[quote=ocrenter][quote=AN][quote=spdrun]Why is socialism such a dirty word anyway? I’m a socialist on some issues, a libertarian on others, and I’m G-d damn proud of my views.[/quote]It’s not a dirty word to me. But I’m sure ocrenter tossing out the word socialism thinking he can get an argument from those who does think it’s a dirty word. I can see this thread going down a rat hole if there end up being a back and forth between him and those who think socialism is a dirty word.[/quote]

The point was simply we have completely removed single payer as an option because of its socialism connotation, which is quite unfortunate.[/quote]
But it *is* socialistic, isn’t it?
Case 1: Paid for by the government, government decides what procedures get done when, everyone (allegedly) gets the same care.
Case 2: There is competition and free enterprise in the field. People factor health benefits into choice of employer. People can use their own initiative to secure better care for themselves, if that is a priority to them.

I understand Case 2 is less compassionate, but isn’t it more “American” (historically speaking)?