Reply #66: I agree that in the end the overall cost would be less to implement H676 than the current system [View All]

We would have to convince the unthinking public of this, and it is a hard sell. Even with economists and accountants providing evidence.

That's because of an inability to raise taxes in American political culture. Thanks to Reagan's legacy. I think we can count the number of new federal taxes passed since 1981 on our hands. Reagan also helped reinforce a distrust of government that is also impeding progress.

It appears there is no political will to raise taxes. Well, that's not quite true, there is some to raise taxes on the wealthy-- it was part of Gore's, Kerry's and Obama's platforms. But that's about it.

Things will have to change if we want single-payer. That's one reason to propose legislating the insurance companies into a corner with tight CAPS on premiums/co-pays for basic quality insurance. Too bad no one is proposing that, because it will make everyone recognize the need for single-payer. The moderates at least must recognize the NEED for single payer. If they do, then they will authorize spending money (like they do for war and the stimulus). In the end each of these eventually will require more revenue-- unlike the others at least single-payer will have a lasting beneficial effect.