Raves, Rants & Roses

RESPONSE: Recently there was an article about France's medical care. We have traveled to Europe many times. Let us hear some facts as told to us by a tour guide. Yes, you can walk into a doctors' office and get immediate help, but if you have a major problem you can wait for months to get an operation or other help for a serious illness.

At that time, 22 percent was taken off the top of your salary to cover social services. You paid $100 per year for a permit to own a television. Then you could buy a television.

This tour guide and her husband had been married many years and were finally getting permission to buy a one bedroom apartment and were thrilled. An inspector could walk into your home anytime and take an inventory. If it appeared you were living above your means you could be fined. Education was free including college.

With all the pluses and minuses, I will take America. Personally I am fed up with all our social programs and those who want everything for free. There is no such thing as free, someone pays.

Dale Whitton
Tyler