We pay more per capita, both in government and private funds, than any country, and yet how do we rank in quality? How are our health stats compared to most of the other Western Democracies, you know, the ones that are fully "socialized"?

American medicine is a disgrace, except for those who can afford the very best. For most of Europe and even parts of Asia socialized medicine is beating our so-called free market in every category of price and performance.

The trouble with free enterprise medicine is that its not a free market, the insurance industry has turned it into a very lucrative racket, sort of like the firearms industry. In a time of an otherwise declining economy, both are highly successful industries that gain more sales, more market share, and become more profitable every day. It is a license to steal, and that is why the Right refuses to accept any alternative to it. They are cleaning up and have no incentive to change anything. Why should they want more accessible and cheaper and more effective health care? They are doing a land office business right now.

There is rabid opposition because the GOP has been whining about Obamacare, blaming it for everything and now they feel they have to deliver something to replace it. And it looks like they can't.

The whole rationale, the only reason for the Republican plan is to deny Obama and the Democrats any credit for initiating true health care reform in this country. And it looks like they are going to accomplish just the opposite. Their greed is only matched by their incompetence.

Of course, I don't believe all medicine should be socialized. There is still a role for the free market in cosmetic plastic surgery and veterinary medicine. Oh yes, and chiropractors and acupuncturists.