Actually it strengthens my stance. We are the most expensive (a fact I haven't denied btw), under universal health care we will be even more so. The US government doesn't tend to handle money well, nor most health care. Look at Walter Reed, that is an example of government health care, war veterans in rooms with leaking roofs and mold. Disgraceful. Something like this may happen at a private hospital, they are also held accountable. Those Walter Reed patients have anyone to hold accountable? Just good old Uncle Sam, which means no one, just pass the buck.
My brother in law pays near 40% taxes at the moment, a large chunk of which goes to health care. I pay roughly 15%. As do MOST Americans, not all granted. I'm firmly middle class as is he. Now are you telling me that paying 25% more in taxes is cheaper than finding private insurance? I can find insurance much cheaper than 25% of my annual wage....
Like I said, universal health care is fine for Europe, just not the US at this time, maybe in the future they'll come up with a comprehensive plan that will benefit all, not just the 30 million with out. A large part of that 30 million probably choose not to have health care. I know several people making what I make, that don't have health coverage, and they can definitely afford it. It's just about those darned choices again.
Your statistic about universal health care in Europe fail in one major regard in my opinion. It's doesn't factor in the US governments ability to muck things up royally. European governments tend to manage money better. Notice I say tend, not all, all the time, but most, most of the time.
Shov
