It amazes me that the debate on health care focuses on insurance, when the real culprit is the cost of health care.  The cost of health care in the country has soared over the last 30 years with double digit percentage increases annually.  It has outpaced any other commodity in the marketplace and it appears no one in congress or the media have any idea of what's driving the cost, the dynamics of the industry or a clue as how to fix it.

Pharmaceuticals is a prime example.  A host of countries including France, Canada and Mexico, control the cost of medicines provided through their providers resulting in as much as 40% savings to consumers.  We are charged more by the pharmas to make up for profit shortfalls to other countries.  We in effect subsidise health care in other countries.  Are we addressing this in any pending legislation by either party?  I think the answer is no.

We need real health care reform, but first we have to understand the problem.  And the real problem is costs.