America’s Coming Healthcare Debate

A hallmark of the EU and Canada is state-run, universal healthcare. After categorically rejecting such a program in 1994, the United States will reconsider it in the run-up to the 2008 elections. What are the critical issues involved? How is it likely to develop? We’ll diagnose the problems and prescribe a cure.

Americans spend more than $2 trillion a year on healthcare. This is 16 percent of the gross domestic product of the United States, and four times more than America spends on national defense. By 201.....