The health care takeover is a matter of power. It is a middle class entitlement. Such devices are virtually impossible to get rid of. The health industry is a large chunk of the economy. A government takeover would represent a huge step towards socialism. When you wonder why the Europeans still tolerate socialism, it is, in my opinion, because of the presence of middle class entitlements (addictions to government) that render one group incapable of influencing another to the betterment of all.

Consider this: What was being said about HMOs a few years ago? Which party was the most vocal in their accusations of the reduction of quality of care HMOs provided? Why arent people talking about health care reform, vis a vis government takeover in terms of HMOs? I tell you this, government health care will be worse than the worst HMO. Rural people especially will suffer. The best will be rationed out to reliable voting blocks while the unruly will be punished. The people will be frightened to complain since complaint will suggest a lack of desire to have a necessity.

Joel.