And please here this and take it into account before responding. I do not say anything within this post to insult, belittle, or otherwise diminish someone's point of view, or even the actions of another country. I'm not here to be whatever, but to simply ask questions and speak my mind.

Many have brought up the actions/prioritites of many nations in this world...from those of Europe, Africa, N.America, and even New Zeland. The priorities of the people's from each of these nations is different, and I honestly don't think that any of us are *really* equipped to pass a determination that one or another countries priorities are out of order.

Does the US spend a large amount of money on the military? Yes, we do. Is it worth it? I believe that it is, because it allows other nations of the world to not have to. New Zeland can get away with having 1 plane in the Air Force, because it knows that if some agressive nation invades them, that they have Australia, and ultimately the US, watching their back.

Let's turn our attention to history...its a really good thing that the US had a big military (with ramp-up capability) in World War II. If that wasn't the case, Europe would be split into different german states, and the only Jews left in existance would be those living in the US.

Quality of health care, cost of health care, and tort reform aside, what I think that this debate comes down to is this. Why should I pay for you? One poster to this thread (please forgive me for not remembering your name/exact circumstances) related how his medical bills are high, because of a lack of coverage (again, please forgive me if I got it completely wrong). But my question still stands...why should I be forced to pay it for you?

Someone else related how paying for health care is good for everyone, because when they are better, they can go back to work & start paying income taxes again. How is this guarenteed? There are huge swaths of individuals with no health care because they have no jobs (for whatever reason). We're putting food on their table & keeping a roof over their heads(through welfare/other government aid) and we would be keeping them healthy (if this legislation goes through). What motivation does such an individual have to go back to work?

I have a tough enough time paying for myself as it is. The last thing I need is to be further taxed to pay for someone else.
~Jeordam