THE UNITED STATES OF EUROPE: RISING -- A book review

[HuckleB]

THE UNITED STATES OF EUROPE: RISING

http://www.oregonlive.com/books/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/110449777759160.xml

"Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., probably thought he was tossing off an easy attack line during the 2004 presidential campaign when he accused Democrat John Kerry of being suspiciously disposed toward Europe.

"It's not John Kerry's fault that he looks French," Smith said. "But it is his fault that he wants to pursue policies that have us act like the French. He advocates all kinds of additional socialism at home (and) appeasement abroad." Smith's comments triggered a wave of supportive letters to the editor criticizing Europe's lack of military gumption and its nanny-state leanings.

But there was also an intriguing strain of criticism from voters -- undoubtedly those who helped power Kerry to his win in Oregon -- who were quite vociferous in defending Europe. Why can't the United States provide the same health coverage to all its citizens, they wondered. And what's wrong with working through international bodies instead of rushing off to war?

How you feel about Europe, it turns out, is yet another one of those litmus tests that divides -- dare we say it again? -- red- and blue-state America.

..."


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I just put this one on hold at the library. Sounds intriguing.

[HuckleB]

1. For the NY Times review, via IHT...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/12/21/features/bookwed.html

[EstimatedProphet]

2. "yet another one of those litmus tests"

That doesn't surprise me at all. It's just another example of how Bush supporters see the world as something to conquer, and other people as something to kill and torture. That's the real litmus test-do you see other people as human beings, or playthings for sadistic egos?

[Retired AF Dem]

3. I don't understand this European health care issue

After I retired from the Air Force in Germany I worked for a German company for five years. I paid about $200 dollars a month for health insurance. The only time I used it was for an eye exam and a new pair of glasses. The insurance paid for the exam but only paid about half of what the glasses cost. I really don't see any difference between here and there except in Germany I had to pay for the health insurance whether I wanted it or not.

[HuckleB]

4. You're a US citizen, no?

That's the likely answer to your question about the differences.

[Retired AF Dem]

5. Everybody talks about the free health care in Europe

When I lived there I had to pay for health insurance and pay for a deductable. For the life of me I don't see any difference.

[HuckleB]

6. Again, you weren't and aren't a European citizen, are you?

If not, you have your explanation.

[Retired AF Dem]

7. What does not being a citizen have anything to do with my

question? I lived in Germany with a residency permit, I owned a house, I had a German social security card, all the Germans I worked with payed the same medical insurance.

[HuckleB]

8. If you say so.

The Germans I know didn't pay such a premium.

Nevermind the reality that Germany pays much less of GDP for health care than the US and produces better outcomes. That's the reality of the big picture that your anecdote can't ignore.

[Touchdown]

9. How long ago was this?

Univrsal health care EU wide is fairly new. It's been around since the VAT taxes were put in place to pay for it. Anybody who is in Europe can use it, including an American tourist. Since it's all paid by sales taxes, then anybody who buys anything in Europe automaticaly gets the health care. Some countries have small taxes or visit co-pays to supplement it, others like England just treat you for free and send you on your way. But all this came about in the last decade or so.

He describes his experience with his daughter at a London ER in the book. Which is very eye opening, BTW. I certainly recommend it. I read it before Xmas.

[mandyky]

10. The author was on CSpan's Washington Journal a few weeks ago

Maybe the archive of the show is still on their website.