Now we discuss democracy and healthcare issues

Socialist policy groups invite to an open discussion about important issues over the next two weekends. The discussions will take place in Rúgbrauðsgerðin, Borgartún 6, and begin at ten in the morning, Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, August 26th, democracy will be discussed. How is it that the vast majority of voters want decisive changes to quota allocation but don't get them? How is it that a decisive majority of voters do not want privatization in the healthcare system and a significant strengthening of public services but don't get them? Why do people feel they have no influence within their trade union? How can it be ensured that democratic institutions serve the public and not financial powers? How can the public defend itself against the tyranny of company owners and their propaganda institutions?

These and many more questions will be raised. Among the experts participating in the discussion and contributing their observations are Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, chairman of VR, Indriði H. Þorláksson, former Director of Internal Revenue, Kristinn Már Ársælsson, democracy scholar, Gísli Tryggvason, former consumer advocate, Jón Gunnar Bernburg, who has researched equality in Iceland, Daði Ingólsson from Stjórnarskrárfélagið, and many more. Attendees will share their experiences with various systems, how the public manages to influence the society they live in.

On Sunday, August 27th, there will be a discussion about healthcare issues. Does privatization deliver better service or lower prices? What force is driving a policy change in the healthcare system that goes against the will of the public? Do patients have enough power within the system? What did the complete privatization of pharmaceutical production, distribution, and sales yield; other than large dividend payments to the owners of four or five large corporations?

These questions and many more will be raised. Among those contributing to the discussion are María Heimisdóttir, doctor and executive director at Landspítalinn, Sigrún Ólafsdóttir, who has surveyed public opinion on the healthcare system, Elín Ebba Ásmundsdóttir at Hlutverkasetur, Björn Logi Þórarinsson and Gunnar Skúli Ármannsson, doctors, and Elín Laxdal, doctor and nurse. Other attendees will share their experiences with the healthcare system, both patients and staff.

The discussions begin at ten in the morning and last until after noon. At noon, soup and bread will be offered for a small fee. All socialists and other interested parties in social issues, increased democracy, and an improved healthcare system are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussion. These discussions are part of the policy work of the Socialist Party of Iceland (Sósíalistaflokkurinn) and a step in building a policy that will lead to radical changes in society.

Next weekend, September 2nd and 3rd, a discussion will be held about housing issues and issues of common funds at the same place and time. More on that later.