Amused or bemused, what should we be? The US is the richest country in the world with some of the best brains. There is probably one Nobel laureate per square mile of its territory yet the stupidity of its people continues to amaze us who watch from a distance. The present confusion over Mr. Obama's healthcare plan is truly amazing. The Republicans are presenting the plan as a government takeover of healthcare and loss of choice for ordinary Americans and the people are so ready to accept such lies. They should be asking why healthcare companies, which rake in billions from the misery of people, are so set against the plan that they are spending millions to undermine it. Surely it is not for the benefit of the sick and the poor. If the cost of treating any major illness is to drive you to bankruptcy then surely it is no choice at all. Only about ten years ago Americans visiting India would quickly fly back home for treatment if they fell ill. Today they are happy to be treated here. Lots of Americans visit this small hill town and seem quite happy to be operated, get treated for major infections such as typhoid or deliver babies. Indeed some see doctors and load up on all the medicines they may need before returning home to the US. It is the same kind of stupid irrational fear as the H1N1 panic currently prevailing in India. People are the same everywhere.