For a nation than runs around the globe instilling "democracy" and decries all inhuman, violent acts it seems absolutely ludicrous they cannot sort out health care for it's citizens. It seems they would rather spend the money on bombs and give to the already rich at the expense of it's citizens - especially the weakest, women, elderly, and disadvantaged. Sorry, I just can't understand how individual Americans can cope with the way these issues are addressed by their government nor deal with the system that's been set up.
The problem is not with the government, it is with the society in general. There are many forces working at the same time that seem to prevent a rational and pragmatic solution.
There is the individualist view as opposed to the collective view. It is a bit of a myth that people are such individualists in the states because they don't realize how collective their society is. But in their minds they think they are still individuals who are responsible for their own futures, good or bad.
There is also a puritanical bent, where if you live an improper life and this results in poor conditions, then you deserve your fate. Or if your choices are not proper in some kind of moral way, you should not be allowed to chose them. This kind of moral view exists on both the left and the right.
There is also the idea that government can not do things well, therefore anything that government does must result in poor outcomes. The early view at the beginning of the country was that government was to be rather small and that people, on their own, should develop what they needed to meet their needs and not expect government to provide it.
There is also the issue of which government should have a say, the federal government in DC or the state government.
Of course there are a lot of myths that support ideologies which prevent pragmatic solutions. Big money helps to keep myths going that suit their objectives.
From outside the USA, this seems very strange. How can so many people support issues that seem to go against their own self interests by taking idealogical stands instead of pragmatic stands on many issues.
I think the underlying reason to this seemingly confusing situation, is also what makes the USA great. Just about every citizen and every immigrant that has come to the USA seems to know and accepts that deal that they are given. The deal is that if you work hard and invest in your self and your future, you will be rewarded. And that also implies that the collective interests will not be a drag on that effort. It is a gamble.
Now this does not work for everyone and success is not a guarantee but that is the deal and many are willing to pursue that, than be taken care of by the society which would limit their personal success. It is a gamble and there are winners and losers but in general, people are willing to take the risk.
What has this mentality resulted in? Well, fantastic advances in innovation, wealth and prosperity for most. Probably much more opportunities for people to advance and for new ideas to have a chance than almost anywhere else in the world. Recently, things have not been so good for the middle class but in general, I suspect they still want a chance at that deal.
Here in Canada, we tend to be more pragmatic and provide government services that take better care of everyone, but we don't tend to be such risk takes and maybe expect others to provide support. Often our smartest have to go to the states to be able to live to their full potential because the opportunities are not available here. People and groups here don't want to risk to much. Life is good, why bother.
Everybody in the US wants to be rich. They don't really hate the rich as much as one might think because they have agreed to the deal that might give them also a chance to be rich.
I my mind, their crazyness makes sense even though I don't agree with it. They will work it out eventually. The fact that not everyone will fully benefit is not their concern. Pursuit of their own happiness is.
