Ohhhhhh, Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Danny Williams traveled to Miami this month for heart valve surgery rather than undergoing treatment in his native Canada under its public health system. He unapologetically said it was his "choice" and his "health." Indeed. He continued, "I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics." True. Apparently, his doctors in Canada presented him with only options that required breaking bones while the American doctor that performed the surgery simply made an incision under his arm that didn't require any bone breakage. I have no problem with his decision. It makes sense to me. If someone offered me the option of breaking my chest bones or making a small incision, the choice would be easy. However, if the disparity of care is so vast, why are Canadians always crowing about how fantastic their system is and urging us to pursue the public system? It reminds me of their vibrato about "Owning the Podium" in Vancouver. (At present, the U.S. has 24 medals and Canada 9. See: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/22/sportsline/main6232427.shtml). I know it's hard to be the red-headed stepchild of a superpower, but I wish they'd just keep quiet. It's embarassing to watch them constantly eat their words.