A look at the hopelessly mired enviable European economy: "Beware of stereotypes based on ideological assumptions."

Comments

[Anthony]

"Europe doesn't so much have a welfare society as a comprehensive system of institutions geared toward keeping everyone healthy and working."

It's the same point I always try to make in the universal healthcare discussions - there's a compelling state interest to keep everyone healthy so they can better contribute to the economy.

[Bubba]

"......there's a compelling state interest to keep everyone healthy so they can better contribute to the economy."

And "universal health insurance" does this in what way?

Mandatory participation?

[RB]

Anthony made my first point.

Wish I knew more about the details of how they do it.

I have found in life, sometimes, 'mandatory' is a good thing.

Second point was in regard to #5 - like the US 'isn't' held hostage to an energy supplier ???

Nah, we have (the boondoggle) ethanol !!

Disclosure: I live in a corn state.

[Anthony]

"And "universal health insurance" does this in what way?"

At least partially by allowing everyone earlier access to preventitive care.

"Mandatory participation?"

In the sense that everyone would need to pay in, yes. In the "Edwards" sense that you'd be required to go to the doctor - no, I don't think that's a good idea.

[Bubba]

"In the sense that everyone would need to pay in, yes."

So let's see here:

"Choice":

Good for "reproductive rights".

Bad for education and health care.

Ok. I understand now.......

[Anthony]

You seem to have gone off topic - we were discussing healthcare. Perhaps you could outline my position on education and reproductive rights, since you seem to think you know what it is.

[Bubba]

"Perhaps you could outline my position on education and reproductive rights, since you seem to think you know what it is."

No need.

The analogy is correct and speaks to the point of all the issues mentioned.

Here's a hint: It's not specifically about you.

[Anthony]

So to extend the analogy:

"Choice":

Good for healthcare.

Bad for maintaining a police force, fire department, military, infrastructure, allowing people to decide what drugs they can put in their bodies, how much they can pay for sex, etc, ad nauseum.

[Bubba]

As usual, you missed the point.

And wrong in your flawed extension of the analogy, to boot.

Also as usual, no big surprise.

[Anthony]

As usual, you are being vague and cryptic rather than clear and concise. Perhaps you'd care to explain the point you allegedly have, including how my extension supposedly differs from your original analogy.

[Ed Cone]

Anthony, your point about the value to society of investing in human capital is clear. It's a nice day outside, don't waste it banging your head on the wall.

[Anthony]

Thanks Ed. I already took a nice walk outside with the family. Just passing some time (procrastinating) while working on some other projects on the computer. Your point is well taken though.

[Bubba]

"Anthony, your point about the value to society of investing in human capital is clear..."

And you missed the point also.

It's about CHOICE, not human capital.

But I suspect you already knew that, but wrote what you wrote anyway.

It wouldn't be the first time that's happened from your hand, and i doubt if it will be the last time either.

[Ed Cone]

As I see it, the issue is the balance between individual choice and a just, equitable, and functional society.

We seem to disagree in this particular instance, and perhaps in others, on the place that line should be drawn.

I don't really get your need to personalize the disagreement.