Amy,

We already have free healthcare in this country, most notably at the emeregency room. There are also free healthcare programs for the poor whether you are here legally or illegally. I think you and I agree on the problems physicians and hospitals face today. It's out of control. I know of a few stories myself and they make me quite angry. You are absolutely right, you and I already pay through jacked-up premiums and taxes. I really do think universal healthcare would stabalize the incomes of hospitals and physicians and probably diminish income disparities between various types of medical physicians. I honestly think ER docs don't get paid enough to begin with, as compared to other types of physiscians. In this sense, it would be a plus for you and your family. I just don't think it's going to lower the overall cost to my family. I do respect your thoughts though!

Honestly, my husband is paid fairly. There is a range of pay in the Chicago area. You might be suprised how much it varies (ER docs are paid an hourly wage). And my husband is lucky to be at one of the better places in terms of pay. So, I won't complain about it at all. He'd rather make a little less and have to deal with a lot less Bull***t if he had a choice. He's a smart guy and I think he has a much better handle on what it will take to fix the system than a lot of people - especially since he spent 10 years in the consulting/corporate/information systems world before becoming a doctor. He supports Obama. Luckily, we agree on that!

Thanks for still being nice BB. No matter how we all feel about the issues, I am glad we can have a respectful dialogue!

"comrade amy:" you are the definition of a class act during an argument. on that note...rock on, Barack!