I just returned from two weeks in Ireland and had many conversations
relevant to politics, economy and health care delivery. I know two
weeks' time does not a study make, but I did learn a few interesting
things that I wish we had in America.
Ireland currently has a policy of college education for 100 percent of
young people, free from tuition and fees. Students from poor families
are given maintenance grants, while wealthy students still attend
free, but without a living allowance.
Everyone gets health care. But there is private supplemental
insurance, about $600 year. If you need a heart by-pass you go on the
waiting list and take your turn. But if you have supplemental
insurance you can move to the front of the line. Many of the people I
talked to were resentful of this two-tiered system and see it as the
beginning of corporate take-over of the system.
Pensioners and their young helpers ride all bus and trains free.
The Irish talk to one another in the public houses with their kids in
tow.
They think we're crazy to tolerate our politicians. The food is 300
per cent better than it was when I visited in 1991.
Many think the Irish economy has grown too fast and can teeter any day.
Guiness is good for you.
Dan Scanlan
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