An American’s Opinion of Australia – by David Mason ‘There’s a lot to admire about Australia, especially if you’re a visiting American,’ says David Mason. ‘More often than you might expect, Australian friends patiently listening to me enthuse about their country have said, We need outsiders like you to remind us what we have. So here it is – a small presumptuous list of what one foreigner admires in Oz.’ 1. Health care. I know the controversies, but basic national health care is a gift. In America, medical expenses are a leading cause of bankruptcy. The drug companies dominate politics and advertising. Obama was being crucified for taking halting baby steps towards sanity. You can’t turn on the telly without hours of drug advertisements – something I have never yet seen here. And your emphasis on prevention – making cigarettes less accessible, for one – is a model. ...