I'm not what you'd call a Gephardt fan, but I do appreciate that he not only plunked an original idea down on the table, he's calling for other Congressmen to do the same. It's obvious that the old ideas aren't going to get us anywhere.

When it comes to healthcare, we seem to be facing a revision of attitudes in the US.   

Those who want universal healthcare say that everyone deserves a basic level of care. Why? Because it feels right -- it's an emotional and ethical choice. Yet, even most Republicans will say they support heathcare coverage for children and seniors. But in reality, there are no tangible gains from helping old folks live longer and better lives save for the fact that it gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling to care for them. (Although having the advice and experience of our seniors has many intangible gains; they just don't measure on a cost/benefit analysis.)

Economically speaking, if any age group should be protected, it's the work force.

So as a society, most of us seem to be agreeing about the *concept* of care being "right." I think that there's a plan out there will work.