J. Stiglitz: The American Dream has become a myth

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Hawk66

Frankly - related to that discussion - I have never understood the discussion in the US. about the health insurance for 'everybody' and why that would be a 'socialist idea'. I've thought that getting (standard) health care is a human right for everybody and has the same priority than getting basic food and be equal at the court.

This is changing the subject somewhat, but you've brought it up, so it has to be answered.

The reason it's considered socialist is simply because it is not a 'right' at all. You have the right to do anything you want, as long as it doesn't infringe upon the right of anyone else to do the same. You said that basic health care is a right. You have the right to obtain that care. You do not have the right to force someone else to provide it for you. You have the right to put food on your own table. You do not have the right to make someone else put it there for you. Being equal at court is different. If someone forces you to go to court you have the right to representation. There is no guarantee that said representation will be of the same calibre as the rich guy can pay for.

Yes, we should take care of our poor. The 'socialist' cry comes when you want to force someone else to do it. If you can't see that difference then you don't understand what 'right' actually means.