I am outraged and appalled at the small-mindedness of the American people when it comes to bashing other nations and their national health care systems. I am referring to "Britons angered by criticism from U.S. about their health care" (article, Aug. 16).

The Brits should be angered; they should go over and show the American government how it works and how [the U.S.], too, can provide a good health care system for its people!

It isn’t perfect, but people are not turned away from emergency rooms because they do not have insurance and, even though they may have to wait awhile for a routine procedure, they are not charged an extortionate amount of money.

The Brits also have the option of purchasing other health insurance so that they can see a private doctor sooner than they would have if left on the waiting list for the national health service. It is not mandatory to have that extra insurance.

Should not the government show concern for the overall health and welfare of its citizens? Yes, I feel that it should. Case in point: My son was born in England seven weeks premature and had to be put into the special baby care unit for two weeks or so until he was given a clean bill of health and we were able to take him home. He was given the greatest care I have ever seen. The compassion and the heartfelt wishes of the staff were awe-inspiring. The final bill to us was nothing!

I say to all of you: Watch Michael Moore’s film "Sicko" and see how health care works around the world.

Kevin A. BrowningCamp Liberty, Iraq

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