But, they're French....

After all, every other advanced country offers universal coverage, while spending much less on health care than we do. For example, the French health care system covers everyone, offers excellent care and costs barely more than half as much per person as our system. - Paul Krugman

But.... but.... they're French. What can they possibly know. They probably think it's good because it covers croissant-ectomies and stitches after your mistress' other lover's husband beat you with a VHS tape of Jerry Lewis' funniest moments.

Krugman should know Americans will never be swayed by this argument.

But does that really matter? In America, concepts like "less expensive" don't stand a chance against the terrifying notion of "French." It's horribly sad and ridiculous that Americans are more willing to spend twice as much on healthcare simply to avoid anything that's the slightest bit French. We're smart!

Likewise, rednecks will voluntarily pay twice as much for gasoline just to avoid driving a small car.

In my most pessimistic hours, I can't help to think that it's this arrogant, hillbilly defiance that will ultimately doom America to irrelevance and failure. - Bob Cesca