So I ran across this entirely absurd Newsweek article suggesting that, of all things, the lack of a US-national health system is to blame for the exportation of jobs from this country.

Fareed Zakaria, the author of this splendidly misinformed kernel of knowledge, suggests that due to the lack of socialized healthcare, American companies are forced to spend thousands more dollars per worker than our neighbors to the north.

I do give Mr. Zakaria credit; he does choose possibly the best industry for his case. If you compare “the big three” of the auto industry with those of Japan, clearly, our system is flawed. Overspending on healthcare is rampant in our country. And of course, if and when (let’s face it, it’s only a matter of time) China and India start producing cars for export, their healthcare will be even cheaper!

Of course China and India’s healthcare will be cheaper, because there is no investment in it. India is by and large a third world country, so is China.

How about we sit down and compare the actual quality of health care, Mr. Zakaria? Maybe our highly expensive privatized healthcare system won’t look so bad. Maybe what should be considered is that in England -- whose socialized health is the shining example—the only way to get speedy treatment is to turn up on your death bed. It’ll get you seen. Just hope you get there quick enough.

Possibly also to be considered is the amount of abuse of the National Health System. In many instances, people will call an ambulance for a stubbed toe. They’re paying for it, so why not use it, right?

Yes, we still have our fair share of people turning up to the emergency room with a paper cut, but triage works well for these problems.

What strikes me is that as soon as Mr. Zakaria gets done bashing privatized health, he turns to the jugular of Medicare’s prescription-drug benefit. He argues it is a money pit that gives the elderly a “free-ride” on the drugs they need. Isn’t this what you were just arguing for?

Do I admit to being a scholar of medical systems? No. I’ve just had the opportunity to hear from others the comparative joys and horrors of both privatized and socialized health.

I leave it up to you: the reader; and suggest you give this song from two NHS doctors a listen: http://www.union.ic.ac.uk/medic/fitness/tracks/Paracetamoxyfrusebendroneomycin.mp3