Do you think the U.S. health care system needs reform?

If someone would rachet down the extreme rhetoric, the voices of reason on the issue might be heard. The question isn't "whether we need health care reform"--"it's when will it happen?" First, the United States spends too much of its GNP on healthcare--more than any other large economy--and for all that spending, we have one of the worst mortality rates in the developed world. The life expectancy in the rest of the developed world has risen in the last decades, but remained flat here. We do not have the best health care in the world, unless you are very, very, wealthy. But all that spending by you and me on healthcare means less money left for our savings or investing, further handicapping our economic well-being. Consequently, with less money left for American consumers, investors (particularly foreign investors) are less likely to invest in the United States. Secondly, without a viable health care program, business in the US cannot effectively compete with foreign manufacturers. Case in point--US car manufacturers cannot compete in the world market where a $20,000 car produced in the US is actually worth (in parts and labor) $13,000--the remainder goes to the health and pension benefits of current and former workers. Whereas, in Japan and Germany, economies with national health plans, a $20,000 car is a $20,000 car. Nothing against US manufacturers, but consumers have already noticed the difference in US vs foreign made cars. I am a small businessman, and I find it difficult to provide health care for my employers and still remain profitable. Each year, the premiums get higher and the benefits get worse. Call national healthcare socialist if you want, but capitalism in this country won't survive without a health care plan. You are going to see more and more companies closing as we business people see that we cannot compete with countries that have such plans. As with everything, the health care debate will be driven by business and eventually, we will have a plan. The question is--how much more business will we lose, and how much investment will go elsewhere until we get it?