Imagine a democratic country where only three out of four citizens have normal access to health care.
Imagine a democratic country that has the most competitive and private health care system in the free world and yet the most expensive by far.
Imagine a democratic country that gives health-care decisions not to medical professionals or patients but to private, for-profit corporations.
That democracy is the United States of America. In 2004, we spent $4,900 per person on health care. Switzerland came in second at $3,100 per person, and its system covered everyone. Most other democratic countries spent $2,300 per person and still managed to provide access to all citizens.
Not only do we have the most expensive health-care system in the world but also the most financially stressful one for its citizens.
Please remember this in November.
When politicians tell you that health care will be cheaper if it is more competitive and private, they are not dealing with the facts.
Harlan Bengtson
Salt Lake City
