I've been there myself, having to forgo seeing the doctor or filling a prescription because I couldn't afford it. I'm fortunate to have family that can help me out when I'm in need; thinking about those who don't and who must go without any health care is so saddening and so infuriating.

Medical care should not be something we have to hope to be able to attain one day when we can afford it. And yet there are still people who think the system we have in the US is just fine and doesn't need to change. Granted, maybe what they have in Canada or Europe isn't as storybook-perfect as we'd like to believe. Maybe Michael Moore did paint a skewed version of it (though I still think everyone ought to see Sicko, if they can put aside personal feelings) but what we have here obviously is not working. When children get sick and can't see a doctor, when chronically ill people can't get their medication, when people file bankruptcy because they can't pay the hospital bills after an accident...something is rotten in the States. Health care being a for-profit industry is wrong, pure and simple.

I live in France and benefit from their health system. A French friend of mine spent a year in NYC and contracted tuberculosis. That would never have happened to him in France because everyone can access health care. And I think that this issue is an important one for Americans. It's not just a matter of getting care when you need it but also living in a society which is healthy as a whole so that you're not being exposed to diseases which are proliferating in a population which doesn't readily access adequate health care.

Prices are high because the consumer is no longer in control. When government starts stealing other people's money to pay for other people's health care, then prices are going to soar into the stratosphere.

Note: The fact that you exist and breathe does not entitle you to health care. You have to work for it!!!

Also, if the companies could pay us that 30% in cash, we could invest it or save it in a health care savings account. This would let us have charge of our own money. Yes, some people would waste it on beer and food, but it's their money. And if they get sick and have no money, then it's THEIR PROBLEM!!

Unfortunately, we no longer have the freedom to have control over our own money and/or property. America is slowly becoming a socialist country. After all, can't let us simple folk have control of our own money.

No, no. Bad peasant! Bad peasant! You don't know what's best for you. We do! We'll take care of you. Just give us your money.

Listen, I'm a small business owner who has choosen to NOT have health insurance. I keep my money. I have Health Savings Account, and it works. People need to be responsible for themselves and stop whinning. Life is not that bad! Save your money for that rainy day!

And if you can't afford health care for your kid -- don't have any. Now there's a thought. But stop asking other people to pay your way through life!