The basic model I have of the [American] health-care system is that health care is a product that individuals are uniquely incapable of refusing. If the doctor says your child needs something, then you'll do whatever it takes -- mortgage the house, sell the dog, rob the bank -- to get it. In other countries, the government is empowered to 'say no' in the form of driving extremely hard bargains with doctors, hospitals, drug manufacturers and others.  MORE >>