Seven of Nine wrote:

As for research- you obviously don't here much of the research that occurs in Europe. Much of that is state-funded, and there have been breakthroughs in several areas, especially medicine.


The AMA (American Medical Association) does not allow research studies done in any other country to be valid, unless they are successfully repeated here in the US. Obviously, this law was enacted with the best intentions, in order to prevent people from being subjected to unsafe techniques or substances. However, like nearly all American laws, it has been perverted into use as an economic weapon. The delay in getting foreign research repeated here gives US companies the chance to beat outside companies to market.

A poiniant example of this is ozone. Doctors in Eurpope and South America have treated people with "full-blown" AIDS, and not only cured them, but reduced the HIV virus to undetectable levels. And at a total cost of less than $1,000 (one DOSE of the newest "coctail" costs well over $250). The AMA's response: declare ozone (a natural substance created in the upper atmosphere or whenever lightning arcs) to be a controlled substance under the regulation of the FDA. Many US doctors who were treating people with ozone were threatened with the loss of their license if they did not stop.



-------signature-------

"History is made at night! Character is who you are in the dark." (Lord John Whorfin)

View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address  
Reply with quote Back to top
Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral


Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 12:46 pm    

I would want to work on medical care and desiese research. I would also creat jobs, here, restart the indrustry in this country, instead of out sourcing everything I would creat the jobs here. And even though exploration of space is important, id take most of the money we use for that area and put it to "repairing" our socity, as i said, creating jobs, gining the homless a place to call home, putting money in terminal desieases recerches.

View user's profile Send private message  
Reply with quote Back to top
Arellia
The Quiet One


Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Posts: 4425
Location: Dallas, TX

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 1:14 pm    

If I had to choose only a single way to help the country overall, it would be to fix the failing school systems. Critical thinking and a zest for learning has been essentially depleted, which is simply sad. The idea that 'You can do anything you want' is simply not represented enough. Kids getting out of high school with no idea what they want to do just sort of...do...nothing. A lot, anyway, and there is no call for that. High school's become nothing but a waste of four years education-wise in a lot of ways (There are exceptions, but I speak in general). You want to get people so that they have good jobs, so that they contribute to society, so that we have coherent leaders and solutions to problems? Teach them something already.


-------signature-------

Not the doctor... yet

View user's profile Send private message AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
Beta6
Commander


Joined: 02 Jan 2005
Posts: 475
Location: ~*City Of Angels*~

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 2:23 pm    Re: How would you fix this country?

borgslayer wrote:
Post your political solutions to some U.S. problems.

First off the healthcare system messed up. Doctors are now choosing patients lives over money which is horrible by standards. I suggest that America should get "Free Healthcare" like those in the north in Canada. This way doctors don't have too fight for money since the government will pay for everything.

The second thing there should be a very strong crackdown on Illegal Aliens in the United States. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas should build a massive wall to stop illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. The Illegal Aliens now living here should all be deported back to Mexico. I believe that only the legal way of entering is to get a visa and green card which is the right way.


Yea healthcare should be free. But I don't agree with you on the illegal aliens. As much as it bothers me to know that my city is flooded with illegal people, I still don't think they should all be deported. America is a country of immigrants. There are not only the mexican people, Don't forget the middle eastern ppl who are flocking over here... god forbid there be any more asians or vietnamiese <~~ m/s. All they wanna do is better their life. They shouldn't be punished for that.


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Yahoo Messenger  
Reply with quote Back to top
Arellia
The Quiet One


Joined: 23 Jan 2003
Posts: 4425
Location: Dallas, TX

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 2:42 pm    

Argument against that: We're fighting the war on terrorism in the middle east, but not here. Mexico is a vulnerability. Deporting all of them...I don't know if I'd go quite so far. I know quite a few illegals, so I guess that makes me somewhat biased. However, they are causing economic problems that we can't ignore and can't afford at the moment.

I don't like the idea of a free healthcare system, but I also don't like the practice of doctors to begin with. The highest-priced healtcare system, with some of the worst malpractice, negligence, and longevity records. America's medical system needs some serious reform--not just for cost, but quality and common sense.


View user's profile Send private message AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger 
Reply with quote Back to top
Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative


Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified

PostFri Mar 18, 2005 2:51 pm    

Exalya wrote:
If I had to choose only a single way to help the country overall, it would be to fix the failing school systems. Critical thinking and a zest for learning has been essentially depleted, which is simply sad. The idea that 'You can do anything you want' is simply not represented enough. Kids getting out of high school with no idea what they want to do just sort of...do...nothing. A lot, anyway, and there is no call for that. High school's become nothing but a waste of four years education-wise in a lot of ways (There are exceptions, but I speak in general). You want to get people so that they have good jobs, so that they contribute to society, so that we have coherent leaders and solutions to problems? Teach them something already.


Those are good ideas, except that is NOT the case in my district. It's far from it.

Exalya wrote:
Argument against that: We're fighting the war on terrorism in the middle east, but not here. Mexico is a vulnerability. Deporting all of them...I don't know if I'd go quite so far. I know quite a few illegals, so I guess that makes me somewhat biased. However, they are causing economic problems that we can't ignore and can't afford at the moment.

I don't like the idea of a free healthcare system, but I also don't like the practice of doctors to begin with. The highest-priced healtcare system, with some of the worst malpractice, negligence, and longevity records. America's medical system needs some serious reform--not just for cost, but quality and common sense.


You know illegals? I would turn them in right away if I were you, but I'm not you. And I agree with the latter.



-------signature-------

"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews

View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website  
Reply with quote Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Goto Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next
This topic is locked: you cannot edit posts or make replies.   This forum is locked: you cannot post, reply to, or edit topics.



Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
Star Trek �, in all its various forms, are trademarks & copyrights of Paramount Pictures
This site has no official connection with Star Trek or Paramount Pictures
Site content/Site design elements owned by Morphy and is meant to only be an archive/Tribute to STV.com