[Paradox]

Actually, the VA HEalthcare system isn't too bad, it is FAR better than it was in the old days. Clinton and GWB did alot to fix things up. Its fairly high ranked, but what these rankings DONT tell you is that unlike a "real" hospital system, they have a controlled population, and they can't get "sued" for big money.

I Can't emphasize enough the difference in patient population. One thing is taking care of former soldiers, buts its another thing altogether taking care of everyone else plus the dregs off the street.

Nope, I say that no matter how "good" VA care might come across in some surveys (despite this article), you can't use that to make a comparison with general government healthcare.

[maine yankee]

I’ve had a few bad experiences with the Va system (LA and St Louis); but I’ve receiced great care here in Maine’s Togus facilities.

Togus is unique though. It was a ‘soldiers home’ before there was a VA, and still has a lot of state oversight.

I fear one of the first things obamacare will do is destroy the VA system.