ObamaCare Supporters and the Life Expectancy Argument

It infuriates me when I hear people -- primarily those on the left -- argue that the U.S. "doesn't" have one of the best health care systems in the world. They always point to the fact that we have a lower life expectancy in this country than in Western Europe; proving, of course, that Europe's nationalized health care systems are superior to our insurance-based system.

But, in typical left-wing fashion, they cherry-pick a "single" number in support of their argument. Further, completely ignored are some significant reasons as to why our "average" life expectancy is a year to a year-and-a-half lower than than many of the individual countries in Western Europe.

First, much of our lower life expectancy has to do with the fact that, in the U.S., doctor's are better able to deliver nearly twice as many "live" premature babies (on a per capita basis) than in Europe. But, premature babies are at a high risk of death after being born. As a consequence, the U.S. has nearly 3 times the amount of infant deaths than Europe. (Click here to See Story: Premature Births Are Fueling Higher Rates of Infant Mortality in U.S., Report Says ). Additionally, our life expectancy is lower in this country due to the high number of violent deaths; especially for those dying under 30 years of age which greatly skews the statistics. And, lastly, we have an obesity problem in America which leads to many health problems and an increase in premature deaths.

In my opinion, there is only "one" true statistic that proves we have better health care in this country than in Europe; and, that statistic is the cancer survivability rate. For example, in Europe, the overall cancer survival rate for men is 47.3%. But, in the U.S. that rate is 40% higher with a survivability rate of 66.3%. Woman also have higher survivability rates for cancer; but not as significantly. In the U.S., the average woman will survive 62.9% versus only 55.8% in Europe. (Click here to See Story: Cancer Survival Rates Improving Across Europe, But Still Lagging Behind United States)

For years, people who could afford it have left their nationalized health care systems behind to come to this country for major medical treatment. Surely, they didn't come here because they sought out a lower life expectancy. They come here because our doctors and our technology could "better" cure them. Still, the left persists in their frenzied and irrational belief that any nationalized health care system is superior to what we have in this country. Perhaps they're not aware that, in England, it could take up to 48 hours to see a doctor and up to 18 weeks to have tests and treatments administered; following a doctor's referral. Is that what liberals want for America? I don't think so!