> I think that American people (probably more than any other country) value freedom of choice more than "cost cutting." Also, the idea of reducing costs by a government simply taking over the market really stinks of tyrannical authoritarianism in these here parts. It's distinctly un-American (like it or not).

That's a false choice because the vast majority can't afford the choice and never will. The rest the choice of physician is made for them by their employer.

> Strangely enough, freedom of choice (i.e., increased supply along with low switching costs and price/value transparency) generally also leads to cheaper prices. I'm pretty sure that reforms in those types of areas are what would most easily get support from American people.

No, it doesn't. Not when your life is on the line. That's what the OECD and WHO data shows.

> Yes, we could just go along with what other countries have done, but dang it, America is a leader. America champions freedom. If you want a better system (and I'm sure just about everyone in America does, I know I do) those are the things you have to sell.

Not in this case. It's an abject failure here. It's the world's most expensive per capita -- by a country mile. It costs twice as much as Canada, has the same level of health outcomes, covers far fewer people. It's a bad system. America has lots of positive things but it's by no means a world leader in everything. For instance, not being obese.

Just because you're in front doesn't mean you're going in the right direction.