In 1994, 37 million Americans were uninsured. In 2007, 47 million are. Between 1996 and 2005, an employee's spending on health premiums for his or her family has shot up 85 percent -- and incomes, of course, have not followed.

In economics, there's a famous dictum known as Stein's Law, which states that when something cannot go on forever, it will stop. Our health-care system, as currently composed, cannot go on forever. It will wreck our economy, collapse our businesses, render both private and public insurance unaffordable. And so, it will stop. Reform is not a question of if, but when and how.

First, we must reform the way we educate the next generation of workers to ensure that our nation stays competitive. We should require all students to receive one year of training and education after high school -- be it at a community college, technical school, or a four year university.

Second, we should ensure that all Americans have quality, affordable health care. Helping older workers and employers manage the health costs of early retirees will make it possible for entire sectors of the U.S. economy to get back on their feet.

Third, we must support the development of new, energy-efficient technologies that will make energy less expensive for consumers and businesses, help protect the environment, create millions of green-collar jobs, and make our nation energy independent.

Finally, we must become a nation of savers again with a universal savings plan.

Hillary Clinton, after what came across more like a valedictory statement than a rallying cry, turned to the man who so soundly defeated her in this week's Wisconsin primary and said, "No matter what happens… I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored."

The statement, with which she closed Thursday night's 19th Democratic presidential debate, was so heartfelt, so sincere, that Obama put one arm around his opponent's shoulder and reached a hand across the table to warmly shake her hand.

It was an oddly disarming moment that belonged to the New York senator but not in the way that she or her supporters could have wanted.

Clinton seemed to surrender, graciously.

While the Democrats have spent much time and energy proposing sweeping reforms to increase access for the 47 million uninsured Americans, the Republicans have been warning that a move to "socialized medicine" -- which is how they characterize the government-run systems of most other industrialized nations -- would compromise the quality of care.
"I wouldn't say it (the last-place ranking) is a condemnation, because I think health care in the U.S. is pretty good if you have access," said one of the study's authors. "But if you don't, I think that's the main problem, isn't it?"