Yes we do get some coverage relating to the Tea Party in Australia.
Personally, I am all for people/parties standing for anything they choose. Opinions (even unpopular/unhealthy ones) are the hallmark of democracy. But it does get concerning when a significant number of people vote for them :D
The healthcare issue is pretty concerning - in Australia, we have private and public healthcare. Private healthcare is optional, and gives you a choice of doctors and reduced wait times for non-life threatening problems. However, if someone has a life threatening problem they get treatment as required for free. If you earn over a certain amount, you pay extra tax if you don't have private insurance in Australia.
We do get taxed a lot more in Australia, though. 45% income tax for the top bracket.
With regards to housing prices --- wow, Sydney is expensive. Average house prices are over $600K and a house in a nice suburb close to the city and beaches is easily $1m plus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWickerFan
The average cost of a 1,500 square foot house is about $300,000 (it's come down significantly since the economic meltdown) and you could expect to pay $2,000 in monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment.
The liberals, in this country, are the far left party. The Democrats (left) and Republicans (right) are the dominant parties, but lately the Conservatives (far right) have been heavily in the spotlight. The Tea Party is a splinter group of the conservatives that has gained a lot of power over the past few years, and are seriously affecting affairs in the White House. I'm sure some of the more colorful members (and there are a lot of them) are the ones that have been getting international coverage.
As for health insurance, it is true if you have a good job, there will probably be a benefits package, but if you're not, you're up the creek. If you have a life threatening emergency, hospitals don't turn you away, but you're still on the hook for the cost of your care (tens of thousands normally). I know someone who has an ovarian cyst, but can't get it treated until it bursts (in other words, until it becomes life threatening) without having to pay out of pocket. She's a bartender with a young daughter, and has no health insurance. Of course the whole business of what private insurance is unwilling to pay for is a whole other story.:rolleyes:
Sorry for the rant.:o
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