Goy, I appreciate your passion for this issue. But your complete refusal to even consider the state of health care in other countries, based on the lame excuse of American exceptionalism, only makes your arguments that much more hollow.
I hate to tell you this, but people on Medicare get quality care for a reasonable rate. Even the GOP is defending this program – because it works. A similar program for all Americans would lower health care costs, improve outcomes, and eliminate all of the problems related to trying to squeeze profit from sick people.
Market solutions have never achieved universal coverage, and contribute to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans every year. Private insurers have incentives that are diametrically opposed to the best interests of their customers. This perversity creates problems more severe than can be found in any government run system.
However, arguing with you has proven to be pointless, because you have immunized yourself against any evidence that contradicts your extremely narrow world view. You don’t want to hear about successful government programs, because you have vested all your interest in the idea that a free market (which never has and never will exist) can do it better.
For anyone that does have an open mind, just do a little research. There are plenty of public health systems throughout the world that provide better care, for less cost, and without the danger of losing coverage, or being rejected for pre-existing conditions, or running out of coverage.
Private insurance is the wrong solution to this problem, just as private fire suppression and police protection are the wrong solution for public safety. This has been clear for decades, but the profits of insurance companies have come first in the USA. You may like paying big bucks to ruthless corporations for inferior coverage, but I despise this system because it harms people for the sake of profit.
Keep deluding yourself – it hardly matters, as your ilk have been marginalized even by the GOP. There is broad recognition of the importance of health care reform for our economy going forward, and it will be done. The cost curve will be bent, and the USA will gradually catch up with other developed countries in quality and cost. You will reap the benefits, even if you continue to wail against the reform.
Peace.
DS
