I realise this is an embarrassing confession, but it’s about time I made it. I have never been to the United States. I have been all over the globe, but, so far, have never been to North America at all.
Whereas most of my contemporaries as I was growing up could think of nothing more exciting than going to the USA, the Land of the Free (unless you are poor, of course), I was always more interested in going to more … er … interesting places where the cultures were markedly different, strange languages were spoken and strange complexions matched unusual customs. So, the seemingly infinite variety offered by Europe, Africa and Asia did it for me.
Don’t get me wrong: I would go to the USA if there was some point in doing so – visit friends, do some work, promote books, etc. – but other wise I don’t feel much urge. I am just being honest. There is much about American culture I admire (blind optimism, celebration of success and aspects of the work ethic as well as a creative ability to tell stories in film); but there is much that evokes suspicion and incredulity. And the current healthcare debate has brought it all to a head.
There is much that can be criticised about British society. The British do a pretty good job at needling self-criticism without needing help from outside, but we get plenty from outside anyway. I guess much is justified. Reading foreign newspapers, journals and websites (wherever possible in their own languages) can be very illuminating when it comes to being seen as we are seen. But there are certain things that command pride and self-defence. Health is one of them; integrity might be another.
How do those journalists and politicians in the USA sleep at night when they have perpetrated such inaccurate and false representations of the National Health Service in the UK? Are they ignorant (which can possibly be forgiven) or deliberately disregarding of truth? How can lies be perpetuated without any shred of shame?
I simply refer the reader to some of the outraged responses to this debate: from the Times, Independent and just one blog. (Here’s another intriguing late addition.)
American currency proclaims, without a hint of irony, ‘In God we trust’. For around 50 million Americans that’s the best they can hope for. No insurance means no care. Is it not surprising as well as shocking that those Americans denouncing the NHS (on spurious and shallow ideological grounds) in contrast with their own wonderful system are precisely those who aren’t excluded by their system?
The NHS might not be perfect, but it is based on principles that demonstrate a greater ‘trust in God’ – that is the God of the Bible whose constant and consistent appeal to the poor and marginalised is embarrassing to any culture that sees such marginalisation as just – and love of humanity than one that serves only those who are wealthy enough to afford it. Which Bible do Republicans read?
Criticise the NHS by all means, America, but don’t do it on the basis of lies, misrepresentation, wilful ignorance or ideological stupidity.
August 15, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for saying what I’ve been feeling.
I don’t like quoting scripture at people. However, I’ve been sorely tempted to respectfully ask any Republicans involved in these distortions, who consider themselves Christian, to reread Exodus 20:16.
August 15, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I’ve lived in the US – twice in the late 1980s and late 1990s and it was exactly this rampant individualism with lashings of utilitarianism (shades of Ayn Rand) which drove me back to Blighty after a year each time.
And, now some of our own politicans support this?!Don’t know where I’ll live if the Tories scrap the NHS when they come into power in 2010.
Maybe the Anglican Church of Canada has a few vacancies… (Probably wouldn’t have me though – too conventional.)
August 15, 2009 at 12:58 pm
The Tories wouldn’t dare, Erica…
August 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Panda, I constantly ask Christians in all sorts of debates which bit of the ninth Commandment they don’t understand. The question gets ducked every time.
August 15, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I would be in a right mess without the NHS treatment I have received. Perhaps it hasn’t been perfect but it has made a huge difference in my life.
I don’t understand how the US media can be so misleading. None of the Americans I know and love are like that! Perhaps it is the peer selection effect.
August 15, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Oh my stars! A bishop has linked to my blog! I am… gobsmacked! Thank you so much for including my contribution in this interesting post.
Does this mean that when I am next in London I can stop by for tea?
August 15, 2009 at 10:59 pm
It’s a date! Call me when you are coming.
August 16, 2009 at 12:32 am
I wouldn’t be without the NHS. I grew up with a similar system of medical aid as exists in the USA, and was lucky in that my parents could afford to pay for doctors and dentists when we needed them, and for regular checkups. Many where I lived could not afford it, and my sister still worries about her medical aid cover for a chronic incurable condition.
I’ve been paying my share towards the NHS for most of my working life, and have made use of its services for myself and my children several times, without, as Strawberry says, having to worry about paperwork (especially in emergencies) or how to pay. I gripe about NHS waiting lists/Casualty waiting times as many of us do, but ultimately it is more good than bad and I am frankly disgusted that some UK MPs of whatever party have backed up the lies and misconceptions being peddled about it in the USA for political ends.
August 16, 2009 at 6:07 am
August 16, 2009 at 10:03 am
[...] for instance, do we react to the sheer lies and shameless disinformation about the propagated about the NHS on the other side of the Atlantic – and revealed today to be backed by a number of Tory MPs? [...]
August 16, 2009 at 12:10 pm
My diary is ready and open! I’m also going to blog your piece again later today.