Bush Administration states: "Every citizen has the right to health care"?

• Article 31 of the Iraqi Constitution, drafted by the Bush administration and ratified by the Iraqi people, states: "First: Every citizen has the right to health care. The State shall maintain public health and provide the means of prevention and treatment by building different types of hospitals and health institutions." American tax dollars went toward funding universal health care for Iraqi citizens for their whole lives. Why do Republicans think Iraqis deserve universal health care -- that it is a RIGHT -- but Americans don't? Why not?

• Answer:

  Iraq adopted a system of free healthcare in the 1970s and although Saddam bled it of funds he didn't stop it. The Baath party were at least originally socialist in focus so it makes sense. I guess the Americans had an obligation to put the Iraqi healthcare system back together after doing their upmost in the war to wreck most of Iraq's national infrastructure. Rebuilding the healthcare system likely came from an established war chest and I seem to recall that the Geneva Conventions outline the requirement for the occupying forces to take proper care of the citizens. Lets face it, few Iraqis would be in a position to have afforded US style medical fees! Besides, to not do so wouldn't win many hearts and minds: "we're going to liberate you from tyranny, and grant you the freedom to die of preventable diseases in the streets!" I don't get the Republicans and their pathological hatred of social welfare. If it were not for the NHS here in the UK, I would absolutely not be alive here today. My illnesses would have prevented me from having any insurance cover in the US, and when I needed prolonged medical assistance, I would not have received it. I worry about anyone who grew up like me except by accident of birth be born in the US, and wonder what will have become of them. Yes the NHS has it's many troubles, and yes you do get some system abusers, but it's not about them. The philosophy is further reaching than deserving and undeserving. Money should never be the bottom line when it comes to saving lives. Um, rant over.