> I don't understand how anybody, on any party or political spectrum, can say "Yup... this is a reasonable system that helps people and needs no change". The c

> I don't understand how anybody, on any party or political spectrum, can say "Yup... this is a reasonable system that helps people and needs no change". The commonality between this and (including, but not limited to) homelessness is that the tragedy is laundered into political ammunition used against their opponents in the next election. I dislike the trite expression "Don't let a good tragedy go to waste", but I'll say it to preempt the reply. But it's true: if you can't use human suffering (denied medical coverage | no place to live) to attack your party's enemy, you are less powerful as a candidate. The other factor is lobbying. These companies (just like in many other industries) have US congress bought and paid for. The suffering aspect keeps people distracted and divided, so we never really hear about campaigns to end lobbying (because it would apply to both major political parties). Instead we joke about it and roll our eyes at how ridiculous it is (but still told to "get out and VOTE!" as if that somehow matters). My opinion is that it should go beyond financial contributions. Industry and trade groups should not have access to congress at all, it should be citizens only.