(The following op-ed appeared today in The Olympian)  

The slow-boiling national debate over health care naturally leads people to look at England, Canada and other government-run systems as potential role models for sweeping reform in the United States.

Activist filmmaker Michael Moore is by far their most visible advocate. The millions who saw his documentary "Sicko" came away with the impression that England is a health-care utopia. They were told that doctors in such single-payer systems made good salaries, had nice homes and drove expensive cars. Their patients, of course, were very satisfied.

But anyone who reads the British press over a period of time will develop a more balanced view - in reality England's National Health Service is known for its long waiting lines, angry patients, rationed and often sub-quality care.

Read the rest...