Thread: Rep. Joe Wilson apologized.

I'm with Bruno on this one. It is a matter of respect and good manners. Full stop. Whether it be the President addressing Congress, a mother talking to her family, or anything else you care to name. A genuine and sincere apology when the situation demands it shows strength of character in my book.

James.

Originally Posted by gugi

- americans are not comfortable leaving ill/sick human beings to suffer even if they are illegal residents

Indeed, not just Americans. Any civilised society should not feel comfortable leaving the sick to suffer no matter what their status.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Now if I were in your country, visiting, talking about razors, and I had an Appendicitis attack and needed to be rushed to the hospital... What happens???? who pays.. I guess this is more to you guys who live in countries that have Social Medicine???

We are all fellow humans. If you were to fall sick or get hurt in the UK, I am proud to know you would receive care irrespective of your status as a tourist/immigrant or ability to pay, or even your own government's policy if I were to fall ill in the USA. And yes, I'm happy for my taxes to pay for you as an individual should you need it as a visitor to my homeland. Even if you were an illegal immigrant -- I'd hope you'd eventually be sent home, but in the meantime I wouldn't want to see you die or suffer for want of treatment.

And if you don't recognise the argument about civilised societies, then even looking at what's fair in terms of hard cash spent it's a no-brainer. I presume when you travel here you spend money. As a tourist maybe. Or on business. Either way, you're bringing money, cash and possibly foreign investment to the UK. I figure providing free emergency healthcare to visitors while they are here is like looking after the goose that lays golden eggs. On the other hand, leaving them to suffer, die, etc... well, ain't good for the country's brand.

P.S. Europeans have a form to fill when travelling within the EU which means they get all the free care they need and the visitor's government will pick up the tab later with paperwork. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a similar system/form for EU travellers to the US.