There does seem to be a disconnect between the American mind set and people from "other" developed countries. I almost left out the "other".
With "Also, do you think it's fair that an illegal alien (who has no insurance) be seen and treated ahead of an American, who has no insurance? Now factor in Americans who do have insurance. Should illegal aliens be seen ahead of them?", my answer is that all humans should be triaged in order of medical need. In any developed country the legal status would be determined later, and I fail to understand why people should have to have their papers in order. Surely a person can simply tell the receptionist what their history is. A point to consider is that we generally don't use clerical receptionists in ER rooms, but qualified nurses as our focus is on medical needs not the money.
Cthia's point about insurance and suing to me doesn't say anything, but that the US society is unhealthy and unethical. The almighty dollar seems to be paramount.
Several years ago on these forums I put up a suggestion that the difference might be that the average US citizen has to be ruthless because they lack safety nets. If a person is in need of medical care, food or shelter in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or similar countries they receive it. If they work they receive a living wage and don't have to beg for tips to survive.
We don't use the term "illegal alien", but "undocumented refugee". If we do determine that a person shouldn't be in our country we deport them, but we look after them in the meantime.
It isn't that we foreigners don't want the "truth", just that we find it hard to comprehend that an entire country could think that way, and possibly try to excuse the US as we must have misheard.
The E wrote:Always great to see the mask come off.
