let me Wolfram Alpha that for you. http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=education+of+vermont http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=demographics+of+vermont
I can disparage the government as well as any libertarian out there, but when someone points out a stunning failure as representative of any group, I think it behooves someone to point out an equally, if not more, stunning success, especially when one happens to be the prerequisite that another was built on.
I see... Do you think Vermont can keep it's single payer if they allow uneducated minorities to move in?
I don't know, quite a few immigrants have chosen Canada and the UK, and I don't exactly see the NHS crumbling anytime soon.
I'm sure all of those uneducated minorities are frothing at their poor uneducated mouths with the thought of being able to leach off those Vermont whities. The exodus will be unparalleled in human history. How will those Vermont white boys cope with all the poor coloreds moving in?
I lived in Texas for 20 years and Canada for the last 10, and let me tell you I would never, ever, EVER give up Canada's single payer system for the private insurance nightmare down in the USA. It is probably the best thing about living here. It's so sad that this topic has been politicized in the US due to the greed of special interests. Here in Canada the are primary health clinics more numerous than McDonald's and they are all walk-in - I've never waited more than 20min to see a doctor, and have never seen a bill. The system is largely funded by income tax. People think that income tax is outrageous here, and it is higher, but when you figure in what you pay out of pocket down there (even with insurance), some people would probably have an effective tax rate of 50% or more. I mean honestly, set politics aside in your brain for a moment and ask yourself: If you had an emergency happen to you or family member, and were rushed to the hospital, would it be any comfort to you to know that you will not be sacked with a monstrous bill? How about not ever seeing a bill at all?
The distinguishing line exists only in the minds of the anti-government pundits and the people who choose to believe their bullsh!t. As in any organization, there is certainly waste and inefficiency in government and we should definitely work to reduce both. However, the organization which is #1 on the "manipulates and distorts" list is Fox "News" and their echo chamber.
Non sequitur, but if you've never been to the state I highly recomended it. It can be stunningly beautiful - parts look like the American fantasy of what all of Ireland is supposed to look like - emerald green grassy windswept hills as far as the eye can see.
I've been there for extended stay numerous time so I know a bit about what you are talking about. My very conservative friend had an accident on a ski slope in Canada. It changes his mind on what he been fed about their health care system.
