Nonny1 of Gainesville, FL When there is no competition (a good example is the system of socialism), studies show that people do NOT work as hard or perform as well. Because our system operates on a PAYMENT system, cmpetition exists and thrives; if it were not for that competition, we would not have the best and brightest doctors, specialists and surgeons in the world. While Candada and Britian are moving away from socialized healthcare due to its many failures, why would ANYONE in this country wish to move toward it? Ted Kennedy would STILL be waiting to see a specialist for his brain cancer (and very possibly dying) had it not been for PRIVATE healthcare. The wealthy will always be able to go overseas for treatment if we go to socialized healthcare; everybody else will receive worse care and possible death (if diagnosed w/ a serious illness). And why become a doctor if you are going to earn half as much with those long hours and having to repay hundreds of thousands in student loans? We can make positive changes to our wonderful healthcare system without destroying it; socialized healthcare is NOT the answer. The people supporting it are the same ones who support the 190 million deficit that is on the backs of the middle class!report abuse

Jane of Scarborough, ME Sounds like the group couldn't agree on an agenda or doesn't want to step up to the plate and recommend one. That is as bad as being wishy washy on the issues. Another Medicare bureaucracy isn't what is needed. Free care isn't the answer ... how's Maine Care working? When at least 40% of health care dollars are spent on preventive illnesses and every day, more people are added to the public roles, please don't tell me that single payer is the only answer. I work for a living, pay high premium for health care protection, wear a helmet when cycling, I don't drink nor do I do drugs, I exercise and eat healthily. Additionally, I pay taxes for the uninsured and pay the higher medical fees because Medicare and Medicaid slash prices in their payment arrangement with hospitals. So, exactly how much more am I expected to give?report abuse

xcalibur1066 of Dayton, ME In Japan, if you are a man and have a waist line over 33.6 inches or a woman with a waist line over 34 inches, you are fined by the national health care system. Your employer is also fined. The fines are not cheap..

Bet that won't fly in the US will it?report abuse

robert tanner of falmouth, ME I'm sure if you try hard enough you can break the system even more. Ever hear of fee for service?report abuse