A culture of life - but one that actually cares about life

Check out Anna Bernasek's vision for universal health insurance over at the NYTimes. Per capita, Americans pay double what other industrialized nations pay on health care. "At the same time, life expectancy in the United States, a broad measure of health, was slightly lower than it was in those other countries in 2004, the latest year for which complete figures are available. And the United States had a higher rate of infant mortality." Bernasek also includes some theories as to why this might be so.

Wait? You mean countries that use government-run health insurance are more efficient than our private system? Say it ain't so! And, by the way, the 1 in 6 Americans who don't have health insurance probably wouldn't worry about the perils of big government if it gave them a chance to stay healthy. Certainly the 8 million children in this country who don't have access to proper health care wouldn't mind.

Much to my delight, John Edwards (who is now officially running for President) seems intent on putting universal health insurance on the table on a national scale.

The NYTimes editorial board seems to be on my side on this one: "Depriving children of adequate health care while giving the rich tax benefits that were intended for average Americans is flat-out wrong." While I'm at it, here's Paul Krugman's take on how to really fight poverty.