+1000 FINALLY someone who agrees with me. Once the average American's comfort level is disturbed, shit will happen. Until then, this is what will continue to go on. It is very sad how our leaders today are "stuck" and won't to do anything. To the Heallthcare point, IMHO, the solution to health care is to remove the HMOs from completely controlling it all. I propose: 1. Government funded preventative and routine care: Checkups, antibiotics, routine tests, emergency, tax credits for "fit" people, no sales tax on healthy foods, etc. 2. Competitive system for doctors, hospitals, and prescription drugs (to serve item 1 above), no insurance allowed until a cost or treatment threshold is reached (like cancer, etc). 3. Health insurance is encouraged for major medical costs and programs. 4. Clear healthcare policies must established on tough issues, such as Euhtanasia and access to high-cost treatments for those who cannot make payment.