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Cool. Let's hear one GOPer speaking in favor of a Singapore-style health care system - y'know, universal coverage, mandatory participation, government price control and massive subsidies. Any takers?
Or is it just the "no minimum wage" bit that seems attractive?
I think most Republicans support medicare. I can tell the concept of a successful socially conservative/economically libertarian country is upsetting to the left. But there is evidence that it works. Sorry to disappoint.
Nah, I think Singapore is the best representation. Saudi Arabia paradoxically more in line with the left's values since they're always kowtowing to Islam.
What? Point out some of the Saudi policies or laws that represent any of the ideals of the left instead of just lazily tossing out some non sequitur about Islam.
Here are just a few things from Saudi Arabia that align with the GOP platform:
An official state religion - Republicans like Palin and Huckabee have stated that they would like the laws in the US to conform to biblical standards, the mandatory teaching of religious dogma in the schools
The systematic discrimination of homosexuals - no explanation needed on this one, the GOP is proudly anti-gay and supports their second class citizen status
An oligarchical form of government and society - the whole makers vs. takers, corporations are people and money is speech ideology, along with the desire to deconstruct all forms of social safety nets
Location: In a Galaxy far, far away called Germany
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I do think Singapore is a fair representation (although not perfect). The thing is that both the right and the left have their representative nations that they show forth as their champion-nation AND these nations are very successful in how they live. I think the problem is that we are trying to have a nation that includes both "Singaporeans" and "Scandinavians" (pick your Scandi-nation). I just don't think this is working too well and it is becoming a larger chasm as we progress into the future. If the USA falls, it will definitely be from within as we seem to be our own worst enemies.
Last edited by Bulldawg82; 06-11-2015 at 11:02 AM..
Well, yes. They got their core voters to march with signs saying "Keep the government out of my Medicare", so... There is, however, a subtle difference between Medicare and actual UHC.
Typically, most liberals point to Scandanavia as an ideal state. Often times the GOP is criticized for wanting to take the country back to the "dark ages." Rather, a country like Singapore is where the GOP wants to take the country. It's socially conservative and has one of the freest markets in the world. It has no minimum wage and its officially policy is no welfare state, although there is a very basic safety net.
The unemployment rate never got above 4% even during the financial crisis. It's comprised of multiple cultures, ethnic groups, races with English as the official unifying language. It's economically prosperous, has extremely low crime, and drug smuggling carries the death penalty.
Some cons are limited press and speech freedoms, homosexuality is criminalized, and high income inequality.
I'm not saying that I personally agree with their conservative social views, but when people say the GOP wants to take the country back, I think it's more accurate that they want to take the country forward, but in a different way. Singapore is a good example of a social conservative/economically libertarian success story.
The idea that Singapore is conservative makes no sense. I don't think you know much about Singapore. There is basically one political party that tightly controls that nation's economy.
The government forces workers to save for retirement and housing. It is a huge government program.
The employer is forced to contribute 16% of an employees gross monthly salary, while workers are forced to contribute 20%.
There are 4 accounts.
Ordinary account for housing, pay for cof insurance, investment, and education.
Special account Old age and investment in retirement.
Medisave hospitalization and approved medical insurance.
Retirement account.
The government guarantees a 2.5% return. The special, Medisavemedisave, and retirement accounts had a guaranteed 4% return.
So your characterization of Singapore as conservative. Makes no sense.
Location: By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea
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Yeah, a country where it's illegal to walk around naked in your own house sounds like a Conservative Control Freak utopia for the group that thinks the human body obscene and war just business as usual.
Well, yes. They got their core voters to march with signs saying "Keep the government out of my Medicare", so... There is, however, a subtle difference between Medicare and actual UHC.
The Tea Party isn't the core of the GOP. And you know what, the statement isn't as insane as you think even though I get the joke. Medicare and Social Security were set up as separate government entities that have been raided/borrowed by both parties since their inception to fund frivolous things.
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