That is exactly what Clinton's plan does - it opens the door to everyone having the option to purchase the federal govt. workers' health plan.

There are three options in her health plan - purchase your own, purchase the employer plan or purchase the govt workers' plan. The contribution is collected just like SS or Medicare contributions, unlike private insurance which is paid directly to the insurer by the individual.

The ultimate goal is indeed a universal, single-payer "Medicare for everyone" system. We're not going to get there in one step.

Let's start with making access both affordable and open. At least to the point that a sudden severe illness or injury doesn't mean bankruptcy for those who are not either well-covered or independently wealthy. DQ-ing people based on "preexisting conditions" gets outlawed. Prescription prices need to be brought under control, and access to regular preventive care has to be far easier and much less costly.

I at least like Obama's idea of negotiating in broad daylight. Too many things go on behind closed doors, too easy to sweep dirt under the carpet. The trick is going to be keeping the public's interest focused - never an easy undertaking.

From there, we go forward, as it's not by any means an end-state so much as a way-station. The goal is health care as a basic human right. We just have to be clear enough to realize that "all at once" isn't going to happen, much as we'd all wish it did.

Despite the emphasis on instant gratification at large today, incremental, evolutionary progress tends to be much more durable. And remember, steps forward go from your previous gains.

Any health insurance plan that lets anyone opt out will wind up costing us more. The ones most likely to opt out are young, healthy workers, and if healthy folks aren't contributing to the pot then the cost of healthcare will fall heavier on everyone else.

I really like Obama except for this one point. I'd really like to see a coalition of Obama supporters who will speak out on this. I, for one, have emailed his campaign that I like Obama, but I won't contribute financially unless he supports mandatory health insurance for all.

Any health insurance plan that lets anyone opt out will wind up costing us more. The ones most likely to opt out are young, healthy workers, and if healthy folks aren't contributing to the pot then the cost of healthcare will fall heavier on everyone else.

Perhaps so, but ask yourself is this fair? Young workers are generally the lowest paid workers in any profession. Why is it their responsibility to "subsidize" health care coverage for older workers and those with families who are probably earning much more money? At least with a single payer system the burden of subsidizing coverage for the older and infirm falls on those with the greatest ability to pay if it is funded with a payroll tax like social security or medicare.