When one lists the public affairs issues in the U.S. that have a global implications, the issues include financial services, climate change, energy, trade and some others. Healthcare reform is not on the list…until now. Conservatives in the U.S. are using the so-called “failed” government-guaranteed systems around the world to bolster their case against greater government involvement in the American healthcare system.
It is truly telling that conservatives in the UK felt obligated to rise to the defense of a system that was too “socialist” to be even considered in the U.S. debate. Single-payer was ruled out at the outset.
It is also an interesting example of the global nature of communications that this debate over a domestic policy issue the U.S. has generated an uproar in Great Britain.
The top story on the front page of the Financial Times this week, led with this:
The fractious British political classes have united in defence of the UK’s healthcare system after it has become a byword for the failings of universal, state-funded provision among the US Republican right.
Gordon Brown, prime minister, and David Cameron, leader of the Conservative opposition party, on Friday both declared their commitment to the National Health Service.
It is truly a fascinating time to be involved in global public affairs when there is a revolution in communications technology.
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