I've heard some noted bankruptcy experts interviewed recently and they basically all said that, in spite of the abusive cases like you cited, the overwhelming majority of people filing did so because of catastrophic medical problems.

I would have no problem with the much stronger bankruptcy laws if the same people that pushed to pass them also advocated some form of national catastrophic medical coverage for all citizens. I don't ever want a system where the derelicts of the world can flood the government health organizations cause their little Joey has the sniffles but someone that needs a lifesaving procedure should never have to sell their home to get that treatment.

I can't believe the conservatives, many of whom own large businesses, aren't behind a national health care system. They're already paying for it in the huge costs for providing their employees with medical benefits. I simply cannot understand how that onus ever ended up with employers. In my mind, a boss simply has the responsibility for providing their workers with compensation for the work they do while on the clock and that ends when the worker goes out the door. If they wish, in the interest of their bottom line or their own compassion, to promote good health and wellbeing of their workers, it should be their choice and not pushed on them.

That said, the government can and should insist that that there are community responsibilities we all have for being part of a much larger corporation. As with social security we have the moral responsibility to provide for humanity for current, past, and future generations. When we put our "hard earned" money into that fund we aren't saving for our retirement. We are paying for our parent's benefits just as our children will be paying ours. It's a part of being a community.