You're both making good points. GfS is correct that the public should (on average) probably exert a good deal more effort in maintaining good health, rather than behaving like lazy, irresponsible fools and then waiting for the medics to rush in and save them from the results of their bad lifestyle.

Carol is also correct that a government-run health plan should be there to assist people who are struck by unexpected medical emergencies such as she alludes to.

You are both in favor of a government-run health care plan to deal with these things. I see no reason for arguing as if you were opposed to one another, when in fact you may be very much in agreement on a great many things.

I can say too that like GfS I have cost the government in Canada almost nothing in health insurance costs, because I have hardly had to consult hospitals or doctors for anything at all during my adult life. Most of the medical costs I've incurred have been dental (which isn't covered), chiropractic (which is not covered much), and naturopathic (which isn't covered). So my taxes have been going to heal other people, not me, because I've taken good care of myself and I've mainly gone for alternative forms of treatment that aren't covered. Do I resent paying for other people's health care when I pay my taxes? No, not in the least. I'm glad to do it. I think it's part of having a decent and responsible society. My total taxes toward health care are less than $1,000 a year, and that seems quite reasonable to me.

Don - That poor shark has been jumped so much lately on various Mudcate threads that he's probably getting quite paranoid by now.... ;-)