Willravel

Remember, this is a solution-centric thread, which means that you answer each of the following questions before elaborating or addressing anyone else. If you can't do that, hit the back button. Once you have answered the questions, you may ask for clarification on points or answers of other posters, but not in an adversarial manner. If you intend to educate, you must provide links to support your position and post in a respectful manner. Here are the questions, along with my particular answers:

1) Is there a problem, and if yes what is the problem? Yes, not only are over 45,000,000 Americans without health coverage, but that number is increasing and shows no sign of changing without serious changes.

If you answered yes:
2) Is it likely to work itself out? I would venture a guess: No. The only way that this problem will fix itself is if it suddenly becomes profitable for everyone to have reasonable coverage, which would take nothing short of a miracle.

If you answered no:
3) What is the best way to fix it? (This will likely be a point of contention based on what you view is the exact cause and your governmental/economic philosophy.) My answer is single payer universal.

4) Why (explain your answer)? Right now the current system in place, which is basically free market, though many of the entities involved in healthcare are active in contributing to government officials for kick backs, is failing overall because about 1 of every 6 people doesn't have healthcare, which I believe is as necessary as many other government provided/funded service (take fire protection, for example). Single payer not only works better elsewhere than our system does here in the US, but it would theoretically maintain quality while costing a lot less because the administrative costs would be so much lower.

5) Who is in a position to enact this change? Congress, then the President.

6) What can I do to make this change? Pressure congress-people so that they see that their seat is in jeopardy if they don't support the vote, which is more important than contributions and kick backs. After that, elect a president capable of complex reasoning and who isn't so partisan that they can't serve the best interest of his or her constituents. Both of these steps aren't just complicated, but are absolutely necessary. Kucinich is currently the only candidate supporting single payer, but he stands virtually no chance of being elected so Obama would be a second choice.

Alright, jump in!