Almost scared to comment because I admit to not having read the whole thread -- and am too tired to right now. But coming from UK, I think one of the huge issues is that Americans don't DEMAND national health as a basic right. When you talk to Europeans who have a health system they simply don't understand why people don't rise up and demand basic health care. It seems to me that ever since I came to the US, one of the key things I have always had to think about, plan about, worry about etc etc is health care. How WONDERFUL if one were sick one could go to the Doctor, as it is in many other countries of the world, without worrying about how in hell you are going to pay for it and for the prescription. If that were dealt with it seems to me that the positive effects would permeate through society and so many things would be better.....it is EASIER to hold on to your job when your health is under control..

Please note that I am not naive enough to suggest this would be FREE but if basic wellness were offered and paid for out of taxes that everyone pays, the wealthy could go off and buy enhanced coverages if they so wished -- but the poor would at least get the basics.

Good night one and all - I have a busy full late day tomorrow.....