I have known many Canadians and ALL of them (without exception) have been liberals to the extreme, all have felt our system of government was not doing enough for the masses and that Reagan & later Bush were morally somewhere between the Devil and Mephisto.

Don't get me wrong - they are nice people, it's just their politics are all messed up.

The Quebec separatist movement in my eyes personified the provincial outlook of many of the French-speaking Canadians and although it didn't happen (thank goodness), clearly there are many who are very narrow in their views.

I think the socialized system does lead to a stifling of initiative, and although it may be subtle - in the US we have many folks whose success is a direct result of NOT having a safety net to fall into, no or little healthcare protection, etc.

It is much like debating the value of immunizations - and whether or not they actually weaken the immune system in the long run. In the US, you have the extremes on display - the folks who thrive in the ultra-competitive capitalist environment and those who fall between the cracks and end up on street corners or wandering around wild-eyed with mild cases of insanity.

A fellow who hails from Vancouver has argued with me many times about the failings of the US healthcare system, our general disregard for the homeless and the corrupted pharmaceutical industry.
He had relatives who worked in Canadian asbestos mines and when they died as a result he became a crusader for healthcare reform.

I keep arguing that under socialized systems the patients receive less care because there is no profit motivation to use the latest equipment or the most expensive name-brand medicines.

I have witnessed the German melt-down and reduction of quality/benefits under the strain of immigration - I have little doubt that after a few million more Chinese end up in the Toronto area that the healthcare strains will force reductions in quality and services.

It's inevitable. With massive population growth there has never been a socialized system that prevails.

As for the drug claims...I will do some research and get back to you. Socialized systems are notorious for covering their tracks. ;-)

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