Oh, Alfred!! Our politicians are just as overpaid as yours and many receive same payment for the rest of their lives after leaving the senate, Congress, or presidential/vice presidential positions. It is insane and why do we allow it!! Our healthcare has not degraded to what you are experiencing! This is horrid!! I fear we are headed down the same road, yet those in power will always receive prompt, superior medical attention whether it be a scratch or a brain tumor. They would never be made to endure what you have endured, and probably wouldn’t have the fortitude to get through it. I am praying for you.