What Do the French Know that Americans Don't?- Page 2

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 8/17/09 at 12:01pm

Some of these states also get more back from the federal government in terms of spending and support than the larger states. So, Socialism is OK to redistribute the wealth of our citizens via federal taxes, which take from some states and give to others, but is not OK for things like healthcare ...

And, in many of the smaller states, insurers have a relative monopoly, without any real competition (thanks to all of the takeover and mergers these past years). There is no true free market in health insurance.

MB - I thought this might amuse you. When Dick Armey was in MTP on Sunday, he complained about all of the rules that prevent the cross-border purchase of insurance. Those rules are promulgated by the individual states, based upon the desire to protect the health and welfare of its residents. So, Army was effectively arguing against states rights when it comes to health insurance. Which is fine, but I wonder if he would agree with that argument for gun control, or other issues. Or, are states rights only important for the issues he cares about?

[nygrl232]

Posted: 8/17/09 at 12:43pm

I'm a fan of Bill Moyers and found this on PBS's website. It's about 40 minutes long, but it's a very interesting look at the POV of former health insurance executive.

He fully acknowledges that he was completely sheltered by the focus on "the numbers" and got a dose of reality when he saw medicine being practiced on a fairground while people waited in long lines. He asked himself, "what country am I in?"

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07312009/watch.html

[After Eight]

Posted: 8/18/09 at 7:06am

Gothampc:

If I recall correctly watching Childs's tv shows, she would recommend not forgoing butter and cream, but in eating small portions of it. Sounds like good sense to me: food is to be enjoyed, n'est-ce pas?

Nowadays, French food has much less cream sauces. It's no longer trendy. (From my point of view, that's too bad!)

The consumption of bread has likewise declined in France. And young people are drinking less wine. And the number of cafes there has likewise dropped.

[romantico]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 6:45am

Found this and thought it was an interesting read.Go to Google and type in the French Paradox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_paradox

http://www.amazon.com/French-Paradox-Drinking-Health/dp/0932664814