In 1948, Truman proposed a National health insurance policy - his "do nothing" republican congress fought him at every turn and it failed. Had LBJ, not gotten stuck to that war across the pond he crey well may have been able to push his through. But, alas he was bogged down in a war and the cost of it detracted from the medical needs of the public at large.

Today, the majority of Americans are either uninsured or have medical policies that in the event of a catostrphic emergency would bankrupt them (even if they can no longer file for bankruptcy due to medical reasons).

The need is there, but the AMA is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in D.C.. It is highly unlikely that any medical bill can be passed that does not insure that things go on as they have - except maybe making it harder to sue for malpractice.

btw, did you know that if we simply reversed the taxes of the $1million+ a years back to 2001 rates (and left the remainder as is) we would again have a surplus - and then be able to have a health care system for all Americans (plus other social programs, and a better educational system - - you did hear Bush wants to slash the moneys for education to "balance" his budget).

Some day, after the revolution ..... maybe.