Rallying Around the NHS

Maybe the British aren't entirely happy with their healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free care to million of Britons. But, as the New York Times reports, debate over our system has caused President Obama's detractors to unfavorably compare his plan to the NHS, accusing it of, among other false claims, creating a "death panel." Now, Britons are rallying to defend their system.

And how exactly are they getting the word out about how much they love their health care? Twitter.

At Twitter.com/welovethenhs and in countless more discussions at the Twitter trend welovethenhs, there are links to articles setting the record straight about untrue claims made against the NHS as well as testimonials from patients who say the system saved their lives. The NHS also has fans on Facebook, where a group of the same name has been started. Gordon Brown has even joined in the discussion, twittering on the prime minister's official site, "NHS often makes the difference between pain and comfort, despair and hope, life and death. Thanks for always being there."

Are there things that the NHS could improve? Of course. But the idea of being attacked by an American system that is so utterly lacking has made Britons appreciate what they do have.

Photo courtesy of Comedy_Nose, via Flickr