[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]the innovations you speak of are part of a very competitive system, designed to push innovation and creativity, but to do so for a profit.[/quote]
Of course. I have no problem with this — it’s how it should be. The healthcare bill in question has nothing to do with stifling innovation. If you invent a drug that cures AIDS you will be a billionaire with or without this bill. To claim that this bill will somehow prevent someone (whether public or private) from finding cures for diseases is unfounded.
[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Lastly, I would ask, relative to those life expectancy numbers from Europe: How big is the difference for American life expectancy versus European? If I remember correctly, we’re talking fairly minute differences, aren’t we?[/quote]
France is ranked #9 at 80.98 years.
US is ranked #50 at 78.11 years behind such powerhouses as Bermuda, Liechtenstein, and Bosnia.
Sure, for us 2-3 years may be a “minute difference” but if you ask someone who is 78, I have a feeling the difference won’t feel as minute to them.
But those life expectancy numbers are from birth — the real difference makes itself known when you compare life expectancy at 60. The US is even worse at that data point. I’m trying to find some data on these numbers but my Google Fu is failing me at the moment.
Oh, and France is probably cheating with all of their wine drinking and vacation taking.
