It's all about attitude

As the debate over health care reform in America wages on, I have received many letters from my friends in California asking me about the french system of universal healthcare. And I have had many conversations with my french friends with regards to this issue. I also have been keeping close tabs on the issue in the States via internet, as since my divorce I have been unable to afford health insurance (and I am not exactly in the system here). France is a democratic republic, much like the U.S. with a dash of socialism thrown in for good measure. Socialism is a word that strikes fear and much emotion in the hearts of Americans-many believe that it is a slippery slope toward communism. The french view this differently. Perhaps because of her history of monarchy, where the masses starved and suffered whilst a priveleged few lived in luxury, equanimity is part of the french mindset. Let me give you an example. I have spoken to several friends about my concern that if something catasrophic were to happen such as a heart attack, cancer, or an accident that would require a visit to the hospital what would I do? As I mentioned earlier, I have been flying "under the radar" so to speak- an illegal alien in France! I have a little savings, but surely not enough to cover anything major should a problem arise, and I don't wish to be a burden on the french system. My friends have all replied in the same way, "But you would be covered. You must fill out a special form designed for people here illegally, and the state will compensate." I was shocked, and just a little bit horrified! I explained that it didn't seem right to use a system that I have not contributed to, that I would be using money that they have essentially worked for and been taxed on. Their answer was always the same, "But the money is there, you must use it if you need it!" This way of thinking is so different from the American way that it has taken me a while to process it. Imagine a country where people believe that healthcare for all is a basic human right. Imagine a society that considers the needs of each citizen over the profit margin of giant corporatations. At present, the insurance industry in America is spending one million dollars PER DAY fighting health care reform. The profit margin per year is in the billions. And 128 people a day die in America because they have no health insurance. Meanwhile, the attitude of many Americans is this: "I dont want my tax dollars going to pay for illegals!" (I've got mine, screw you) "I don't want big goverment running health care!" ( The VA and Medicare are government run programs that work quite well). Granted, there are problems associated with the ininsured needing emercency medical treatment, many hospitals in California and elsewhere have been forced to close their doors because of financial issues. As Representative Brian Bilbray pointed out, the federal government mandates that no one can be denied treatment, and rightfully so, but they are not sending the money back to the states for compensation. Meanwhile, in France everyone gets decent healthcare. Nobody has to die because they cannot afford to see a physician. And if their tax rate is a bit higher than what Americans pay it still works out to be less than what the average family pays in insurance premiums, only to be denied compensation, canceled, or denied coverage altogether because of a "preexisting condition". Living in France has been an interesting learning experience, full of suprises and contradictions. I have long thought that the French can take some lessons from Americans, and Americans can take some lessons from the French. There aren't that many differences between us, after all is said and done human beings have the same basic needs and desires. Perhaps the most suprising difference for me has been the attitude of the average citizen, and how the french view social issues such as health care. Last year I was sick with a horrible cold that turned into a sinus infection. I happened to be aquainted with a doctor from whom I rented an apartment whilst on vacation a few years ago. I phoned him for an appointment, stating I thought perhaps I needed a prescription for antibiotics. Not only did he fit me into his busy schedule that day, (he is a specialist widely known in France) but he spent at least an hour on the examination, discussing my symptoms and offering me my first accupuncture treatment. He sent me home with some homeopathic remedies, and he followed up by calling me the next week to check on my progress. The cost? Zero. He explained that we were friends and refused compensation. Imagine! Imagine. It's all about attitude.