Teh Stoopid! It burns!

"Keep your government hands off my Medicare" is an oldie but a goodie...but is it the dumbest soundbite yet in the health care debate? Not even close. I give to you:

People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.

Words fail me.

Worth every damn bit of sacrifice!

As I discussed here and later here, getting my employment pass last year was a not-much-fun experience. (I'm currently awaiting word on a permanent residency application, but that's another rant and it really hasn't been that bad so far anyway.) At the time, the biggest saving grace I could find was that it was at least a lot easier than it was in France. But that really isn't saying much.

Coming back from another trip to Malaysia yesterday, though, I was reminded that it really was worth all the hassle. Having the EP entitles me to enter Singapore through the locals-only booth, where there is usually a very short line or none at all. The memory of waiting at the immigration office for two hours and trying to explain to someone who doesn't speak English that "certificate" and "diploma" are the same thing? That fades away. One less line to stand in at the airport? That's a gift that keeps on giving!