Several Things, NOT ABOUT GOURMET Magazine

It is possible that I have given up on Gourmet, and all things related.

Perhaps I should begin a rant about the current health care debate. So why exactly is it that we SHOULD NOT have the "public option"?!? How many people have I talked to who are vehemently opposed to the health insurance reform plan and (ESPECIALLY) the Public Option. Of all you people out there opposed, please tell me how many benefit from (a) Medicare and/or (b) VA Benefits? Hello?!?

I have lived in two countries with universal Health Care.

First, I have lived twice for a year each time in England. National Health there provide WONDERFUL primary health care. Your kid is sick? you go to a "surgery", unannounced, and get excellent primary care.

You get hit by a car? Well, you get picked up by an ambulance, and taken to a hospital ER that specializes in head wounds/injuries because these are what you have. You make a great come-back the next day? Great! It's back home; back to normal, no expense.

Need surgery?!? Okay. Not immediately, but it's actually diagnostic, and results not urgent, so no big deal. Charge? None.

Have a tattoo you want removed? Too bad, so sad, you may have to wait...

Blood-shot eyes? other problems? turns out you have sarcoidosis? well, okay, go to this doctor asap. We'll take care of you.

And then there's France, with a National Insurance Plan, NOT a National Health plan. HOWEVER, it's universal, doctors know they will get paid, and so don't have to spend 30% or more on collecting what is owed them. Funding comes from the Central Government. Brits who live in southern France instead instead of Britain testify that the health care plan in France is MUCH Better than either the US or England.