"Best health care system in the world today"

Many politicians – past and current, from both parties- have used this phrase when describing the health care system in the United States.

How can anyone suggest the US health care system is the best in the world? How many articles have there been to the contrary? How many millions of Americans are there with no health insurance while other countries are able to provide universal health care to their people? According to a prominent ethicist at the National Institutes of Health, "Americans' average life expectancy of 78 ranks 45th in the world, behind Bosnia and Jordan. And the U.S. infant death rate is 6.37 per 1,000 live births, higher than that of most developed nations."

Our politicians need to stop ignoring the facts and saying everything is peachy. We need a plan to action -- not just rosy words. The United States has the resources to have the best health care system in the world -- however, we need to use these resources efficiently (and stop giving the pharmaceuticals a windfall). It is time the politicians take care of its people -- and not just the corporations and pharmas.

The dysfunction on the health care system in this country is the topic of Michael Moore's new film, Sicko. (Check back tomorrow for more on this film).