DURING a recent ‘Island Doctors’ radio talk show, Dr. Friedman complained that the U.S.A. is the only “civilized” (his word) country without universal health care, or something similar.
Unfortunately, he neglected to elaborate on what’s involved in providing socialized medicine, which may have something to do with why he’s now practicing under our system rather than under one of those others he so admires.
He didn’t talk about taxes on income in the 40 percent-plus range. He didn’t note the probability of huge property taxes: not only on real estate, but personal property as well.
In those “civilized” nations, everything of value is normally subject to taxation: your car, your TV, your household appliances, etc. Licenses are usually required before those things can even be purchased and operated.
He failed to mention the ‘value added’ taxes on retail purchases — many of which exceed 15 percent — along with other unpalatable options.
What it all boils down to is that socialized medicine must be supported by extreme tax burdens: taxation levels that most Americans, and especially Guamanians, aren’t willing to accept. We’d love to have it, but we’re just not willing to pay for it.

DAVE DAVIS
Yigo, Guam