Jodi, Medicare is a form of government-run social insurance here in the United States primarily for seniors over 65. Medicare and Medicaid–which provides for minimal health care to a limited number of low-income individuals–constitute our government’s meager total commitment to the health of its populace. It is scandalous that a country as wealthy as ours does not offer free health care to all of its citizens in the same way that it offers a free police force and free schools. The United States ranked 29th globally in infant mortality in 2004, the latest year such data were available for all countries (October 2008 data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics). Ironically, despite offering so little, the US outspends any country in the world on healthcare, second only to Canada. It has the rare honor of having the most expensive and one of the most inefficient health care systems in the world.

A large sector of the public here in the US would prefer a Canadian-style health care system, but in fact the Australian system is far superior. Few people here know about it. Most of the public gets their news from the corporate media and the kind of rabid rightwing talk shows that Frank surely listens to. This propaganda explains why some of the poorest people in this country humiliate themselves at town hall meetings by campaigning against their best interests and, unbeknownst to them, on behalf of giant insurance providers in trying to stop Obama’s health plan (which to be clear offers only an improved version of the inefficient, wasteful, privatized insurance system now in place). If the facts were ever presented to the public, Americans would overwhelmingly demand a single-payer health care plan. But they’re never going to get those facts from the major TV outlets or newspapers. The efficient US propaganda system, which gives the illusion of free, lively debate, ensures the public stays in the dark. As Noam Chomsky said, when the state loses the capacity to control people by force, it must find another way to keep the unruly masses in check: mind-control. What violence is to totalitarian states, propaganda is to democracies.

I’m intrigued at your mention of “medicare” given that is the name of our universal health care system here in Australia.

I’m glad to see Melanie here again and being able to have her deep needs juxtaposed against cultural “trends” such as the hollographic relationships.

Weaving is a VERY interesting choice of past times, given it has ancient roots. Like JD I think you can be assured of a place in Round 6.

Your place in the next round must be secured.