...I think that both sides (for and against universal healthcare in the US, that is) have some valid points to make.

Perhaps the biggest shortfall in the American system is in the area of preventative healthcare. Sure, if you need an emergency procedure, lack of insurance probably won't stop it from happening. But that's after the fact. Just try getting preventative care if you're uninsured.

OTOH, Tom has a valid point when he suggests that Canada benefits greatly from the American system. Canadian companies, for example, absolutely could not underwrite the level of research that's undertaken on a routine basis by US pharmaceutical giants. (Lindy, with your experience, I'd be interested in your take on this.)

Perhaps there's a compromise that can be made, a middleground meeting of the two systems that's based on how best to meet the needs of the people rather than on political ideology or economic dogma. Healthcare companies need to make a profit to survive, but the healthcare system as a whole does not. True, we can't break the bank on an annual basis, but the ultimate ROI in healthcare is in terms of a healthy public, not in dollars saved.