Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Respone in Disaster
In my opinion, China did relatively fairly well responding to the recent earthquake. Many other countries do not have the proper system implemented to be able to respond rapidly and effectively in response to a disaster. Regardless the disaster was devastating, China was able to move in a timely manner and assist victims. However, the true judgement of their response should be assessed in the months and years following the disaster. Did they continue to aid this victims after the initial emergency response? And, how well did they provide sustainable support to them victims both in terms of physical and mental rehabilitation? This is something I would want to wait and watch for in the future.
The Big Picture
While I have always been a fan of Michael Moore ever since “Roger and Me” and certainly “Bowling for Columbine”, I will be the first to admit that he lacks objectivity and slants quite far to the left. He is constantly accused of being a sensationalist, a “crazy liberal”, and even “socialist” (surprise!). However, despite his bias, his facts are still quite accurate, but simply portrayed in a way meant to radicalize his sympathetic audience. As we discussed in class, we have become so inured to being lied to and cheated that people rarely get outraged at injustice anymore. I imagine this frustrates Moore greater than anything else and that his sensationalism is simply designed to shock people out of apathy, to elicit some passion.
A few months ago Moore appeared on CNN’s Situation Room to discuss “Sicko” with medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The discussion was widely viewed as an effort for Dr. Gupta to discredit Moore’s film as factually inaccurate. Gupta was technically correct about certain inconsistencies, such as Cuba actually ranking below the U.S. in healthcare and the waiting time in Canada actually being longer than in the U.S., despite their portrayal in the movie. However, this just goes to show that the focus of this “reality check” is missing the point. Cuba’s healthcare system may rank 39th to the U.S.’s 37th, but they also only spend approximately $250 per person whereas the U.S. is projected at $6,000 to $7,500 per person. It is also true that Canada’s wait times are longer, yet shouldn’t the focus be on the fact that four out of five of the universal care systems presented are better than the U.S. rather than the one that is worse? Relating this to the portrayal of France, it is true that Moore skews their system by juxtaposing the best parts of their system against the worst of ours, but that doesn’t mean that his facts are inaccurate. In fact, CNN, the same network that allowed Dr. Gupta to factually misrepresent and marginalize Moore’s movie, later described the film as “numbers mostly accurate, more context needed” and admitted that “most pundits or health-care experts we spoke to spent more time on errors of omission rather than disputing the actual claims in the film.”
So while Moore does present other systems far more perfect than they are, that still doesn’t change the fact that the U.S. healthcare system is abysmal and needs significant reform. It doesn’t change the fact that, while not perfect, many of the other healthcare systems in the world have a lot of great ideas to offer. Moore’s films inspire passion and discussion and force people of all ideologies to think and in the end isn’t that preferable to acceptance and complacency?
A few months ago Moore appeared on CNN’s Situation Room to discuss “Sicko” with medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The discussion was widely viewed as an effort for Dr. Gupta to discredit Moore’s film as factually inaccurate. Gupta was technically correct about certain inconsistencies, such as Cuba actually ranking below the U.S. in healthcare and the waiting time in Canada actually being longer than in the U.S., despite their portrayal in the movie. However, this just goes to show that the focus of this “reality check” is missing the point. Cuba’s healthcare system may rank 39th to the U.S.’s 37th, but they also only spend approximately $250 per person whereas the U.S. is projected at $6,000 to $7,500 per person. It is also true that Canada’s wait times are longer, yet shouldn’t the focus be on the fact that four out of five of the universal care systems presented are better than the U.S. rather than the one that is worse? Relating this to the portrayal of France, it is true that Moore skews their system by juxtaposing the best parts of their system against the worst of ours, but that doesn’t mean that his facts are inaccurate. In fact, CNN, the same network that allowed Dr. Gupta to factually misrepresent and marginalize Moore’s movie, later described the film as “numbers mostly accurate, more context needed” and admitted that “most pundits or health-care experts we spoke to spent more time on errors of omission rather than disputing the actual claims in the film.”
So while Moore does present other systems far more perfect than they are, that still doesn’t change the fact that the U.S. healthcare system is abysmal and needs significant reform. It doesn’t change the fact that, while not perfect, many of the other healthcare systems in the world have a lot of great ideas to offer. Moore’s films inspire passion and discussion and force people of all ideologies to think and in the end isn’t that preferable to acceptance and complacency?
Do we need health system reforms? Oui, oui mon ami!
We watched Michael Moore's documentary Sicko in class a couple weeks ago and if you can recall, it highlighted France as one of the most effective providers of universal health care. How accurate do you think Michael Moore's portrayal of France's health care system was? Second, the French system is a complex mix of private and public financing, do you think it can offer valuable lessons for reformers in the US?
While Michael Moore's depiction of all other health systems as health utopias was overly simplified and exaggerated, there are some truths to the film that we can, indeed, use for future reform efforts. For example, France has their way with their government. All citizens are more than willing to put the French government in its place by staging massive protests and exclaiming their discontent. In addition, French citizens, as compared to Americans, possess more obligation to help others in society. This is illustrated by the proportion of taxes that contribute to the overall GDP, which is 45%, almost 10% higher than the OECD average of 36.9%. Thus, when thinking about health system reforms here in the US, we can definitely look to other countries, such as France, to improve our system. But, unfortunately, if our nation continues to allow the current administration and members of congress, state and local leaders to push their agendas rather than our own, we will continue on this same vicious cycle of enormous health costs of decreasing value. Without more unified efforts, we can never be stronger than any of the various lobbying powerhouses, and sadly individualism and profit-centered practices will plague our citizens for many years to come...
Song to get you in the mood: "(You gotta) Fight for your right" by the Beastie Boys
While Michael Moore's depiction of all other health systems as health utopias was overly simplified and exaggerated, there are some truths to the film that we can, indeed, use for future reform efforts. For example, France has their way with their government. All citizens are more than willing to put the French government in its place by staging massive protests and exclaiming their discontent. In addition, French citizens, as compared to Americans, possess more obligation to help others in society. This is illustrated by the proportion of taxes that contribute to the overall GDP, which is 45%, almost 10% higher than the OECD average of 36.9%. Thus, when thinking about health system reforms here in the US, we can definitely look to other countries, such as France, to improve our system. But, unfortunately, if our nation continues to allow the current administration and members of congress, state and local leaders to push their agendas rather than our own, we will continue on this same vicious cycle of enormous health costs of decreasing value. Without more unified efforts, we can never be stronger than any of the various lobbying powerhouses, and sadly individualism and profit-centered practices will plague our citizens for many years to come...
Song to get you in the mood: "(You gotta) Fight for your right" by the Beastie Boys
France
I think that there is a lot that we can learn from each other. Do I feel that France has found all of the answers no, can they give us great ideas, of course. The movie of course makes every Health System not in the US seem in way better shape. There of course has to be some pros and cons to every system. But for that country the system seems to work more toward the people's advantage. I look forward to seeing the presentation and getting a more well rounded explanation of the system. Of course at first we all jumped on the plane to France, Great Britain, and Canada. Lets see how we feel after today's presentations.
Freedom Fries
First and foremost we have to take into account that Michael Moore, an unquestionably talented director, is a man with an agenda. He is known to report only facts that fit and disregard or distort the facts that don’t. Therefore, I have done my own research on France’s health care system. While it is quite effective, it is primarily so because of a fundamental difference in mentalities between France and the United States. The term workaholic is a fairly unknown concept in France where it seems that their motivation is more to live a relaxed and enjoyable life rather than an intense ambitious one. This intensity makes the United States great and does not seem to be a big priority for the French. The French work week until recently was 30 hours a week and because the productivity of the country was not optimal it was raised to what Americans have: 40 hours a week. In the United States many if not most people work far longer hours than 40 and need to be told to slow down. This is why paying for a recovering cancer patient to go to a resort in the south of France for a week may not fly with the American tax payer. In America that person would most likely want to get back to work as soon as possible. This attitude is reflected in the French health care system: the French prefer to be taxed and not to worry about things that they transfer the responsibility for to the government. Indeed, the French system is funded through massive taxation [13.55% payroll taxes, additional 5.25% income tax and additional taxes on alcohol and cigarettes] of the sort that would not be acceptable in the U.S. These points were not shown by Michael Moore, who knows how to stir up emotion and although he makes a lot of valid points and probably is correct in a general sense, he exaggerates and distorts facts to suit his left wing ideology. Because of that one must always take Moore’s films with a grain of salt.
On your second point, there are indeed things we can learn from such a system. We can learn that there are fundamental rights that people have for affordable health care and we should be able to provide all citizens with basic health care. We should also learn that health care should not provide excessive services [such as someone to do your laundry] at the expense of the tax payer. It is also important to note that in the U.S. considerably higher percentage of funds spent on health care are going for administration, as compared to France [10.8% as opposed to 23% in the U.S]. Just increasing efficiency of health care providing in the U.S. can go a long way toward being able to finance a universal health care.
I think that the bottom line of any such debate is that the U.S. is the only developed country without universal health care – a situation that I find totally unacceptable. We should learn from any and all other countries, even from the French, modify their systems as needed, and assure that each American is assured of having affordable and effective health care.
On your second point, there are indeed things we can learn from such a system. We can learn that there are fundamental rights that people have for affordable health care and we should be able to provide all citizens with basic health care. We should also learn that health care should not provide excessive services [such as someone to do your laundry] at the expense of the tax payer. It is also important to note that in the U.S. considerably higher percentage of funds spent on health care are going for administration, as compared to France [10.8% as opposed to 23% in the U.S]. Just increasing efficiency of health care providing in the U.S. can go a long way toward being able to finance a universal health care.
I think that the bottom line of any such debate is that the U.S. is the only developed country without universal health care – a situation that I find totally unacceptable. We should learn from any and all other countries, even from the French, modify their systems as needed, and assure that each American is assured of having affordable and effective health care.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
France
We all know that Micheal Moore is extremely talented in skewing stories in a way to make one side look the best and the other side look the worst, which is exactly what he did in Sicko. Throughout the movie, the US was portrayed as the "enemy" while other countries were portrayed as the "good guys." We all agree that the US health care system needs major reformation, however, there are some good things about it that Moore did not express. France was shown as one of the best health care systems. Moore expressed and highlighted the pros about the system and did not mention the cons. Can the US learn anything from the French system? Of course, it can learn from many different health care systems. However, it is the cultural phenomena that the US has been founded on that we have trouble changing--this notion of an "individualistic society" puts us at a disadvantage because it is this notion that is keeping us from implementing an universal health care system. France, in addition to many other countries,are okay with paying into a system that provides health care for all. One of the main things that the US can take away from this system is the sense of "community" among citizens, in order to insure that all citizens get basic health care!
A lot to Learn!
Moore's portrayal of France's health care system is obviously biased. He is trying to sell movies and make a point. I thought he only showed one side of the argument and made other countries look a lot better than the US, but I think the point of his documentary was more than just making France look good. The significance of the documentary is that Americans need to realize that our health care system is not doing the best job it could. There is room for much improvement in our private-based health care system. The book makes a great point; the book tells us that it is very difficult to compare different systems because there are so many factors that influence whether a certain system will work in a particular country. The book talks about factors such as culture, societal beliefs, and infrastructure. Over and over again we talk about American's individualistic view getting in the way of implementing a national health care coverage. Cultural values prevent Americans from putting their own needs aside for the well-being of the rest. I believe that there are many things we can take from France's health care system. I think that the United States could focus more of their attention on public plans and government reimbursements.
Oh, the Perfection that is France!!
Anything that Michael Moore produces demonstrates some truths and some extreme stretches of the truth. Keeping that in mind, I believe that France is doing a beautiful job of organizing and executing a universal healthcare system. Whether they have the best, that is dependent on a society’s needs; whether they can improve, of course! More than likely, Moore portrayed the MOST positive aspects of France’s system and none of the negative. In contrast, he showed ALL the bad from the U.S. and not much of the good. Anyone thinking clearly would know that this severely skewed portrayal is not 100% accurate, or at least not the entire truth. What Moore failed to mention is the very high cost, long wait times, and lack of physician regulation of the French system. Again, these are probably similar or lesser problems as to those seen in the U.S., but France’s healthcare is still not perfect.
Healthcare reformers in the United States have a lot to learn from most other countries – our costs are extravagant and yet our care lacks tremendously in comparison to many other countries. As we have evaluated in class, the U.S. cannot completely finance every cent of a healthcare system through a single means. And since France is able to finance their healthcare through various means, it may be a good model for what we need to change to. So, is Moore’s depiction perfect? Not at all! Can we take his comments in stride and delve further into what we can learn from our Friends to improve our own state of health? Most definitely! The point is no one is perfect, everything should be revised (eventually) for improvements, and recreating the wheel is inefficient, costly, and down right silly.
China's response on earthquake
From media, I had the impression that China responded to the earthquake disaster in a timely manner. On the second thought, I have ambiguous feeling on the way Chinese governments and the communities had responded. First, the media had been paying full attention to China for the Olympic season and the violent protest on violation of human rights in Tibet and around the world. China’s quick action to the earthquake situation could be to save the honor of nation for the Olympic season. It could also be that the government trying to portray the humanitarian side in response to conflict with Tibet. There are too many politics and mass media involvement.
Ira pointed out that China is moving from a communist society to an open market system. The culture of communitarian might have driven Chinese people to come together and give a hand to the earthquake victims. It is about willingness of sharing and accepting the risk that still exists in the culture.
Now that Olympic season is over, I have not seen a lot of news coverage on the after affect of these earthquake victims. I assume that as the strongest nation and with fasting growing economy, China would provide good health services to their vulnerable population of earthquake victims. However, I could be wrong to state that if China did not have a good healthcare system. The strength of health services provided to people will be determined by how strong its primary care is. This, I am curious to learn on Wednesday.
Ira pointed out that China is moving from a communist society to an open market system. The culture of communitarian might have driven Chinese people to come together and give a hand to the earthquake victims. It is about willingness of sharing and accepting the risk that still exists in the culture.
Now that Olympic season is over, I have not seen a lot of news coverage on the after affect of these earthquake victims. I assume that as the strongest nation and with fasting growing economy, China would provide good health services to their vulnerable population of earthquake victims. However, I could be wrong to state that if China did not have a good healthcare system. The strength of health services provided to people will be determined by how strong its primary care is. This, I am curious to learn on Wednesday.
Sicko's Version of France
As we discussed in class, Michael Moore’s work must always be taken with a grain of salt, and Sicko is no exception. Sicko depicts France as near-heavenly and makes no mention of any potential drawbacks of the country’s health care system. Although I concede being at least somewhat influenced by the society in which I grew up—arguably the most individualistic society on the planet—I can’t imagine that the entire French population is thrilled about seeing their 5.5% personal income tax payment put towards a universal health care system. To top it all off, a full 87% of the population is not content with the public health insurance plans available and opts to purchase supplementary coverage. And it doesn’t end there, because in addition to employer taxes, employee taxes, personal income taxes, and the cost of supplementary coverage, the French health care system is sustained largely by high co-pays (from Adam’s International Health Care System Series).
Well I sure sound like an individualistic pessimist, don’t I?...if that’s what it takes to provide some balance and objectivity to Sicko. True, health costs in France are high compared to those of its neighbors (11.1% of its GDP), but still put the U.S. to shame (15.3% GDP). And France still manages to cover its entire population. Clearly, the U.S. can take at least a few lessons from France’s health care system. For the foreseeable future, the U.S. will never espouse a completely public health care system. In fact, as we’ve talked about, Americans are generally fearful of such an idea. And there are clear benefits to competition in a more or less private industry—in research and development, quality of care, etc. So it would probably be prudent of the U.S. to look toward France and its mixture of public and private provision and financing, which seems like it might prove a good fit for the U.S. health care system.
Well I sure sound like an individualistic pessimist, don’t I?...if that’s what it takes to provide some balance and objectivity to Sicko. True, health costs in France are high compared to those of its neighbors (11.1% of its GDP), but still put the U.S. to shame (15.3% GDP). And France still manages to cover its entire population. Clearly, the U.S. can take at least a few lessons from France’s health care system. For the foreseeable future, the U.S. will never espouse a completely public health care system. In fact, as we’ve talked about, Americans are generally fearful of such an idea. And there are clear benefits to competition in a more or less private industry—in research and development, quality of care, etc. So it would probably be prudent of the U.S. to look toward France and its mixture of public and private provision and financing, which seems like it might prove a good fit for the U.S. health care system.
# 1 in the World!
Michael Moore has been effective in championing and conveying the voices of vulnerable populations through his books and films. I do think that it is pretty obvious
Monday, October 27, 2008
France
Health care policy makers have long been looking to Canada to serve as an example for reform in the United States. This may be flawed considering that patients in Canada suffer from long wait times for not only screening/diagnostic exams, but also for life-altering surgeries. This is a key point for American resistance to adopting what we view as 'socialized' medicine. Americans want what they want WHEN they want it. This much we know. A more appropriate example, which may be more parallel to American psyche, is France's health care system. Michael Moore praises the system in his documentary Sicko, which, it seems is well-deserved. The WHO ranked France #1 in 2001 secondary to its universal coverage, patient/provider freedoms, and impressive health care outcomes. Beyond the WHO endorsement, Moore's interviews with Americans now living in France confirm that the satisfaction level is quite high. In fact, 60% of French citizens say that they are satisfied with their health care system as compared to 40% of Americans.
France's complex mix of public and private financing only makes their healthcare system more viable in America. This complexity lends to the freedoms granted to providers and exapansive choice afforded to patients. These freedoms are necessary when considering health care reform in the United States. Americans are not willing to give these up even though they haven't improved health care outcomes overall. Thus, while the Canada system has positive attributes, the French system simply may be more in line with the way Americans think. Combatting the American psyche is an uphill battle that we struggle against when attempting to create a national health service. Perhaps the French got it right this time and can lead the way.
France's complex mix of public and private financing only makes their healthcare system more viable in America. This complexity lends to the freedoms granted to providers and exapansive choice afforded to patients. These freedoms are necessary when considering health care reform in the United States. Americans are not willing to give these up even though they haven't improved health care outcomes overall. Thus, while the Canada system has positive attributes, the French system simply may be more in line with the way Americans think. Combatting the American psyche is an uphill battle that we struggle against when attempting to create a national health service. Perhaps the French got it right this time and can lead the way.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
China
I was looking up facts about the earthquake and here is what i found:
So far, 209,905 people have been injured in Sichuan,
with an estimated 10,000 still buried under the rubble. Some 15.7 million rooms have been damaged and 312
million others have collapsed. The earthquake has left over 4.8 million people homeless.
The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) headquarters, along with its Sichuan branch and many other
provincial branches of RCSC, have been providing non-stop assistance to those in the affected areas. By 18
May, RCSC headquarters had mobilized six medical teams, over 200 staff from other provinces and 31
rescue and relief teams from other Red Cross branches to Sichuan. The Sichuan Red Cross branch has
dispatched 17 medical teams to Pengzhou, Beichuan, Dujiangyan, Anxian, Mianzhu, Shifang and Pingwu to
treat over 2,000 seriously injured people. The Sichuan Red Cross branch also sent 33 Red Cross first aid
teams to provide assistance to over 7,500 people. Altogether over 35,000 Red Cross staff and volunteers are
assisting in the relief effort.
(http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/08/MDRCN00303.pdf)
and so my question was how have these people treated since the emergency response has been over. What happened to the people left homeless, and how do they access care now? Although plenty of funds have been said to be allocated to school rebuilding, water sanitation, and homes, how will these people access primary care? I have read that Doctor without Borders has been providing mental health care to those affected, yet again I ask how long will it take for the health care infrastructure to resume?
All in all, China has had an excellent response and everyone is confident they will bounce quickly!
Friday, October 24, 2008
China: Absence of primary care from doctors' offices; France 'Vive la Difference'
I have come across an article written by Michael Moreton, an American physician who lives in China for over 5 years. According to his observation and practicing experiences, when being asked the following questions, "How is healthcare funded?
He said, "Now that China has moved into a more capitalistic, entrepreneurial era, hospitals have been told that they have to finance some of their own costs. This is not an easy process for hospitals or for patients. Patients are now being asked to pay for some of their care. There is currently no system of private health insurance, although many firms are looking to start such programs."
"How is healthcare delivered?" He answered, "The alarming thing in China is the almost total absence of primary care. Even in cities, there are no independent doctors' offices or neighborhood clinics, so people have to go to the hospital for every healthcare need." (...Drive Americans nuts.)
I think this reflects the transitional state of China moving from communist society to a more open free market society. In a rapidly changing society, it is always accompanied by confusion and chaos. China can not go back to what used to be yet not ready for the structured insurance system private or hybrid. However, compared to other developing nations, China seems to do pretty well given the huge population.
Another thing worthwhile to mention is Chinese traditional doctors work with western style doctors hand by hand in the same clinical setting. Some of western style doctors also integrate part of Chinese medicine into their treatments to patients. In the United States, several medical pioneers are talking about "Integrated Medicine", but China is ahead of the game in applications though they never highlight such accomplishments. From the western perspective, it is unimaginable to see that the absence of private doctors in private offices. In China, it worked well along with their political system and still is working though they are seeking changes. Perhaps we need to allow the multiple paths to occur in healthcare. Every trajectory has its own merits and deficiencies. The worries of many Americans are not considered as threats to Chinese. Every path will find its way to the mountain top with its own twists and turns. We need to keep an open mind regarding healthcare delivery, whatever works most productively and economically is the most important thing. Let's put the argument and bias aside and focus on best solutions.
French society is operated by the principle of "solidarity" that each contributes to social programs according to ability to pay. The french social protection umbrella includes protection related to health,family and old age. Protection against the costs of illness is accomplished primarily through the Sickness Insurance Funds (SIF). According to ITUP report, the idea of rationing healthcare is culturally unacceptable in France. The increasing role of supplementary health insurance allows the French system to avoid rationing. But the structure of French insurance demanding
the employer pays 12.8% of each employee’s salary and employees pays 0.75% of their salary to insurance fund. Is this viable in US? Doubtful...with the financial storm sweeping across the heart of American economics, many corporations are reluctant to take more responsibilities on employees' insurance needs. On top of this, American companies are concerned of their competing edges on global market shares. Any slight change places them to the higher overhead would be opposed. Although there are segments in American society desire to have the French like benefits. The lengthy and restful maternity leave is unlikely to happen in US soil in the foreseeable future. French flower and American soil seem to be unlikely to agree on each other. The French flower transplanting is bound to be choked to wither. I hope to learn more in the class presentation of French endeavors.
He said, "Now that China has moved into a more capitalistic, entrepreneurial era, hospitals have been told that they have to finance some of their own costs. This is not an easy process for hospitals or for patients. Patients are now being asked to pay for some of their care. There is currently no system of private health insurance, although many firms are looking to start such programs."
"How is healthcare delivered?" He answered, "The alarming thing in China is the almost total absence of primary care. Even in cities, there are no independent doctors' offices or neighborhood clinics, so people have to go to the hospital for every healthcare need." (...Drive Americans nuts.)
I think this reflects the transitional state of China moving from communist society to a more open free market society. In a rapidly changing society, it is always accompanied by confusion and chaos. China can not go back to what used to be yet not ready for the structured insurance system private or hybrid. However, compared to other developing nations, China seems to do pretty well given the huge population.
Another thing worthwhile to mention is Chinese traditional doctors work with western style doctors hand by hand in the same clinical setting. Some of western style doctors also integrate part of Chinese medicine into their treatments to patients. In the United States, several medical pioneers are talking about "Integrated Medicine", but China is ahead of the game in applications though they never highlight such accomplishments. From the western perspective, it is unimaginable to see that the absence of private doctors in private offices. In China, it worked well along with their political system and still is working though they are seeking changes. Perhaps we need to allow the multiple paths to occur in healthcare. Every trajectory has its own merits and deficiencies. The worries of many Americans are not considered as threats to Chinese. Every path will find its way to the mountain top with its own twists and turns. We need to keep an open mind regarding healthcare delivery, whatever works most productively and economically is the most important thing. Let's put the argument and bias aside and focus on best solutions.
French society is operated by the principle of "solidarity" that each contributes to social programs according to ability to pay. The french social protection umbrella includes protection related to health,family and old age. Protection against the costs of illness is accomplished primarily through the Sickness Insurance Funds (SIF). According to ITUP report, the idea of rationing healthcare is culturally unacceptable in France. The increasing role of supplementary health insurance allows the French system to avoid rationing. But the structure of French insurance demanding
the employer pays 12.8% of each employee’s salary and employees pays 0.75% of their salary to insurance fund. Is this viable in US? Doubtful...with the financial storm sweeping across the heart of American economics, many corporations are reluctant to take more responsibilities on employees' insurance needs. On top of this, American companies are concerned of their competing edges on global market shares. Any slight change places them to the higher overhead would be opposed. Although there are segments in American society desire to have the French like benefits. The lengthy and restful maternity leave is unlikely to happen in US soil in the foreseeable future. French flower and American soil seem to be unlikely to agree on each other. The French flower transplanting is bound to be choked to wither. I hope to learn more in the class presentation of French endeavors.
Peace, love, and Yao Ming
I thought Yao Ming not playing the rest of basketball season was a big blow to fantasy early in this year, but on May 12, China faced tougher challenge than me finding a replacement. Over 5 million now homeless and many big serving hospitals already destroy in the central areas, how does one country rebound and respond? Well you do it with help and listening to right advice. According to Jane Parry's article, medical specialist and equipment came to the aid via NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières. The need stated by Martin De Smet, head of the emergency unit at the Brussels headquarters of Médecins Sans Frontières, "is that the basic needs of public health, general surgery, and the distribution of hygiene kits seem to be covered quite well, and we have two roles to play: in very specific medical fields and in the area of mental health." (Parry article). With that aspect, China health care system deliever in sense that experts are coming to help. The ratio in the favor of the amount of people who need the help with the amount of specialist in the area, but I feel that a collective and conscience efforts were being made to effectively provide this vulnerable population with specialists in many fields such as mental health. Of course, NGOs played a big part, which why I feel I am comfortable on saying that China may have handle the earthquake 10 times better than U.S. did with Katrina. That leads me to think that China would probably be more effective in dealing with Katrina than U.S. Isn't that shocking?references:
Health services in China face enormous challenge after earthquake
Parry BMJ.2008; 336: 1209
http://questions.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/qa-the-earthquake-in-china/
song of blog: Black Kids- I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
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