Latest update: 18/03/2010 

- Barack Obama - healthcare reform - insurance - USA


Too poor to be poorly: uninsured Americans hope healthcare bill will be passed

The final touches have been made to Barack Obama's flagship policy on healthcare reform and the bill is now ready to go before the House of Representatives. The proposals have received staunch opposition from Republicans, but if passed, the new law will extend insurance coverage to 30 million Americans - many of whom simply can't afford to be ill.

France goes shopping for drones
21/05/2013 - DEFENCE

France goes shopping for drones

France is in the market for unmanned drones, the remotely controlled aircraft favoured by countries such as the US, whose military uses them to monitor difficult enemy terrain in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The current French fleet of drones was purchased 20 years ago and Paris wants to update it. But Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has come in for criticism after approaching US and Israeli manufacturers instead of encouraging French brands to start making them.
Spanish transport system running on empty
21/05/2013 - SPAIN

Spanish transport system running on empty

The Spanish government is set to close dozens of state-run rail routes and cut services on hundreds of other lines as Madrid struggles to right the country's recession-hit economy. The cuts will allow savings of over €85 million but will affect over 1.65 million passengers. Critics accuse the government of building first and thinking later during the boom years.
The battle for Qusair
20/05/2013 - SYRIA

The battle for Qusair

In recent days Syrian government forces and rebel fighters have struggled for control of the town of Qusair, located 10 kilometres from the Lebanese border on a vital supply route. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah have reportedly lent support to the Syrian army, while Sunni gunmen allegedly crossed the border to reinforce the rebels.
Seven Days in Tibet
20/05/2013 - CHINA

Seven Days in Tibet

Tibet has been off-limits to journalists since the Chinese government brutally suppressed riots in the region five years ago. France 24's regional correspondent Cyril Payen managed to get a seven-day visa to enter the region. What he saw lends weight to the complaints of the Dalai Lama and human rights organisations, who say Tibetan culture is being erased.
Building collapse casts glare on working conditions
17/05/2013 - BANGLADESH

Building collapse casts glare on working conditions

More than 1100 people were killed when the Rana Plaza collapsed on the outskirts of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. The accident has raised questions over the future of the country's garment industry, a vital sector for Bangladesh's economy. Many in the country are calling on stakeholders like factory owners and western retailers to do more to avert similar catastophes in the future.

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U.S. Healthcare

What's wrong with the U.S. Healthcare program is it's set up on a "for profit" business basis. 40% of the money paid into private "for profit" insurance goes into somebodies pocket. This is easily shown by comparing the GNP. The UK spends about 8% of their GNP on national healthcare and they cover everyone. The U.S. spends 15% of their GNP on healthcare and they don't cover everyone. That's what will be bankrupt the U.S.

The private insurance companies in the U.S. are against national healthcare and try to scare the public into believing the government is taking their freedom away.

Not all poor in US in favor of healthcare

A lot of us believe nationalizing healthcare is against the constitution and is going to further bankrupt the nation with yet another entitlement program it can not afford.

Medicaid and Medicare

Why was there no mention of Medicaid? American citizens who are unemployed qualify for state Medicaid programs. Why did this program not mention that? Further, why did it not mention the biggest criticism conservatives have been raising against a federal plan? That they ideologically disagree with it?

The current system needs reform, but it is those who are working and unable to afford good insurance due to prexisting conditions or other reasons that are the most vulnerable. There is a gap between the working middle class and poor who could use some help but do not qualify and the poor and elderly who already qualify for medicare and medicaid.

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