It's health care, stupid

Socialized government-run health care? Oh my God, the humanity!!!!! What are our political leaders afraid of? Do they think the government cannot adequately and efficiently provide care to Americans? We've only been doing it for over 75 years in this country. Today the VA is the best health care model in the United States and serves millions of veterans with varying levels of need.

Some points about the VA:

• it distributes medications at the most affordable rate in the country, even the best nationally-available healthcare plans do not provide prescriptions at such a low rate
• it is one of the most efficient inpatient healthcare systems in the world
• the VA (now) has a great track record for reducing nosocomial infections
• the safety record at the VA has been improving dramatically for the past several years
• veterans are provided with services and procedures in a timely manner (though there are waiting periods for less urgent needs - emergency needs are treated immediately)
• the VA leads the nation in training and education

So if congress is looking for a model on healthcare perhaps they should look at something they already have.