My formerly fellow Americans,

You have just GOT to get it together and get yourselves a national health plan! Why on earth should it be the poor working person's tough luck if they happen to get cancer, and then a cyst, or maybe a broken leg, or whatever? In sensible countries your surgery AND your down time from work are covered by national health insurance. Everybody pays over their taxes, and everybody is covered. Companies love it because it means there's a level playing field amongst them and a generally healthy population to recruit from. Too expensive, you say? You're already paying twice what we Scandinavians pay per capita for your health coverage, and not getting half the service we get. And don't think you don't pay for those who aren't covered. One way or another, the bill comes around. For instance in the form of antibiotics-resistant diseases because of all those poor working folks who can't afford to take a whole series of medications, just the first few doses until the symptoms fade and then sell off the rest.

Well, at least your insurance is now covering the direct costs, Pam. Hang in there! Sorry I can't get this pushed through Congress in time for your upcoming surgery. I don't even have a vote back in California any more.