I live in a Social Democracy. Like Bernie is suggesting America to be.
What percentage of your paycheck is taken out for tax by the government?
About 50 percent. Now it's not my first time here so I'll immediately ask you this. Do you believe that the money you make is any less gone if you have to use it for things that are provided to me out of those taxes?
To use an example I've heard Bernie use. If you have to spend your money on deductibles, co-pays, and insurance premiums and I cover my health expenses out of the taxes I pay. Isn't the rational way to look at it just comparing which is cheaper and covers the most?
You're forgetting something. You pay that much whether you get sick or not. You pay the same whether you make good health choices or destroy your body through neglect and bad health practices. Under the American system, you can save a lot if you take care of yourself, and you can choose to buy more insurance than you need or less. It's up to you. You, OTOH, don't have that choice.
It seems to me that the ability to gamble that you'll stay healthy so you can save a few bucks is a foolish choice to have.
Of course it's a foolish risk to take, but consider:
Is it really government's job to remove risk from your life?
It's foolish to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Is it government's job to force one on you?
It's foolish to smoke tobacco. Is it really government's job to deny it to you?
It's foolish to eat too much and exercise too little. Is it really government's job to force it on you?
It's foolish to jump off a tall building, hoping your parachute has time to open and you don't get blown into the side of the building. Is it government's job to stop you?
It's foolish to build and drive increasingly powerful cars, hoping to become the latest land speed record holder. Is it government's job to prevent you from trying?
IOW, once the nanny state starts, it never stops. It always moves in one direction, away from freedom and toward tyranny.
And finally, is it government's job to force you not to be stupid? Sometimes, those considered stupid come up with something worthwhile.